ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

So, like the title says, I am playing an Archmage right now, and I just cleared Derth of the lightning elementals.

I went to the hidden mage city, and from previous playthroughs I know I am supposed to speak with Linaniil in Angolwen.

However, she does not appear to be in the town where she usually is (West sector).

For this reason I am not able to travel to Tempest Peak and fight Urkis...

First off, does anyone know how to fix this? And second, is it critical that I defeat Urkis?

Regardless I really want to do the zone, it usually contains good drops and a good chunk of exp that I want to capitalize on to continue my character

Any input would be great. If I don't find a solution tonight I am probably going to freeze my playthrough and submit the files to Stunt... play something else for a bit maybe.

Thanks in advance.

Solanthus