Ulrich sighed and glanced toward the shadows in the corner.
"Gert, are you here?"
"You called for me, my lord?" A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness—a hunched old man who had been serving as Ulrich's hidden aide.
"Make the potion."
"What kind of potion, my lord?"
"The invisible elixir. You have the ingredients, I assume?"
"I have more than enough," Gert replied with a sinister smile, ready to get to work. Just as he was about to leave to prepare the potion, the door opened.
"My lord."
"Sir Ray? What brings you here?"
It was rare for Ray to seek out Ulrich directly, so her entrance carried some urgency, though her face was hidden beneath her helmet.
"I received a letter from my family," she said.
"Is it about your mother's illness?" Ulrich asked.
