The Countess, Demicountess and Maidens, like the brave nobles they are, have all pressed themselves to the far side of the room, some of them having grabbed their servants to use as shields. One of the petrified servants faints (again).

"My, my," the Countess finally says, picking her way over the bodies and sitting down at her seat as if nothing has happened. "Well. I can see that you have a treasure we'd be remiss in ignoring. Surely, if you want the Orb, you would not be troubled by allowing us to present your servant in the ring? His talents are, apparently, many fold."