Alathiel was still encouraged. He knew about her aversion to water but he had believed that she would face her fears and conquer them. Avoiding the water and still getting out was a test that she had passed, although she still needed a water test. Perhaps the lack of water would be better way to show her the necessity of that particular element.

A small winged creature flew into the room. It circled Alathiel’s head before finding it’s roost. It had the body of a small cat, but with the head of a raptor. It’s hooked beak still had stains of blood on it, just returning from the hunt. It began preening itself and Alathiel leaned back in his chair. He held his hands up to his face and tapped a finger to his lips.

He spoke to the creature in a musical tone, explaining what he wanted done. The little griffin flew back out the window to deliver its messages. A short time later, two wraiths appeared in the room. Slowly they became corporeal and Alathiel grinned. Dumura and Shezzasi would help. He quickly advised them of his plan, and they nodded along as he told the story. They talked long into the night, devising strategies and coming up with contingencies to make sure the plan was foolproof.