Juan walked out of the cauldron, his clothes drying instantly. "What's happened?" He asked, following Pisces up the stairs.

"Ampyx is demanding a direct parley with Aquarius," said Pisces as they left the cauldron.

"Hey," said Juan, halting them. "How is it that you can access the cauldron to receive me when I'm the only one who can open the door?"

Pisces replied, "the door opens three days after entry automatically. It's built into the binding spell." She turned and continued toward the meeting hall.

"Sure," said Juan, his thoughts returning to Ampyx. "Can't Aquarius just turn Ampyx down if he doesn't want to meet with him?"

"It's not that simple," said Pisces as they entered the hall and took their seats. "Cashel has taken the forward positions of the Sanglorians, and Malachus has had to retreat multiple times. If Aquarius won't negotiate, the resistance could lay siege to the city of Aeonia within a week."

"And we're obliged to help the Sanglorians because ..." asked Juan impertinently.

Pisces widened her eyes. "Because while Malachus and the Sanglorians have gone overboard, they're still our allies in the region, and we can't push for humanitarian change if they're removed from power and anarchy reigns in Cuahalan."

"There's no leaders in Cashel we could make an alliance with, form a unity government?" Juan asked, becoming irritated.

Shaking her head, Pisces said, "if I didn't know you as well as I do, I'd say you were talking like a terrorist. Cashel is not to be trusted. Malachus has tried to bring them into his government, but they're unwilling to compromise. Between you and me, I think they're too savage to self govern."

Juan's heart fell as he listened to Pisces. He was disappointed with her rigidity and willingness to believe the lies about Cashel. Scanning the room, he saw Libra watching him.

Telepathically, he asked Libra, "what's really happening? Is Oberon safe?"

She answered mentally, "I don't know. I haven't heard from him. I'm really worried. He doesn't have access to anything like the cauldron of rebirth if he gets injured."

"I'm sorry Libra," Juan replied, "he's a survivor and a fighter. I'm sure he'll make contact soon."

Aquarius entered and brought the meeting to order. "Gemini, happy you've recovered and joined us," he said, pointing to Juan while Aries glared.

Clearing his throat, Aquarius began "you're all familiar with the situation; Pisces, I assume you've briefed Gemini."

Pisces nodded. Aquarius continued. "We cannot allow the beautiful country of Cuahalan to fall to the resistance and return to anarchy and savagery. Malachus has been an excellent partner to Golgonozza and the guild, despite his excesses." Aries and Taurus and clapped with this statement.

After they quieted, Aquarius said, "we have been far too hands off in this conflict. It is time to strike Cashel where they are most vulnerable, demoralize them so that they will surrender. I propose that we reunite the Witchkillers and send them to Cuahalan." Virgo gasped. "I know, I know," said Aquarius, "assassinating magical and spiritual leaders never sits well with anyone's conscience, but the time has come. Prime targets are to be Dantalion, Oberon, and Agrippa. With their deaths, peace will surely follow."