Eltanin snapped open his eyes. He turned to look at his wife. Her deduction made sense. "This could be a possibility, Tania."
"Yes, I think it is a high possibility," she said.
"Oh, by the way, mother and father also reported that Kypho's appearance changed," Eltanin said.
"So what Ileus said was true," Tania replied. "Even he had that potion before coming back."
"Yes, he had that potion and Gordon also found an extra bottle in his belongings, which we have seized. Mother will be taking it with her to Storin."
Tania became excited. "It means that even Menkar must be suffering from withdrawal bouts. There is a chance that he must be seeking for this potion as we talk. In Kypho's case, it took about ten days for him to get back to his original appearance. So don't you think that it would be the same with Menkar?"
Eltanin's gaze moved to the ceiling and he pondered over what Tania just said. A while later he said, "But there is a possibility that he has those potions elsewhere in the monastery. Why would he have them only in his library?"
Tania pursed her lips. "Yes," she sighed. "That could be there..." She lay beside him on the pillow. "I have an idea though."
"What idea?"
"To see what Menkar is up to. How about you let me test my theory?" she said, placing her hand over her belly. All of a sudden, something felt strange. She got up and retched.
"Tania!" Eltanin rose and stroked her back. "I think you are hungry. You haven't had a morsel ever since the last time that bastard tried to mess with you."
He tilted his head as his lips curled up. "Anything for you, my queen," he said. He decided to send his spies the next day in the morning. If Tania's theory was right, then things would become easier.
A knock on the door disturbed them. "Your food is here," he said. That was quick. When he opened the door, he saw Flora with the meal tray.
"Next time, please tell me about m'lady's requirements," she said, sounding gruff. She walked past him and went to Tania. Placing the tray in front of her, she said, "How are you feeling, m'lady?"
Tania smiled. "I am fine, Flora. You will spoil me like this."
Flora shook her head. "It is my pleasure to serve you m'lady." She bowed and then left them.
"She is such a mother hen!" Eltanin growled.
"Don't you say anything to her," Tania giggled. "She is the only dowry that I got from my parents!"
"Dowry?"
---
Menkar swam for two hours deeper in the sea until he located the familiar swirling current. As soon as he saw it, he flung himself into it and let the current take him. It was a dangerous one and if he didn't focus on where he was going, there was a possibility that his limbs would get ripped. The current was too strong and dangerous, but this was the only way to reach the secret tunnel through which he would swim all the way to Murel.
The current was going to take him to his destination in four days. During that time, if he even tried to get out of it, he would be injured heavily. And his motion could be detected by the royal guards that were spread all over the sea. He would be lucky if he found a fish to eat in the swirl. He just wished that his motion didn't get detected.