Course of Action

"Oh don't worry, I have no reason to lie to thee--er, you," he said, catching his error of decorum too late. He clearly was angered that she felt he had been impertinent with him. "The dragon of these caves and I are not on good terms, and I have any number of reasons to want him dead." Why couldn't that wily old necromancer ever be straightforward about anything, wondered Fred.

"Know, then, that I shall do all I can to aid thee," said Frederigo. "My people have had to face this dragon for several centuries, so we know something of his ways, so though your comrades are still imprisoned, perhaps my aid could give you some advantage. Thou art clearly a very brave and noble warrior and I hope I shall prove worthy to be thy ally." Frederigo couldn't help but admire the courage she'd already clearly showed as much as he was struck by her magnificent beauty. Belboz clearly noticed how smitten Fred was with her and smiled a mocking little smile.

Andromeda smiled for a moment. "I do not know thee well yet, but thou seemest to have a good and pure heart, which shall be of much aid against the dragon of these caves. I assume you have been leading him to the dragon, Belboz?"

"Yes, or more accurately I've been trying," said Belboz. "These caves are strange and labyrinthine and difficult even for those who have lived here most of their lives, such as I, to navigate. I am relying on my memory of the last time I encountered the dragon, though that was many years ago. I am also following the scent of his magic. And yet..."

"And yet what?" said Fred sharply.

"And yet perhaps we should not face him directly, not just yet. I thought the combination of my magic and Frederigo's might would suffice against the dragon if we were cautious enough, but neither of us measures up to the might or magic of an Atlantean war band. Perhaps we need another advantage."

"Such as?" said Andromeda.

"These caves have not always belonged to Minestus, and even now there are others who live in its depths who are not allied with him. I have never encountered them directly, and from what I have heard they are not over-fond of visitors. And yet they may be willing to aid us against Minestus."

"That sounds like utter nonsense," said Fred. "If this is such a long chance, we shouldn't bother. From what Andromeda has told us, the Dragon is planning something and we must stop him as soon as possible."

"No one asked you," said Belboz. "You might be skilled in combat, but your mind is as much use as a blunt hammer to solve an intricate puzzle. Perhaps you should decide, Andromeda."

"I do not yet understand enough to decide," said Andromeda. "For one thing, if these others of yours are powerful enough to aid us, why have they never fought Minestus before?"

1. They ultimately decide to seek out the others.
2. They ultimately decide not to seek out the others.

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