Johan walked back toward Thrayk's location, his body feeling heavy but his steps steady. He gazed at the letter he had retrieved from the bandits. The red wax seal, shaped like a coiled dragon, intrigued him—a symbol of the Lizardman clan's grandeur and mystery.
By the lakeside, Thrayk was rinsing his scales with the water, looking much more refreshed than when Johan had left him. As Johan approached, Thrayk looked up, his eyes gleaming with hope.
"Human!" he exclaimed, his tail swishing energetically. "You returned safely! Did you find it?"
Johan nodded, pulling the letter from his pocket. "Here. Your letter."
Thrayk accepted the letter with great care, as if it were the most precious object in the world. He bowed deeply, his dark scales glinting under the moonlight. "Thank you... truly, thank you. Without your help, I could never have delivered this message."
