Sohn listened, hoping to hear a cry for help that would confirm the girl, or the guard that had gone to find her first, had not met their demise.  Even Fortuna stood with her ears pricked, unsure of what they were doing here, but taking some cues from her master that they were looking for ... [i]something[/i].  The silence that greeted them was discouraging.  

[i]"Anyone hungry? Ive got plenty"

"Oh, I would like to have one!"[/i]

Sohn cursed internally as the conversation behind him stole the silence.  Really? [u][i]Eating[/i][/u] was the first order of business?!

"No, thank you..." Sohn answered shortly. "I say we ... " he started to say, but broke off suddenly as he saw the carpet give way beneath Vander.

There wasn't time for a carefully thought out plan.  Sohn dropped the oil lamp, hoping that it wouldn't break when it hit the marble floor.  That was secondary though:  they could go back for another lamp.  They could not go back for another Vander.  Getting two hands on the staff, he thrust the side with the shepherd's hook toward the man, hoping to give him something to catch hold of.  "Grab it!"