I do not know that I would ever call Ahmad bin Susek a snake, but he was definitely some manner of reptile. At least, emotionally speaking.
"My friend," he said, "you are not impressing me by running alongside your lizard. Come, ride like a civilized person would."
I chuckled. "I find I enjoy the exercise. It has been too long since I just ran, rather than running to save a life. Usually mine, I admit that freely."
"You must be burning up your stamina." he said. "It is tiring me out to think it."
I took a running leap, one long enough to stretch out in. <1>
"I haven't had to fight for my life for two days, now, Ahmad. I'm well over half my health. I cannot tell you how good that feels."
He nibbled on his beard. "I have heard that you make healing potions. Do you have one?"
I pulled one from inventory. "Did you need one?"
"I think rather that you, my friend, need one. Preferably now."
Work is either about to get better, or to get worse. We were supposed to have that meeting today. So, I'm up late with stress. Please enjoy the chapter, and know that another is coming soon.
And no, that's not a typo. Rhishi's pulling down Health 8; it turns out he's got LOADS of points from when I wasn't tracking his XP. Even at one a day (sometimes two or three chapters), those points add up quicker than I'd like.
But, please enjoy the chapter. Your enjoyment is what keeps me writing (a habit I need to get back into).