[color:"#aoff80"]Gah, thievy little bugger...jingle bells, jingle bells, jingling all the way... hmmmmmm, old Dwarven Loot Ballad probably

Grabbing the keys I turned to the griffin's cage in utter disgust and opened it - took me only about 8-10 efforts with that bunch. The bars ceased to glint and I knew I could safely touch them. I swung the door open and entered the cage. Ascolan watched me and rose up slowly - what a wonderful sight to see. He stretched himself like a cat after a long sleep and then I saw how crusty his paws and talons were. I took out the desinfection lotion, swore under my breath because I could have used the R&P spell here - took out a piece of cloth and carefully started to clean the wounds.

"Sorry, if it burns - but it must be done. DQueene was able to regain Featherwing's horn, I hope, she can do something of that kind for you, too," I whispered. I was pretty absorbed in my healing job - then I felt his beak on my shoulder.

"I won't forget what you have done for me, Mortal - maybe the day will come, when I can repay you - here," he plucked out a breast feather and held it in his beak, "use it and I will come - you just have to blow over it."

I thanked him with a smile and accepted his gift. Then I suddenly remembered:

"Ascolan, we've got a half-demon in our group - I vouch for his sincerity - can you refrain from killing him?"

The griffin started to laugh - it boomed throughout the room - a deep ringing sound.

"Mortal - I had sensed him from the moment on when he fought at your side here! We griffins don't judge the outer appearance - we look inside - and your half-demon may be rash, unpredictable and unwise sometimes - but he has a loyal heart. No attack will come from my side, upon my honour."

Whew, I was relieved and left the griffin to himself, knowing he would aid us in the final fight against the troll wizard. I tossed the keys to DQueene:
"Hey, what about you leaving Womble's treasure to himself and freeing another animal? I'll scout around..."

Sheesh - she and her greed for gold... Nero has already started to use his alchemy kit on some cages, probably in the looting mood, too... Womble has a bad influence on every one!!! Now, look at that little mongrel - already scouting the other cages with his greedy little eyes... I hope, he deals with Fergus! Or Fergus with him... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/badsmile2.gif" alt="" />[/color]