I could barely see in the darkness as I bounced out of bed. Sleep had come late and left early, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Not today. There was way too much to do.

  Water sloshed from the barrel as I dumped a ladleful over my head, standing outside in the morning wind, and gasping at the shock of cold. Better than any amount of sleep for waking up.

  From inside came Pa's familiar heavy tread and slight limp down the stairs as I toweled off, having messed up his daily ritual of stoking the forge's fires before anyone else was awake.

  My fingers fought with my hair, trying to make it behave. Usually I didn't bother much, but today... well, things were different. A grunt of frustration escaped me as a particularly stubborn lock refused to lay flat.

  “Your vanity wounds me,” Roq said from his perch next to the door. “I do not understand why a weapon of my caliber must bow to the demands of romance.”

  “Shut up, Roq. Maybe you will understand one day,” I muttered, finally giving up on my hair. It would have to do. “Maybe I read you some romance stories to make you understand.”

  “No, no. I’m fine. Romance it is,” he said hurriedly.

  I pulled on my cleanest shirt, the one Ma had washed just yesterday, and headed for the door, Roq automatically sliding into storage as I moved past him.

  “And where do you think you're going without breakfast?”

  Ma's voice caught me with my hand on the latch.

  I turned to find her standing halfway down the stairs, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

  “Meeting Eryn at the Hollow Hearth,” I said, trying not to sound too eager. “We made plans last night.”

  Her smile widened.

  “Ahh, yes. Though I must say, I'm getting rather used to having her join us here.” She affected a wounded expression. “Don't tell me you have tired of my cooking.”

  “Never,” I assured her quickly. “But... well...”

  “But you want her all to yourself?” Ma said. “Go on then. Just remember what I taught you about table manners.”

  “Ma!” I rolled my eyes. “It's a fire pit on the floor. I think I'll be fine.”

  Her laughter followed me into the street.

  The sky lightened as I hurried along the circular road. Most windows remained dark, though here and there lanterns flickered to life as the town slowly stirred. A group of early-rising lumberjacks trudged past, likely heading for the eating hall at the yard before reporting Riftside for their shift.

  “Morning, hero,” one said, raising a hand in greeting as they passed.

  “One day!” I said, waving back and earning a chuckle. “Just you watch, gentlemen!”

  By the process station I turned right, passing between the Royal Bank on my left and the Adventurers Guild on my right. My jaw clenched as Benedict's smirking face flashing through my mind. Ten days suspension and a fine. A joke of a punishment for causing Marcus his life and nearly ours as well.

  Let it go. Focus on the things you can actually do something about. Things that actually matter. Look how far you've come.

  It was true. Three weeks ago I'd been a simple blacksmith's apprentice and scavenger, at the mercy of adventurers and had very little hand in deciding my own destiny. I had been working towards my big break, and when it had come, I'd seized it. Now I had a soul weapon, enough gold to reach level seven, and the thought of Eryn's smile made my heart skip.

  The last few mornings had been wonderful, with Eryn joining us for breakfast at home. Watching her chat with Ma about herbs while helping with the dishes, or discussing forging techniques with Pa. It all felt right in a way I couldn't quite explain. But today was different.

  Today we had plans and it was just the two of us.

  The Hollow Hearth's wooden doors stood partially open, warm light spilling onto the street. I poked my head in, catching Matron Kora's eye. She acknowledged me with a slight nod but didn't wave me inside. Smart men knew better than to enter uninvited during morning hours, with some women still sleeping beyond the partition, and there was no way I was going to piss off Kora.

  A cool wind whipped down the street, carrying dust by the bucket, and I rubbed my hands together, bouncing slightly on my toes as I waited. I tipped my head back, watching as the now deep purple sky turned to crimson, then orange, and then the palest gold. Beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as—

  “Are you just going to stand there looking handsome, or are you coming inside where it's warm?”

  I spun to find Eryn in the doorway, her smile brighter than the dawn. Her hair was still slightly damp from washing, and she wore a red dress I hadn't seen before. One that made my mouth drop open.

  “They're stoking the fire now,” she added, reaching for my hand. “Come on.”

  Her fingers twined with mine as she led me inside without another word. Which was fortunate because I'd yet to locate my tongue. The massive central fire pit radiated enough heat for the entire place, its flames casting dancing shadows across the wooden beams above. We found a quiet spot near the fire, well away from the few other early risers. Most were still asleep behind their privacy curtains in both the men's and women's sections.

  “Hi,” Eryn whispered once we'd settled, eyes smiling.

  “Hi yourself.”

  I couldn't stop grinning like an idiot.

  She leaned in and kissed me. Her lips were soft and sweet. The kiss was way too brief for my taste, but Matron Kora was watching.

  And there she was, appearing beside us holding two steaming bowls of porridge, topped with honey and dried berries. My stomach growled appreciatively at the smell.

  I reached for my coin pouch, but Matron Kora's hand connected with the back of my head in a gentle swat.

  “Don't you dare,” she warned, though her eyes crinkled with amusement. “Your coin's no good here, young man. Those smiles she gives when you visit,” she said, nodding toward Eryn. “Worth more than gold. Though mind you, if those smiles stop appearing, we'll be having words.”

  I chuckled and put the money away.

  “Yes, ma'am. And no ma'am. I will do my best to keep her happy.”

  Eryn's smile sent butterflies through my stomach as we dug into our breakfast. We kept our voices low, heads close together as we ate. Her knee pressed against mine under the blanket, and something in my chest expanded with a warmth that had nothing to do with the hearth's fire.

  * * *

  “I hope we can get all nine mind gems today,” I said as we walked along the 2nd Ring Road, halfway between the rift and Dawnwatch's edge.

  We were walking in the trade and artisan district, which was full of early morning activity as shop owners rolled out of their beds, opened the shutters of their personal ‘strongholds’ that they locked up tight during night in case of a monster surge, and started sweeping their storefronts.

  Eryn's hand squeezed mine as we walked past the cooper's workshop, where the sound of hammering already rang out across the street.

  “We're out early, before the bank or guild opens, so they shouldn't have had time to sell them yet,” Eryn said.

  We swerved and dodged a cart laden with fresh bread heading for the eating halls.

  As prospective adventurers, there was only really one way of getting mind gems, and that was to scavenge. Find the corpse ourselves and pay a craftsman a massive chunk of the carcass to dissect it for us, bleeding our profits away on the off-chance there was a gem. Fortunately, we had Pa to do it for free, but others weren't so lucky.

  The adventuring guild had a strict policy of selling only to classed adventurers, and they vacuumed up the vast majority of mind gems, second only to the royal bank. At least that's how it was here in the Tharungian Kingdom. The royal bank would sell to us, if we had a high enough reputation with them, built up by selling them carcasses.

  But neither of us was even close.

  That left us with the artisans and the traders. Those who bought corpses of adventurers at a higher price than the adventuring guild and royal bank, all in order to secure materials.

  If we had some standing with them, which fortunately we did. Or we were especially charming, which we were, too.

  The alchemist's shop stood at the corner where the trading quarter met the artisan's row, its windows already glowing with strange colored light. Three cats lounged on the windowsill, and the largest — a massive orange tom I knew was named Avian, a funny name for a cat who loved eating birds — yawned lazily as we approached.

  “Let me do the talking here,” Eryn said and winked at me.

  A bell chimed as we entered, and the familiar scents of weird stuff and monster goo filled our nostrils. Two massive cauldrons bubbled away in opposite corners, one giving off green smoke while the other sparkled with what looked like golden stars. Shelves lined the walls, packed with jars and vials of every size and color. Several sets of delicate glass beakers connected by spiraling tubes dominated the counter, brightly colored liquids flowing between them.

  “Ah, young Miss Whitcroft!” Victor's voice preceded him from the back room. He appeared a moment later, his white hair combed forward in its usual failed attempt to hide his baldness. His right eyebrow, I noticed, was still fireproof and completely hairless, while his left remained stubbornly green. “And young Master Aldrich! To what do I owe the pleasure so early in the day? Got corpses to sell already? A trip last night I didn't hear about?”

  “Good morning, Victor,” Eryn said, smiling warmly. “We were actually hoping you might have some mind gems from yesterday's trading still on hand?”

  Victor's eyes narrowed, though his smile remained fixed.

  “As a matter of fact,” he said, stroking his chin. “I do have one left. Was planning to take it to the Royal Bank this morning, see what the lovely Miss Pine might offer.”

  “We can save you the trip,” Eryn said.

  I bit back a smile as Victor's eyebrows — both the green and the missing one — twitched at that.

  “What about my reputation gain?” he asked.

  “We both know you maxed out last week, Victor. How else would you have gained your second cauldron? Congratulations, by the way.”

  He shook a finger at Eryn.

  “Always with the observations. But there is the goodwill of the bank to consider.”

  “As if they'd ever give you anything for free or any special treatment.”

  “Well—”

  “Nine gold, ninety-nine silver, ninety copper,” Eryn said smoothly. “Since we're saving you the paperwork.”

  Victor's lips twitched.

  “Less than the ten gold peg?”

  “We'll be sparing you Isabel's... enthusiasm for proper documentation.”

  “And robbing me of trying to steal a glance down her blouse as she counts out my gold,” Victor said, and I swallowed a snicker.

  “You rascal!” Eryn said, fake outrage strong in her voice. “She's married!”

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “And I'm old. So what? A man's gotta get his life's pleasures where he can, little miss.”

  I couldn't help myself, and laughed, causing both to turn and smile at me.

  “Fine,” Victor said, throwing his hands up. “I don't want to scare off one of my best scavengers, though I have to point out there has been an abnormally long time since your last haul.”

  “In time, Victor. We promise,” Eryn said, placing the money on the desk.

  “Nine, ninety-nine, ninety...” Victor muttered as he counted, then laughed. “You drive a hard bargain, girl. Done!”

  “I learned from the best,” Eryn said with a grin. “You always say exact measurements are crucial in alchemy.”

  “Oh, Victor, Pa wanted me to ask how the new anti-corrosive tongs are working out?” I said as Eryn accepted the mind gem.

  “Brilliant!” Victor's face lit up. “Absolutely brilliant! In fact, I'd like to place an order for ten more pairs if possible?”

  I frowned.

  “Ten more? What happened to the other pair? If they're so good, they shouldn't be getting destroyed that easily.”

  Victor suddenly became very interested in adjusting one of his burbling contraptions.

  Eryn's laugh rang out.

  “Oh, I think I know,” she said. “Pa's price must have been way too low. I bet you're planning to sell these to every alchemist you know in the kingdom!”

  “You're too clever by three-quarters of a catalyst, young lady!” Victor waggled a finger at her, but he smiled. “See if I ever tell you any of my secrets again!”

  We all laughed, and I promised to pass the message to Pa, though I warned him the price might not stay the same.

  “Portal piss and monster spit!” Victor cursed cheerfully as we headed for the door. “Worth a try, though!”

  Outside, I squeezed Eryn's hand.

  “That was brilliant,” I said. “You handled him perfectly.”

  She smiled up at me and handed me the mind gem, which I promptly popped into my mouth, letting it soak into me and removing any tiredness as we passed the general brewer's shop.

  “If only one of us had enough standing with the Royal Bank,” she said as we approached the staffmaker. “It would make this so much easier.”

  “I know,” I muttered, kicking a pebble down the street. “I'm not even rank one, and you're what, rank two?”

  She nodded.

  “Still three full ranks away from being able to buy mind gems from them.” She made a face. “Sometimes I wish the Adventurer's Guild would let unclassed people buy them directly. All these monopolies they force are brutal for people like us, and yet we have to sell our stuff for cheap.”

  “Right?” The thought had occurred to me before. “Wouldn't that encourage more people to become adventurers? More adventurers would mean more gems to go around and then everyone would level faster.”

  “There's probably a reason it works this way,” Eryn said. “Maybe they need to ensure a steady supply for classed adventurers first? They need so many more gems to advance.”

  “Makes sense in one way,” I admitted. “But I'm pretty sure two parties of level tens or fifteen would be worth more than one party of level twenties,” I said, doing some mental math. “If they're worth their salt, anyway.”

  “And if there aren't enough gems available for the classed now, what would happen if they opened it up to everyone?” Eryn asked.

  “You mean if the price would crash or skyrocket?” I said, thinking about how the demand would increase, but maybe the supply would grow even more.

  “Price for the mind gems would stay the same unless they removed the forced price peg,” Eryn said. “Ten gold maximum per gem is too baked—” she nodded at the baker we passed. The smell of fresh bread made my stomach growl despite already having breakfast, “—baked into our economy. The system works.”

  “Sure, but it's just frustrating,” I said. “I want to go hunting with you again, now. Not be stuck running errands.”

  “We're trying to buy nine gems in one day,” Eryn said. “How often does that actually happen for unclassed people?”

  “Never?”

  “And is it truly so bad to go for a morning stroll, with warm food in your belly, and the most beautiful young woman, who is your girlfriend by the way, at your side? And a... you know what in your storage?”

  “Fair point,” I admitted with a wink and put an arm around her. “Hopefully we'll get several from the artisans today.”

  “And if not,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows. “We always have our secret weapon.”

  I chuckled.

  “Let's just hope the secret weapon doesn't end up biting us in the ass.”

  “Ash!” she slapped my arm playfully. “Language!”

  * * *

  The bell chimed one final time as we exited Madame DeWitt's Jewelry and Fine Crafts, the sound somehow managing to convey the same disapproval as the owner's thin-lipped frown. If she'd had any gems, she refused to sell, or even tell.

  “Well, that could have gone better,” I muttered. It was the last shop on our list.

  “Four mind gems is still incredible for one day's shopping,” Eryn said. “Most unclassed people are lucky to see one in a month going from door to door.”

  I sighed, popping the fourth mind gem of the day into my mouth, having given the previous one's energy a bit of time to fade. Only two remained to level six, and Pa had four at home. I was as lucky as I could be, yet I wasn't happy. We had the funds, yet we couldn't buy the mind gems, and we shouldn’t go hunting before I hit seven. To do so would be taking unnecessary risk, of which we’d had enough recently.

  “I know, I know. But with all the craftsmen and artisans in all of Dawnwatch...” I looked along the curving road. “Seems like we should have found more than four willing to part with them.”

  “That's still nearly forty gold worth of mind gems,” Eryn said. “It is a fortune. Don't you remember being excited the first time you ever earned a single silver?”

  That brought a reluctant smile to my face.

  “I do. It was for my first green axe, magical rarity, passing as adventurer quality. Ma and Pa let me keep the entire coin. Best day of my life, up to that point anyway.”

  “Keep those feelings in mind as we grow,” Eryn said. “Don't lose sight of how far we have come. Don't compare yourself to others, only your past self.”

  I pulled her close and leaned my head against hers, trying to leech off some of that wisdom.

  “How'd you get to be so smart?” I asked.

  “That's a secret. Which I might tell you one day. When you are ready for it.”

  I laughed as we paused, letting a cart laden with freshly-cut steelhusk lumber rumble past, the massive logs secured with heavy chains. The workers nodded respectfully as they passed — word of our scouting missions and how we'd be part of saving Johan and Knut must have spread.

  “Still,” I said once the dust settled. “I just wish—” The words trailed off as I remembered Roq's screaming in my head as we came through the portal, Harold's warning, and the monster surge when Samuel, my best friend, had died.

  “What?” Eryn touched my arm. “What is it?”

  I shook my head.

  “Something's coming. I just know it. I can feel it. And we need to be ready when it does.”

  “Even if we'd found more gems today, could you use them all at once?” Her tone grew serious. “Remember what happened last time you consumed too many too quickly? I'm too gorgeous for you to handle two of me. Just imagine what you’d turn into.”

  “Hah! I know,” I laughed. “Really. One feels like too much at times.” I touched my tattoo. “But, you're right. It would probably be smarter to space them out. Give my body time to adjust between them.”

  “But you're still worried.”

  It wasn't a question.

  I nodded slowly.

  “I can't explain it. Just this feeling that we need to be stronger. That time is somehow running out. Maybe it's Roq, or maybe just an unfounded fear, but it's always there.”

  “Well then.” Eryn stopped me in the street. “Perhaps it's time we visited our secret weapon. See if we can't solve both problems at once.”

  * * *

  A bellowing northern cry echoed down the street, making several passersby jump. I looked up to see Knut waving enthusiastically from the Timberline's balcony, his massive frame silhouetted against the sky.

  “Hail and well met, friends!” His accent somehow grew thicker with every word. “I waited! Three drinks!”

  Eryn laughed beside me.

  “Well, it looks like our secret weapon is in good spirits today.”

  “Let's hope it's not because he's planning to rob us,” I said, only half-joking.

  “Ash!” Eryn elbowed me sharply in the ribs. “Don't be so untrusting. He saved both our lives.”

  I pulled her close against my side, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.

  “I know, I know. Just joking.” I sighed. “But it is a lot of gold we're about to hand over.”

  Before Eryn could respond, Knut practically flew down the Timberline's stairs, armor clanking as he managed not to trip despite being in full battle gear. His kite shield bounced on his back, scratching the painted handrail, and his mace dangled on his hip.

  His armor had been repaired from when I saw it last, though the rift knew where the money had come from. Monster-forged components were worked in as reinforcements. Whoever his smith was knew their craft well. Maybe even as good as Pa.

  “Friends!” He swept us both into a bone-crushing hug that left my ribs aching. “Seeing you bring joy to heart!”

  “Can't breathe! Knut!” Eryn gasped.

  “Oh!” He released us, smiling sheepishly. “I forget own strength. Forgive me, but please tell! I am excited to assist in your—” His voice dropped as his eyes darted around, checking for eavesdroppers. “Adventure!”

  I couldn't help but smile, and we fell into step together, heading riftward toward the first ring road and the guild hall. Knut's armor created a steady rhythm as we walked.

  “You seem different today,” Eryn observed. “Fixed your armor already?”

  “Yes!” Knut said. “Sold scuttlers you paid me. Fetched good price after guild auction. People see your plate, want more of them. I smart, waited for you to make first move.”

  “Speaking of price,” I started, but Knut waved me off.

  “No, no! First, I must tell story. One you should hear before we do business.” His voice grew serious, losing some of its flair. “It is no happy tale.”

  We turned onto the first ring road and passed the fletcher shop, with its sounds of wood creaking and ropes straining echoing out onto the street.

  “I not always sellsword. Once, I served king's army. Led squad of good men. Loyal men.” His accent thickened with emotion and he hammered his chest as if something had stuck in his throat. “Company rested in village near northern border. A new rift appeared.”

  He paused, his jaw working in a circle.

  “The knights said to retreat from monster surge. Abandon village and people.” His massive fists clenched. “I refused.”

  “You deserted?” Eryn asked softly.

  Knut nodded grimly.

  “My squad too. We held line while villagers ran. They survived, but my men died. One by one. Good men. Brave men. Warriors deserve better than die for silk-wearing noble too cowardly to fight.”

  We walked in silence for a moment, passing the leatherworker and our smithy, letting his words sink in. I glanced inside, seeing Ma haggling with some adventurer.

  “Only I survived,” Knut said, shaking his head. “Three years I ran... Hard time. Took any work. No questions. But then,” a smile broke through as he spoke. “Then came call for pioneers! King's pardon for classed adventurers!”

  “And here you are,” I said.

  “And here I am!” he laughed, the sound booming off the buildings. “Two years of fighting monsters. Not deserter, but respected tank!”

  “Respected?” Eryn asked.

  “Okay, you make good point. I charge extra for dangerous work. Must care for family. You know. Protect.”

  “Can't argue with that,” I said, nodding and remembering my promise to the man as he lay wounded.

  We stopped in front of the processing station's gate, looking right at the guild hall. Knut's story was either the best con I'd ever heard of, or he wanted to prove he was worthy of our trust. Whatever the case, he hadn't just saved us that day because of the scuttler corpses. He could have had a full storage of his own in just a few minutes of killing. No, he had wanted us to hire him at that moment. He had wanted to save us, and that meant something to me.

  “Five gems, please,” Eryn said, and I handed over two thick pouches, totaling fifty gold.

  “On honor,” Knut said.

  “I'd rather you swear on your family,” I said and winked.

  He laughed, but grew serious.

  “Never. Not for something I not fully control.”

  Without another word, he clapped me hard on the shoulder, nearly making me lose balance, and set off towards the guild hall.

  * * *

  “Well, look who it is,” Garrett said, his weathered face broke into a grin as he approached Eryn and me. “The great survivors of Benedict's mess, lurking by the gate like bandits.”

  “Careful who you call bandits,” I said, unable to keep from smiling. “We might rob you.”

  “You'd have to catch us first.” Nina twirled her spear with a flourish that would have been more impressive if her eye hadn't twitched halfway through. “And my back's almost good as new now. Just a little twinge left.”

  “Alex is a miracle worker,” Eryn said, a knowing look crossing her face. “You've been seeing quite a bit of him lately, haven't you?”

  Nina's cheeks flushed.

  “I have no idea what you're talking about,” she said. “He's just thorough in his healing. Very thorough.”

  She wiggled her hips.

  “I'll bet,” Finn muttered, flexing his hand. The skin had returned to normal color where Alex had worked his magic. “Though I have to admit, he knows his stuff. My arm's fine now, and I'm cleared for duty. Well, almost. Still can't arm wrestle for another week. Doctor's orders.”

  “Are you're actually following those orders?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Have you met Alex?” Finn shuddered. “He said if I mess up the healing, he'll reattach it backwards next time. I actually believe him.”

  We all laughed at that, though I noticed Garrett's eyes kept drifting towards the processing station beyond the gate.

  “Eager to get back out there?” Eryn asked.

  “Portal piss, yes.” He adjusted his shield strap. “Been climbing the walls these past few days. Shay's got a good route planned and a strong party — should be a clean trip with easy looting, clearing out trash.”

  “Speaking of which,” he said, glancing up at the sun's position. “We could probably delay a few minutes if you two want to grab your gear and join us? Proper five-man scavenging party?”

  “Can't today,” I said, trying to sound regretful. “Got some business in town that needs handling.”

  “Your loss,” Garrett said with a shrug. “Though I hear you've been doing alright for yourselves lately. Saw the new armor coming out of Steel & Scale. Quite the piece.”

  “Just lucky,” I said quickly. Too quickly, judging by his knowing smirk.

  “Right. Lucky.” He adjusted his spear. “Well, we should get moving. Shay guarantees one carcass per scavenger if we complete the entire route.”

  “Take care out there,” Eryn said. “Watch each other's backs.”

  “Always do,” Nina said, shouldering her pack. “Though I wouldn't mind if Alex had to check mine again.”

  “Scavenger's spit, woman!” Finn groaned. “Some of us are trying to keep our breakfast down!”

  Their bickering continued as they passed beneath the gate, Nina gesturing, going on about something involving Alex's ‘healing hands’. I watched until they disappeared into the processing station's shadows, unable to shake a faint worry.

  “They'll be fine,” Eryn said, catching my expression. “Shay isn't Benedict.”

  “I know, I just…”

  “Oh,” she said, “You miss it?”

  “Does that make me an idiot? I've been complaining about how we aren't pushing fast enough, and at the same time, part of me misses simple scavenging. Being out there with friends, making sure they are safe and... you know?”

  “When the worst thing we had to worry about was splitting the loot fairly?” she asked.

  “And someone else had all the responsibility,” I sighed. “Don't get me wrong. I don't want to go back to being dependent on a party of adventurers deciding to give us their scraps. It's just all moving so fast.”

  “I understand.”

  I met her gaze and saw she did indeed.

  “Hey! I'm walking here!”

  We turned to look towards the guild hall and saw Knut hurrying towards us, his expression dark as a storm cloud, a man cursing at his back, shaking his hands in the air.

  “Riftrot,” I cursed. That look could only mean bad news.

  “It'll be fine,” Eryn said.

  Knut's armor rattled, head swiveling to check for observers. His massive brow was set in deep furrows. He reached us and stood silent for a long moment, his thunderous expression unchanged. Then, with exaggerated secrecy, he produced a small leather pouch from beneath his cloak.

  I took it with trembling fingers, dreading what I might find inside. Five mind gems gleamed up at me, their swirling patterns catching the morning light.

  Relief flooded through me so fast my knees nearly buckled. When I looked up, Knut's serious expression had vanished, replaced by a broad grin that split his beard.

  “You should see faces!” he boomed, then caught himself and lowered his voice. “Like watching execution! So serious!”

  “You!” Words failed me.

  “That wasn't funny!” Eryn punched his armored shoulder, then shook her hand with a wince.

  “Was little funny,” Knut said, unrepentant. “You two have no sense of humor. Brighten up.”

  “Quick,” Eryn hissed, glancing around. “Get those in your spatial before someone sees them. We don't want Knut getting in trouble.”

  I didn't need to be told twice. The gems vanished into my storage with a thought, though their phantom weight seemed to linger. He’d be in hot water if the guild found out he was buying on behalf of scavengers.

  “Thank you,” I said, extending my hand to Knut. He grabbed it in a grip that made my knuckles crack, but I squeezed back just as hard. “We won't forget this.”

  “Then tell more about planned adventure! And please,” his grin turned sly, “Speak slowly. Small words. Poor northern brain struggle with complicated plans.”