The Shades had just arrived at the bustling inn two villages after Tungsten, their boots damp from the long road, the air thick with ale and smoke. She had made sure this particular inn was chosen, after all, it had the tavern he frequented.

“Why this one?” Norya, one of the new recruits had asked, tossing her travel cloak over a chair.

Valia smiled, her tone light. “The ale’s cheap and there are enough rooms. What more could we want?”

Norya shrugged, none the wiser. 

Valia had ...