What were they waiting for? He thought. Just then a prisoner in shackles came jangling into the courtyard accompanied by two guards. Was he being exiled from the city? What had he done to deserve such a terrible fate? Thought Charlie. This must be the reason for the holdup. The prisoner is joining us in the lift. Peon began unlocking the prisoner’s shackles and Charlie’s skin tingled in apprehension. The elf in the chains was a giant. He was also the least elf-like elf Charlie had seen so far. Unlike the smooth, sharpened features of the twins, this elf was rugged and weathered. He was perhaps ten years older than Elnor and Elni but could pass for another ten years older still so worn out was his skin. He also appeared to be exceptionally powerful and it was this that had Charlie’s heart beating slightly faster than usual. It was not to say that his muscles were particularly large but they displayed the kind of raw strength developed by a life spent in toil. His arms reminded Charlie of the Dyle trees. After Peon had finished releasing him the prisoner let out a laugh and patted him on the shoulder. Peon clenched and stepped well back.

            “Dros is coming with us” said Elnor walking towards the lift.

            “Who’s Dros?” Asked Charlie.

            “He’s a gladiator.”

            “He’s a drunk!” Said Elni

            “He’s me!” Said the prisoner jovially.

            “Dros is the only elf to have ever been inside Teldor’s Tomb” explained Peon. “He can help you find The Great D’hin.”

            Charlie was shocked beyond words. He was staring wildly at the giant elf. Dros was returning the stare with a merry smile that was so at odds with his visage it was horrifying.

            “But…but what did he do?” Charlie managed finally.

            “What didn’t I do is the real question” Dros replied.

            “Dros is in and out of prison so often we find it saves on labour just to keep him locked up permanently,” said Peon.  “Now Elnor, you’re in charge of this exertion I presume? Remember what I said about if he…er…tries to escape.”

            “Shoot him right?”

            “Shoot me?”

            Elni was laughing humourlessly.

            “Joup is really cleaning the city of all its pests with this quest isn’t he?”

            At the mention of Joup’s name the smile faded from Dros’ face.

            “Yes well, you best be off then, time is of the essence as they say,” said Peon.

            “Yes let’s get it over with,” said Elni bitterly.

            “Oh where’s your enthusiasm,” laughed Dros “its going to be a fantastic adventure!”