As they left the tower, Tristana frowned and analyzed the situation under her breath as she walked:
"Renato, these Iron Price mercenaries are very likely trying to use us. Mercenaries are a profit-hungry lot, yet Raven never asked for any payment. That makes no sense at all."
She folded her arms and muttered to herself:
"That's right. She must want to use us to eliminate the Iron Price mercenary company's rivals. All that talk about something being wrong with the Mud Swamp mercenaries is just her side of the story. Who knows whether it's true?"
Renato did not answer immediately. He took out the Bone Whistle and looked up at the stalactite column towering in the darkness.
He raised the whistle to his lips and blew hard. A long, piercing note echoed out, finally waking the two lizards from their nap.
"You're right, Tristana." Renato lowered the whistle, his gaze still fixed on the top of the stone column. "That's why I also used the Nightwind Family's name to demand that Raven provide people and support, so we can investigate this so-called Mud Swamp Sisterhood together."
"But she's clearly trying to stall." The young cleric sounded displeased. "That claim about contacting other mercenary companies is far too suspicious. Even assuming Raven has the connections, I don't believe these lowborn scum would do anything without payment."
"Don't judge people in such absolute terms, Tristana." While waiting for the lizards to climb down the column, Renato surveyed the dim streets and alleys around them. "Individuals and groups are different. What was your first impression of mind flayers?"
Tristana paused, unsure why he had suddenly brought this up.
"A bunch of inhuman brain-eating aberrations," she answered without hesitation. "Pitiful creatures with no faith or desires, only schemes."
"What about Klauthsura, then?" Renato looked