In a fashion that feels agonizingly slow, Filburn collects both Aurora and Waylan and carries them from the abyss by main strength. In what is undoubtedly the single most awkward experience of his life, he trudges between ranks and files of demons, each staring balefully at the meal denied them. As he moves past Areelu, she takes up pace beside him, keeping up easily despite his height and lengthened stride. "I remember you as well, mister Crow. Your progenitor was greatly amusing." She stops a few paces away, turning her attention now to the queen. "I think she'll be in good hands with you. Don't you agree, your excellency?"

Without warning, Areelu lashes out, and Galfrey cries in agony. With a cry, Elrembriel's spell flashes into existence between them, casting the demons into physical shadow while illuminating the queen, clutching her chest in desperate pain. The last 10 feet to the portal feel like 100, as the demons suddenly burst forth. Aravashnial's voice can dimly be heard, as if he's much further away than 30 feet, and on his mark, the portal evaporates. The ringing laughter of Areelu Vorlesh, somehow simultaneously alluring and terrifying- echoes in the dim, torch-lit storage room.

On the stone floor of the basement of Defender's Heart, you take a tally. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all things considered, one of the clerics assisting Aravahsnial lies still in a slowly growing pool of his life's blood. The other has survived, but one arm the lesser for his troubles. Queen Galfrey is sitting against the wall, breathing and bleeding heavily. Something wracks her body with spasms and pain as she tries to put a good face on it. As you watch, she calls upon Iomedae for sustenance, to less effect than might be desirable.

Aurora lies still, almost comatose in Filburn's arms; blinking quickly as she tires to understand where she is.