Balkor worked in complete darkness so that he would be able to study the smallest imperfections in his constructs and how his state of mind affected their properties.
Eos was a lovely woman in her mid-thirties, about 1.62 meters (5'2") tall, with shoulder-length dark brown hair and deep brown eyes. The white linen dress she wore emphasized her bronze skin typical of the people of the desert.
"Damn merchants! I spent a lifetime lying low and they ruined it in a matter of seconds. I swear, the next time they come here I'm going to…"
"First, I don't think the merchants are at fault. They are loyal to Overlord Salaark and they wouldn't spread your secret like that." Eos cut him short. "Second, it's the same guy from the last time, but he brought a lady friend along."
"Friend?" Balkor was flabbergasted as he was incredulous. "Someone like Manohar has no friends, let alone a girlfriend. Bring me to them, dear."
01/02/2021: extra chaps