Chapter 161: Plan B
As Irwin and Greldo walked through the district, Daubutim mutely stomped after them. They came across only a handful of people and not a single smith. A sense of fear hung over the entire area that Irwin hadn't noticed when he'd arrived the day before.
When they reached the gate that led to the general district, he saw Ichela leaning against the wall. She said something to the guards, who all stepped aside, and as Irwin passed them, Ichela fell in line with him.
"Good cover," she muttered as she looked at him. "But this might help improve it."
She raised her hand, and with a flash of light, a massive two-handed sword appeared in her hands. She seemed to struggle to hold it as she handed it to Irwin, who quickly accepted it.
"What-"
"Smiths don't usually wield swords, so this might help with your disguise," she whispered. "It's made of Farlin Wood, almost as dense as metal, so that it can pass through the portals. The only problem is that it's more brittle, so it will probably shatter after a few hits, but at least you can bring it through a portal."
Irwin examined the sword. He would have sworn it was metal, and as he tapped it, he still didn't recognize it as wood.
"Thank you," he said.
"No problem, just make sure you stay safe. It's a shame that you have to leave just after returning..."
Irwin agreed with her but kept quiet as they crossed the final areas. When they reached the start of the stairs leading up to the Central Registry, he turned to Ichela. As he looked at her, he remembered the first time he'd seen her standing behind the desk and accepting finished cards from smiths. It was years ago, but it seemed even longer.
"Take care of Lamia," Irwin said.
"Gawarn will take care of that," Ichela said with a smirk before turning serious again. "You three, be careful out there."