The young monk approached the minotaur silently, not wishing to disturb his pre-battle meditation ritual.

Adon decided he had no choice. Time was short and the troops were prepared to move out. The moment the weren opened his mouth Khulvos spoke without opening his eyes. “Trouble, brother?”

“No, Khulvos. Sir Laurence and Sir Pac are finished planning. Auleak just left to cause the diversion.” He paused. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. You understand Infernal, correct?”

The minotaur’s eyes open and his horned head turned slightly. “Yes?”

“Well…” started Adon then he paused again as though he were uncertain how to continue.

“Ah, I understand. You want to ask if I understand the discourse between Elosian and his master?”

“Do you?”

Khulvos smiled, “I understand Elo’s words, put can still only hear one half of the conversation. From what I gather this mission is of the utmost importance to both Lord Revenon and HIS master.”

“I see. We’re actually going to Infernia.” Adon had a note of disbelief in his voice.

“It’s ironic that we leave Kouten to perhaps slay a dragon.”

“Why is that ironic?”

“Didn’t you know? In the west dragons are often symbols of evil and danger, but here the dragon is a symbol of nobility and prosperity.”

“Why is that?”

“Because for centuries this land was protected by an ancient dragon called Onaga. And though he was slain decades ago by demons legend has it his spirit still watches over the Shidi people.”

“That’s fascinating.”

“There’s more. The Martok family coat of arms actually has two dragons, a gold and silver to signify not only that dragons hold the family with great regard, but also denoting that families’ kinship with the Shidi peoples.”

“And using the dragon as a positive symbol is rare among Imperian families.” Adon reasoned.

“Exactly. But here it is an old custom. Have you not noticed how they treat our dragonborn ally Crossel with such reverence? So we leave a land where the dragon is viewed as guardian, to enter hell itself and battle a fiend-draken—possibly never to return.”

“It would be an honor to fight to the death alongside you, Khulvos” Said Adon as he bowed politely.

“I feel the same way, brother” said Khulvos returning the bow. The monks locked eyes and then left to fight their way to the Hell-rift in the heart of Shi di ma.