"Do not make me wait any longer. Relay your message to me."
Gamald, still kneeling, felt a shiver run down his spine as the Matron's words echoed through the room. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart before responding.
"Earlier today, a woman occupied my inn," he began, his voice trembling. But before he could continue, Matron Ilianor raised a hand to interrupt him.
"Your message stated that you had a most disturbing encounter," she said in a soft yet authoritative voice. "Who was this woman to trouble an old man like you, Gamald?"
The old innkeeper hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "At first sight, I identified her as a... Rei Raja," he finally murmured.
A heavy silence fell over the room. The candle's flame flickered as the Matron's gaze hardened, casting an oppressive atmosphere over the chamber.
