I like the evil guardian idea....*cackle*Or rather, that some portion of the staff is still missing, so the guardian (a creature from some other plane...whatever it is) is not entirely under her control. His comment of "oh goodie, a young person, pure of heart" can be seen an entirely different way....*cackle*
As the decision to raise the guardian was made quickly (without consultation from her companions) and perhaps rashly, I think this would be a great twist! (Not that I have it in for your character, Cassandra, honest...
)
Zak
