Balkor worked in complete darkness so that he would be able to study the smallest imperfections in his constructs and how his state of mind affected their properties.
Eos was a lovely woman in her mid-thirties, about 1.62 meters (5’2") tall, with shoulder-length dark brown hair and deep brown eyes. The white linen dress she wore emphasized her bronze skin typical of the people of the desert.
"Damn merchants! I spent a lifetime lying low and they ruined it in a matter of seconds. I swear, the next time they come here I’m going to..."
"First, I don’t think the merchants are at fault. They are loyal to Overlord Salaark and they wouldn’t spread your secret like that." Eos cut him short. "Second, it’s the same guy from the last time, but he brought a lady friend along."
"Friend?" Balkor was flabbergasted as he was incredulous. "Someone like Manohar has no friends, let alone a girlfriend. Bring me to them, dear."
Manohar and Jirni were quietly waiting in the middle of the village, surrounded by armed guards ready to attack the moment the intruders attempted something funny. They weren’t actually a threat to their unwanted guests, but Jirni respected their bravery and loyalty.
Unlike Manohar, who always wore his Professor robe, Jirni was covered from head to toe by one of the characteristic traveler’s outfits of the desert that left only her hands and eyes exposed.
The turban hid her blonde hair, a shawl covered her face, and make-up made her skin look bronze. There was no way to hide her sapphire blue eyes that drawn much attention since they were a rarity for southerners.
Balkor looked at them with Life Vision and was impressed by the fact that the newcomer was as magically weak as her equipment was outstanding. He led them to a tent where they could speak privately, offering them seats and hot tea while waiting for an explanation.
"I won’t mince words with you." Jirni removed her headgear, revealing her foreign origin. "I don’t like you nor did I forget all the tragedies you’ve put me through, yet I can’t condemn your methods. If I had your talents, in your shoes I would’ve done much worse."
"I don’t care what you think. Tell me why you are here and how you convinced Manohar to bring you along." The odd relationship between the two had piqued Balkor’s curiosity.
Manohar had yet to crack any stupid joke, say something inappropriate, or act as if he owned the place. On the contrary, he was sitting straight while drinking his tea, opening his mouth only to say please and thank you to Eos.
Balkor could barely recognize the god of healing in the man in front of him, which made him wonder what kind of person could succeed where even Salaark had failed during their previous meeting.
"I’m here because our interests align. You have a vendetta against the Griffon Kingdom’s upper echelons and so do I. My enemies have no qualms using underhanded tricks to get what they want and to make matters worse, they have the law on their side.
"Which leaves me with few options and not at liberty to be picky with my allies. As for Manohar, I must thank you for showing him the importance of good equipment. He doesn’t want to suffer any more defeats-"
The word "defeat" made Manohar choke on his tea.
"-and I need his help to make sure my plan goes without a hitch. A plan that requires your assistance as well." Jirni then explained what her intentions were and how she planned to use the ongoing war with the undead as a cover for her operation.
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