complimented Lara. “It has been years since I have had such fine meat.” “It is a pleasure to serve it to such fine young women,” smiled Boris. “Why is it that Arik did not come with you to rescue us?” Kamil asked Tedi. “He wanted to,” sighed Tedi. “He really did. And he did not even know that you were there. The others made him realize that he is on a quest that is more important than the lives of any of us. If Arik is not successful in ascending to the throne of Alcea, Sarac shall reign and the Darkness will continue.” “So they feared that he might die in the attempt?” questioned Kamil. “Arik’s life is in danger every day, “ replied Tedi. “I know that this is not something that a mother wants to hear, but I feel that you need to be aware of it. His life is not his own any more. He has obligations greater than himself. Besides, the fact that you are here is proof that Master Khatama had the rescue under control.”
