"Of course," the ever-calm Rhyldaer responded as they walked back toward their temporary living quarters under the ancient ruins. "I'm sure Haelerin will be pleased to spend more time with our guests before we depart." 

--

"And Althea," the archer added in response to the dwarf's query, trying to position herself to make Orin's efforts to unbind her hands easier. "Thanks," she said as the rope came loose. She brought her hands in front of her and rubbed them together to bring back circulation to her cold fingers. 

As Harper started to regain consciousness, Althea felt some relief that the girl was not too badly injured. "We're here, Harper," she said in a tone that was meant to be comforting, even though she was still fighting to stay calm herself. 

Unaware that Haelerin was right outside the cell door, using his keen ears to eavesdrop on their conversation, Althea squinted her eyes, trying to get a good look at the dwarf. "How many of the drow are there? And do you know what they want with us?" she asked, already fearing that she knew the answer. Rumors of drow taking other races as slaves made them feared and reviled throughout the civilized world.