[color:"#aoff80"]Womble scratched his head, frowned and I saw his remaining braincells - those not swimming for their lives in alcohol - working on the lockpick problem <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/badsmile2.gif" alt="" />...

I was worried about the griffin and his natural enmity to demons. Giving Nero a sign to stay out of sight, I rushed up to the cage. I had never seen a more majestic creature, even in the sad shape he was now. Nearly dying of awe I looked at Ascolan, half lion - half eagle. His yellow eyes were half-closed, as if he had refused to accept outer reality anymore, his feathers were ruffled and unkept, his skin dull and shaggy. What had humiliated this protector against evil, symbol of utter truth?

"Ascolan," I whispered, "Ascolan, can you hear me? You're free soon - you can go wherever you wish - see? Your prison doors will be open in a sec..." No response.

I tried again:
"Ascolan... wake up, your nightmare is at end - you're free...."

He raised his mighty head, his beak clicked a few times and at last an answer came, voice broken and emotionless:

"Mortal, I'm not free - I'm not of any use... My claws have been taken by Aganeth - a griffin without claws, I'm a disgrace to my race. Go away - leave me alone. GO!" he suddenly roared and his eyes flashed dangerously. Then he turned his head away, my audience was apparently over in his opinion.

"NO," I stomped with my foot in dispair, "NOO! You're more than claws and talons - freedom is more than a piece of horn... Ascalon, where is your pride, your fierceness, your wildness? The winds are still there, the mountains exist - don't you want to feel the air brush over your wings? Feel the sun caress your feathers? Fight! Aganeth has taken your weapons and defense, but you deprived yourself of your lion! Go inside, where are you? What's left of the proud eagle in your heart? Noone can take away your inner freedom - only you yourself!"

The Tune of Freedom began... wild lion in the desert on the prowl... pride... guarding freedom... soaring eagle... sharp eyes seeing lies... protector of weak... clear cold air... soaring... racing through the sand... relentless and just... guarding... pride in the sun... pride in the air... freedom... gliding.... pouncing on lies... tearing them to shreds... revealing what is... unerring pride of heart... not wavering... not giving way... never giving up... never... freedom... freedom...

The griffin raised his head again and I saw fire returning slowly into his eyes, they shone in a clear piercing yellow. This time he really registered me.

"Mortal, you are right - a griffin never gives up - but my duty is still here in these castle walls, as long as Aganeth lives..."

"Why? I'm sure, Womble will find a way to break these locks... and I don't know how, but... we'll find a way to give you back your claws! And then... aid us... help us against Aganeth. Fight for your freedom!"

Ascolan kept silent... I couldn't do more for him - for now. I looked impatiently at Womble and told Jurak in quick short words to keep his collar and runes away from the griffin if he relished unbroken bones.[/color]