Gandalf's Mentor

Problem solved. Went back to see Aydin and got some good advice about using the seal. That's all it took.

Last time I talked to Erica (just before sailing up river to the Black Spire) she said "Now that you have talked to Aydin and have all the brooches, you should go to the Black Spire" (or words to that effect). I have gotten the ritual from Koth, talked to Aydin, and gotten the quest from Erika. In the process of getting the seal, I destroyed the altar in that fort and received a mark on my forehead. Is it possible that this is somehow interfering? If so, how do I correct?

When I get to the Black Spire and go to the north alcove, all I get is a message about the fresco...no opportunity to insert seal. I've tried the forgiveme cheat in case I picked up a curse, but it didn't help. What can I do? (Running game on desktop PC with Windows 7 Home Premium)