Cyrdic skidded to a stop, his breathing labored and his chest heaving, but there was strength still in his body. He almost didn't want to slow down, but he knew Camilla needed a rest. That, and it would be smart to conserve his own strength too. He couldn't go forever. "That might work on Beastmen, but the Chaos warriors are different," he said. "But they'll be likely to send Beastmen after us first, so it's something to slow them down at least." 

Cyrdic waded into the river, keeping his shield and sword above his head. "Careful with your belongings." His part of the treasure was strapped to his waist, and it was just above the current thankfully. He felt the cold water inching into his trousers, and felt somewhat refreshed. Behind them, they heard a guttural braying in the distance. The Drakwald was much like a cavern, so close were the trees. Something could be miles away, or a hundred paces, and it would echo near the same. 

Once he made it to the far side of the river, he placed his pack and weapons down, before wading back in to submerge himself in his entirety, just to be sure. He surfaced, his hair matted to his face. The soldier shook like a dog, water splashing everywhere before he climbed out once more and repacked his gear. "I don't know the Drakwald like I do the Ostland forests," he said, strapping on his sword right next to Camilla. "But I'm certain the roads will be watched. We need to stick together and-" 

The next noise they heard was not the braying of a Beastman. It was much, [i]much[/i] bigger. In fact, its majesty and ferocity shook the very ground, causing Cyrdic to steady his feet and catch Camilla if she stumbled. The noise nearly overwhelmed his senses, and the very trees swayed from the beast's approach. Cyrdic had seen a lot in his relatively young life. Things he wished no man ever saw. But nothing could prepare him for what had made that roar. 

What sunlight that penetrated the mist was suddenly erased as a shadow engulfed the entire river. A wind gushed into the opening of the trees, strong enough to lift a small person, and the crimson, reptilian monstrosity passed overhead. Cyrdic couldn't quite believe his eyes, for he never thought he would live to see a Dragon in flight. 

"By Ulric and Sigmar," he cursed, gaping and holding Camilla in his arms protectively.  
[@Penny]