One of the first things Erskine and Dexter discovered about Anton, not long after they met him, was that he had a much more perilous control over his Gist than most people believed. The man couldn't even get drunk without his control slipping. Erskine and Dexter discovered that the hard way, and the trust that had to be rebuilt after that was only earned through a long and arduous trek of saving each others' lives.

In the end, though, it was simple. Anton never talked about it, but Erskine knew the basics. All of them did. There would inevitably be a time when Anton Shudder wouldn't be able to rein his Gist back in, no matter how hard he tried. But as the longest-living Adept to choose this particular branch of magic, Erskine had grown used to the idea that Anton would pretty much always be around.

Now, as Anton slid down his mop and collapsed heavily onto his knees, the only thought in Erskine's mind was No. Not again.

Lord Vile will not take away another friend.

Scarcely a second had passed after Anton's attempt to speak before Erskine was right there at his side, kneeling down, a hand firmly on the sorcerer's shoulder. He didn't think; he just reacted, almost like an impulse, aware of some sort of plan brewing without any idea of what that plan was. "How many guests are there?"