Yodel knelt in place silently. The eye holes on the strange, dark purple mask were dim. No light could be seen from them.
Thales forced down his thoughts and sighed slightly.
"So, you're here."
Yodel's mask moved.
"Yes," his hoarse and dull voice sounded from under the mask.
"I'm here."
The masked man gently stretched his gloved right hand out.
"I'm always here."
Thales remained silent for a few seconds. The soreness on his arm gradually disappeared.
He took a deep breath.
"Yes."
The prince looked up and showed a gentle smile. "I know.
"I've always known."
He grasped Yodel's palm. Then, with his help, Thales stood up.
The fire on the torch in Yodel's hands flickered and illuminated the area. But when it shone on Yodel, the light shrank back, barely reflecting off his body.
When it shone on his mask, it only served to make his mask look more mysterious and profound.
