The draconic beast laughed again, low and rumbling menace of mirth spilling over Vincent.<br/><br/>"Had you not brought that book, your life would have been forfeit.  But you amuse me, scholar.  As for the child...she owes me an obligation or two.  Think of it as being bitten by a mad dog."<br/><br/>It paused, the violet glow of its eyes narrowing to slits as it considered Vincent's words.<br/><br/>"You wish to bargain?  Agreed.  One game of chess.  But I will not eat you.  I do not eat people.  Manflesh is not to my liking.  Come.  The chessboard is this way."<br/><br/>It turned and lumbered off into the darkness.  Eventually, following it brought Vincent to a pair of chessboards...one normal sized, the other with pieces eight feet tall.  The logic was obvious--the Bookwyrm could hardly be expected to move normal chess pieces, right?<br/><br/>"I shall grant to you the first move," the Dragon of Tomes said as it curled around the larger board with a smug tone.