On thin ice
Dieter traced his finger over a line drawn on a fine sheet of cow leather. The already robust material was additionally protected from age with a string of glyphs etched with silver on its edges. And it had quite the age… a century, to be precise.
There were many lines on this sheet, creating a map full of old notes and a route. But the latter didn't interest Dieter at the time.
"This mana flow goes in the right direction. Now, what does the note say?" Dieter brought the map closer to his eyes and squinted. "Hm… Hm… Perfect. Ronzio!"
The artificer didn't stop eating the jerky he was chewing on, but lifted his eyes to Dieter.
Dieter frowned in irritation.
"Don't chew when I'm talking with you, Ronzio. So what if we aren't in a ballroom? I'm still above you in rank. Mind your manners! Are you a mage, or a dog? Hm?"
Under Dieter's scathing words, Ronzio sat straighter and hurriedly put his food aside. He bowed his head, but didn't speak.