The immediate warmth in the trio's introductions soon gave way to the chilling reality of their predicament; Gum had listened to the two men speak, expecting one to conveniently reveal the truth of their situation. But neither did. It was then that the cavern's claustrophobic confines began to constrict, the Xangu native slowed his breathing to a conscious rhythm.

Do Mugu shook Lorenor's hand, and he could feel the grains of earth on his palm come between their grip. "I was in Radasanth," the shaman began, earnestly trying to answer Lorenor's question. "Speaking with a creature whose face was a shadow under a long, folded hat." Lorenor's glowing blue eyes reminded Gum of the shadow-faced being's eyes, they too glowed unnaturally.

Gum turned from the paladin to stare at the half-giant, the flame lighting the cigar had caught his attention. "Where are we?" asked Cromwell.

"The shadow-faced soul asked that I travel to Scara Brae to attend to the errant spirits inhabiting their mines." A droplet of tannin-stained water splashed down onto the shaman's hooked nose. "Are these the mines?" Gum had never been to Scara Brae, let alone Stonevale. Yet, it was clear they were underground, but there were no signs of mining... no rock or ore. Just damp earth, wet roots and a light without a reason for being.