"Che, your sire is set to bring this mountain down into rabble," he said. "And the Nada are set to do the same, in defense of it. There's going to be a whole lot of trouble, and many creatures may die. You can't allow this to happen. You must decide."

Che nodded. "Yes, I must." He looked at Jenny. "What will it be?"

"Oh, Che, I'm sorry," Jenny said, looking as woebegone as an elf could, which was extremely so. "I don't see any other way. You must agree to be Gwenny's companion."

"I am relieved, not sorry," Che said. "I so agree."

"Oh, Che!" Gwendolyn exclaimed, hugging him. "Oh, thank you, thank you! It means so much to me!"

"But your sire will level the mountain!" Dolph protested. "He says a decision made under duress is not valid!"

"There is no duress," Che said.

"But—" Dolph started.

"Do not affront him," Naldo murmured behind him. "You know a centaur's word is inviolate."

"Uh, yes, of course," Dolph said, flustered. "But, Che, can you tell us why? I mean, after these goblins foal-napped you and kept you captive."

"No," the foal said firmly.

Dolph looked at Jenny Elf. "Then you, Jenny. You're his friend. Why—?"

"I'm sorry," Jenny said tearfully. "I can't tell you either. Just that it's best."

Dolph dreaded returning to tell Cheiron and Chex this, but saw nothing else to do. His mission had failed miserably.

Nada came to his rescue. "Che, your sire and dam will have trouble understanding this. They suspect you are too young to fully appreciate the ways of centaur honor. Could you come to the surface and tell them yourself?"

"Why, I don't know," Che said, confused. "I really should stay with Gwenny." He looked at Godiva.

"You are free to go where you will, Che," Godiva said.

"We accept your word, and your sire and dam should also, once they hear it from you directly."

Che turned to Gwendolyn. "Do you feel up to making the trip to the surface, Gwenny? I think you will not want to talk very much with others, in this confusion, but you could at least look outside."

"I'd love to, Che," the goblin girl said.

Che turned to Dolph. "Then go tell my sire and dam that I am coming," he said. "We will follow shortly."

Dolph was relieved. "I'll do that." What a pass this was!

Nada lingered to talk with her brother. Gloha and Dolph proceeded up the tunnel toward the surface. "Why do you think he's doing it?" Gloha asked when they were alone. "If there's no threat, why won't they tell?"

"I think if I knew that, I'd know how to make my own decision," Dolph said heavily. "I just can't figure it out."

"Gloha's right," Metria said, appearing between them. "Boys are duller than girls."

"That isn't what I said!" Gloha protested. Then, belatedly, "Who are you?"

"She's the demoness Metria," Dolph said. "She likes to drive folk crazy."