Chapter 158: Five
Daubutim stood silently beside Gawarn, ignoring the excited muttering. All around, smiths were gathered, some still arriving, having only just heard of the order to come to the central area of Tensor's smithy.
After another few minutes, Tensor stepped forward and scraped his throat. Instantly, the gathered smiths quieted down, all of them staring at the bearded, Ruby-rank Smith.
"There has been news from Balarn," he said, nodding at Gawarn, who was nearly jumping up and down in excitement. "They left Scour earlier than planned due to orders of Smith Urdwellan. He has closed the planet to offworlders for the foreseeable future."
A surprised whisper came from the surrounding smiths but instantly faded when Tensor glared around.
"As you may imagine, the reason is because the disappearances have been going on there just like here. Unlike here, however, they managed to find some clues on what is going on."
This time, a deadly silence filled the square, even the rustling of movement gone as the smiths looked at him.
Interesting! I wonder if Irwin had something to do with this, Daubutim thought as his own interest peaked.
"What you are about to hear is still classified, so you are not to speak about it outside of the smithy," Tensor said before turning to Daubutim. "This goes for you too."
Daubutim nodded, though he was fairly certain that if there was news, Librarian Purntou would have it already.
"Balarn and the others were on Scour for roughly two years, during which I am sad to say they had to deal with a massive invasion. Imps managed to create portals towards the world and tried to abduct all of the smiths."
Imps? Daubutim thought.
"Although they were dealt with, I have some very bad and sad news. While fighting them off, Syndal lost his life."