| The demi-foxes just stare at the rogue dragonness in askance and Malachi
hurries to explain.
"Don't look at me like that," Malachi says, stung by the foxes looks.
"I'm only saying that this entrance may not be what it's rumored to be.
"It is rumored...rumored mind you!...that there was a much larger tunnel
dug by a would be world class thief that had her eyes on Malachi's treasure
hoard." Malachi explains. "She supposedly was able to break into a network
of tunnels that lead into the hoard, but....had the bad luck of breaking
in when Minestus was making his rounds. The thief was captured by the dragon,
and the tunnel collapsed. My sources say that the collapse wasn't total,
and says that there's a small crawlspace left over. I'm told that the crawlway
is too small for ordinary intruders, and that Minestus is using it as a
way to bring in a bit of fresh air into his lair....or so my source says."
"Who's the source?" Fred asks, suspiciously.
"Somebody reliable, usually," the dragonness says. "I can't give you
the name.....put the source in hot water."
"Okaaaay," drawls Astra, tail twitching as she mulls that one over.
"What about this thief? Is she in any shape to talk? She might be able
to shed some light on important details!"
"Afraid not, Astra," Malachi sighs. "After Minestus was through with
her, she didn't remember her life before Minestus changed her into a simple
minded nymph and droppped her off in a land across the ocean. She is able
to take care of her tree....and....entertain any male that catchs her eye,
but....." She shrugs. The demi-foxes shudder.
So.....
-
 The group breaks up, and
Astra and Fred head toward the alleged entrance of Malachi's cavern......
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