[Himaran]

An instant after Lady Inzillomi finished her request, Abârzadan knew what was going to happen. The scheme forming in his mind was an uncomfortable one, to say the least, but appeared inevitable by all standards. The "sister" scenario would not work because Inzi did not even closely resemble either of the men. Furthermore, Azarmanô had a wife of his own. If he were recognized with his "new" partner, everyone's cover would be blown. This left only one option - Inzillomi would have to play Abârzadan's wife. As the other two waited in silence, the man let out a heavy sigh. He could already imagine the feat of explaining to Abârpânarú - a man he had never actually met before - that he was unofficially married to Inzi until the mission was completed. Still, they had no other options.

Clearing his throat, Abârzadan began speaking. He presented all three possibilities, and then cited enough evidence against the first two to thoroughly discredit them. "And so," he finished, "we are left with only one choice: Lady Inzillomi, you will have to pretend to be my wife for the remainder of our journey. No one there knows or remembers me, so the disguise will be quite effective." After a long pause, both Inzi and Azarmanô agreed. The man helped Inzi up onto their mount, and climbed up behind her. The trio was off at last.