"Ahorga?" Atari gasped.

"Son of Yerga," the eagle responded calmly as it came to rest, wings flapping, between them.

"We were just discussing-"

"I know; it's how I knew you. Is this all you've done-flee into the wilderlands and then sit and talk?"

"Well, no-" Atari protested, but Yinthrim interrupted.

"That's a fair summation of our doings, yes," he said. "I'd rather tarry now and plan wisely than charge into one blundering battle after another and awaken the attention of the Red Wizards, these Zhentarim, and Elminster's friends."

The eagle nodded. "Fair enough. Have you come to any conclusions as to what to do-as opposed to what not to do?"

"One question," Atari said hurriedly. "How many more of us came through with the sword and… survived?"

"None I know of, but others of the blood seem to have found their own, separate ways into Faerun."

"Will any of them join with us," Atari asked eagerly, "in hunting down the three violators of the castle? Or the Great Foe?"

Ahorga turned a cold and glittering eye on the younger Shadowmaster. "Hot for revenge, are you? None of them-nor will I."

"What?"

Ahorga turned to see if the silent Yinthrim was as shocked as Atari, but the larger buzzard merely shrugged and said calmly, "Say on."

Ahorga nodded. "Rushing into battle here is a very good way to get slain. They'd no doubt rather see what Faerun has to offer before getting themselves destroyed… and so should you."

He looked back at Atari. "Go after the three rangers if you must-you're likely to find them and the Great Foe in and around Shadowdale, southeast of here-but you'd better gather some rings and wands and suchlike that wizards here use to store battle magic… you'll need such power to take even those three. You'd best get some experience in impersonating mortals of Faerun first… unless you like being burned, lashed, and transformed against your will by frightened wizards!"