“And so then, I said ‘That’s not a squirrel, that's the neighbors dog!’” Merlin finished his story as Arthur laughed, the sound echoing off the molten chamber. 

“That’s incredible.” The chestnut Courser chuckled, eyes closed in mirth. “I hadn’t realized they even had such a creature.” 

“It’s unfortunate.” 

Merlin glanced to the side, watching Lovell from his place atop Arthur’s large hound, Phineas. The owl wiggled with the movement of the dog, eyes lidded in either irritation or contentedness, Merlin could not tell. 

“Hey, have you heard of-” Arthur’s question broke off as a purple blur zipped across the walkway. Both horses froze in their step. 

“What…? Did you see that?” Merlin whipped his head around. 

“A lava ant?” 

“Moving that fast?” 

Arthur shrugged. “You never know.” 

They needn’t wonder for long. Emerging onto the path was a long, scaled, winged creature the color of polished amethyst. Its eyes were beady, the color of opal, and slitted like a cat’s, glaring at the pair with greedy intent. As it spit miniscule puffs of flame, its lips peeled back to reveal needle-like teeth. 

“Awww,” Both Coursers cooed. 

“It's so cute!” Arthur exclaimed.

“What is it? A snake?” 

“A dragon!” 

“You’re kidding,” Merlin chuckled. “He’s barely big enough to wear as a scarf.” 

The dragon hissed indignantly, eyes narrowing further. Smoke pooled from its flared nostrils. 

“What do you think it wants?” Arthur tilted his head, creeping closer to better observe the creature. It was, Merlin admitted, unbearably adorable. 

“Surely not food. Wouldn’t it go over lava ants or something?” 

Arthur hummed, blowing a sigh through his nose. “I have only heard stories of dragons mugging travelers and taking all the valuables they had on them. But, this dragon’s hoard cannot be very large.” 

Merlin chuckled. “Poor, little guy.” He nosed open his satchel and grabbed a golden coin, holding it between his teeth. The second the dragon caught sight of the glittering metal, it chittered, hands making grabby motions up at the Courser. 

“Well I’ll be…” Arthur gasped. “Give it to him.” 

Merlin bowed his head, jerking back as the dragon snatched the coin from his mouth. It was large enough to demand both hands, and the tiny beast tottered away on hind legs, proudly chattering to his boon. The pair watched the dragon go, unable to tear their eyes away until it vanished entirely from sight. 

“What a splendid little guy.” Merlin chuckled, the pair returning to their previous conversation as they continued down the path, the chamber guardian adequately paid.