As is often the case in Caledor, Imrik did not choose Minaithnir as his companion in life and battle. Rather, it was the dragon who chose the prince. In the midst of battle, Imrik lay dying upon the Amari foothills, his body pierced by many a cruel Naggarothi blade. Then the mountainside shook to Minaithnir's fearsome roar. The dragon had slumbered for long centuries, but some chance had roused the mighty beast and sent him to the young prince's aid. Those dark elves who scattered before Minaithnir's onset were the fortunate ones. All who stayed to fight the dragon were immolated by his fulsome flame, or torn to wet scraps by his talons. When the foe was routed, Minaithnir bore Imrik to Tor Caleda, where the prince's physicians laboured to heal the wounds of battle.[2a]