Sabine gave quick nods to Ahnasha's initial questions, but did not have any time to elaborate even if she wanted to. Kaleeth's display had surprised her just as much as it had Ahnasha. Despite Kaleeth's desire to help Sabine called out after her, "Kaleeth, wait!" But she was too far gone by then. Sabine's worry reached the point where she began to tighten in the face and shed a tear. However, Ahnasha's assurance that she would stay with her was enough to mollify her to a point. She hoped Kaleeth would not be killed.

Sabine followed along with the others after they opened the door to the uninhabited parts of the ruin. A few soldiers with torches in one hand and weapons in the other lead the way carefully. Many of the traps near to the door had been disarmed or destroyed, but that guarantee would wane as they explored further.

Kaleeth eventually found a sight devoid of any morale when she reached the defenders. Their numbers were considerably fewer than they had started. What were left of them were formed up by the corridor to a barricaded door. Casualties, some still shouting in pain or shivering with their silver wounds, were being treated behind the lines. The one sound that seemed to make everyone flinch periodically were the loud punches against the barred door. It rattled a little more each time.

Vera smelled Kaleeth's presence before she could be spotted herself and quickly strode over to Kaleeth. "You're Kaleeth, the werecrocodile from the champion's pack, yes?" Vera didn't wait for an answer she already knew, "If you're here to fight, fall in and stay in formation. Do not transform without my orders, understand?" Vera's firm tone was appropriate to the situation, but that didn't make it any less of a contrast with her regular behaviour.

Another thud sounded on the door, this time with a resounding split. The wooden bar across the door had shed splinters and was bent to breaking point. Now the barricades were being pushed out of the way and the attackers would come through any second.

The alarm gave enough time for the formation to brace itself before the barricades gave way. The hunters' assault began anew. This time, the first to come through was another mage. This one was not as heavily armoured as the previous one, but he was considerably powerful. His first move was to send a glowing orange bolt of fire toward the defensive line. Those on the receiving end raised their shields, but the spell exploded on impact, causing those closest to go flying. The formation was disrupted. A few enemies got through before the formation could recover, starting an unpredictable melee as they went for those unprepared or wounded.

A swordsman attempted to assail Vera, causing her to pause to defend herself. A steel-clad mercenary with a shield and a spear ran forth and thrust its silver point at Kaleeth's middle.