Willoughby decorously pours Michael a glass of red wine before returning to his seat, leaving the crystal decanter on the end table. He seems like a man whose conscious mind, being preoccupied with urgent business, has delegated routine interaction with the physical world to some promising young mental protégé. "There are several difficulties here," he says at last. "First, it necessary to ascertain what has happened; second, we must learn why it has happened, and third, we must discover what to do about it." He sips contemplatively from his own glass of wine.
"The Greywind estate has been assaulted by demons. We have repelled these demons only with assistance from two unexpected quarters, both newly arisen, which are presumed to have acted independently, albeit with obscure motives.
It is not clear why this post was attacked, nor why demons attacked it, nor precisely why either Cass or the disciples of Illara intervened in our favor. Our second objective is at an impasse, and so we cannot rationally proceed to the third."
He is silent for a minute, his eyes calmly regarding a horizon beyond the wall.
"Theories do present themselves, don't they, Michael?
Keep an eye on Cass. Intercept adventurers seeking her-- deter the ineffective and confer with the knowledgeable. Do not make this strategy apparent; Cass is not stupid. It is unlikely that we will gain much information about her activities in the tunnels without revealing a great deal about ourselves, but watch for any opportunities. Perhaps it would be best to delegate a liaison to deal with her, as a sign of gratitude and goodwill on our part. This person should not know too much.
It will be much easier to monitor the adherents of Illara. They may be sincere, and they may not be; I know too little about them to judge. Seek to prevent friction between them and the soldiers who remain here. It will serve no useful purpose.
That is what I humbly advise you," he concludes, initiating another pause.
"I myself must consider which powers might wish to employ demons against the House Greywind, and which powers might do far more than wish. A convenient means by which the two of us could exchange information over a distance would be quite a blessing, I imagine..."
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