"Hmm…" mused the High Priest, "very well. You may speak with him, and he may go with you, if it so interests him to accompany you." The priest walked to the back of the chamber and exited through a large bolted door. "Months!" he muttered to himself as he shut the door behind him.

Baelisk waited patiently. After a moment, a tall Mahnjuan entered the chamber through the bolted door. He had a careworn face, and held a gnarled wooden staff. A long white scarf was draped over his shoulders, mostly obscuring his ringmail adornments. The Mahnjuan immediately recognised the Tatarian.

"Baelisk!" he laughed in surprise, stepping forward and clasping his hand in a strong handshake. "What a pleasant surprise to see you, my friend! What brings you to Catcring?"

"I came here to see you, actually." Baelisk replied. "I suppose I might as well get straight to the point. I'm on a mission, you see."

"Oh really?" Shanju laughed. "What is it this time? Has the king misplaced his daughter again?"

"No," Baelisk replied, "but it does concern the princess. The details are unimportant for now, but if I am to marry her, I must find the Silver Star of Sanctity and bring it to the king."

There was a long pause. Suddenly Shanju began laughing heartily. "Ha! Ha! Very good!" he chuckled. "But really, what is your mission?"

Baelisk wasn't smiling anymore. "I'm serious."

Shanju stifled a few chuckles as he read Baelisk’s all-too-serious expression. "Well, why come here, then? I don't have the Star."