You are standing in a passage at the bottom of the ladder. Smoldering torches dimly light the sandy passage, which curves out of sight ahead.

As you walk down the passage, you hear faint noises. Salamdros signals the party to stop, and you listen intently for several seconds. Though you hear several voices, you cannot make out their words. Signaling the others to wait, you creep forward and peer around the corner. A large room lies ahead. The voices now grow more distinct, and you manage to catch a few words and phrases.

Three men are talking about some event that will take place soon. You do not know what they are discussing, but you know it is evil. They mention the "Master" twice, and you think one of them says "Stodos" once. Then, you hear a large creature growling, and a set of footsteps starts echoing toward you. Hurriedly, you slip back to the rest of your party. Will you attempt to rush through the room (228), go back and listen some more (229), or sneak into the room (230)?