When The Golden Grub arrived at the foothills of Aolas, Yogi and Robbi debarked and bid their farewells to Digger, who had been instructed by Yogi to return to Gleneden and assume control of the running of the city until Yogi returned. The two companions began their trek up the Holy Hills to the Great White City, Wiccinas, home to the wizards and the soul of Arishamal, the Island Continent.

It was a tiring, but simple journey, miles of stone steps led upward to the City Gate in a winding and steep incline. Yogi looked up at the seemingly endless stairs and smiled.

"For a poor mole, Oi've sure been doing a lot of cloimbing."

Robbi gave Yogi a playful shove.
"Maybe you have a squirrel ancestor." She suggested.

"Could be, Oi have a terrible fondness for nuts, but...," he pointed to his stubby tail, "moi bushy tail needs some work."

When Robbi and Yogi arrived at the castle of the wizards, Schloss Muttiberg, they were relieved to find that Vattus had arrived as well. The elder magus was already sequestered in Egbert's library, learning all he could about the Deev, the Guild of Assassins, and all of the various characters he knew to be involved in the events taking place.

The wizard was aghast at the news of Arisha's assault and the subsequent theft of the Abitar and returned to his research with a vengeance. He suggested the two travelers eat and rest themselves prior to formulating some plan of attack and that suggestion was accepted with tired enthusiasm.

When the mole and rat were rested and fed, they returned to the library to continue their meeting with Vattus. Pellus had joined his friend and welcomed Robbi and Yogi warmly.

"Robbia Praxus, it is wonderful to see you," the ancient wizard beamed, "I am sorry for the sad reasons of your return."

Robbi hugged the old man.
"I am so glad you're unhurt Pellus," she said sincerely, "it is almost too much to bear to lose our brothers, but I would have been heartbroken if anything happened to you!'

"You are a sweet girl," Pellus said smiling, "and it does this old soul good to know you care for him." He became serious, "You say Arisha was poisoned?"

"Yes sir," she said respectfully, "that is what she told me, but the poison didn't kill her. She is powerless, but not in immediate danger of dying."

"That is good news, at least," Vattus said, "I think we should send troops to Sapphire mountain to guard her while she is in this vulnerable state."

"Oi was about to suggest de same," Yogi offered, "Oi think Oi'll go back to Gleneden and get moi palace guard to surround de mountain. Oi'll take charge of dem moiself. Dey are superior warriors."

"That would be perfect, my friend. As Wiccinas has no standing army, your moles would be most welcome. We must protect Arisha at all costs." Vattus said with conviction.

"Oi'll leave immediately."

Pellus stood.
"Come my mole-friend, I will see to your transport, our carriages are comfortable and our pullers swift, not as swift as your boats, I'll admit, but a lot easier to sleep in, take it from a connoisseur of dreams."

Yogi stood to follow Pellus, he turned to Vattus and Robbi.
"Good luck to you both. Please let me know what's going on, you know where to foind me."

"We'll arrange for messengers to Sapphire Mountain. Good luck to you as well," Vattus said shaking the mole-king's paw, "protect Arisha, she is everything to this world."

"Oi will protect her with moi life, have no fear," Yogi said solemnly as he turned to leave, following Pellus out the door.

When the mole-king had left, Vattus turned to Robbi.
"What do you think, Robbi? I'm at a loss, I have plenty of information, plenty of facts and names, but no idea what's going on. Did Arisha mention anything else?"

Robbi thought carefully.
"No, I've told you all she said. For what it's worth, she didn't have any idea either."

Vattus smiled.
"At least my ignorance is in good company."

"I think we need to go to Seth-E-Raman, that's where the Deev are headed and it's probably where the Rubitar and Abitar are at, at least for the time being."

Vattus nodded.
"I agree, I am old friends with King Sigus, I will convince him to close the port and inspect every departing ship. He will hem and haw, complain a bit, but in the end he will do what I ask. I told Max that if he located Chumley he should tell him to meet me at Sigus' court, if he got the message, he'll be there come hell or high water."

Robbi laughed.
"Chumley always amazes me, he seems so cavalier and silly, but when the chips are down he always comes through."

"He is a surprisingly noble creature, we are lucky to have him as an ally. If he arrives, the two of you should seek out this Guild of Assassins, that seems to be an integral part of whatever is going on. We must secure the book of Prophesies the Deev are seeking, it is probably the last thing they need before they leave The Lands of Man and put into action the next phase of whatever their doing."

"What about the rest of the wizards?"

"Most are scattered around Arishamal with no idea what is going on. Pellus and those now arrived in Wiccinas are conducting the mourning and funeral ceremonies for our fallen brothers. As the wizards return, Pellus will keep them here if we need to cast any spells."

"Without the full council can we still cast any major spells?" Robbi asked.

"Some, but not the most powerful ones, however at this point, any defense is welcome." Vattus rose, "I suggest you get ready to travel, we leave for Seth-E-Raman in the morning."

.