All of the attention is still focused elsewhere--Klaus at the door, Valdis in wolf form, Dove on the roof... and a walking, talking turtle? Erskine, still behind the main force of the Chihuelans, melts back into the shadows at the side of the building and shakes his head. No better time.

There's a window on the side of the building. It's easy enough to slip inside, and before his feet have even fully touched down inside he's got a finger to his lips, warning the occupants of the dwelling to be quiet, not to bring any undue attention to him or themselves.

There's no one inside, or at least no one that isn't a kedan. That becomes obvious immediately. The problem is that they've left in a hurry and that's just as obvious. If the group out front lets the Chihuelans through, they're going to be able to tell in an instant that someone's made a quick getaway. Erskine spreads his hands and focuses and the air shimmers around himself and the kedan still in the house. The air becomes denser around them; sound won't travel as well, which means the Chihuelans won't be able to hear voices.

"Clean it up, quick as you can. Straighten everything. I'll help. I don't know if they're coming in or not."

Valdis. They're not here anymore. We're straightening the place up. Stall them a little longer.