CHAPTER III: THE HUNTER

[Ramza and the youth (Luso) he has just saved from the behemoths talk in Zeklaus desert.]

LUSO: Thanks, I owe you one. If you hadn't come along, I'd be making the rounds through that thing's innards. The name's Luso. I'm a game hunter, if you'll believe it. And you?

RAMZA: I am Ramza. Are you not rather young to be a hunter?

LUSO: Well, times are tough. It's a good life, though, all in all. Sure, I run into a little trouble every now and again, but so far so good!

RAMZA: You travel alone?

[Luso lowers his head.]

LUSO: I didn't used to. I sort of...got separated from my friends. I've been searching for them as I travel, but...no such luck. I don't suppose I could travel with you for a while? I mean, it's fine if you don't want me along.

RAMZA: By all means!

LUSO: Great! Then it's set!

[Luso produces a small book and begins to write.]

RAMZA: Is that a journal?

LUSO: A travelogue of sorts. I keep a record of everything that happens on my journeys.

RAMZA: Planning to become a writer someday?

LUSO: Heh. Something like that.

[He jots down a few more lines and then puts the journal away.]

LUSO: Shall we be on our way, then? This desert sun is roasting me. I'd hate to escape the dinner plate only to end up back on it as jerky.

RAMZA: Ha! No, that would not do, would it? Let us be on our way.