You won't believe this. Using the console I summoned the mage 3 times and killed him 3 times. There are 3 bodies in the cave now. between each killing I went back to Inog and just got the pickpocket option as before. On the last try, just as I was about to give up again, I got the option to take Inog to his brother. Have no idea what triggered it this time but I'm happy I saved it.
Ana, that walkthrough is not for Forsaken Gods. G3 Gorsaken Gods is a stand alone game but it has many bugs. I was just wondering if the lack of vials is one of the glitches or if there is hope to find a few more. Thanks for trying to help.
Sorry not to get back sooner. I haven't played much for the last few days. Instead I put on my fall gardening armor, unsheathed my weed and leaf raking sword, and fought my battles in the garden. :witch: Now I'm healing with a potion of tea.