“ What about … stealing something precious from the Viscount of the Land. You did a poor job of hiding it or tried to put it back after your conscience got the better of you? “

“ Drakes stealing? Do not be ridiculous, Cass. Why would he do such a thing? Isn’t it more of your style? “ - the corpse blue stallion huffed with disagreement, stretching his neck and shaking his head in disbelief. The massive protector of the team were surely fearsome and while refusing to tell what was the reason for his banishment, Caelum was sure his heart was noble and no such pitiful crimes could be the reason behind it.

“ Pft, please. Do you think I would ever return something I have taken? Finders keepers, my friend. “ - the pale, rugged rouge snickered, brushing off the accusation with a light and shameless heart. Why would he ever return anything he successfully acquired, save getting discovered in doing so? Laughable, truly. To this truth Caelum was hardly surprised. Any time he offered more credit than what was due to their questionable leader he had to get disappointed. It was unfathomable to him, why Caspian so viciously refused to change for the better. It wasn’t like he had to be this way now was it? The young stallion knew he must not jump to conclusions and judge a book by its cover, yet the grey male made it very hard to see anything but someone lacking morale and the will to help others.

“ Fine. What does the sorcerer say?  ” - Ratatoskr was called to join the guessing game. Happy to left to his own and pace till now, he offered a grumpy stare, yet still a spark of curiosity was enkindled within him. The selfsame ember lit up his eyes and unintentionally his magic was whispering a tale of love and sorrow. A tale true and untold. He had to halt, savouring the past he got a glimpse and the lament he shared due to this connection. 

Realising the magics, Caelum was fast to protect the muscular pearl shine knight. Even though he was curious, he never meant to force the truth out of Drakes. Such trickery was beyond him. - “ I never meant to ask for a spell! You can’t just force your magic on others, Ratatoskr. “ 

The dark spellweaver knew it well and in fact was never his intention to reveal secrets which are not meant for him to see. Not now at least. His control over his magic is wavering recently, which puts a rather sour taste into his mouth. Help he can not ask for however. What would the other three think? Trust even less in him and see him as a threat.

The stiff atmosphere was interrupted by Caspian waltzing in and sailing the mood toward less stormy waters. Was it his intention from the start to ease the tension? Perhaps. Perhaps he just can not help being obnoxious. - “ Yeah, yeah, but what did you learn? ”

For a moment a droplet of sweat rolled down onto the cheeks of the knight. He was not ready to tell this peculiar part of his past. Not yet and maybe not ever. Ratatoskr was versed in reading the expression of others, seeing intent behind the eyes of the many, but he needed not to try very hard to see how unwilling Drakes is to reveal anything. - “ Nothing you need to be concerned about . .  Rather, can you practise some social distancing? I can smell your breath and would rather not know the content of your last supper. ”

“ Ey man, I am standing as far as I possibly can - Hold on. Did this corridor get any tighter? ”

Rather later than sooner, the four adventurers finally realised the tight situation they got themselves into.

“ Oh for the love of … “