For the characters, the weekend pass uneventfully.

For the characters, the weekend pass uneventfully. Brutus was able to explain things somewhat to Ironhoof, with a promise to write up the events to his satisfaction...

So Tuesday rocks around and Susan, William, Alexander and Burley set off to meet the artists.Off they go in a growler, and along the way Burley manages to blow dart a gargoyle hunter and explains why to a bemused William who suggests he try the explanation (or possibly the dart) on his lecturers.

A loud trumpeting roar is heard ahead, and a few of the characters recognise  the sound even though they've not heard it before - and before long the street is scattering in panic as an angry manticore comes into view.
Fortunately it is not the winged, firing missiles from its tail sort of manticore...

Susan and William rush into an alley, and Burley drops into a cellar window.

The manticore follows Susan and William who, in desparation and with their backs to a wall variously try Ancient Greek and Greek on it. It seems to understand them and a careful, if somewhat one sided conversation ensues. 

Burley attempts contact but makes the manticore unpredictable, and pops back around the corner and starts whistling. He earns nearly a shilling! (He might get his legs broken though by the local beggar king)  He's joined by Brutus who has tried to alert the Royal Horse Guards but was dismissed as a prankster student to his chagrin. 

Susan and William emerge with the manticore walking beside them, and join up with Burley, to continue on their way to the artists. Brutus is sent off to get some meat for the manticore, and will meet them at the artists' place.

But they realise they have lost Alexander, and start looking about for him. They might have some explaining to do.