Sheyra laughs. "The wizard? Do you mean Sethra?"

"Oh, of course, there would be no way for you to have known ... You were right all along, druid. Sethra was among us through the entire journey through the Underdark.

"And as you feared, he did make an attempt on my life, but we were able to defeat him, though it cost us the lives of two of our dear friends ..."

Sheyra's face falls as she remembers her fallen comrades.

[hr]
Her twin changes the subject ...

"Oh, look at that adorable dragon!"

Everyone turns their eyes to Yix who is standing at attention by the foot of one of the guards. The pseudodragon puffs out his chest proudly and chirrups.

[hr]
The twin then goes on to answer Si'rene's question.

"You three have done well, but there is much that remains to be done if we are to prevent the rise of the Order of the Serpent.

"If you and your friends are willing, we need to get a message to Yhelbruna, one of the hathrans that protect Rashemen."

She hands the porcelain mask to Si'rene.

"Deliver this mask and a message so that she knows that we have the Kris in our possession. The passage to Rashemen will be hard, and you may expect many battles and challenges along the way, especially in the middle of winter, but Lady Yhelbruna will undoubtedly reward you handsomely for your efforts.

"And speaking of rewards ..."

A series of servants enter the chamber and present three small chests to Si'rene, Tiriel and Katrin (one each). Inside each chest is 100 pieces of platinum.

A small embroidered pouch is given to each of the other members of the party. Each pouch contains a finely cut emerald.