[The wonder at seeing his deceased brother ebbs somewhat, and Basch can feel his own ire rising in response to Gabranth's accusatory tone. He finds himself snapping back, his tone sharpening defensively.]

There was a minor disturbance in the palace--an intrusion. Creatures of a like I'd not seen before. I sought to flush them out, to discover their purpose... and instead I find myself here.

[It's a failure. Another failure in a long string of failures for the disgraced knight. Is Larsa even now being abducted as well? Basch has been cursing himself inwardly for his lack of judgment ever since arriving in this place, and having to defend himself against his own dead brother is certainly not improving the situation. Would that he could find a way out of this place, to set this right....]

[Basch is no stranger to failure, but failure without hope of redemption?]

Tell me plainly brother, am I dead?