"As do I," the grizzled voice of Gartgnar said slowly.  
    "I think we are all familiar with this demon," Masark replied.
    "I see nothing more than a dragon's head standing watch," Garadaine said, looking the statue over.
    "What?  Certainly you recognize her..." Gartgnar said in disbelief.
    "Of all the paintings and stories that have been told about your father, Sire," Trenial began, "you do not recognize the visage of death incarnate?"
    "You mean..." Garadaine said softly.
    Garadaine had not recognized the face of the great creature, as he had not yet been born when she had been defeated.  Only through the stories of his father and the scribes did he know about her.  Just looking upon her sent a chill up the Prince's spine, one that he had felt before, the first time he was told of his father's first contact with her.
    "This be Tel'Karak Zrahl," Gartgnar spat.  A cool breeze swept passed the group now that they were more in the open where the trees did not grow.  Garadaine inhaled deeply the scent of pine that hung upon the air, but with what was standing before him, it did not seem quite as refreshing as before.
    "Was she really this big?" asked Trenial.  
    "Yes, this likeness appears to be quite to scale," Cassrien said coldly.
    "And whoever carved this statue was making a joke in poor taste," Gartgnar added.
    "On the contrary," Rillik responded quickly, "what better way to ward off thieves and prying eyes than carve such a statue?"
    "A wise conclusion," Cassrien answered, "Obviously we are looking at something of great importance to someone."
    "I'll agree with you there," Garadaine said, still staring at the dragon's head, "This place is obviously special, and most likely guarded.  Rillik, go see if you can uncover any traps ahead."  Rillik nodded quickly and turned to Masark.  Quickly pulling his sword from its sheath, Rillik handed Masark his sword and shield.
    "Do be careful with these, hmm?" Rillik winked at the cloaked man.
    "Of course," Masark said, holding the items carefully before him.  It was quite obvious by the way Masark held the sword and shield that he had never been comfortable with weapons before.  He held them so away from him and aloft that it was as if he was afraid to even have contact with them.  They were all too aware of Masark's pacifistic nature, but none of them held it against him, Rillik least of all.  That is not to say, however, that the young warrior did not take every opportunity to tease the wizard to the best of his ability.