Amrhost bowed, then turned and walked stiffly away. As soon as he was out of earshot, Grol chuckled and turned to Brogan, Lily, and Anest. "Damned northerners," he said. "Men of their word all right. It's what they don't say that always causes problems."

"Are they thieves?" asked Lily, innocently.

"Anest, perhaps you should allow me to make explanation to your wife," said Dorain from where she sat. "Besides, I could use her help to regain my chamber."

She received no objection.

Meanwhile, Belloc stood talking with Finrod and Damond of Brand. Finrod was shaken by losing seven of his people, and as well was perplexed and angry, and not a little bit suspicious that no one besides Lily had spotted the Demon.

"Everyone, absolutely everyone, will not only be questioned, but examined," Finrod was saying.

"That is neither practical, nor necessary for the moment," said Belloc, "but more caution must be taken in the future."

"I think that how it got here, and how it was able to conceal itself should be out prime concern," said Damond.

"We have not the time, were it even possible to do so," said Belloc. "Only one thing is certain; that our presence here has brought the servants of evil as well. You are suspicious of Lily, Anest's wife, master Finrod, but I tell you it is she who is in the greatest danger, because somehow her presence threatens the Demon King, and though we don't know what that threat is, still it is a source of hope that we must protect.




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