After checking in on Ravenia's room to find that the human had already left, Alptraum and Tulani followed their noses to the Great Hall (or possibly fled the somewhat harsh singing that meant Arkold was taking a bath). Lilith greets them there, dressed in a somewhat oversized and heavy looking bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?" she asks.

Alptraum walks over towards Lilith, then slinks around her to get a look at the robe. His eyebrows go up at the slippers, then he shrugs slightly. "Slept well enough, I suppose," Alptraum comments. "In this place, anyway. It makes me edgy."

Stretching her arms over her head as well as her wings until she feels as well as hears a loud, satisfying crack Tulani looks quietly in Lilith's direction replying softly in the early morning, "I slept well, better than I have in other places."

"I'm glad to hear it," Lilith says, and looks over towards one of the fireplaces, where a kettle and several jugs rest. "Looks like we've got herbal tea, mulled wine or small beer to drink. Any preferences?"

Alptraum idly scratches one of his ears. "Tea would be fine for me," he says. He stifles a yawn, then asks, "I hope you slept well, as well?"

"Oh, I'm one of those people who can sleep soundly on a bed of nails," Lilith comments. "Would you like some tea as well, Tulani?" the Eeee asks as she moves towards the fireplace.

The black and white Sphynx wanders over to the fireplace as well, feeling the warmth emanating from it, smiling to Lilith and replying, "Tea sounds good to me as well."

Alptraum makes a face and shakes his head. "I hope you mean that in a figurative and not a literal sense," he comments. Instead of sitting, he leans against a nearby wall.

Lilith sits down and prepares the tea. "I expect Raven will be along shortly. I saw her heading towards the solar earlier with a canvas and paints."

Tulani sets herself down in a chair by the fireplace, murmuring quietly a half question, "Raven paints?" She smiles at the thought, continuing, "Do you have any artistic hobbies as well Lilith?"

Alptraum huhs. "Ah, so she paints, then?" he asks. "I'll have to ask her to show me her paintings sometime. I've had a few drawing lessons, but I'm not very good, m'self. And heh, that reminds me, thanks for the dancing last night."

"Oh, it was nice to have some company," Lilith says, almost blushing under her white fur. "I like to dabble in clothing, Tulani. I honestly didn't know Raven knew anything about painting though. It's the first time I've seen her with supplies for it."

"I have a brother who does carving," the Sphynx comments before continuing, "Really? You've never seen her paint before? Now I'm curious about what she's painting."

Alptraum nods to Lilith. "Likewise. You were wonderful company," he says and stretches, then finally takes a seat. "And oh, Tulani, you should see her room. Clothing galore. Arkold and I were in there discussing things with Lilith while you were helping Ravenia."

Lilith hands out mugs of tea. It's a bit weak and bitter, most likely brewed from bark and local plants.

Arkold strolls in with his hair damp and shirt loose, yawning. "Tea? I'll have some wine if that's all right with you Lilith," he says groggily.

Alptraum takes a sip, then licks his lips. "Hmm, interesting choice for brewing. The licorice makes it a bit bitter, but it's not unpleasant," he comments.

"Good morning, Arkold," Lilith greets, and adds a lump of butter to her own tea before pouring a mug of mulled wine for the Jupani.

Pouring a good amount of cream into her tea Tulani sips at it, turning to look at Arkold as he enters the room and calling out, "Good morning sunshine. Sleep well?" Her facial expression shows she's joking.

Alptraum's eyebrows go up. "Sunshine? Dear me, next you'll be calling each other sweetie, or cutie, or, err," he comments with a grin. "Tsk."

Arkold accepts the wineglass with a slight bow to Lilith and answers, "Sure. I can sleep anywhere." He grins as he takes a sip and adds, "Toots."

"Well, his hair is sort of sunshine-colored," Lilith notes to Alptraum.

"Yes, well, I have to travel with them. It's my job to give them grief," Alptraum deadpans.

Tulani snickers briefly at the comments being sparked by her own, turning to Arkold with a soulful look and claiming in a joking manner, "They just don't understand do they Arkold?"

Arkold shakes his head with mock-sadness. "They never do."

"No sign of Raven yet," Lilith says, "but she wouldn't want us to go hungry, I'm sure." Taking a bowl, the Eeee fills it with some of the warm blood-and-cream mix. "I'll bring her up something later."

Alptraum's brow furrows. "I'm worried about her," he comments and gets up. "Maybe I should go check on her before settling down for food."

Making to follow Alptraum as well, the Sphynx comments, "I'll come with you Alptraum, I'd like to see what she's painting."

"You're worried about her painting?" Lilith asks Alptraum, her eyebrows lifted.

"Not exactly, about her in general. We did travel together for a bit; I consider her a friend. I worry about my friends," Alptraum replies and shrugs. "You said you've never seen her paint before, so I just want to make sure she's all right."

"Oh what the hell. I like art too," says Arkold as he follows after Alptraum.

Giving up, Lilith says, "Hold on a moment then," and starts filling a plate with food. "Might as well bring her breakfast," the Eeee explains.

Alptraum offers Lilith a smile. "Hey, we'd come and check on you if your and Ravenia's positions were switched," he says.

The route to the solar passes by Lilith's converted chapel, along a twisting corridor to the base of one of the surviving towers. The spiral stairs have been affected by the twisting of the tower, with some being stretched longer and others having gaps. There is little likelihood of becoming lost though, as the group leaves a trail of crumbs while eating along the way.

Near the eastern side, with her back to morning light, Ravenia sits on a stool before a canvas and tripod. Several paintings lie drying near her bare feet, and the breeze plays with the hem of her woolen nightgown and her long hair. She seems totally focused on the painting before her, laying down quick, deliberate brush strokes.

There's a knock, then Alptraum peers into the room. "Morning. I know this isn't a belfry, but you have a distinct lack of bats up here. So, we thought we'd join you," he comments and grins. "I hope you don't mind?"

"You can always use more, bats," Arkold says as his head pops in the door above Alptraum's. "And sunshine." He smiles winningly.

Raven half-peers around her canvas with a look of non-recognition, and coldly says, "I'm busy. What do you want?"

"To check on you. Last night was a bit rough," Alptraum replies and walks further into the room. He circles slowly and tries to get a look at the painting.

"We won't laugh if it's really bad or anythin' Raven," Arkold insists as he edges in after Alptraum. "I can ruin a fine piece of canvas simply by picking up a brush."

"Stay out of my light," Raven says, sounding gruff. The canvas before her is mostly a smear of gray, with a simplistic and stylized outline of a winged humanoid figure in the middle.

Trying carefully not to stand in front of the area Ravenia is aimed in, which she could possibly be painting, Tulani edges around to look along with the others, sipping at her cup of tea which she had brought up.

"What're you painting?" Alptraum asks and sidesteps to try and stay out of the light. His head tilts.

The dark human dabs a few more white paint strokes onto the figure, giving it a head like a five-pointed star. "Some primitive tribal figure, most likely," she says, and makes a quick gesture to the paintings on the floor.

Tulani crouches down to look at the paintings on the floor, moving one slightly to get a better view of it.

Alptraum tilts his head to look at the paintings on the floor. "So, what's your name?" Alptraum asks rather oddly.

Arkold glances at Alptraum but he doesn't look surprised. He simply nods approvingly and returns his gaze to Raven.

The Sphynx doesn't look up from the paintings on the floor but cocks an ear in 'Ravens' direction listening carefully for her response.

"Brindle," Raven answers. The two paintings on the floor are hasty, but nonetheless well done. One shows a tumble of dark stone on a hillside, mostly overgrown with moss and a few trees but clearly the ruins of some structure. The second depicts a necklace with a crystal defined by several muted colors with a glowing effect around it.

"Well, Brindle, I think these paintings are quite nice and rather insightful," Alptraum replies, then taps Arkold's shoulder and motions to the necklace and nods. He then motions to the ruins and nods again. "You paint all these? Where did you get the inspiration for them?"

The wolf stoops down to peer at the hasty paintings. He reaches to pick one up but then hesitates, glancing at "Brindle," and seems to resist the urge. "Interestin' subject matter. I'd think you'd try to draw the countryside what with being up here."

"Oh, it's one of those times again," Lilith says after remaining quiet. She's still holding a plate of food.

Tulani cocks an eyebrow at the woman's answer, glancing at Alptraum and Arkold as they look with some recognition at the painting of the necklace, blinking at Lilith's comment, and finally asking 'Brindle', "Would you mind if I picked this up to get a better look at it?"

The artist finishes with the star-headed, winged stick figure and sets down the brush. Noticing the food, she grabs a muffin and takes a big bite of it, only to spit it out in disgust. "Bah… I'm done here," Raven-Brindle says, and stands up as if to leave. "You can wipe your backside with it for all I care," she says to Tulani, still using a gruff voice.

Alptraum looks over at Lilith, then back at Ravenia. His brow goes up and he puts his hand on her shoulder firmly. "Now look, that's about enough. I think you owe Tulani an apology for such a crass remark," he says coldly and firmly.

Raven sneers at the Eeee, and says, "I'd have you all made into rugs and coats if I could. Now let me go, I have to return to the dragon."

Blinking briefly but somehow managing to not looking even mildly perturbed by the woman's gruff comments – seeming to ignore them and the woman herself completely – Tulani scoops up the two paintings on the floor, holding them up to get a better look at them.

Raven blinks, says, "What… " and then collapses against Alptraum.

Alptraum blinks and grabs Raven quickly in his arms, his legs bracing himself firmly at the sudden added weight. "Well, that was sudden," he comments.

"Eh. Can't put anyone in a fine mood what with havin' your soul pushed around," remarks Arkold as he looks down at Raven with a sympathetic frown.

Lilith nearly drops her plate in surprise. "That… that's not how it's supposed to work! She has to go back to Vorgulremik to have the spirit taken out! She always did before!"

Alptraum blinks. "Ah, er, don't look at me," is all he manages to say to that. He coughs and says, "You all right, Ravenia?"

Tulani looks down at Raven, a note of worry in her face and in her voice as she turns to Lilith asking, "Will she be alright?" At Lilith's sudden outburst she tucks the two paintings under one arm, looking over Raven and checking her pulse with her free hand.

Ravenia stirs and looks up at Alptraum in confusion. "What am I doing up here? Was I sleepwalking again?" she asks, her voice normal again. She tries not to look worried as Tulani checks her pulse.

Arkold scratches his chin and frowns all the more deeply. "I wonder if ol' Vorg is getting reckless," he murmurs loud enough for everyone to hear. "I take it he does it differently usually? That this way is dangerous?"

"Yes, I think you were just sleepwalking and having a bad dream," Alptraum says gently and smiles at Ravenia. "No harm done, just startled us is all. I'm sorry if I startled you."

"I've never seen it happen like this before," Lilith whispers, then looks at Alptraum again.

Taking her fingers off of Ravenia's pulse now that the woman appears to be awake and all right, the Sphynx smiles gently at her, ruffling her hair a little before commenting, "Sorry if I startled you as well, just a little worried."

"It's cold up here," Raven says, and notices the muffin she's still holding in one hand. She takes another bite of it. "Mmm, my favorite. I'm starving!"

Arkold walks over to Lilith and whispers, "She said she had to get back to the dragon. Brindle, that is. I don't know abou' you but Vorg doesn't seem the type to let his … toys … wander around. So you think he did this on purpose? Has he seemed anxious to you lately?"

Once Raven seems steady on her feet, Alptraum lets go. He tilts his head back to look at Lilith and says in Eeee-range tone, "I didn't do anything." Then with a glance to Tulani and Arkold, he says, "We should take those down to our room. I think they'll be rather useful."

The older man glances back and nods slightly. "Yeah," he agrees somewhat distractedly as he awaits Lilith's answer. "We should take Raven down too to rest."

"He's been anxious ever since you arrived, I think," Lilith whispers to Arkold, glancing quickly at Tulani. Louder, she says, "Yes, let's go back to the hall and finish breakfast."

Nodding to Alptraum, Tulani picks up the third, freshly painted picture carefully in her free hand. Speaking to Raven, she asks, "Being hungry just means you're alive. Would you like my tea to go with that?" She gestures to her cup of tea with cream sitting on the ground, still warm but forgotten in the excitement.

Alptraum gathers the other two paintings from Tulani and nods. "Sounds good. I want to toss these into our room along the way," he says.

"Thank you," Raven says, and picks up the mug for a sip. "I wish we had real tea again," she comments, grinning to the Sphynx.

"Be prepared. Vorg may intercept us at some point. Eh, if he arranged this he'll prolly want "Brindle's" report," says Arkold. The wolf returns to the door and holds it open for the others. "Get a good eye full of the drawings now, in case we have to hand them over."

"I'll remember them, no worries. The necklace I certainly recognize. The ruins are where we need to go," Alptraum comments and shrugs. "But, very good point, Arkold. I hope Vorg yanked Brindle back. That was strange."

"Maybe he knows we're here," Arkold says ominously.

Tulani looks over the fresh painting as well, trying to record the 'stick-figure' image in her mind before following.

The route back to the guestrooms must necessarily pass through the Great Hall, where the breakfast spread is still waiting. Also waiting, quite calmly, is a dragon. "Ah, you have the paintings. Good," Vorgulremik rumbles.

"Yeah, your 'friend' left them without warning," Alptraum remarks and glances at the dragon.

Arkold offers a bit of a wave to Vorgulremik. "Always thought you were a metal sculpture man," he remarks.

"Surprising," Vorgulremik notes. "I will be looking into that. But please, finish your breakfast before we discuss things further."

"My guess is your wizard friend has more power than you thought and may have rescued his ally," Alptraum remarks idly and heads over to a seat. "How exactly did you do that, anyway? I presume Brindle is the guy from last night."

Seating herself down at the table, the Sphynx sets the drying painting down near her, taking one last look at it before serving herself some food, listening curiously with her ears perked.

"Brindle is an artist, not an assassin," the dragon comments. "The personality and almost all of the memories of the sorcerer's minion had been erased before he was even captured, as it turns out. It was no small task to scrape up the information I could from him."

"And just when did this Brindle live anyway," Arkold asks curiously.

"Ah. Anyway, what exactly did you do last night? I've never seen such a thing done before," Alptraum comments idly, then finally starts to eat some of the blood-mix made earlier.

Ravenia busies herself eating, and doesn't appear to even be listening to the conversation.

"Now, now," Vorgulremik chides. "Let's not change the subject. Brindle is unimportant. I have learned what use the enemy has for the necklace, if the one in the painting matches the one you said was stolen?"

"Answer our questions and we'll answer yours," Alptraum says flatly. "Give and take, and all that."

The dragon's appearance of calm flickers for a moment. "The answer would be meaningless to you."

Arkold steps over to Tulani and gestures at one of the drawings she carries. "Mind if I look at that?" He points to the one with the necklace.

Tulani doesn't speak, her mouth busy with bread and sausage as she lets Alptraum and Arkold deal with the talking, listening for new information and occasionally glancing at Raven to make sure she's alright. At Arkold's request she passes the painting, accidentally getting a little paint on her hand.

"Humor me," Alptraum replies and shrugs. "I like to hear about what I'm walking into, even if I won't understand."

Raven is happily eating, ignoring everything around her. Next to Alptraum, though, Lilith looks scared. "Five or six thousand years ago, I think," the dragon answers. "Probably."

Arkold holds up the painting so he can both look at it and gaze past it to the dragon. "I see. Yes. Mmm. That'd make sense," he mumbles. Then he glances at the ruin painting Tulani still has, let's his brows raise, then nods as if he understood something. "Of course, of course."

"All right, question one answered. Now, for my question, how did you do what you did last night? I've seen some weird magic, but never anything like last night. You bit the guy, and suddenly you seem to have information on him?" Alptraum inquires after taking a sip. "And I do have to point out, I humored your paranoia regarding the amulet; so all I'm asking is for you to return the favor. You wanted our help, afterall."

"What happened to give and take?" the dragon asks, tilting its head slightly. "Is that the necklace or not?"

Watching Arkold's actions the Sphynx blinks, but turns her attention back to the dragon before lifting up the third and freshest painting, looking at it curiously.

"Fair enough. Yes, it matches what I understand the necklace to look like," Alptraum replies, looking quite calm and composed.

Arkold motions Tulani closer and points at her drawing while whispering to her. So quietly even Alptraum has trouble hearing it – Arkold must not trust dragon hearing. "I think it's the," he makes an inserting and turning motion behind the drawing to shield it from the dragon's eyes, "to that." He points at the ruins.

Tulani's eyes light up as she nods to Arkold's idea, it sounds quite reasonable, she gestures almost imperceptibly to the painting with the 'stick figure' on it so he can see it. Whispering in an equally low tone, she says, "But I want to know what that is… "

Arkold gestures to the dragon as well, then winks at Tulani behind the drawing. "And of course it's obvious now," he says loudly enough to be heard by anyone.

"Now then, must we continue this little question and answer game?" Vorgulremik asks, glancing quickly towards the huddled Sphynx and Jupani. "Or do you not wish to know what this artifact is being used for?"

"You seem to trust us little, so I have little reason to trust you," Alptraum says and rubs at the back of his neck. "How do I know you'll be honest about the necklace, considering how secretive you're being right now? You've already tried to avoid answering questions."

"I'm not obligated to answer them," the dragon responds. "And as yet you have not offered anything of equal value in exchange, while I have fed and hosted you. You have promised to aid us in dealing with the sorcerer, or have you forgotten that?"

Arkold peers at the image Tulani points to and whispers, "I think it's symbolism." He nods slightly as if reassuring himself he's right. "Star head could mean holiness, or clarity, or any number of other admirable qualities. The wings could represent transcendence – or just something that can fly."

Glancing at Arkold Tulani nods briefly, before returning her attention to Vorgulremik. The Sphynx makes a small sound of assent at the dragon's words in her throat commenting, "He's right you know."

Arkold looks up around the painting and nods. "He's got us there, bats. We should probably 'elp 'im out. Wouldn't wan' him to get his scales out of shine," he agrees with Tulani.

"I believe after last night's little bickering, I didn't agree to help with much of anything," Alptraum says flatly. "But, if the others still wish to help, so be it. What is the necklace being used for, then?"

"That's more like it," the dragon mutters. "The sorcerer is using the crystal to invade the dreams of his minions in order to destroy their wills. By placing them into a state of constant, living nightmare they carry out their murderous tasks without hesitation."

"How nice of him," Alptraum mutters and takes another drink. "So, it's how he controls people by basically breaking their minds. That will be fun to deal with."

Tulani shudders at the thought of living in a constant nightmare.

"How's he at more physical forms of breakin' things?" Arkold hands the painting back to Tulani.

"His blood spiders are very good at it," Alptraum remarks to Arkold. "And he can summon quite powerful storms."

Taking the picture from Arkold the Sphynx sets it down next to the other two, listening carefully.

"He can only have so many of these suicide troops, however," Vorgulremik says. "Once created, they cannot simply be stored away until they are needed. That isn't to say he does something less drastic to his other followers, which is a possibility. I am fairly certain the site in the painting is where the man underwent the conditioning, and that odd symbol is prevalent throughout it."

Arkold nods soberly to that. "Then perhaps a diversion is in order. We arrange somethin' to make him expend his powerful, disposable troops while the main force proceeds inside," he suggests.

"The ruins may even be his lair," Alptraum says and nods. "It would follow, anyway. It's certainly the place to start searching. The two of his followers I dealt with weren't berserkers. One tried to leave his employ, even, and was killed by the other."

"Ah, the motive for acquiring the crystal then," Vorgulremik says.

"I could think of simpler reasons, but that is possible," Alptraum remarks with a shrug. "In any event, we may as well begin scouting. May I suggest you go on patrol, Vorg, to distract his troops and we sneak in quiet and quick? Follows Arkold's idea."

"The sorcerer is no fool," Vorgulremik says, shaking his head slowly. "If I am seen, he and his followers hide rather than confront me. Otherwise I would have burned him out by now. Should I pass near those ruins, he would certainly abandon them and establish a new base elsewhere."

"Are you sure? The ruins may be important to him," Arkold suggests. "In any event if he were to be scared out of the place it would be far easier to strike him while he was relocating. We know where he is. If he tries to run he'll have to leave from there unless it has a back entrance."

"Arkold makes a good point. Or, we go in as a group and try to bypass his followers," Alptraum replies and sets down his empty glass. "Of course, that would be a bit on the risky side."

"We know nothing of the sort," the dragon replies. "There is no evidence that he is in those ruins, only that they made a strong impression on his minion. They must be located and approached with caution and stealth, and only after scouting them should a plan be formulated."

"Is there anything the followers do seem interested in?" The wolf raises a brow. "As for scouting Tulani and Alptraum can handle that."

"All right. Then I volunteer to go. I could go tonight and I can handle flying and such in pitch-darkness," Alptraum replies and flicks an ear.

"They are surely seeking something in the area," Vorgulremik says. "Something worth the risk of attacking me for." He turns his gaze upon Alptraum, seeming to study the Eeee for a few moments. "Very well, if you can scout at night. His followers so far have been human, and they do not have good night vision. The assassin was captured to the east of here, and has some vague recollection of chasing his shadow, so the ruins are likely to the east as well."

Having listened carefully to the various comments about how to approach the situation, Tulani interjects after Alptraum, "I'll come with you, two sets of eyes and ears is better than one." Turning back to the dragon, she continues, "and a little off topic, out of curiosity, that symbol… do you know what it's purpose might be?"

"And don't worry, I have no delusions of trying to take them. I lived in Babel for some time; I learned running is often the best idea," Alptraum says after a moment. He then looks at Tulani and furrows his brow. "I'd prefer if you didn't, to be honest."

"Some ancient deity or fertility symbol, I'm sure," the dragon says dismissively. "Primitive mortals are always carving such things into stone."

"Perhaps it would be better if you were seen to be departing eastward then, Vorg. Take some time to rile up some of the invaders. Make it look like you're busy with defending Sylvania." The wolf rubs his chin a bit and adds, "I'll go with you. If his followers know about us, seein' me leave with you may suggest our attentions are elsewhere."

"I patrol my territory daily," the dragon says, then looks at the large Jupani. "Are you suggesting that I carry you, Arkold?"

Cocking her head at Alptraum, but not looking surprised at his request, Tulani calmly replies, "If you really don't want me to I won't… But may I ask why?" She doesn't look like she likes the idea of him scouting the enemy by himself.

"We could walk. Hand and hand perhaps? Heh," the wolf answers dryly.

"It's nothing against you, Tulani … it's just it seems like every time I've had a 'partner', I've had to rescue them," Alptraum says and smiles weakly. "And as I've pointed out before, of this group I'm the most expendable."

After drumming his claws on the stone for a moment, Vorgulremik smiles to Arkold and says, "I imagine something could be arranged."

"Remember we're here to help," Arkold reminds the dragon, grimacing.

"Yes, you are," the dragon says. "Tulani should scout as well, from a distance behind Alptraum. If anything happens to him, she can report back with the location."

Tulani gets a grim, serious look on her face at Alptraum's reply, commenting in turn, "You are NOT expendable, please don't say that again, especially not to me." Her expression softens a bit and she punches him lightly on the shoulder.

Alptraum rubs his shoulder. "All right, go with that the dragon suggests," he relents. "How good is your night vision? How good is your hearing?"

"Vorg and I can make a menace of ourselves elsewhere durin' that time. That should draw enough eyes our way to give the scouts a better chance to find skulkers," Arkold says.

The Sylvanian Sphynx smiles at Alptraum, replying, "Good enough to keep track of you, and watch where I'm flying."

"I don't leave the castle at night," Vorgulremik explains. "The sorcerer prefers to attack at night. His blood creatures have made it into the keep while I've been out before."

"All right. I fly mainly by sound at night. You watch my back, I'll watch the surroundings and ground," Alptraum replies and nods. He then looks to the dragon and asks, "Do you have any light armor and crossbows?"

"I'm certain something suitable can be found," Vorgulremik says. "We have all types of armor."

"Hm. I'll remain here with you then Vorg. We'll see what we can see, and we can make a distraction here just by being here. Or else … " The wolf eyes the dragon consideringly. "If we were … delayed … in returning here you would expect an attack yes? And they must proceed from their base to here to initiate that attack. The scouts, if deployed in the day and into night should see them approach. A signal could be lit when they have been detected and traced and then we can return."

Alptraum blinks and looks at Arkold. "That's not a half-bad idea," Alptraum remarks.

Tulani nods, seeming satisfied with the basic plans.

"A plausible tactic, although they may be wary after I used a similar ruse to capture the last assassin," Vorgulremik agrees. "We can provide a suitable distraction to get their interests."

"Or you lure them out and we raid the base and deal with the necromancer while his big guards are away," Alptraum suggests. "I'm not really an assassin, but I might be able to manage it with Tulani's help."

"Then it's settled. We should likely prepare, eh? Armor you said? It's been ages since I put on some armor but … eh, better go look." The wolf scratches his head. "Prepare and reconvene here in a bit?" He glances at Alptraum and nods. "Vorg and I can try and prevent his followers from returnin' after they realize it's a trap. We should be able to keep them from reaching the sorcerer before you can deal with him."

"It all sounds dangerous," Lilith says, breaking her silence. "How will you get away from the sorcerer if something goes wrong?"

Alptraum looks at Lilith and says grimly, "We don't."

The white Eeee makes an 'O' with her mouth, and goes quiet again.

The Sphynx silently tilts her head, a serious expression on her face, in confirmation of Alptraum's words.