Bishop Mathers's proposal was quickly rejected by Aiwass.
Detaining Master Nobel would yield them no benefits—alchemy elixirs were mere potions in others' hands, yet in the hands of an alchemist, they could invoke unique effects.
At present, they were in need of manpower. Neither Aiwass nor Isabel rejected the Path of Balance, so they were open to accepting assistance from strangers.
After soothing Bishop Mathers, Aiwass demanded the fragments of the Red-Handled Sword from him.
With the familiar weapon back in hand, Aiwass felt much more at ease.
Then, Aiwass found Isabel once again and shared with her the arrangements for what would come next.
"It's time to prepare to leave," Aiwass said seriously, "take Shafiya with you, and my father—Oswald must ultimately be protected, and he can also protect you along the way. I'm giving you Diomedes too, take all of them...
