“Hand over hand, that’s the way to do it. You know there was a castle west of Manahorn, located just on the outskirts of the…” - whilst Helmet rambles on at the top of the line, Hy-Jinx is in ‘whispered’ conversation with Bembry at the bottom.

All six are carefully climbing rung after rung. Helmet leads the way, followed by Madeleine, Dozer, Hood, Hy-Jinx and Bembry bringing up the rear. Although almost in pitch blackness, Hood has conjured a small purple ball of light that floats with them as they climb up, the ladder ascending through a narrow cylindrical void ringed by carved and chiselled stone.

“I’m sure, when she said that, her eyebrow raised” Hy-Jinx says to Bembry, speaking in a low conspiratorial manner, pausing in her climb to turn and see the dimly lit features of Bembry behind her.

“Why don’t you ask her?” Bembry asks, pausing so as not to bump into Hy-Jinx.

“Are you mental? It’s a mask - how could its eyebrow rise?” Hy-Jinx turns back and continues to converse as she climbs.

“Maybe it was a trick of the light”

“Maybe. But I’m sure that’s the second time.”

“Then why don’t you ask her?”

“Seems a bit rude.”

“Seems a bit rude to be whispering behind someone’s back.”

“Seems a bit rude talking to my bum but that’s what you’re doing.”

Hy-Jinx starts giggling to herself and stops again, turning once more to Bembry.

“She gets exasperated really easily - at least with me. I just had a thought, what if I ask her and she raises both her eyebrows? Anyways, what’s your barbarian count to date?”

Bembrey ignores the question “Maybe it’s a magic mask.”

“A magic mask?” Hy-Jinx resumes her climb. Bembry follows.

“Yeah, like it has an enchantment on it or something.”

“I suppose…yes that would make sense.”

“Maybe she hasn’t learnt to control it yet.”

“Or maybe only her eyebrows are enchanted.”

“You do realise I can hear every word you say don’t you? Every word!” Madeleine’s voice pieces the gloom - the whole column pausing in their climbing.

“I thought we were whispering.” whispers Bembry sheepishly.

“You are - in a manner of speaking.” says Madeleine from above.

“Loud whispering then?”says Hy-Jinx.

“Yep!” replies Madeleine.

“So?” Hy-Jinx asks

“What?” replies Madeleine

“Is it a magic mask?” asks Hy-Jinx.

“Why would you think that?” Madeleine asks as if she hasn’t heard the previous conversation.

“I thought you said you could hear us,” says Hy-Jinx

“Every word.” says Bembry

“Yes, every word.” says Hy-Jinx repeating the emphasis that Madeleine made previously.

“Pardon?” says Madeleine as if she can’t hear a thing.

“Rrrgh” Hy-Jinx realises Madeleine is playing with her.

“Now who’s exasperated?! Shall we watch your eyebrows?” laughs Madeleine mockingly, before saying affectionately: “Come on, let’s get going.” The six start climbing again. “And yes my mask is enchanted - Hood cast a healing enchantment on it after my accident.”

Now ponder on this revelation for a minute dear reader, for it will explain, should you consider the cost of magic, why such an erudite and gifted wizard such as Hood may not ever fully exhibit his true potential. It may even explain something about the nature of our protagonist - one who’s desire, enthusiasm and life is hellbent on learning and mastering the secrets of reality, yet has at some point sacrificed an aspect of this ambition for the benefit of someone he considers a friend.

“You had an accident?” says Hy-Jinx in a manner in which we cannot tell whether she is asking in mock disbelief or if she genuinely doesn’t know.

“You think I dress like this for fun?” Madeleine says dryly.

“Well, you’re always smiling.”

“So are you - wait, except when you’ve just caused a mass of people to start fighting and they realise its your fault…You look pretty serious then…”

“Not really.”

“No, not really.” Madeleine considers her past experiences in Kera’Bur, particularly at the Frozen Pidgeon.

“It’s not my fault anyway.”

“Then whose fault is it?”

“Barry’s” says Hy-Jinx, suppressing a giggle.

“Whose Barry?” asks Dozer, his deep voice echoing about the narrow stone cylinder through which they are ascending.

“Don’t ask.” says Madeleine.

“Barry Beerpots! He’s a legend.” says Hy-Jinx.

“A legend eh?” says Helmet, calling down from above, keen to get involved in the conversation “That reminds me, I’ve been meaning to ask you about the companions of Reeva, Madeleine said you might know a few verses of the old ballad but perhaps we should wait for a more comfortable and conducive setting. But this Barry What’s-his-pots sounds fascinating, I‘ve never heard of him.”

“Really?” asks Hy-Jinx innocently. “Well that’s a surprise, because he’s actually very famous, particularly around Kera’Bur.”

“Why’s that then? I haven’t heard of him either.” says Dozer.

“Well, if you really want to know: Barry Beerpots liked to…”

“Shhhh!” A sibilant utterance from Hood accompanied by a raised hand dimly illuminated in the purplish glow of his conjured orb brings the conversation to a close. All of them stop mid climb, senses heighten and Hood’s raised hand slowly coils up until it is a single finger pointing upwards. Several feet above Helmet, dim light rays can be seen penetrating a large metal grate and the dull sounds of metal striking metal and the muffled grunts and cries of combat can be heard through the now lightening darkness.

“Fighting,” says Helmet enthusiastically.

“Yep” replies Dozer calmly.

“But who?” Asks Madeleine.

Hy-Jinx sniffs, “Fox fur…Definitely barbarians…unless Hood’s dropped one.” She starts giggling! A giggling that’s infectious.