As you and Alster sit by the edge of Cloud Lake, the tranquil sound of the cascading falls in the background, he begins to recount his experience after the teleportation mishap.

"I was disoriented when I first arrived," Alster starts, staring into the distance as if recalling a distant memory. "One moment, I was with the group, and the next, I was alone in an unfamiliar part of the Vay Islands. I searched for the others, calling out, but there was no response. Night fell quickly, and I had no choice but to camp under a canopy of ancient trees."

Alster's voice becomes more animated as he describes the night. "As I sat by the fire, I had time to think about what went wrong. Teleportation isn't supposed to fail like that. It felt as if something, or more likely someone, had deliberately interfered. Strange, distorted images flashed before my eyes during the teleportation—shadows and shapes that didn't belong. It wasn't just a malfunction. Someone was trying to slow us down."

You nod, agreeing that the situation was indeed suspicious and you share your recollection that there was someone else at the Tower when everyone was teleported in, someone you didn't know. Alster agreed and also had made an assumption that the siblings had brought someone important to the meeting and they would explain her presence. Your conversation changed to focus on the problem at hand. 

"If we're still on Vay, logic dictates that the others must be here too. We need to find Haden and Drue. They could be in danger."

Alster's eyes light up with determination. "I know a path across Cloud Lake, I saw it as I was wondering around this area. It's a bit risky. Two inexperienced riders on one Griffon are literally not going to fly. We’ll have to leave your griffon behind."

You both remove the griffon's harness and saddle, setting it free. You hope Drue won't be too mad when you reunite. With the Griffon soaring away, you and Alster begin your journey around Cloud Lake.

The path is rugged, winding through dense forests and along steep cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the lake below. The air is filled with the scent of pine and the distant roar of the waterfall. After a few hours of trekking, you reach an ancient stone bridge that appears incomplete.

"This is it," Alster says, pointing to the bridge. "The next piece of land is higher, and the gap looks dangerous, but the winds here blow upwards with such force that we can descend safely. It's a leap of faith."

You look at the gap and feel a knot of fear in your stomach. The chasm below is deep, and the swirling mist adds to the sense of danger. "What if the wind stops?"

Alster smiles reassuringly. "Trust me. I've seen some of the mountain goats doing this and they were fine." 

"But, I'm not a goat!" You protest but without another word, he takes a running start and leaps off the edge. For a moment, he hovers in the air, then slowly descends, carried by the powerful upward draft. He lands safely on the other side and waves back at you.

Your heart races as you step to the edge. The fear of falling grips you, but you know there's no turning back. Taking a deep breath, you run and leap into the void. The wind catches you, and you float down gently, almost as if you were gliding. The descent is slow and surreal, and you land softly beside Alster.

To your surprise, your ankle feels perfectly fine, as if it had never been injured. You glance around, taking in the sight of the elegant stream of water as is cascades off the cliff to the pool below.

"We did it," you say, looking at Alster. The journey ahead still holds many uncertainties, but with Alster by your side, you feel a renewed sense of hope. Together, you continue to plan your next steps, determined to find Haden and Drue and uncover the truth behind the mysterious interference.

Alster knew that the winds would hold him with enough strength that he would not fall to his death below. Is this possible in the real world? At what speed do the winds need to be blowing for this to happen? Answer in Thy Quests below to move on. 

Next: E7Q3 Cloudy Conjuror