Chapter 33: Athar’s Second Action
Dervin was about to repeat his question when a figure emerged from the shadows.
The hooded stranger walked slowly, the flickering flames casting uneven light over his frame. The hood concealed most of his face, and with the growing darkness, Dervin could not recognize the newcomer immediately.
"Who are you?" he asked with a frown, rising halfway from his stool.
The figure did not respond. He just kept walking forward with steady steps. Dervin squinted, his frown deepening trying to get a better look.
It was not until the figure stepped close to the fire that Dervin's eyes widened in recognition.
"Athar?" he said, his voice tinged with confusion.
But within seconds, his expression shifted into a smile of relief.
"I thought you were skipping your quota again today," he chuckled. "Turns out you are just late."
"Good that you came otherwise things would have turned out incredibly difficult for you," he added.
There was no response from Athar.
His eyes glanced over Athar's new outfit. "And what's with the new clothes? You finally decided—"