***
Verhen Mansion, a few minutes later.
Lith listened quietly to Nalrond's story, nodding from time to time until the Agni finished his plea.
"I'd like to come with you but I can't." His answer surprised Nalrond and Friya for more than one reason.
Lith sounded sincere and there was a hint of regret in his voice instead of the grumpy annoyance they had been expecting.
"What do you mean, you can't?" Nalrond asked.
"I'd love to help you and bait Meln to his doom but after what Phillard told me, I don't want to leave my mother alone." Lith replied. "I've reinforced security and set up multiple recharge pods for my golems around my house but it's not enough.
"I'm dealing with Awakened with a death wish and I must be sure I can make it come true. I can lend you the Eyes of Menadion. It will make your task much easier."
