It didn’t take much work to prepare, in the end. Before long they were packed up and ready for the trip, the thought of telling their host of their plans dismissed entirely. P’rihnn supposes he is not too surprised when, right as they are about to board their transport, a guard comes running and calling for their attention.

“Mr Tia! And Mr Tia!” Oh, dear, nobody had told the guard what Tia actually means... “A missive for you, sirs. From the Exarch.”

With a frustrated sigh, P’rihnn wordlessly snatches the paper from the guard, and tears it open to read. The guard, apparently expecting at least a word of gratitude for his work - or maybe a smile, a nod, or some other acknowledgement beyond P’rihnn’s scowl - looks concerned.