[Nazhun picks up Zoe who arrived from the streets of Lakeshire (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=95356#msg4155918)]<br/><br/>As Nazhun slowly ascended the spiral staircase, his quarterstaff ticking loudly on each stone step, his breath was heavy. The magus caught twice before informing his apprentice, his stare on the stairs in front of him. Perhaps the gray hair hiding his face from view would help to conceal the bluff.<br/><br/>"I've had contact with other arcanists from far south." the wizard explained, trying to twist the truth as little as he could without raising suspicion. "Hearing of our perils, they offered to be of assistance. Sign the contract the woman offers you, but promise her nothing." The man had to stop and stand in silence for a moment, the magic he pulled forth just a few minutes ago too taxing for this old, decaying body. "You will all be contracted tonight. The next of you will be called up soon enough."