997: After a night's rest, during which Laughing Bear kills and skins a mouse, Alain has a serious talk with his sword. Somehow the sword contains the soul of Margaret of Enki, a paladin of the church, and she has not been alive for quite a long time. The party begins to explore what they think is Savrishti's private study, which is confirmed by Savrishti's entrance. They observe him as he eats breakfast, talks with his familar (an imp named Blunt), dictates a few letters, meets with several visitors (including a pale dwarf who seems to have it in for the other dwarves in Kesh-Nicht), and finally leaves for his warehouse. They plan to wait until he returns and then have Moreau try to dispel the shrinking spell in order to catch him by surprise. However, the shrinking spell wears off in the early afternoon, well before it is time for him to return. Now normal-sized, they search Savrishti's desk, tripping an alarm that brings a brass golem to the room. Alain is almost killed trying to hold the golem long enough for everyone to escape, but escape they do, leaving the room in flames, and end up at the Four Groats in Nicht that evening, much the worse for wear. They hear a boy singing songs that were composed by Gwen. After arranging a meeting for the next morning, they head to the Pit Prop, a dwarven inn, to stay the night, where Alain's armor is much admired. News of the pale dwarf (one of the white dwarves, sworn enemies of the black dwarves) causes much consternation among their hosts, and earns them secure lodgings for the night in underground rooms.