“Listen carefully, Aristarch,” said the wise man Augur, his face clouded with concern. “Utar, the head of the alchemists, has left the settlement and headed east to the suffering people. Moreover, he took Mahra, the mistress of the workshop, with him. There will be no better time for reconnaissance. Go to the laboratory and gather as much information about it as you can. But don’t overdo it! I have no desire to feud with Utar.”
The wise man leaned back in his chair and looked into the distance. It was hard to say what he was thinking.