Back at the communal hall, all of the centaurs (yourselves included) sit on the floor, as you collectively listen to your elders speak. To one side, your human friends Deirdre and Felicia are sat on guest seats.
"We have informed Mr Amiacing of the island's Senior Management, of the latest situation - via our crystal balls," Ixion announces to you all. "We tried to then communicate with Kaymarl, of the lawful satyr tribe - but there was magical interference."
"Who has the ability to cause that?" Stephen, Themis' husband, asks.
"Nobody has achieved this before," his wife answers. "However, my suspicion is that Bellona, Cedius' satyr witch, has increased her expertise of power. She was once a grey witch, in the service of the management - before she transformed herself into a satyr. She helped to establish the satyr colony - then later turned rogue." Themis pauses. "She is the one responsible for increasing Cedius' power with enchantments and potions."
Rachel sticks her hand up. "Increasing, you say?"
Themis nods. "I understand that Cedius was originally a hypnotist and budding warlock - when he was human. He came to the island to study the Management's use of magic - only to fall foul of his greed for women and power. Hence, he become a satyr."
You raise your hand. Themis nods permission for you to speak.
"Skye told me that Cedius was working on a way to make him and his followers immortal! How is that possible?"
"I have a theory," Ixion scowls to himself. "But right now, my sister here and I agree that Cedius and his rogue tribe must be stopped from causing any more mischief. And we need to work with both the Management and Kaymarl's people, to form a united counter-opposition. The Management may yet call upon us to prevent the rogue satyrs from attempting to free their captured brethren. Time is of the utmost. Therefore, I will not wait for dawn, but will now journey to the location of Kaymarl's flock. I require volunteers to go with me."
One of the born centaurs rises upon his hooves. "I will come with you, Ixion."
"Good, Nessus! Your sharp eyesight, and skills with the bow and arrow, will be welcome tonight."
"I volunteer, also." The black-skinned Theo gets up.
"Me, too," says the centauress who had been sat besides Theo. It is Marina. She looks across at Rachel and yourself, and smiles. You and Rachel share a questioning look. Marina has already made a friend in the haras, it seems. A plutonic one, anyway.
"Thank you, my kindred!" Ixion declares. "Arm yourselves as necessary, and we will then leave."
Rachel lays a hand on your equine back, and raises her other arm up. "Can Ben and I help?"
"My son, my daughter, you two have only just been blessed." Ixion smiles. "You need to learn to canter, before you can gallop! Marina, however, has already proved her speed and agility."
Rachel admits defeat. "Aww... Fair enough!"
"What about us?" pipes up Deirdre - speaking for herself and Felicia.
"A battle is coming, halflings," Ixion rumbles. "Come the dawn, you can depart freely. My advice is for you to leave the island, whilst you still can!"
"Why not now?" Felicia asks.
"It is dark outside, child!" Themis warns her. "There are still horrors on this isle you have not yet seen - one which shun the daylight. Here, you are safe. Sleep tonight, in our company!"
The meeting is now over, and the haras breaks up. Rachel and you wish Marina safe tidings, then see her depart with Ixion and the other volunteers. You then trot across to your human pals. For a moment, you picture them as centaurs also - wanting Deirdre and Felicia to be made complete and perfect, and support the haras. You scold yourself - they should decide their own fates, you realise.
"Themis is right," you tell the ladies. "In the morning, you can decide what to do."
"If we leave the island, we'll forget you all - won't we?" Deirdre looks tearful. Rachel nods in reply.
"We want to help, in some way," Felicia declares. "We won't abandon Harry, Krista, Anarosa, or Dick - either."
"Let's sleep on it." Rachel pats Deirdre's shoulder. "For now, we can do nothing but rest!"