Quarantine

The outer cave had been altered from its natural state. The floor was smooth, and tiled over with small rocks into a simple pattern of chevrons alternating in black and white. Fred noticed two shafts of light from the sides of the main entrance, and recognized them immediately as arrow loops to guard the cave. Fred was not sure whether arrows would be effective against the dragon, but they would be against smaller animals. Some work had gone into the planning of this refuge.

Hildagarde whistled a tune that sounded like the call of a blackbird. After a little period of silence, she whistled it again. Fred heard footsteps echoing from the interior. From the cave came a man of about thirty years, with a full black beard and moustache. Anselm said, "Thomas of Alkamore, we have a new man that has entered the caves, hoping to rid us of the dragon -- Lord Fred of Allaria."

Thomas walked toward Fred, and the men shook hands. Thomas asked, "What part of Allaria do you come from, Lord Fred?"

"The Duchy of Suffex. I am the heir appararent to the title of duke, but that does not count for much here. I hope that I can be of service to you."

Thomas replied, "Thank you. We need to support each other, and any man - or woman - of merit has a place here. You appear, Lord Fred, not to stand on your rank. That is admirable, and should help you. We are in a delicate position, where we will restrict your movements, and may give you orders. I would be your guide and overseer you until we have established your trustworthiness. It is nothing personal. If you are who we think you are, you will become part of us, and our swords will support each other. If, on the other hand, you cannot accept these conditions, then we will take you elsewhere, and you can do what you will. If you come back to this place, we would consider that hostile, but apart from that, we would leave you to fulfill your destiny."

1. Fred agrees to the conditions, and joins this group.
2. Fred goes it alone.

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