The moment Keystone started the internal monologue, the Red Wizard to his right snapped his head towards the monk, studying him with narrow eyes. Kaylee receded into his mind, but seconds passed and the wizard didn't make any attempts to talk to or stop Keystone. But she never left his mind and Keystone soon felt her presence grow again.

"What other voice? I am the only one here, Keystone," the spirit replied with a high pitched voice. "You, me and that filthy cage you carry on you." Kaylee seemed to recede for a bit, and when she came back Keystone's muscles once again became light and fast, his battle weariness gone in an instant. "You must escape, Keystone. To continue will spell doom for us both." As quickly as she came into his mind, Kaylee was gone, his mind completely vacant.

Meanwhile, the procession with the monk in tow had passed two of the three alleys left before the Merchant's Castle gates. The mages surrounding Keystone became increasingly more agitated, glancing every way but to their prisoner. Many eyes were watching the group now, a fair few of them unfriendly. The presence of a foreigner didn't help matters. Guards at the Merchant's Castle were on high alert, driving back the increasing traffic of people.

On a nearby roof, four hooded figures hefted loaded crossbows, waiting for their target to pass the alley.