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The four reptilian runaways halted in a jungle clearing, sheltered behind a large stone.

"The coast looks clear," gasped out Atraxiad, stumbling and falling on his knees. A huge cut across his forehead bled freely down his snout. Other gashes, evidence of whip marks, ran across his back and shoulders.

"Thank you, friend." whispered Casanova, the yellow lizard. He was thin, with manacles still attached, but he fared much better than his companions. The ex-slave was worried, for all of them were weary.

Desyrontoal, the frilled lizard, in particular looked very bad. His ghostly white scales easily showed the fresh bruises and lash marks, and his torn up frill did nothing to hide the markings. His slender tail, spread out beside his body, looked broken in places. He leaned against the rock and Myria, the only female, as she looked on in worry. Her own wounds were not as severe, although Casanova suspected that her copper spots hid some of the worst bruises. She was strong, but also stubborn, and would not speak out if her injuries were bothering her.

Casanova sighed. They desperately needed this break, but he knew they must move on soon. Their captors were sure to be on their tracks.

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Artwork ©  hexhawk
Casanova, Atraxiad, Myria, and Desyrontoal ©  casanova2

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