Take Five; Move Along

Castille's eyes widen as the fiend vanishes. His final spear thrust tears apart the last remaining wisp of black vapor, but the conflict is over. The half-elf plants his spear on the ground as if it were a walking stick, and then leans on it with exhaustion. His breath is a steady and rapid pace.

"Kaspar, are you hurt badly? I saw the beast's wing knock you to the ground."

In fact, Kaspar has slumped to the floor in front of the northern door. He is still griping the knob tightly with his left hand, his arm raised limply over his head. In his right, the rapier is poised and at attention.

"Castille, friend, I'm hurt. But I can move if that's what ya mean. One more strike, and I'd be a corpse I suppose. Where do you suppose that fiend went off to?"

"To hell I hope. Here, let me help you to your feet."

The two will take a moment to breathe. Once their minds have settled, Kaspar will search the room, including the northwestern pit. He's searching for any signs of traps or treasure of course -- but also for some clue as to what lies beyond the northern door.

On the basis of Kaspar's findings, Castille will listen closely at that door before turning the knob and quietly pressing it open. He will peer ahead before entering. But if danger rears its head immediately, the two will toss what they can in front of the opening to serve as barricade, before bolting for the surface.

Search check for Kaspar is a 24 (oh, sure now the big number falls). Castille's listen check is only a 9. Kaspar, on a listen check, scores a natural 20 + 2 = 22.