Ravin didn't give into the temptation to look at the mirror and they were able to leave the room and eventually the dungeon without further incident. 

When they returned to the camp, they had a meeting to recap what they did and then the loot was split up by the usual rules. ten percent went to the militia fund as a taxation. Then everything else was split four ways. They had made a heft amount of money all told, and even had found a few magical items.

Flynn was grinning from ear to ear and happily tapping his hooves on the wooden floor each time another item was added to pile.

Ravin collected his share and headed directly to the bank in Luciana township to deposit the coins there. Walking around with that large sum of cash was nerve wracking. Though thievery was uncommon, he didn't want to the unlucky one propping up the statistic.

After getting a bank slip which showed his current balance, he headed to the markets with the sack of coins he had kept back for spending and took his time browsing the various wares. 

The Market district was particularly lively today because there was a circus in town and a lot of coursers from other villages and townships nearby had come into see it. There were also a lot of travelling merchant who had come to set up their wares here to take advantage of the increased flow in clientele.

Due to this new group of merchants, Ravin was able to find a caravan which was actually selling a variety of rare and uncommon pets. To his delight there was a pygmy drake among the lot. It was in a very large cage and seemed to be well cared for and in good spirits. He inquired as to the price and the shop owner a short madder looked at him critically.

"You don't have a pet with you now, I have a rule that I only sell to people who can show me at least one pet they own that is in good condition," she said to him frankly.

"I have several, I can go back and bring one or two of them with me," Ravin told her. He quite liked her stance on this. It showed that she really cared about the pets she was selling and that was a rare quality in beast tamers. 

"That would be ideal, I'll keep this little fellow for a few hours reserved for you!" she promised.

Ravin was so excited that he didn't linger here any longer, he headed back to the camp directly and picked up Ruin and his giant serpent Raphael. Raphael was happy to drape over him and Ruin flew alongside him.

When Ravin returned to the market, the beat tamer was shocked to see him.

"Oh wow, you really have an affinity," she exclaimed, "Your pets are very sticky with you."

"This is Ruin the crow and Raphael. They are very friendly," Ravin shared with her. She came over and pet Raphael gently and the shook his tail playfully at her.

After that the transaction was quickly settled and Ravin was now the owner of a pretty drake. 

"Hey there buddy," Ravin said to the pygmy drake. He let him out of the cage and the two of them sized up each other.

The drake seemed wary of Raphael at first but that was to be expected. It managed to calm down a lot when it noticed that Raphael was more interested in getting pets from the beast tamer than anything else.

"I'll call you Rumiel," Ravin declared, "You don't have to worry. I'll train you up and show all the ropes."

The drake gave a low growl in response and Ravin grinned happily.

"Have you ever had formal beast tamer training?" the other courser asked, "My name is Klara by the way. I hail from the Undergrowth."

"My name is Ravin Nevith-Storm. And I have not though I am part of the Wolf-Thorn Militia and my main role is training up pets," Ravin told her in turn. 

"I see how it is, you do have a military bearing," she commented, "I can recommend you for some training from my master. He operates out of the capital."

Ravin was very intrigued by this and give his agreement. She handed a letter with a seal on it and some instructions on how to find Master Leon.

After he took the letter, he invited her out for meal.

She agreed, shutting up her caravan while he went back to camp to drop off her pets. They arranged to meet at The Lucid Rose inn and eatery.

***

When Ravin returned to the camp after lunch, he found that Edos was once again in preparation for another campaign. 

"We only just got back, why are you heading out again?" Ravin asked, "Mind you, I am willing to come along!"

"The mayor of Luciana Townships agreed to the purchase of the barren strip but he also offered to include the mountain range beyond it as a package deal. I don't have enough in the coffers and want to go make it up," Edos explained.

"Wow! What a great opportunity! I'm down!" Samantha said excitedly.

"Flynn is ready! Flynn was born ready!!" Flynn declared.

"Thank you all for your enthusiasm," Edos responded, "My plan to head back to the fork, and take the same path, however I recall there was split path after the room with the vines, we can take a new direction there and hopefully we won't run into the giant again."

"Sounds good to me. I'll head home and gather my supplies, I would love to take my new drake with me but I think I need to train him first," Ravin reasoned.

"Yes you shouldn't throw him in at the deep end," Samantha cautioned him.

Ravin nodded and set off.

Raphael was whizzing about his hut, seemingly curious about everything. Ravin intended to commission a fake cave outside for him after doing some research on the natural habitat of the drakes. In fact now thinking about it, it would be nice if he could move his home further into the forest and occupy the land near to the cave where he had nursed Nathaniel back to health.

He wondered if that was another example of him being overly fixated on the unreachable prince but before that thought could settle he pushed it aside. 

***

They quickly made their way to the waterlogged junction and then headed to the direction Edos had pointed out. 

Ravin could feel how experienced they were all getting at this now. It was like second nature to work as a team, and Edos didn't even have to remind them about the formation any longer. 

Their pets too worked together seamlessly with Diego and Isiah switching out who was scouting ahead every half mile or so to reduce fatigue.

"Alright, the room is up ahead," Edos announced.

They picked up the pace and entered the chamber but to their dismay the room that had been cleared of vines was now once again over run.

"It grew back already?!" Samantha cried out, "That is crazy."

"Unbelievable!" Flynn muttered, "We kill again! No Problem!"

"Remember the strategy from last time. Don't be fooled by how peaceful they look right now. Let's get the upper hand and attack!" Edos ordered.

"Yes General!" they chorused, readying their pitchforks and rushing into battle.