"I will tell you my story," Zarb says, "as I feel that our recent adventure has brought us closer.  I see worry in your eyes, and I know that worry is reflected in mine."  Zarb paused for a moment.  "I worry, Luke, that the land of Wyverndale - the home of our families, our friends, the spirits of our ancestors, and our very existence - is in danger."

Zarb goes on to explain how he arrived upon the caravan.  "A matter of chance," as he describes it, and "a fluke of possibly grand proportions."  He explains that he comes from an aristocratic Holderness family, raised in the academies of sorcery, and destined for power and position.  "But," he continues, "in my efforts to stay ahead of my peers, to push my abilities to their utmost and to outdo all competitors, I became an integral part of an undertaking so secretive and so important that it could only be rooted in evil.  I became a pawn, a channel for magic, that was to be used to facilitate a political murder, the most heinous kind.  When our fortress and resources had been discovered, however, we found ourselves under attack, and myself teleported to a very remote part of the forest.  The assailant, Mell su Detok, is, I imagine, at large.  I feel that he is aware of my presence, my escape, and he is searching for me as we speak.  As such, I must keep a low profile and learn as much as I can about his plans before I make any attempts to seek my revenge upon him.  I'll need help - more men, more magic, and more power -  but the future is long and I feel it holds much for me.  My time will come to defeat him and hopefully bring justice and clarity back to our kingdom.

"So, friend - what is your reason to lurk?"