Readying 18, in the Wight House, City of Thracia

The following narrative is public knowledge for all player characters. You may read and enjoy without learning anything you should not know.

After Indranil gives instructions about the ambush they are planning, Drago salutes him and says, “Aye aye Sir! But I don’t need the Thracian armor. My spell will give that illusion just fine. Should I speak in Common?”

Adelina interrupts to ask, “Do we have to kill so many? Is there no way to take them alive? Please don’t misunderstand. I think it’s a good idea to capture one to learn from him, you’ve laid out a good plan for doing that, and I think we can pull it off. But I don’t like the killing.”

“Yes, Newt, there may be no way to avoid killing them,” responds Lorindel. “In our eyes, our mission is just, but so is theirs, in their eyes. There is no room for compromise. The Deathwalkers will not simply yield to our ways. Besides, we are no equipped to take prisoners. We simply don’t have the numbers to guard them safely. Besides, if it was reversed, the only reason they would take one of us alive is to torture,” concludes Lorindel.

Drago shrugs and says, “They are only human.”

“Drago!” Newt chastises, her tone a mixture of disappointment and disgust. “They’re people! And I, for one, don’t want to be like the Scarlet Brotherhood, brutal and cruel.”

Rain tries to hide a smile at Drago’s salute, finding it humorous.

Drago blinks, smiles and says, “Oh, you could never be like the Scarlet Brotherhood. The rest of us, however….”

“Do you… How can… But…” Agitated and unable, Newt crosses her arms and pouts, frustrated with her inability to finish her point. After a moment, she says quietly “Are we defending something, that we have to kill for? Who do you want to be?”

Drago cocks his head and ponders, “I am lizard. I kill to eat and survive. Are mammals so different?”

Rain takes Drago’s comments in stride, knowing he has no idea what it is to be human.

Indranil looks back and forth between Drago and Newt, opening and closing his mouth several times as if to say something. Then his mouth closes with an audible snap as his face clouds with wrath listening to Drago’s insults to human kind and allusions that this party is similar to the Scarlet Brotherhood. Aatu springs to his feet with a growl as Indranil draws his sword and before anyone can intervene has pushed Drago against the wall with his sword at his throat and says, “You have crossed the line for the last lizard-boy. I warned you before what would happen if you did this again. You are a worthless piece of shit, good for nothing amateur sorcerer, who has done nothing to aid this mission. I will no longer tolerate your antics. Leave now or face me in combat and die.”

Upon hearing this threat, Lorindel’s body tenses slightly. He looks over his brother’s face and realizes this is no idle comment.

When Indranil attacks Drago, Rain pushes herself quickly off the wall where she had been leaning, a dagger instantly appearing in her hand. She does nothing further but is wary none the less.

Snout to nose, Drago says simply to Indranil, “OK, I’ll leave.”

Lorindel’s focus switches to Drago. His sigh is nearly imperceptible and the slump in his shoulders barely visible.

Drago actually doesn’t mind leaving. He’s been looking for signs of G’ruk silently all along but to no avail. He thinks to himself, Now I will be free to find the other lizardfolk and heal relations between G’ruk and the tribe – and find the Immortal King, my ancestor Kopep the Copper Dragon, if I am not mistaken. I certainly understand G’ruk’s anti-mammal sentiments very well now. I have seen nothing but evil from the so-called “good” humans and half-elves.

“Be gone then and be warned. You will leave these parts and make no further attempt to enter this city or interfere with our mission. If we see you again in or around Thracia you will be shot on sight.”

“Brother, help me escort Drago out of the city to the jungle line.”

Lorindel says nothing, but walks over to Drago. He gives the lizardman a reassuring nod. “Just following orders. Your claws will be missed.”

Then turning to Indranil, he says, “Whenever you’re ready.”

Newt was going to respond to Drago’s comment, but after the surprise of Indranil’s reaction she holds her tongue. Newt hadn’t expected that at all! As Drago gathers his things, Newt goes over there and puts a hand on his shoulder. Such a difference between his hide and her human hand! “Drago, I’m sorry. I didn’t know that would happen. I wish you didn’t have to leave.” She pauses, sad at the parting and then says, “I wish you well as you go and I hope we get to finish our discussion some day.”

Drago grunts his agreement and then points to his head. When he feels the familiar feeling of her probe, he thinks, “Me too. For now, I’ve been dreaming of G’ruk. I go to find my tribe. But please keep this to yourself. I will look for your parents too. Always.” Drago smiles affectionately. “Rain will look after you. Oh, you can tell her, but only her.”

Newt nods but says nothing more.

Indranil and Lorindel then escort Drago, still wearing the gray wizard hat, to the jungle at the southern edge of the city.

Drago remains stoic and silent during this ordeal. Without looking back, he heads south into the jungle on all fours, leaping with joy to be alone in the swamps once again.