Oh, my litttle flashlight

She did seem surprised at the bird's betrayal, though her thoughts on it were not clear.  She seemed pleased overall, though, as he began to wind up to the final confrontation.  Much as he might have left the Obscurum behind, it made him rather happy that a tale of his home could give her such delight.  Something good, then.

"Here Caius proceeded more cautiously, sneaking down into the depths of the cave without much hesitation.  If he stopped, he wasn't sure he could make himself start again, as courage was a skittish thing when the actual danger was so near.  When he had gone a ways inside, he could hear the rumble of the dragon's breathing, and feel the hot breeze caused by it ruffling his fur.  It was even though... the creature was obviously asleep."

"Caius stopped.  He was a smart wolf and he knew, in a fight, he would surely lose.  He needed a plan, and an idea had come to him."  Dante tilted his head, the rhythm of the telling hitting now.  Though a fight of the mind was less carnal in its thrill, it was exciting in the intrigue.  There were a few stories that featured crafty Caius and usually, unlike his ancestors, the trials were won by brain rather than brawn.  It was a refreshing change for a heritage so obsessed with might and power.

"After departing the cavern, it took the wolf only until the sun was setting to finish preparations.  When he was done, he stood before the cave's mouth once more.  This time, instead of going inside, he let out a powerful howl."  In an echo of the past, Dante lifted his own muzzle, a call sounding out.  It was a clear announcement of his presence, nothing more, and would likely cause mild confusion amongst those who heard it at the worst.  It was a bit funny to think of the reactions to such an obvious message.

"In the dragon, this awoke a huge reaction.  Never before had one been so bold as to come before his den and challenge him.  With a roar, he exploded from the entrance of the cavern, so monstrous in size that even his head was twice Caius' own height.  His cavernous mouth was open to reveal more teeth than Caius had ever seen, wicked sharp, and the telltale glow of a flame that was about to be released upon him.  The wolf turned and fled."

"The dragon delighted in this reaction, as he was a vain creature who took great pride in the image he gave.  Inspiring terror was one of his favorite pastimes, and this wolf was quick to react.  He did not realize, though, that this was part of Caius's plan.  So the dragon gave chase, ready to pursue him until he was gone from the forest altogether."

"Caius had learned, though, from his stay in the woods.  The trick that the bird had played stuck in his mind, and an idea had grown from this.  Knowing that the dragon would be intent on following, he was banking on the fact that it would be so focused as to lose sight of it's surroundings... and as the dragon prepared a firey burst to destroy the creature who had dared taunt it so, Caius darted into the tunnel he had built beneath the forest floor.  The great dragon was unable to correct, for it was true.  So set was it on catching the strange creature that challenged that it tried to pull up too late.  Headfirst, it slammed into the earth, all the weight of its massive body behind it."

Dante stopped a moment to let the dramatic moment settle, then continued, the story coming to a close.  "On impact, the dragon's teeth were knocked from his jaw, and when the creature rose again, it was to find itself with none remaining.  A powerfully vain creature, the dragon was horrified to find itself disfigured so, and without a second glance it fled the forest, sure that none would fear it now that its snarl would reveal only empty gums.  Caius watched it go, regretfully.  He hadn't slain the dragon, so his mission had failed."

"The gods were understanding, though, and the creatures of the magical wood extremely grateful that the dragon was now gone from their lives.  So when the eagle appeared once more, it looked on Caius kindly.  'You have done well, young warrior.  Rise and accept our gift for your help.'  And from the earth, where the dragon's teeth had fallen, sprang an army wolves, strong and sure.  Caius rose to protest, he hadn't completed his charge!   But the eagle was gone before he could ask why it was so."

Taking a deep breath, he finished the tale.  "And that was how my kingdom came to be.  A single tale, but in three parts.  Did this tale please the witch, or am I to be eaten?"  While he knew it to be a joke, he still was interested, and watched closely for a reaction.  A novice storyteller himself, he looked for any excuse to share the tales he had enjoyed so much in his youth.  And if they brought her joy as well, then he would be more than pleased.