CHAPTER ONE

 
Rolf Simonson peered around corner and into the main room of the Custard Fern Tavern. He was partially hidden by the ornamental plant hanging from a chain set in the ceiling, the plant’s long, waxy leaves dangling from the copper pot to the floor three feet below.

There was nothing more he wanted at that very moment than to step out into the room and walk out the front door. There was a job waiting for him and his partner at the next town. A big one but not one they couldn’t handle, he was sure. After all, they had taken on far more difficult jobs before so it was easy money as far as he was concerned. And he had bills to pay.

Problem was, he had gotten wind that the old merchant Severin was looking for him, no doubt for some job he’d want him to take on. He owed the man a favor back when he was still a rookie. Well, several favors in fact and Severin was bound to call in one of them. While he was sure that Severin would compensate them for their trouble, that job awaiting them in Redmound was a pretty sweet deal and he was loathed to miss out on it.

Rolf had a feeling that the old man was going to make an appearance that evening and sure enough, there he was, standing in front of the door. Most assuredly he was searching for him, looking around the room as he was with those sharp, calculating eyes of his.

“Damn it!” Rolf muttered under his breath.

He really hated it when his gut feelings turned out right as they never boded well which was often the case. For try as he might to capitalize on them, he usually ended up holding the short end of the stick.

Ignoring them didn’t fare him any better either.

Rolf sighed. Maybe he should have taken the window after all. He really didn’t fancy the idea though. He was a proud member of the Axe Slayers Guild, not some petty thief sneaking about in the dark of night.

Besides, the thought of Sven in his heavy armor clambering out the second-floor window and climbing down the side of the building without any climbing gear whatsoever all but dismissed the notion. The clumsy oaf was liable to fall and break something.

And where would that leave them then? More bills to pay and an empty purse.

Fortunately, the Custard Fern Tavern was a popular hangout place and so the main room was packed with both locals and adventurers alike. They could use the crowd as cover and make their way to the kitchen and then out the back door and Severin would be none the wiser.

That was a plan at least.

Rolf’s eyes widened as recognized the tavern patron, a young woman, seated at the table facing the kitchen door. It was Yumi.