The land had endured a long drought. The sparse, withered vegetation clung feebly to life and offered no cover.
The Black Flood Dragon lowered himself and slithered close to the ground, occasionally scraping against the cracked earth. Dust coated his entire body, making him look like an earthen flood dragon. As he moved cautiously, he searched for low-lying terrain.
Whenever he found a ditch, he slipped into it, using its shallow depression for cover. Once he left it, he wound back and forth, seeking hollows in the farmland.
After each short advance, he raised his head and swiftly scanned the sky for birds. He constantly watched the wind, kept downwind, and repeatedly analyzed the scents it carried.
Alternating between quick and slow movements, he approached a certain area. Hot winds swept dust into his face, and the merciless sun heated his scales. Every one of his senses was stretched to its limit...
In the distant river, the magical battle raged fiercely. Waves frequently exploded upward, and occasionally a sharp peal of thunder reached him.
Between stealthy movements, he spared a moment to sense the battle, carefully analyzing and calculating. Pillowstar Mountain held a firm advantage. Everything was going smoothly, and the Eerie already showed signs of defeat. Relieved, he continued cautiously concealing himself.
His most urgent task was to find that old bastard. He had no time to watch much longer.
If the battle turned against them, he would not stand by with his claws tucked away. Even if it exposed his whereabouts, he would have to kill the Eerie.
He slid through a dried-up channel.
He slithered onto a low earthen rise between two ditches, flattened himself against it, and raised his head to look around.
His nose distinguished the scents carried on the wind. Thermal Sensing outlined an