When Friends Have Already Met

I returned to the camp and let them know the good news. “Kharon agreed to help. He hates what the new governor has done as much as we do and will be here momentarily to guide us through a secret way under the walls and back into the palace.”

Civitas stood and started gathering his gear.

“Woah there, big guy, we have a little bit of time before we have to get ready. He said--”

He cut me off with a wave of his hand. “I can't be here when Kharon shows up. I wish you would have told me that he was your contact.”

“Why? What's wrong?” I asked, suspiciously.

“It's a complicated knot that I don't have time to unravel now. Suffice to say that if you want him as your friend, none of you should mention me.” He clasped me on the shoulder and nodded solemnly to the rest of the group in turn, as if binding our silence with respect. “I'll see you on the other side.”

“Wait, we need him to the portal. How are you getting through?”

His only answer was that damned three-fingered wave that didn't answer anything at all.