After Renato had laid out his request in full, the old knight did not give him the ready agreement he had expected.
Novak fell silent for a moment, his gaze settling on the empty street. Just as Renato was about to try a different pretext, the old knight finally spoke slowly:
"Sir Renato, you must have learned something of the kingdom's current situation by now, yes? The south is no safer than the northern border these days. Magical plagues such as soul-loss disease are spreading through the various states."
Renato met the old knight's gaze and nodded without hesitation. Seeing his composed expression, without the slightest hint of retreat, Novak seemed to recall something and could not help sighing.
He turned and walked to where the attendants had tethered the horses, untied the reins of one warhorse, and casually stroked the mane along its neck. Then he motioned for Renato to mount so they could talk as they rode.
The instant Renato took the reins, he realized that the old knight was clearly signaling that this was a conversation between nobles, and that he had no intention of letting Renato's "slave of another race" accompany them.
Just as Renato was considering how to ask for Klauthsura to come along without making it seem awkward, the Mind Flayer's telepathic voice sounded in his mind:
"Do not concern yourself with me. Proceed as you see fit, Renato. I will use psionic invisibility to follow behind you and provide magical cover when necessary."
The female Dragonborn standing at the inn's entrance bowed toward him, a shallow but sufficiently formal gesture.
With her head lowered, Klauthsura spoke in a respectful, appropriate tone:
"Master, Klauthsura will organize your luggage in your room at the inn and await your return."
After speaking, the female Dragonborn took