"I don't want to leave you, but you're not really giving me another option."

Drake stared blankly at his friend.

"What?"

Grayson sighed.

"I'm sorry, Drake. I can't do this anymore."

Drake made a sound like he was being strangled.

"You're leaving me? Why?"

Grayson truly did look sorrowful. But then that disappeared, like he had hardened his resolve.

"I can't guard the Dragon Egg knowing I'm always at risk of being stabbed in the back. I know its not your fault, Drake. But I can't take that chance."

Drake's look of confusion turned into a glare.

"I would never hurt you!"

Grayson shook his head sadly.

"Not on purpose, Drake."

Drake stumbled over his words. He finally settled on saying, "What can I do to convince you to stay?"

Grayson just said, "Nothing."

And turned and walked away through the trees until he could no longer be seen, leaving Drake kneeling on the ground, betrayed and utterly alone.