* Some Malantau lore: Malantau allegedly had a powerful king who disappeared, but promised to return in the kingdom's hour of need; Malantau was governed by "stewards" in the king's absence. (It seems likely that this king was a Saint.) Malantau fell around 180 years ago, and has been avoided even by archaeologists due to its weather, its dungeons, and other dangers.

* The Wight Barrens are riddled with dungeons, but Eremus Fault's distortion is so powerful that it can obscure them from view or from Betel's senses.

* The exploration is interrupted by a strange, icy, horse-like creature, which Laura identifies as a Glastrier. The apparent Saint attacks immediately, almost mechanically, and would probably have crushed the Wayfarers if not for the intervention of two blurred flying figures.

* From the safety of a gentler dungeon entrance, the two blurs reveal themselves as Latias and Latios (the Aeons, the patron protectors of travelers). They noticed the Wayfarers' ship and followed out of curiosity. They seem friendly and approachable, and are likely quite old.

* They don't necessarily spend a lot of time in Malantau specifically, or any one place, but have encountered the "Wight's Bane" before. Glastrier patrols the Barrens, attacking anyone who approaches, and has been around since the fall of Malantau. The Aeons have only ever heard it say "GET OUT".

* Betel confirms that their current hiding place, the mild dungeon Frostforge Hollow, will work as a waypoint anchor. It has tunnels that reach quite a ways around the Barrens, and isn't too far a walk from Eremus Fault. The Wayfarers will just need to avoid Glastrier's notice during that walk; hopefully Lord Articuno can help with that.

- Phoenixsong