Akira looked at Youssef in astonishment, then turned his gaze back to the stranger. "You are able to speak the Arabic tongue?" he asked.
"Yes, I am able," the stranger replied. "What is so strange in that?"
"Who are you?" Youssef intervened, his patience worn thin.
"I am Leonis," he said. "A friend to you both, so do not fear... I shall lead you from this place, but on one condition!"
"And what is this condition?!" Omar said with apprehension.
"You will assist me in a difficult mission," Leonis explained. "But believe me, it is the final hope for Atlantis... Do you not wish to save Atlantis?"
"Of course we wish to save it," Youssef declared in a fervent tone, "but how are we to trust you? And for what reason do you wish to help us? And how did you pass into this place with no one attacking you?"
