Pieter had his ear pressed against the door when it opened inwards, making him jump in surprise. Ranald's teeth, that Elf was more silent - even when it was not necessary - than anyone had any right to be. Was he doing it out of habit, or showing off?

The initiate nodded gratefully to Ithelus, closed the door behind him and Leopold, and gave Mrs Flycher a hard look. "I'm not sure you fully understand the situation, Mrs Flycher. We fear the very survival of Hohlesbruck is at stake. But we're not here to make accusations; we only need a few answers, and we won't leave until we have them."