"Hold, please!" Rebat called, his voice going as loud as it can. Still, however, his cry was quiet, with most of it lost to his failing throat. He hobbled in vain after the healthy dracon, favoring his left foot. "I cannot walk as you can, you see. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to make a concession for me, if we are ever to reach your home together." Still, the distance between him and Mazdak widened till they reached the city limits. He finally arrived at the first river crossing, panting and clutching his throbbing foot. He had to cling on to the shoulders of one of his guards to make the last few lengths. "Let us cross the river first," he said, between coughs and wheezes. "If you please, could you call one of the boats? My voice is not what it used to be. You'd understand, I'm sure."