Before ascending, I made sure to revert to my original appearance. The group's reaction to my sudden reappearance, now clad in the black cloak, was a mix of astonishment and relief.
"What in the world happened?" the disheveled leader exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You were gone for hours! We thought you had fallen to your doom."
"We need to leave," I declared, urgency in my voice. "I found the missing woman, but the situation is complicated."
Their faces lit up with a mix of hope and concern. Despite their burning questions, they trusted my judgment. I shed the black cloak, tucking it safely away, and led them back to town.
We sought refuge in a secluded tavern, far from the bustling crowds and prying ears. It wasn't difficult to find such a place; most tourists flocked to the more popular establishments, leaving many others nearly deserted. We secured a private room, transforming it into a makeshift war room.
