Zak reaches the Princess's throne room as the other folks are still discussing their plans. Yodel is still there, waiting for them, and Princess Diana and Diana the acrobat (who had left the meeting after making her decision to stay in Yarfell) are chatting with Lady Helmwigge.
"Lorekeeper," the Princess said solemnly upon her entrance. "Things have gotten so confusing and out of hand since the arrival of your friends, I'm afraid. Murder, mayhem, demons in my castle!" She shakes her head. "I fear where this is leading- invasion by Venger's army, for surely he knows by now that many of his spies have been uncovered and the false orb has been found. Our only hope is to be able to summon the guardian if he attacks, but if what Diana tells me is true...Unless you succeed in your task to retrieve what Venger has stolen from us, our chances of survival are slim." "Yes," said Zakiyah, dreading where this was leading. "We need your help. Diana has told me of your limitations, but...." Zak waved this aside. "I want to help, but the more I'm involved, the more dangerous it will be for you. Whatever knowledge I have is available to all. Venger included. All he has to do is ask!" "A portal," she said quietly. "For those going to Venger's castle. A portal so they lose no time. Surely that isn't interfering too much?" Zak looked queasy. "If he finds out...no, I couldn't, not right into his castle. The grounds nearby, perhaps. But not inside. Besides, he'd have spells of protection all around it. It wouldn't work unless he was expecting it." Zakiyah looks at those present- Diana, Princess Diana, Helmwigge, and Yodel. Surely they wouldn't betray her? But then, Venger had eyes everywhere... "I'll consider it," she said finally. "Consider it quickly," the Princess said gently, but firmly. "We will accept the consequences of your help, whatever they may be." Zak had a seat and waited for the others to arrive, still debating as to whether she should seek Cassandra, whether she should try to find the swamp group now or later, and how He would punish her later, if He decided to... Honesty, neutrality, serenity... she recited under her breath. Well, one out of three isn't bad....
