All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 33

Cerin creased his brow and stated the obvious objection to this bold statement. "We are not uniting with the Drakel warring with the moglin and the elves. These are the Drakel of Deren; there is a big difference."

"Is there?" Tralin asked. "No, Cerin, there is not. Have you ever known the Drakel to war among cities? Drakel culture is not set up the way others are. Divisions are few and they are based on creed, not geography. The Drakel of one city are interconnected with the Drakel of another. If we agree to an alliance with the Kruatha'ri, we make an alliance with them all..."

"Oh..." Darin said contemplatively.

A loud knock resounded on the door.

"Come," Tralin commanded and the Drakel Enforcer entered quickly; his demeanor lacked the hostility it had betrayed before, replacing it instead with an anxiousness that spoke volumes.

"What is it?"

"C'tal Efo Lin Degi," the Drakel said. "Noma D'ak'i."

"I see..." Tralin groaned, echoed by Darin and Jano. "I will give the decision within the hour, then..."

"What is it?" Cerin asked even as the enforcer left.

"He says that the demons return. They were spotted half a day's travel from here and move this way... Nel and Cerin, I suggest you two go to the docks and book your passages now... they shall be here within 10 hours."