Kairo, wandering the inn, glimpsed Nyaogi and Linai through a half-open door. They were discreetly moving potion supplies out towards the back door. Surprised, he quickened his pace towards them.
Reaching them, Kairo whispered, "Nyaogi, Linai! What's happening here?"
The inspector was close to uncovering their secrets, and the tension was palpable. He was just steps away, in the front room.
Linai, startled by Kairo's sudden arrival, faced him. After a pause, she swallowed. "Kairo, there's something you should know. I enhance my drinks with magic. It's why the inspector reacted so strongly last night."
“That explains some things.”
As Linai spoke, Nyaogi went behind the bar and took bottle of wine and a glass.
Kairo responded to Linai, "Thank you for being upfront, Linai.”
Nyaogi poured the potion into the glass.
Kairo asked, “Is that for the inspector?"
Nyaogi looked at Kairo, pouring in the wine. "It will give us some time."
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Kairo's concern deepened as he detected a strong, unpleasant odor from the drink. He sniffed it and almost gagged. It smelled like death.
"The smell is obvious," Kairo said, worried. "The inspector won't drink it."
Linai approached and sniffed the potion. "I can disguise the smell," she said.
Nyaogi handed the glass over. Linai held the glass and whispered, her hand on her chest, where she wore her crystal.
Moments later, Linai presented the altered drink, now with a pleasant scent.
Kairo, impressed, said, "Incredible work, Linai. Thank you.”
"We're in this together." Linai smiled. "Now make sure the inspector drinks this."
Kairo paused, aware of the significant risks in using the potion. He could go to jail. Lose the Glember.
Nyaogi and Linai continued their delicate task of relocating the potion supplies, moving swiftly and silently. The success of their plan hinged not just on the potion but also on their ability to erase any evidence.
Kairo prepared to meet the inspector, hopeful for a much-needed reprieve in their struggle to preserve their haven.
#
In Nyaogi's dimly lit room, she and Linai were busy relocating potion supplies to Bammyo’s warehouse. As they handled each box of bottles and ingredients, Nyaogi felt a surge of gratitude for Linai's ingenuity and her adept use of kynik magic.
While shuffling boxes, Nyaogi said, "Your work with the drink was vital. Impressive.”
Linai lifted a box. “Thanks.”
The slipped out the back door.
Linai said. "After this, we need to be more subtle with our abilities."
"Linai, your actions today might have saved us," Nyaogi said with sincerity.
After dropping a set of boxes at Bammyo’s workshop, they headed back to the Glember Inn and Tavern for more.