The city was built around a huge mine.

I wasn’t sure exactly what their export was, but judging by the amount of metal and stone buildings, I had a good guess.

“Lots of mining going on here.” Gili nodded at the mine. “Everyone’s been in a tizzy since we found that weird crystal. Probably what your Bokor friend is messen with.”

I wanted to rush her instead of the leisurely pace we were taking. While Val might be better at interacting with people, she knew almost nothing about the Bokor or our traditions.

“We sent word a couple days ago. Didn’t expect to see ya so soon.” The gray-haired woman wove me between buildings. I could see little handholds in the stone walls. What we were walking through was a maze in case the city was ever invaded. I had a feeling that some of the metal walls I’d seen were actually gates for getting wagons through. I could hear people above me and wondered if it wouldn’t be faster to just climb up to the second layer and run across the tops of the buildings.

Except I doubted the woman leading me would be able to climb in her armor. So instead, I just followed her through the maze.

After what seemed like way too long we reached an open gate. Once through, the town looked a lot more normal, with people moving around, kids playing, and the heat from the furnaces where they were forging metal.

“This way.” Gili motioned towards two large wooden doors on what looked like a natural stone wall.

She threw the doors open and I saw Nine people inside excluding Val.

“Byler.” Val’s voice was stern, “Come here and see this.”

A Middle-aged, brown-haired, green-eyed woman in a clean work uniform smiled broadly as I started walking around a table that could seat twenty.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“We can’t welcome another guest without introductions, especially since we already know his name.” She pointed at herself, “I’m Helru.” She pointed at the woman behind me, “You’ve already net Gili, which leaves…” She began pointing at people.

The middle aged blonde woman with blue eyes was first, “This is Wreda, our local doctor. I’m sure she’d be happy to take a look at your eyes.” The doctor nodded her head towards me.

Next was a pair wearing leather armor. The older one had brown hair and brown eyes. She looked tired even though she was clean. The younger one that was about my age had blonde hair and green eyes behind copper rimmed glasses. “Berthre is the leader of our Wranglers and Eveth is her daughter.” The older woman gave me the slightest nod, while Eveth smiled at me.

The short man with thinning gray hair and brown eyes stood up and gave me a little bow, “I’m Felge. I handle logistics, so if your bosses ever need anything, let them know that I’ve always been a loyal ally.”

Helru shook her head, “That’s Felge.” She pointed at the next man.

He had gray hair and light blue eyes. He was wearing a miner’s uniform and his clothes were quite dirty like he’d been in the mines already and recalled when we showed up. “This is Lewiu. He’s in charge of the miners and the one who brought this wonder to our attention.” He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and gave me a quick smile.

“Last are our scientists. Winey owns the Leaky Mug and brews our drinks for us.” She smiled at the older man with gray hair and brown eyes that was next to Val.

“And these are his two assistants, Narder and Fyga.”

The young blonde man didn’t look up. He was wearing an old ratty brown jacket and was fiddling with what looked like a small distillery, except it had a crystal inside the glass jar with the flame under it.

The young woman with her black hair pulled back and goggles covering her light blue eyes on the other hand, met me and shook my hand, “You’re going to love this!”

Val looked at me and I couldn’t tell what the emotion she was trying to convey was.

“Now that we’re all here. All I need is my material…” Winey looked at Narder, “Did you leave the Zombie flesh at the Mug?”

My heart started beating faster. They were experimenting on Zombies. This would not be good.

“I apologize for my assistant.” Winey glared at Narder as the man started heading for the door, “We can begin as soon as he returns.”

“What exactly is this?” I gestured at the device.

“I found a cure for The Infection!” Winey puffed out his chest. “I can cure Zombies!”