Kowalsk was the first to respond:
"I really liked your story, Mr. Kaminski. However, I'm an intruder here, and all I want is to get out of here. So, I don't think my response will help much because I've always worked alone, or almost always. But given everything you've said, if you want to join me after I leave here, you will be very welcome."
Gareno was the second to speak:
"Well, Mr. Kaminski, the first thing I learned from my superiors is that in life or war, trust is not gained overnight; it is earned day by day. I am willing to give you that vote of confidence. But my companion has already spoken, and I echo his words. I am not in command of this group, and I don't want to stay here either."
Thilláila also wanted to say something but was crying so much that she almost couldn't:
"For me, you can stay, Mr. Kaminski, but I am not the leader of this group either, and I don't even know where I'm going. So, how can I ask you to join me? However, now I want to have a word with you, Mr. Kowalsk."
Kowalsk turned to Thilláila, ready to take a scolding, which he wouldn't even care about.
"That you don't want to stay here is no news to anyone. It's probably what everyone here desires. You also say that you are not the leader of this small and strange group. No problem at all, although I think you would be the most qualified for that. Now, inviting only Mr. Kaminski to join you... Without meaning to offend you, but to me, that's a great insult to everyone else."
After a brief pause and looking at everyone's reactions, Thilláila continued:
"What do you think you will do? Where are you going? Why not stay with us, or let's all go together? You would be the leader of the group, and I believe our chances of survival in light of everything that is happening would increase greatly. What do you think? Say yes... Please!"
Gareno glanced sideways at her but finally agreed.
"It's true, Kowalsk! I have to agree with Thilláila. What do you say? I don't think you'll find a better offer in this world with dragons."
After nearly two minutes of silence, Kowalsk replied:
"Well... I accept, but with three conditions."
Kowalsk responded with a serious air.
"First, that you never say it's my fault for being your leader, regardless of what happens. But if it is my fault, let me speak up and take the blame. Understood?"
Everyone nodded that they understood.
"Second, do not question my orders regarding survival. I've been active since the beginning of this nightmare of humans versus dragons. It seems like a lost war, but if I survived so long alone, I believe I can help you survive too. I also believe there are many survivors hiding out there."
After another minute of pause, everyone asked Kowalsk:
"And what is the third condition?"
"That's quite obvious. How much and when will I get paid?"
Everyone laughed and patted Kowalsk on the back, who noticed only one member of the group was sad, head down, as if doomed to be alone for the rest of his life.
"I know Thilláila would criticize me a lot if I didn't do this... So, you can come with us too, if you want, of course."
"And who are you talking to?" they all asked.
"I can't believe you've already forgotten about Troy."
Kowalsk responded while jumping onto the dragon's back, who seemed to understand everything that was happening. Everyone was happy, smiling, except Mr. Kaminski.
"Don't worry about that, Mr. Kaminski. I understand, sir. After all, we don't even know how long you were imprisoned inside Troy. He also tried to kill me, scratched me a bit, and only didn't finish me off because of my partner Gareno. But I've already forgiven him. In that fight against the dragons, no one saw, but he prevented me from being massacred by the smaller dragons. Who knows, maybe Troy can still do something good for you. After all, wasn't it you who said that all life is important?"
"All human life, my son... Not that of a dragon," Mr. Kaminski replied, somewhat seriously.