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Haltingly the maiden came out of the passage and met Malvat’s eyes. “My dear Malvat,” she said, her voice soft but strong enough to reach all ears. “Do you not yet know it is rude to call humans ‘mankind’? It will not do.”

She doesn’t wish to make me angry, Malvat thought, studying her. Yet she wants to make it clear that she is able to take care of herself. Hm.

By now she was seated on the ground in front of him, not too close but close enough to make it appear she cared not about his menacing size or abilities. Her head was propped up on one elbow, her other hand clasping what appeared to be the hilt of a sword. Her hair was long and a dark brown, her blue eyes glittering a challenge.

I cannot hear her thoughts. Mankind think constantly. Unease began to worm its way into Malvat’s being, although he remained casually reclining where he was. Is she empowered also? The Bestower has been busy.

You are not what you seem, are you?

That thought was clear. It was taken out from behind some sort of sheild and displayed for Malvat’s reading, a question obviously intended for him.

Deciding that it was best to make allies with these mankind – for now – Malvat dipped his head in her direction. “My apologies. It is what us Amandril-folk call you… humans. I have not heard the term in many years.” That was true. “And although I can read thoughts, I cannot send mine into others’ heads, so I’m afraid a telepathic conversation will not work. I will answer your question orally: no. And neither are you, nahala.” He glanced to his side, where the male mankind were clustered around the fiery youth. “Very few of us are. Now” -he slowly got to his feet and stretched, fanning his wings- “May I suggest that we leave? I am a dragon, yet this heat is beginning to affect even me. There is also the problem of the rising lava beneath us.” He tipped a wing in the maiden’s direction with a friendly wink. “May I offer a ride to the other side?”

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