The explosion shook the inn, rattling the windows as well as Allison’s nerves. “Damn that gnome” she growled. She threw her cleaning rag onto the counter and stormed upstairs to find out what damage had been done this time. She banged on the door for several minutes then jumped back in surprise when Talula answered. The gnome’s face and hair were covered in soot. Most alarming, however, were the goggles. They magnified her icy blue eyes to five times their normal size. “OH, ALLISON! HELLO! TIME FOR TEA?” Talula yelled. “No,” the innkeeper answered. “You’re making too much noise.”