The kobold woman gave a small, sad smile. "Not my son," she said, easing her tired back into the chair. "I've spent too many worried nights tending my son's bruises for three mothers' lifetimes. He's a good child, and means the world to me. I wish he understood that, and stopped picking so many fights."

"After her," came Rughoi's command. "We can't have local guard hounding our tails." Two of his company nodded, picked up a large crossbow, and left through the door the dracon woman escaped through. Rughoi took the opportunity to survey his new domain. This was to be his castle, his base in which he shall spring from and take the world. He turned to the rest of his little warband. "At first day, strip this place clean. Reap all the crop, sell anything that isn't nailed down. We won't be staying here long."