Aramek finds a servant to lead him to the hall where Indranil and Lorindel share a room, and where Fingol and Drago have each been given a room. He finds that Fingol is not in his room, but then he hears people speaking in the next room over and it sounds like the Marinus Brothers and Fingol, and so knocks at that door.

Indranil gets up, unlocks the door and opens in a crack peering out. Seeing Aramek he opens it widely with a grin and stepping to the side says, “Ah Good Aramek! Please come in, we would like to talk to you.” After Aramek enters Indranil looks both ways down the corridor and seeing no one, closes the door and re-locks it.

“Guardsman Aramek, thank you for coming so quickly.” Fingol says in a low voice “I know you have important personal matters to deal with, and that makes this all the more appreciated.

“I called you here because we have a question only a sorcerer can answer. Drago, our companion from the Malarat tribe evidenced magical ability. He claims sorcery runs in his family and can come on suddenly. In a word, he claims that he has no knowledge or training in sorcery, and that this manifestation today was his first clue that he might have the gift. If this is true, he will need some guidance in the development and control of his gift. We were hoping you might serve as his mentor.

“It is also possible that he claims ignorance for some other purpose… which I cannot guess at… If that is the case, then we would need to know that as well. You have shown a good understanding of arcane magic. I think you could figure out whether he is playing dumb or not. Perhaps not right away, but over time. We were hoping you might help with that also.”

Indranil has been nodding along with Fingol. He then adds continuing in Elvish as they have been, “Aramek in essence we need your help to figure out if Drago is being honest with us about his magical abilities..

“If he is truly as unaware of his powers as he claims to be then he is a danger to himself and to us until he develops understanding and control over them and will need a trusted mentor to help guide him. However, if he is being deceptive with us to keep his powers and mission hidden then we need to know that too.

“While we understand that Drago is Chief Rahk’s envoy we suspect he is also covertly acting as Chief Rahk’s spy with the mission. We think Drago has been tasked to find out what became of G’ruk and his followers and whether the Deathwalkers pose any further threat to the Malarat. Whatever other peculiarities Drago may have, we believe him to be acting as Chief Rahk’s eyes and ears and perhaps even hands and tail on this mission.”

“We believe it important to the safety of this mission to understand his motivations on this forthcoming mission.”

Aramek looks at all assembled, then back at Fingol.

“Sir Fingol, your concern is appreciated. In fact I was able to give Master Parwyn the herbs and plants that you so kindly helped me collect and he was most appreciative. Further, I was able to tell him of the fate of his son and the kindness of his response to me has left me deeply touched. All is well.

“As to Drago…” and, looking at Indranil, Aramek takes a breath. “I don’t know anything about him beyond what we’ve all observed. So I am no more certain of his motives than any of you, good sirs. And you do me a great honor by even considering that I might prove an able mentor for him, should he be as he claims.

“I’m afraid that I am probably the most naive of us all when it comes to sensing peoples motives – Father Gar being the most obvious example – but I believe I am learning to be a bit more cautious and observant.

“I will try to become better acquainted with Drago to see whether I can ascertain his honesty. And if I can help him at all regarding his magical abilities, I will try to.

“As to his being a spy for Chief Rahk, of that I have no doubt, although I’m going to try to think of him as an observer on behalf of our ally.”

Aramek smiles.

Fingols replies, “If you will serve as his mentor for now, the rest may work itself out. I am thinking of the time you and I talked of herbs and it became apparent how much more you knew of them… I was thinking the same thing may work itself out in this. That Drago may show himself to know more than he lets on… or not.

“Its my hope and expectation that he is what he claims… a new sorcerer in need of direction. And I think you have shown that you know your craft well. I don’t know if you want an apprentice, and the decision would be yours alone. Still it would appear that one has found you. There’s only to accept his request, or deny it.”

“Sir Fingol, your confidence in me does me great honor and I will accept the charge of working with Drago. And we shall all see how things unfold,” and with this, Aramek bows to Sir Fingol.

“Keep a watchful eye,” advises Lorindel, “but do keep it objective.”

Indranil nods his agreement.

Fingol takes Aramek across the hall and knocks on Drago’s door. When Drago answers he says, “Drago, you had said you wanted to see Guardsman Aramek. And to ask him for advice in controlling your new found powers. Fortunately, he is free to meet with you and consider your request.”

Aramek looks at Drago and nods politely, awaiting his response.

Drago bobs with appreciation, In Common, Drago says, “Master Sorcerer, I would be deeply honored if you would guide me during my draconic awakening. I noticed your Words of Power and wonder if they can help me learn to control what appears to have begun.”