(Unnethack) Ascension run branch use?

So I barely escaped Demogorgon when Orcus decided to wake up early and go all-out summoning a storm. Using lots of teleport wand charges I made it to the upstairs, retreated to the Valley, and then used the branch teleport to Vlad's tower. I am now below Orcus town and don't want to have to kill Demogorgon if I don't have to. I have dug out gehennom all the way to the vibrating square and am ready for my ascension run, juse need to wake up Rodney. Can I use the branch shortcuts to skip Orcus town on my Ascension run? Or am I going to need to clear that nasty guy first? Unnethack btw.