Here's chapter two! I just got out of school and hopefully now I can focus a little more on improving my writing skills. Constructive criticism welcome! And nice reviews are great too :D Thanks for reading!

I wasn't sure how long I stood there thinking. It was probably somewhere around five minutes, but in that time, I made what was probably the most important decision of my life. When I had solidified my resolve, I took a deep breath and went into action.

I could feel Tebryn's eyes on me as I assembled my travel gear and put it in my pack. He didn't dare ask another question, but I could almost sense his concern in the air.

I rang for a slave, told the confused goblin to bring me travel rations, packed the food too when it arrived and mentally ran through everything I had so far. I couldn't think of anything else we'd need, so I told Tebryn to get dressed so we could go.

He scrambled to obey, and I waited and worried while he hastily got ready.

I led him down to the stables, saddled up two lizards - I didn't want to wait for a slave again - and we were off. I left the house without incident. Same at the city gates.

Finally, when we had been in the Underdark for about fifteen minutes and the deathly quiet had settled in all around me, I began to wonder at the recklessness of what I had done. When had I become so impulsive? Then I scolded myself for doubting. Even if I had made the stupidest possible choice, there was no going back now. And I had to have conviction in what I was doing, or there was no way I would suceed.

I turned around to look at Tebryn. His lizard was about a foot behind mine, and he was hunched over, his head hanging. His shoulders shook and I realized he was crying silently. I reined my mount in to fall into line beside his. I lifted his face to look at me, and the sight of his tear-streaked features almost broke my heart.

Hey I signed Don't worry, okay? Everything's going to be fine now.

He swallowed hard. Where are we going? What's happening?

I didn't know where to start.

Someone decided that I cared too much about you, and the Matron ordered me to kill you. So we're going away now.

He stared at me, wide-eyed. You're leaving because of me? His hand movements were jerky. I nodded.

I'm sorry. He sniffled quietly and I snapped my head around to look for anything that might have heard.Sorry again.I smiled at him. He tried to smile back, but continued looking wretchedly miserable.

So you aren't going to kill me?

I shook my head. He looked at me cautiously, biting his lip. He very seldom maintained eye contact for more than a few seconds, but now he was watching very closely for some sign of what was going on in my head. He lowered his gaze after a few moments, and apologized again. He didn't ask why I didn't sacrifice him, and I didn't think I could answer anyway.

Where are we going?

Ched Nasad, I think.

He swallowed again. His hand found mine and held it tightly. What, I thought, had I done?

Again, thanks a lot for reading. Please review and let me know what you think!