Morning came, waking him from his fitful sleep. Instead of having fewer nightmares, the images of the dragons attacking became more and more vivid. She would have to know the whole truth, he thought to himself. Slowly he crept out of the bed, preparing their belongings and other necessities for the long journey ahead. Yawning softly, his wife awoke to the noisy packing of food and travel items. Over the years, even before they were married, she understood her husband more than he understood himself at times, and knew not to ask too many questions right now. Using the pack mule bags, he took all the preserved foods, leaving all the perishables behind, and also took some cooking utensils and a hunting knife. More than ever, he knew how much he loved his wife and how much she loved him, as she stood by his side, ready for whatever may lie ahead. Every day and every night, he had hoped that this day would never come, but, shouldering the bags, he knew what must be done, and knowing that his wife would be with him gave him confidence and strength he truly needed. Locking the door of their hut, he took his love's hand in his, and headed south, trying to figure out how to tell his wife about the dangers they will be entering.