"On the other hand," Alistair interjects, with a inclination of the head to Medwyn, "if they are now allowing outsiders indiscriminately onto the island, we may have little to fear. Even you, sir, are no native, and Mistress Qinqirelle, the great escapist, no doubt knows how to conceal herself."

"That being said," he continues, "there is one factor to consider before we decide whether or not to attempt subterfuge, at least in the physical sense. Mistress Qinqirelle, is the dragon—or any of her associates—aware that you are in possession of this vessel?"

Alistair punctuates his last point with a questioning glance at Ildilyntra.