In a corner of the crowded tent, delicious hot tea was no longer an accompaniment to a leisurely, relaxing afternoon.
Steam curled from the teapot's small, winding spout and billowed upward, but the person brewing the tea had no intention of adjusting the Crystal Stove.
Several Wizards had been talking without pause for some time.
Ruger took a small sip of fruit tea, looked at the Wizards before him, then glanced at the large mushroom beside him. His arrival seemed to have delighted Gubo, the Mushroom Person.
"Have you seen Lady Dati, Master Gubo?" Ruger asked casually. She was the only one of their traveling companions absent.
Besides, that female Wizard had a very special identity. Perhaps she had some news from the Mushroom Academy.
The Mushroom Person shivered, that cheerful mood dimming a little to show concern.
That was the most fitting answer.
Ruger pursed his lips and raised his teacup to his mouth.
The Wizards had gone from discussing the changes in the Otherworld Invaders at different stages to speculating about the Black Wizards' aims, then to whether there were only two Black Wizards and what consequences the current trouble might bring.
The Black Wizards ought to have anticipated the consequences and prepared for them.
In short, the more they thought about it, the more difficult and frightening it became.
Ruger, however, was not so pessimistic. Perhaps the Black Wizards had only come to have some fun, or to obtain something. Once they had enjoyed themselves and acquired what they wanted, they might simply find a way to leave, with no time to bother with minor Wizards like them hiding in various places.
Nor did Ruger agree with their belief that two Black Wizards had arrived together. He leaned more toward Barry's side of the story: Danton had