"So the Great Foe did not confront his own foes directly," Hastrim added, "fearing for his skin."

"He turned instead to the other armies, where only lesser mages stood against him," Inder continued, "and-"

"Speak no more of the Foe," the old Shadowmaster said sharply. "What has become of our kin who reached Faerun?"

"Atari, Yinthrim, and Revered Elder Ahorga survived the battle with the three accursed humans who came here," Inder said in more sober tones, "and seem to be roaming Faerun in many shapes, learning its ways and uses."

"Others of our house have found their own, separate ways into Faerun," Hastrim added. "We have scryed Bralatar and Lorgyn, and seen one other, whom we believe to be Lunquar, get of Byatra…" His voice trailed away, and there was a little silence.

"Is that all?" Othortyn growled. "I thought Jaster had gathered a dozen or more eager younglings around him!"

"He did," Inder said quickly, "but when Starner came to you with word that the Great Foe was caught in the loop trap you cast at their gate, you told him to gather all kin with spells to spare and make haste to-"

"Blast all who defy me!" Othortyn roared, and lightning leapt from his eyes like two darting white flames, roaring across the chamber to swallow up Inder and the scrying portal with him.

Hastrim staggered back with a startled sob as his companion and their spell vanished into wisps of curling smoke.

"I did tell you, Inder, not to mention the Great Foe again," Othortyn said chidingly. Then he turned his head from the drifting smoke and said politely to Hastrim, "Please continue with the exposition of events that Inder so abruptly abandoned…"

Hastrim stared at him in stunned silence, face pale. Muscles rippled around his mouth as he fought for calm.

"Feel free to be as clever as you feel necessary," the old Shadowmaster said soothingly.