The Path to Greatness/Chapter 14

"We cannot leave the Drakel," I said with a frown. "Nor can I ask you to risk your lives by remaining with me. Go on ahead and see if you can find a way out. Perhaps you can locate the rest of the Drakel’s party and summon help."

"They may not be pleased to see us, humee," Culak noted. "The Shara-naga and the Ulgathi do not get along well, and the Shara-naga and the Elani get along even worse."

"Indeed," Kendrel agreed. "In addition, they will have no idea whom we are and why we are here."

"Just tell them you were sent in response to the Sigma Directive; they will respond."

"If you say so," Kendrel said, doubtful. "I have not known them to be highly rational before when searching for their coveted items."

Time in that confined space seemed to crawl toward infinity, alone as I was with my thoughts and the laboring Drakel. I have no real idea of how much time passed before the Drakel finally awoke.

"You stayed," the Drakel observed.

"I did," I said.

"You are a credit to your order, Thorne Lorin; few would have."

"I do not know about that," then, changing the subject, "Are you well?"

"I am injured and weakened… but, assuming I can get free of this place, I will survive."

"You know, I have been sitting here with you for some time, and the longer I sit the more I realize I know absolutely nothing about you. Yet you risked your life to save mine. In all of this, your people remain an enigma."

"This is likely so," the Drakel remarked with what I feel sure was a sardonic smile.

I sat silent for a few moments, considering the situation.

"What is your name?" I finally asked plainly.

"Terul'sith," the Drakel responded. "I am Terul’sith."

"Well, Terul’sith, we are fairly stuck. I sent Culak and Kendrel some time ago to seek aid from your people but they have not returned. It seems like ages have passed."

"That is alarming," Terul'sith answered. "There are many dangers inside these ruins."

"So then what shall we do?"