Chapter 2

A small stack of coins sat on the bar in front of me, along with a scroll, a empty tin wine cup and several empty wine bottles. Gaku was nowhere to be found. I hadn't expected to hear from Blaster again for at least a week, but the scroll had made it to the Tavern before I had. It took most of the wine before I mustered enough courage to open the scroll. It read, "Gareth, if you weren't such a stubborn old fool, we could have discussed this at the Granary. I have a job for you. I really need you. It is the kind of job I am sure you will accept." (I guess he meant it didn't involve thievery or assassination.) "Please meet me as soon as you can. You know where."

I was glad I had emptied those bottles. "You know where" could only mean one place. Oh well, might as well do this right.

"Barkeep!" I shouted. Unnecessary, as I was his only customer this late.

"I think you should give yourself a rest," the barkeep said. "You know the resurrection spells aren't working as well as they used to."