Sheridan understands which parts of the mechanism are etheric superconductors and which parts are galvanic generators. More importantly he is able to tuen off the mechanism if he so wishes without harming the spirit trapped within it. 

Sheridan uses Mage Hand to turn off the mechanism without harming the spirit, in case there is any booby trap for tamperers. 

The actinic blue energy ceases once the switch is flipped, the blurry form of the spirit comes into focus and the spirit seems to sigh in relief. My thanks strangers that was horrible.. it pauses as it actually focuses on Sheridan. You? But how? Why? What?!?!

Sheridan is visibly confused. 

I'm sorry, have we met when you yet lived? My memories are mostly lost to me. Anything before the last year only comes to me in inconsistent blurry fragments. 

You don't remember? I've spent 5 years as a disembodied ghost and he brings you back with no memories?! Typical! the spirit starts laughing manically, almost sobbing What an utter bastard! This is just like him! He starts to get it together and regain his composure  ahem sorry about that, cosmic injustice sometimes gets the better of me. So my erstwhile ally what can I do for you? What brings you and your companions here to my rescue?

Sheridan explains how they came to be where they are, with finding the note and then the smashing and the stabbing and the chandeliering. 

Sheridan has many, many questions in turn. 

Who are you? And who do you mean brought me back? And from where? 

He looks at you somewhat incredulously. I am Irik Zal’honen, Azalin Rex is my father and had let everyone believe i was the heir apparent. This did not go down well with the schemers of this land. Someone, we were never able to work out who, cursed me with a wasting affliction that even my father struggled to cure. He was able to slow the effect while you and I conducted research into it. We were at Castle Avernus with Rex on the night of the Kings Tear. He had found something that he believed was going to cure me and release him from his confinement to the lands of Darkon. We were on route to his laboratory when the castle exploded. We, hmm how to put this delicately, umm we died that night in the eruption. You have the stink of my fathers magic about you though. It is typical that he would bring you back and leave me languishing in incorporeal form. 

Sheridan tries to ascertain how much of that is true but can't pick up any hints

He turns to the others. 

I..I had no idea. I don't even know if this is true. I hope you can believe me, I don't know how to prove or disprove any of this. 

For now, you have done nothing for me to disbelieve you but know this, if you are leading us astray or you betray us, I will squash you.

Draskan turns to Irik, if Your father was able to survive the explosion and bring back Sheridan, where is he now?

Ha if I knew where he was I would have haunted him into reviving me. As to why he chose Him to bring back instead of me I have no idea, I have suspicions but those I won’t be sharing until I have something more concrete. So what now?  You planning or tormenting me some more or are you going to help me escape? Maybe get some revenge on the Baron? Find my undead dad?

Ha if I knew where he was I would have haunted him into reviving me. As to why he chose Him to bring back instead of me I have no idea, I have suspicions but those I won’t be sharing until I have something more concrete. So what now?  You planning or tormenting me some more or are you going to help me escape? Maybe get some revenge on the Baron? Find my undead dad?

We came here to release you. That is still my intention, even if you were not apparently my closest friend. If only I could remember...

Our aim is to dethrone the Baron. If you could help us with this, we would welcome the aid. Will you be able to hold your form if you move from here? 

I can’t leave in this form due to the runic wards. You there Dragon kin do you have a necklace or a brooch going spare? I would ask Sheridan but I am a touch uncomfortable about being quite so close to him after this current revelation?

i have but this amulet but for what use is it to you as it is attuned to myself

I can inhabit the amulet for a time. It may have some unexpected side effects if the amulet is already magical but it will be the only way I will be able to escape this prison they crafted for me. If that is ok with you I will phase into it now?

If it is the only way then you shall but, I warn you, no funny business or I will destroy it and you

Your distrust is misplaced but not unreasonable. I assure you I harbour you no ill will. No if you would give me a moment….. The ghostly form of Irik shimmers and fades, becoming a pale wisp of otherworldliness, which seeps into the amulet and causes the gem to faintly glow. Nothing else happens. 

Sheridan suggests having a look around the rest of the floor. 

Inspecting the workbenches around the room Sheridan spots a couple of vials of a grey viscous liquid, it could be useful, but you’re uncertain whether they are potions of ice breath or invisibility