Jill approached the gunwhales and peered over the edge. "Hello, 'freeloaders.' Don't worry: our Beholder friend doesn't like many people he first meets." Jill mptioned Koan over. "Could you toss them a line? I'm sure if they do anything hostile, Dyn could take them out with ten eyestalks tied behind his back."

She turned back to Bledig, hoping the Jester was doing her bidding. "I assume these two had nothing to do with your predicament. Their lives must mean little to you, but if you could spare them, I will take responsibility for their actions henceforth." Seeing a curt nod from the elemental, she continued. "Now that we are here, we intend to investigate your Marid problem. Just point us in the right direction."

The theullai chuckled. "Thy eagerness speaks of ignorance, Daughter of Michael. Finding thy quarry will be half the effort. He hideth himself in the caverns beneath the Verdant Stream. I must stay and guard the gate, but I can send a scout as far as the Merish village. There, thou mayest find more answers thou dost seek."