| Velus is a little spooked when not only Fred and Thessamar suddenly
reappear out of thin air only a couple of minutes after they had vanished
- and as if by magic Thessamar is now clothed - but they are accompanied
by five strangely assorted other people: one who looks just like Thessamar,
only a little younger (thanks to her body not ageing beyond eighteen when
she became a Champion at a young age); a beautiful oriental-looking woman;
a female demifox; a blonde woman, also beautiful; and a young man.
Since only a "superficial" spell had been used on Velus and his underlying matrix was intact, the mages Jarlath and Andrea are able to make short work of restoring him from dog to teenage boy. Fortunately someone has thought to bring along a spare set of clothes for him. Once he is dressed, introductions are made and explanations given. Velus is a little overawed by his companions. He is only a simple farmer's son, and now he is mixing with princesses, lords and mages. "I was only too happy to accept their aid in my quest," Fred tells Velus, indicating his companions with a sweep of his hand. And since this is Fred's quest rather than mine, if he's happy to have their - and my - aid, then I can have no objection, Thessamar thinks. I still haven't made up my mind about whether it would be right for me to subsequently accept their help in tracking down and dealing with Sir John, though. Of course, I'm being rather presumptuous in assuming that they will make the offer, as it could be a very lengthy undertaking and therefore one that they might not want to take on. Thinking about Sir John reminds Thessamar of something that she and Fred have naturally mentioned to the others before, but which it seems right that she should re- emphasise now. "Remember that there is something powerful and evil lurking somewhere within these caves, that is able to play tricks with people's minds. Whether it is the dragon, Sir John or something else, I know not, but be on your guard. Killing the dragon could turn out to be the least of our worries." Go Back
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