The Stone of Mercy

Tibbals stopped and both she and Carling turned their heads just in time to see one of the Heilodius Centaurs scrambling desperately in an attempt to keep from falling down the cliff. His efforts were futile and he started falling, bouncing and crashing down the side of the rocky ledge. With a splash, he landed in the water of the lake, sending a ring of ripples out in all directions. Everyone stood with mouths agape and eyes open in shock. For a moment, no one moved.

As soon as Carling was able to register what had just happened, she called out, “We need to help him! Get these ropes off Tibbals and me and we will save him!”

“Oh, no, you don’t,” shouted Clank.

“But he’s drowning!” answered Tibbals.

“I don’t much care about him. I’m not releasing you.”

“Clank,” pleaded Carling. “Tibbals and I promise to come back. Please untie us and we will use the ropes to rescue your friend.”

“Who said he was my friend?” sneered Clank, showing his true character.

“Dalt is my friend,” the Centaur with the burnt tail answered softly. Without saying anything else, the Centaur pivoted his four feet carefully around on the narrow trail and moved over to Carling and Tibbals.

As he was untying the ropes, Clank started yelling. “Bale, if you release them, I’ll make sure you spend the rest of your life behind bars with them.”

Carling looked deeply into Bale’s eyes. “We will come back. I give you my word. Thank you for helping us save your friend.”