"I agree!" conceded King Darkbrook calmly, "You and your friends do need to be on your way if you intend to save Yarfell. However, The Young Ones will remain with me and my people as our 'guests' until a diplomatic envoy from Yarfell comes and explains the nature of their alliance to the Drow!"Smiling a little at Cassandra and the rest of the Catacombs Group look of shock on their faces, the King added, "Surprised that I would know who and what you are, Outworlder? Don't be! News of your exploits have reached even here! And I remember the Young Ones from their last visit to this part of the Realm--although we've never met prior to this day!"
"I am sorry that I must do this to all of you," apologized King Darkbrook speaking to everyone,
"But I have seen the destructive power of the Staff of Yarfell for myself! And while I don't mind its power being used against the Orc Army, I have no wish to see it used against my own people as well--especially since the Yarfellians have allied themselves with the Drow!"
Turning to face Diana, the King said, "Besides, I doubt seriously if the Princess would turn the power of the Staff against us if she knew that her namesake were in our company!"
Looking back to the Outworlders, he added, "So when you return to Yarfell, tell them that we have the Young Ones, and that we will release them once the Princess provide us with a proper explanation for their alliance with the Drow! I suggest that you say your farewells now! You Outworlders will be blindfolded, led to the edge of the forest near the town of Macula and your weapons will be returned to you at that point! The Young Ones, on the other hand, will be taken to the Trees of Woe and imprisoned there until this whole matter is cleared up! There shall be arguments on this matter--MY WORD IS LAW!"
