"What is it you see?" Serath asked Sazerac. The warlock was peering at the stones on the table.
Sazerac sighed. "As far as I can tell, the party is trustworthy. Ditka is rash and foolhardy, but has a true heart and a sense of purpose, which will come with maturity. Scronan is powerful and his mettle is tempered well. Adam Mage shows great ingenuity and clarity of thought; he will be well needed. He is also incapable of the betrayal that we sense."
Serath laughed. "And I?" he said.
Sazerac smiled. "Do you even ask? he said. "You who I have known for so long. No, all so far are honorable and capable of the adventure that lies ahead of us. Yet I still sense the danger. It lurks just beyond; in the outer regions of Valeia. Something that wishes Ditka ill...all of us ill?"
"Monyka?" Serath asked.
Sazerac shook his head. "She is in league with the Dark One now," he said, "although I sense a wavering in her purpose. Already she tires of his demands. Her soul, although touched by him, is not corrupted. She may yet prove a valuable ally. One must not dismiss her wholeheartedly. I think the great sage Wyvern would not have placed trust in her if she had not seen Light there. Sometimes the Light must go into the darkness to uplift and redeem it."
Serath snorted. "Quit talking like a priest, man. Make sense. Do we go or not?"
"Of course," Sazerac said. "We still need the sixth member, though. It is hard to tell. Scronan and Ditka are the warriors of the lot. I and Adam Mage are the spellcasters. You, my friend, are the healer. We need one who knows the cunning ways; who sees the darkness but is not consumed by it."
"A rogue, you mean," Serath said. Boo squeaked on his shoulder. "Yes, Boo?"
By chirps and squeaks, Boo relayed his message to Serath.
"Hmmm..." Serath said. "Boo thinks we should consider . . ."
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