. "The gnome looked up as a shadow darkened the pages of the book in his hands. \u201CAre you the gnome named Min?\u201D the woman asked. \u201CGnome named Min,\u201D he said, closing the book. \u201CTry saying that five times fast. Even three times slowly might be enough.\u201D He slipped the book into his pack, sizing the woman up with a surreptitious glance. Dress of fine silk cut to precise measurements, diamonds set in delicate gold filigree adorning her ring fingers, and hair that cost more to maintain than a month\u2019s budget at the orphanage. Not Stormwind Guard. \u201CTemplar?\u201D he asked. \u201CBeg your pardon?\u201D \u201CNot sir. Too formal.\u201D"@en . "Min"@en . "Simple Enough"@en . "Simple Enough"@en . "The gnome looked up as a shadow darkened the pages of the book in his hands. \u201CAre you the gnome named Min?\u201D the woman asked. \u201CGnome named Min,\u201D he said, closing the book. \u201CTry saying that five times fast. Even three times slowly might be enough.\u201D He slipped the book into his pack, sizing the woman up with a surreptitious glance. Dress of fine silk cut to precise measurements, diamonds set in delicate gold filigree adorning her ring fingers, and hair that cost more to maintain than a month\u2019s budget at the orphanage. Not Stormwind Guard. \u201CTemplar?\u201D he asked. \u201CBeg your pardon?\u201D \u201CNevermind.\u201D The gnome looked around before relaxing. \u201CI\u2019m Min. Nice to meet you. What can I do for you, ma\u2019am?\u201D \u201CI was told you have a talent for finding people, Sir Min.\u201D \u201CNot sir. Too formal.\u201D Annoyance twisted the woman\u2019s composure, but only for a moment. \u201CThen you are Mister\u2026?\u201D \u201CJust Min, ma\u2019am.\u201D \u201CMin, then. About finding people-\u201C \u201CYes, people and things, but not places, strangely enough. People move around, things can change hands, but something about the stability of places discombobulates me. Dalaran notwithstanding.\u201D Min smiled up at the flustered woman. He was accustomed to such a reaction. If she didn\u2019t turn around and vow to forget this odd gnome, she had to be desperate enough to need his help. The woman closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath. Only a cold resolve shone in her eyes when she opened them. \u201CI need you to find my husband, Min.\u201D Min nodded and stood. \u201CMy office would be a better place to discuss this,\u201D he said, gathering his things. \u201CCome with me.\u201D They reached the bottom of the cathedral steps when Min heard a familiar sound. His hand caught a handful of the woman\u2019s dress, pulling her back from the pathway just as a mechanohog roared past, its rider unleashing a torrent of threats against any and all orphans. The woman\u2019s shocked gaze followed hog and rider out of sight before settling on Min. Her mouth worked in a vain attempt to form words. \u201CBetter if you don\u2019t know, ma\u2019am,\u201D Min said. She kept close to Min\u2019s heels as they left the cathedral behind. Was this really her last hope\u2026this plain, unremarkable gnome waddling along in front of her? \u201CAre you not curious as to why I have not taken this matter to the Guard?\u201D she asked. \u201CNope,\u201D Min said, not breaking his pace. \u201CYou have some reason, I\u2019m sure. Many, I\u2019ll wager.\u201D \u201CFlamewright said you knew how to be discreet.\u201D \u201CThat answers how someone of your\u2026means\u2026heard of me.\u201D \u201CYes, I had commissioned a chandelier from him. He delivered it after my husband disappeared. Once he heard of my plight, he mentioned you. He said you found his daughter after she had been taken by Twilight Cultists. That you rescued her.\u201D His moustache rose as he smiled. \u201CTrue.\u201D \u201CHow many of them did you kill?\u201D she asked, a vindictive grin spreading across her face. \u201CNone.\u201D The woman stopped. \u201CNot one.\u201D \u201CI was there for the girl, not to kill,\u201D Min said, still walking. \u201CIf you want to hire a killer, then don\u2019t follow me. Otherwise, catch up. It\u2019s hard to stop once I get started, what with this armor and all.\u201D Min glanced around the Stormwind Park, taking in the people milling about. He led the woman around behind the Moonwell, stopping to kneel at a red flower. His callused hand brushed the flower\u2019s healthy petals. With a nod of approval, he stood and faced the woman. \u201CWe were on our way to your office, correct?\u201D she asked, her annoyance lending the words an edge. \u201CAnd here we are,\u201D Min said, patting the bench beside him. \u201CWelcome to my office, my study, and, at night, my house. Have a seat, ma\u2019am.\u201D Min swept a hand at the bench, an invitation to sit. After a few moments of the woman\u2019s incredulous stare, he shrugged and climbed up onto it. \u201CNow, who am I looking for, and for whom?\u201D he asked. \u201CI am Miriam Constance Castille,\u201D she said, mustering as much dignity as she could while speaking to a gnome whose home was a park bench. Min did all he could to keep from smiling at the display. \u201CMy husband is Roderick Theodore Montgomery Castille.\u201D Her voice added weight to the name, as though it possessed a gravity all its own. \u201COkay,\u201D Min said, shrugging. Miriam deflated in front of the gnome, her eyes blinking in short bursts. \u201CI never really understood having all those names,\u201D he said, reaching into his pack. \u201CDo you earn one for each couple thousand gold you have laying around? And do you expect people to remember them all? Seems people have a hard enough time with Min. Would hate to compound their difficulties.\u201D Assorted items of questionable nature and usage flew from Min\u2019s pack. A bout of gnomish curses later, he set a metal sphere and silver ring next to him on the bench. He held his hand over the orb and concentrated. Soothing harp music emanated from the sphere. \u201CAnd just what is the point of that?\u201D Miriam asked. \u201CI like music when conducting business.\u201D He looked up at Miriam, a slight smile on his face. \u201CThat\u2026and anyone trying to listen in by magical or mundane means will only hear the music of a very good minstrel who really should command more for his performances than a few coppers.\u201D \u201CCan we get started, please?\u201D \u201CAlready have, ma\u2019am. He left on his own, someone snatched him, or he\u2019s dead and buried.\u201D Miriam flinched at the last. \u201CHe\u2019s not dead. Can\u2019t be.\u201D \u201CAnd you know how?\u201D Min asked, head tilting a bit. \u201CWe\u2026share a special bond. I\u2019d know.\u201D Min nodded. \u201CGood. That leaves high-tailing it himself, or kidnapped. Are any of his things missing? Any gold not in the bank that should be?\u201D Miriam shook her head. \u201CIf he left, he took nothing with him, then,\u201D Min said. \u201CAnd given the conditions he would be used to living in, I doubt roughing it is part of his vocabulary. Right?\u201D \u201CRoderick wouldn\u2019t stay in a palace if the sheets were anything but the finest silk.\u201D Min smirked, thinking of how he uses a cloak for a pillow. \u201CThen your husband appears to have been kidnapped. How long has he been gone, ma\u2019am?\u201D \u201CA week.\u201D \u201CNo ransom demand?\u201D \u201CNo, not yet.\u201D Min ran a hand through his hair. \u201CA week\u2019s a long time to hold someone without asking for gold. Whoever did it isn\u2019t concerned with the cost of feeding and sheltering their captive.\u201D \u201CSo why would anyone take him?\u201D Miriam, forgetting her dignity, finally sat next to the gnome. \u201CMa\u2019am, there\u2019s only a couple reasons I can think of to take a wealthy man to keep alive and want no compensation, and none of them are nice.\u201D He handed Miriam the silver ring. \u201CPut this on, and don\u2019t take it off. I can use it to find you. Again, do not take it off. Not till I come back, or it turns gray and brittle on your finger.\u201D \u201CGray and brittle?\u201D Miriam asked, slipping it on her index finger, not taking her eyes off the plain band. \u201CWhat does it mean if it does?\u201D \u201CMeans I\u2019m dead, ma\u2019am.\u201D * * * * * Min and Miriam walked along the Stormwind canals, heading for the Deeprun Tram. Ironforge, the last place anyone had seen Roderick Castille. The face of a gnome child flashed across Min\u2019s thoughts\u2026and he hoped Roderick hadn\u2019t shared a similar fate. The present came crashing back as he caught sight of two men standing at the tunnel entrance to the Dwarven District. \u201CMa\u2019am,\u201D Min said, voice low and calm, \u201CI need you to stop walking and pretend you\u2019re crying.\u201D \u201CI beg your\u2014\u201D \u201CNow, please.\u201D Miriam stopped, hands to her face, her body wracked with false sobs. \u201CIs this good?\u201D she said with only a trace of annoyance. \u201CYou won\u2019t earn a spot in any troupes, but it\u2019ll do.\u201D Min turned to face Miriam, stealing a moment\u2019s glance past her. \u201CSee the men behind me?\u201D She hid a nod behind another series of sobs. \u201CYou have two behind you, about thirty yards out.\u201D Miriam started to turn, unable to suppress the habitual need to look. Min took her elbow in a gentle grip. \u201CNot a good idea, ma\u2019am. When we get closer, the two behind me will go down the tunnel to stop us there, while the other two cut off the tunnel behind us. They\u2019re not going to get a chance. We\u2019re going to keep walking, hand in hand. Follow my lead. Don\u2019t try to stop, and don\u2019t talk.\u201D \u201CHas it occurred to you that maybe they are just regular people?\u201D Miriam said from behind her hands. \u201COf course,\u201D he said, smiling, \u201CIf they are, I only risk looking ridiculous. Nothing wrong with that. Do it all the time. But I\u2019d rather look ridiculous than have you in danger, ma\u2019am.\u201D He nodded, releasing her elbow. Miriam slipped her hand into his. A few paces later, the two men entered the tunnel. Min shook his head, a gnomish curse under his breath. He heard the footsteps behind them drawing closer\u2026faster. Min tightened his grip on Miriam\u2019s hand. He bolted for the alleyway to their right, almost taking Miriam off her feet. Shouts followed them as they ran. Min snapped a pouch off his belt and dumped its contents. Small pieces of dark metal now littered the stone path behind them, sharpened points sticking up. \u201CWhat was that?\u201D Miriam asked. \u201CCaltrops. Won\u2019t stop them, but it\u2019ll slow \u2019em down\u2026and hurt like hell.\u201D The pair followed the alley\u2019s right turn, running straight into a dead end. They reached the wall just as a scream of pain split the air. \u201CYou fool!\u201D Miriam shouted, any regal dignity forgotten. \u201CNow they have us. There\u2019s nowhere to run.\u201D Min smiled up at Miriam\u2019s reddening face. \u201CRunning wasn\u2019t my intention, ma\u2019am. Now they can\u2019t surround us. Know how to use a sword?\u201D Sputtering anger was the only reply. \u201CKeep your back to the wall,\u201D he said, drawing his sword. He reversed his grip, holding it out to Miriam. She took the sword after a moment\u2019s hesitation. Min unhooked the shield from his back and slipped it onto his left arm with the ease of long practice. \u201CWhat will you use, then?\u201D Miriam asked. \u201COh, I\u2019ll get by, ma\u2019am.\u201D Min turned to face the men just as they rounded the corner. \u201CEvening, gentlemen,\u201D he said. \u201CSomething I can help you with tonight?\u201D One of the men limped forward, a pair of daggers in his hands. \u201CNo one said anything about her having a gnome, Bludmane,\u201D Limpy said. The tallest of them, a full head taller to be exact, relaxed his broadsword on his shoulder. He nodded, moonlight catching his dark red hair. \u201CKill it, and subdue the woman,\u201D he said. \u201CShe\u2019s not to be harmed.\u201D Min\u2019s hand drifted to a pouch on his right hip. A glass orb appeared, shimmering into existence. \u201CDid you really have to call me an it? Gnomes do have feelings, you know.\u201D The three underlings formed a line, advancing on Min. Bludmane kept his sword on his shoulder, a grim smile creasing his face, watching. With a sad, resigned sigh, Min launched himself at Limpy. Min\u2019s hand snapped out mid-leap, the orb sailing for the thug to his right. It shattered against the man\u2019s chest plate, green gas suffusing the air around his head. He tried to wave it away, but his hand made it half the way before sleep overwhelmed him. Injured from the caltrops and surprised by the gnome\u2019s charge, Limpy only had time to put his daggers in the way in the hopes the gnome would impale himself. The sound of daggers meeting shield echoed in the alley as Min collided with Limpy, the momentum sending them rolling across the dirty stones. Min shifted his weight at the last moment to end up on top, burying his knees into Limpy\u2019s chest. He held the edge of his shield against the thug\u2019s throat, his right fist raised for the knockout blow. The strike never came as Min rolled away; noticing Limpy wasn\u2019t looking at him, but past him. Min heard the axe tear through armor, flesh, and bone\u2026and a scream of mortal terror and shock. Limpy\u2019s cohort stood stunned at the sight of his axe buried in his friend\u2019s chest. He never saw the edge of the shield as it smashed into the side of his knee. It was almost a relief as the shield came around again, sending him into unconsciousness. \u201CMin!\u201D Miriam screamed. The gnome dived under Bludmane\u2019s massive sword as it slashed the air where he once stood. He rolled onto one knee, spinning to face the man, shield raised over his head anticipating a crushing overhead attack. There Bludmane stood, towering over Min, the sword held high over his head. The huge man swayed on his feet. His sword slipped from numb hands, clattering to the stone path. He looked down at Min, the light going out of his eyes as he coughed once, blood misting onto the gnome\u2019s face. Min stood and stepped aside as Bludmane fell, the hilt of a dagger protruding from his back. \u201CWas wondering if you\u2019d make an appearance,\u201D Min said. He took a rag from his pocket and wiped the blood from his face. \u201CNext time, though, could you keep the coughing of blood to a minimum?\u201D The shadows giggled. \u201CMiriam Castille,\u201D Min said, smiling, \u201CI\u2019d like you to meet Starheart Rainewind. Ciera to those of us lucky enough to know her.\u201D \u201CAlways had a talent for making new friends, Min,\u201D a voice from the shadows said; a voice brimming with all things mischievous. \u201CThese guys?\u201D Min said. \u201CNah. The Stormwind Navy bumped up their recruitment drive from merely annoying to downright aggressive.\u201D A bright laugh filled the alley as a gnome stepped from concealment. Starheart stood in front of Min, hands on her hips. \u201CThey\u2019d have to be desperate to snag a gnome so directionally backward that he ended up stranded on an island off the coast of Stranglethorn while trying to reach Ironforge.\u201D Min blushed, trying to sputter a reply\u2026any reply. After letting him shift through various shades of red, Starheart giggled and hugged the flustered gnome. \u201CMake it too easy som-\u201D A pained moan cut her off. She was out of Min\u2019s arms and holding a dagger to the thug\u2019s throat before the moan was finished. \u201CCiera,\u201D Min shouted, rushing to stand over the injured man, \u201Cwe need him alive.\u201D \u201CYou sure?\u201D \u201CYes. The other one won\u2019t wake up for hours.\u201D \u201CHe would have killed you,\u201D she said. A thin line of blood appeared along the edge of her dagger. All light left her eyes, leaving them cold. \u201CCi-\u201D Starheart sighed, the dagger sheathed on her hip in a movement faster than Min could follow. \u201CFine.\u201D \u201CThank you,\u201D Min said. He held the edge of his shield to the man\u2019s throat. \u201CC\u2019mon, wake up.\u201D The thug\u2019s eyes fluttered open. His hand moved to feel the knot on his head. Min applied enough pressure to make a clear point. \u201CNone of that. Stay still, or it\u2019s lights out again.\u201D The man complied. \u201CGood. Going to make this easy for you because I know from experience that you feel like an Elekk with its rear on fire just kicked you in the head. Who hired you?\u201D The man glanced at the shield, a plea in his eyes. Min eased the pressure enough for the man to speak. \u201CGet bent, gnome,\u201D he said. He smiled\u2026and spit in Min\u2019s face. Min didn\u2019t move. \u201CSorry, know that trick, too. You\u2019re just going to spit on me again if I ask again, aren\u2019t you?\u201D The thug continued to smile up at the gnome. \u201CHave it your way,\u201D Min said. Glass shattered on the stones next to the thug\u2019s head, soporific gas sending the man back into unconsciousness. \u201CThink the other one will be more cooperative?\u201D Starheart asked. \u201CNot bloody likely,\u201D Min said. \u201CBest to leave them for the Guard.\u201D \u201COh\u2026you are mean,\u201D she said, her smile returning. \u201CHow about you? Hear anything about a grab job for a Roderick Castille?\u201D \u201CNow, Min\u2026you know I wouldn\u2019t have any information on something like that.\u201D \u201COf course you wouldn\u2019t. How dare I even think such a thing?\u201D \u201CI can tell you I would know nothing about anyone hiring out for a kidnapping of anyone named Roderick Castille.\u201D \u201CSilly me.\u201D \u201CYes, you are a silly gnome. If I even knew how to find out about such a deed, which I certainly don\u2019t, then I couldn\u2019t tell you because I wouldn\u2019t know.\u201D \u201CAll true.\u201D The gnomes smiled at one another. Without a sound, or so much as a disturbance of the air, Starheart was gone. \u201CThat was pointless,\u201D Miriam said, standing beside Min. \u201CShe knew nothing.\u201D \u201COn the contrary,\u201D Min said, \u201Cshe told me everything I needed to know.\u201D \u201CMeaning?\u201D \u201CMeaning I\u2019m heading on to Ironforge.\u201D \u201CWhat about me?\u201D \u201CYou?\u201D Min wiped the spit from his face, hooked his shield to his back, and began walking. \u201CYou\u2019re going to find a deep hole somewhere, jump in, and pull it in after you. Disappear till I come back. Because someone wants to complete their Castille collection.\u201D Miriam Castille gave their attackers a last glance before hurrying to catch Min. She matched his pace to the alley\u2019s entrance. The gnome held his hand out, stopping her. He peered out of the entryway. \u201CAll clear,\u201D he said. \u201CJust making sure I didn\u2019t miss any lookouts. You can give me my sword back now, ma\u2019am.\u201D \u201COh, of course,\u201D Miriam said. The sword almost leapt from her hands as happy as she was to be rid of the thing. \u201CYou are just going to leave them?\u201D \u201CThey\u2019ll both wake up and put as much distance between them and this alley as possible, or the Guard will find them. If it\u2019s the Guard, they\u2019ll just make something up and be free in less than an hour. Probably some story about how they got jumped.\u201D \u201CYou let them live to come after me again.\u201D \u201CWrong,\u201D Min said, a smile lifting his moustache. \u201CHow so?\u201D \u201CThey\u2019re going to run - well, the one will hobble, but you get my meaning - going to run to the person who holds their leashes with a description of a certain bothersome gnome. With you in hiding, the only lead they\u2019ll have for finding you is me.\u201D Miriam\u2019s hand grasped Min\u2019s shoulder, stopping him and turning him around. \u201CYou would risk yourself?\u201D she asked, at once confused and curious. \u201CMa\u2019am, you came to me for help. Shouldn\u2019t be surprised when I give it.\u201D \u201CWhere will I go?\u201D Min shrugged. \u201CNo idea. Make it somewhere no one would expect. And disguises are a good thing.\u201D \u201CI know. There is this-\u201D \u201CGah!\u201D Min shouted, covering his ears. \u201CDon\u2019t ruddy tell me!\u201D \u201CWhy? You\u2019ll need to find me eventually.\u201D Min took his hands from his ears and pointed at the ring adorning Miriam\u2019s finger. \u201CI can find you by that. Even then, it only tells me a direction. If things go sideways, they\u2019ll try to get me to give you up. I swear\u2026do all you nobles need everything spelled out for you?\u201D Min spun on his heel, muttering as he walked. Miriam followed in silence. They arrived at the tunnel entrance to the Deeprun Tram, the gnome\u2019s mumbled diatribe finished. He patted his pouches and ran his hand through his hair. Satisfied, he turned to Miriam. \u201CThis is where you go poof,\u201D Min said. Miriam hesitated, not sure how to proceed. \u201CBe careful, Min,\u201D she said. Min flashed a confident grin. \u201CDon\u2019t worry, ma\u2019am. I\u2019m like the food at the Jester. You think you\u2019ve got me finished and down, but I always come back up.\u201D * * * * * Kothrin stood next to his partner, wondering how he had ended up in this situation. A simple grab of a noblewoman had become a debacle\u2026all because of one gnome. It just wasn\u2019t right. Now Bludmane and Drakus were dead in an alley, and Timith was nursing a wrecked knee. It took all his patience to keep from tossing Timith into the Stormwind Canal and being done with the whole affair. But there was no way he was going to face the consequences alone. He took a quick look at the chamber around him. The place was straight out of a bard\u2019s tale of what a villain\u2019s lair should look like\u2026if the bard had little talent or imagination: damp walls, guttering candles, and a makeshift dais for the man bankrolling the grab. As if summoned by the thought of him, the man appeared from out of the shadows and took his usual seat on the dais. Kothrin once again tried to sneak a look at his face, but the cowl of his cloak obscured it. \u201CCongratulations, gentlemen,\u201D the man spoke. Kothrin guessed the cowl held an enchantment to alter his voice\u2026no human\u2019s voice was that deep. \u201CYou managed to survive against a pampered noblewoman and a gnome.\u201D Timith stepped forward to defend himself until the weight on his knee almost sent him to the ground. He gritted his teeth to hold back a gasp of pain. \u201CYou didn\u2019t tell us about him.\u201D \u201CYou are right. Because I did not know of him until now. Even now, my sources have only his name. Min. No last name, no history on him. This is just as well. He will not live long enough to have any tales to be told about him.\u201D Kothrin suppressed a grin. Yes, he would like to see that happen. Bludmane was an ass, but the pay had been good. He took a slow step back, making sure Timith had their boss\u2019 full attention. \u201CNow what?\u201D Timith asked the cowled man. \u201CI want the gnome brought to me alive.\u201D The man leaned forward in his seat. \u201CMiriam Castille has gone to ground. He will know where to find her. Even if he does not, I want to make sure he knows he stuck his bulbous nose into matters far beyond his control.\u201D \u201CIt will be done,\u201D Timith said, the words passing through a vicious smile. \u201CYes, it will,\u201D the man said, \u201Cbut not by the likes of a limping fool.\u201D The man\u2019s gloved hand reached out. Candles dimmed even more as shadows crept from the corners of the chamber. Timith made to turn and run. His knee buckled and he hit the ground screaming in fear as much as pain. The shadows crawled over him, and where they passed, rot followed. He opened his mouth for a final scream, but the shadows silenced him as they rushed into his mouth. His eyes turned to putrescent ichor, the shadows forcing through them to still his thoughts. The shadows receded, their work done. What remained of Timith gave one last spasm before settling. The cowled man stood, hand disappearing into the folds of his robe. \u201CGather more men, Kothrin.\u201D * * * * * Min sat at the table pretending to read the book propped up in front of him. He read the same sentence for what seemed the hundredth time. His thoughts wouldn\u2019t settle. Twenty-four hours, plenty of time for whispers to hit all the right ears about a certain gnome looking for a kidnapped noble, and all he had was a Taurenesque ball of nothing. Another twelve and he\u2019d start to take the lack of attention personally. \u201CMore water, Mr. Sparkpistol?\u201D the inn matron asked. He set his book aside and looked up at the dwarven woman. Her braided blonde hair tumbled past her shoulders, framing a round, friendly face with blue eyes that seemed to shine right along with her pale skin. About a year ago, a warlock\u2019s rogue demon had tried to kill her\u2026would have succeeded, too, if not for a gnome with a distinct lack of self-preservation. The attention he garnered for saving an innkeeper\u2019s wife was more than he wanted, and he was forced to give a false name, but the benefit of free room and board for life had its appeals. \u201CNo, thank you, ma\u2019am,\u201D Min said, sure to return her smile, even if his was a lot less heartfelt. \u201CI need to be leaving. Appointments, you know.\u201D \u201CAye, Mr. Sparkpistol. You know you\u2019re welcome within these walls any time.\u201D Book tucked under his arm, Min stood and bowed to the woman. He left without another word\u2026had to. The heat from the Great Forge prickled his skin as he made a hard right turn. An exasperated cry, tinged with a hint of amusement, came from inside the inn. She\u2019d found the gold coins he had slipped under his empty mug. The smile on his face was short lived. The Forlorn Cavern spread out before him\u2026not his favorite place in Azeroth. And the person he was going there to find was far from his favorite gnome. He wasn\u2019t hard to find. Min just had to look for a gnome who offended even a rat\u2019s dignity. Sitting by himself in the alley, perched on a crate of likely ill-gotten goods, was Nit. It took a single look at the gnome to figure out how he earned the name. Upon meeting him, one wanted him out of their hair faster than a Forsaken was told to leave the dinner table. \u201CAye, yes, Sir Rutherford, \u2018ow nice to see you \u2018gan,\u201D Nit said, a smile plastered to his face. He spit into his hand and ran it through his oily black hair, which looked like it had about a year\u2019s worth of the stuff, then offered it to Min for a friendly shake. Min looked at the hand, still glistening, and shook his head. \u201CNot if you paid me, Nit.\u201D \u201CIs that a way to treat me?\u201D \u201CI\u2019m not one of your clients. I\u2019m here to talk.\u201D \u201CThen I\u2019ve words to sell, my friend.\u201D Nit pushed himself off his box, and Min had to suppress the urge to punch him just for decency\u2019s sake. \u201CJust so happens I showed up with nothing to spend. Tell you what I could do, I could find one of those nice dwarven guards and tell him where to find some merchandise I\u2019m certain belongs to someone else, and that you were magnanimous enough to keep an eye on for the owner. I\u2019m sure both owner and guard would take no notice of anything already sold\u2026I mean missing.\u201D The smile on Nit\u2019s face didn\u2019t so much disappear as change. Any mirth it held evaporated, leaving behind grating teeth and dead eyes. \u201CWhat you want, Sir Rutherford?\u201D \u201CAny information you have on the murkier financial dealings of one Roderick Castille.\u201D Nit shook his head. \u201CAll up-and-up, as I know. Monied by inheritance and land. Although\u2026.\u201D \u201CNo, you\u2019re still not getting paid. Just tell me.\u201D \u201CCan\u2019t blame a businessman for tryin\u2019. Not long ago, courier of his got pinched.\u201D \u201CPinched?\u201D \u201CAye, up and gone. Found the horse. Looked like it got perished real ugly. All rotted and nasty, I heard.\u201D \u201CHow long ago?\u201D \u201CLil\u2019 over a week.\u201D Min let that information play around his thoughts. Courier goes missing just before his employer. \u201CBy any chance do you know what the man was carrying?\u201D \u201CGold from a sale, and a book to be delivered to his wife.\u201D Mirth crept back into Nit\u2019s smile. \u201CWanna know how I know?\u201D \u201CNo,\u201D Min said. He took the book from under his arm and tossed it to Nit. \u201CWhat\u2019s this for?\u201D \u201CGood way to pass the time for when the day comes you make one sale too many.\u201D Min left the gnome sputtering. One didn\u2019t spend more time with Nit than absolutely necessary. So intent was he on getting out of the Forlorn Cavern that Min didn\u2019t notice as one shadow slithered away from the others. He was just about to cross the cavern\u2019s threshold when he was driven to one knee, stars exploding across his vision. His thoughts screamed for him to move, but his muscles weren\u2019t listening. His thoughts ceased altogether as the next blow dimmed the stars\u2026and everything went black. * * * * * \u201CMin? Min, where are you? I can\u2019t see you.\u201D The voice drifted to him on the blistering winds, the desert sun searing his skin. \u201CPlease, Min. Where are you? Where were you?\u201D Someone in the distance. Shimmering like a mirage, a fever dream. Small, her black hair flying on the wind. Sands rose to obscure her. \u201CNo!\u201D Min yelled. The image was lost as the storm swelled. Burning, sudden and breathtaking. He tore the bracer from his wrist. Black as the day it was given, the mark of the hourglass. His scream was cut short as the desert sands filled his lungs. * * * * * Wet\u2026cold, then voices. \u201CC\u2019mon, wake up, ya little bastard.\u201D Min kept his head down and eyes closed as the water dripped off him. \u201CHow hard ya hit him, Kothrin?\u201D His shoulders ached from his hands being shackled behind his back. The chair having been made for someone much larger didn\u2019t help matters. Pounding headache from the knockout shots, but otherwise all right. Still alive, that\u2019s all that mattered. \u201CTook two hits to put him down.\u201D \u201CThat\u2019s because I\u2019ve been hit harder by a little girl having a tantrum, you sissy-armed mouth-breather,\u201D Min said, raising his head. He recognized the man from the alley. \u201CWell, hello, Sleepyhead. Enjoy the nap?\u201D \u201CNot nearly as much as I\u2019m going to enjoy seeing you die slowly.\u201D \u201CPoor fella. Think you need more sleep.\u201D Min took in his surroundings while Kothrin was restrained by his partner. He was in a dark chamber, hewn walls lit by guttering candles, a raised section with a single chair in front of him. The shackles around his wrists were made for larger prisoners, but held well enough. He\u2019d take care of those later. \u201CSo\u2026when does the host for this little shindig-\u201D The appearance of a man in heavy robes interrupted Min. The man stood in front of him. Even looking up into the cowl, Min was unable to discern a face in the shadows. \u201CYou are Min,\u201D the man said. \u201CMin? Black hair and moustache? Kinda short and annoying? Nope, never met him.\u201D The figure did not move. \u201CYou will tell me the location of Miriam Castille.\u201D \u201CHm...Miriam Castille. Sounds snotty to me. Maybe I can interest you in a nice Troll female. I hear they bite. And I like the idea of you getting bitten. Hard. Twice.\u201D \u201CYou will not tell me, so I will take the knowledge from you.\u201D The candles dimmed as power radiated from the robed man. Min sensed a crawling sensation across his consciousness, tendrils of living shadow trying to seep into his mind. He almost smiled as mental defenses not of his making slammed down, rendering the man\u2019s attempts hopeless. \u201CWish I could say I was sorry, but someone\u2019s already tampered in my braincase,\u201D Min said. \u201CAnd he\u2019s much better than you. You\u2019d have better luck beating it out of me. Hope you and your goons packed lunches.\u201D The man bent at the waist, bringing the cowl close to Min. The gnome wished it was just a little closer\u2026within headbutting range\u2026when the smell killed any notion of getting any closer. He\u2019d thought Bumble\u2019s feet were terrible, but the stench pouring from the cowl reeked of a body left to the rats for days before being discovered. \u201CTake him to the cell,\u201D the robed man said. \u201CI will devise a way to extract the information.\u201D Rough hands lifted Min from the chair. \u201COh, sure, carry the gnome,\u201D Min said as they hauled him away. He looked at Kothrin. \u201CGuess what, Sleepyhead, this hits my dignity harder than you hit my head.\u201D Min hit the cell floor hard as the door closed. He flexed his fingers and rolled his shoulders, working some life back into them. \u201CLeast they could\u2019ve brought the chair, too,\u201D he said. \u201CNot even decent kidnappers.\u201D \u201CWho\u2019s there?\u201D a voice said from a dark corner. Min smiled. \u201CThe gnome your wife sent to find you. Hi, Roderick. I\u2019m Min.\u201D Roderick Castille stepped into the wan torchlight. Despite his dirty finery and desperate need of a shave, the man retained his noble posture; perhaps more so because of his condition. \u201CAll given, you look well,\u201D Min said. \u201CFed and unharmed. At least they know how to treat their hostage. Certainly better than their prisoners.\u201D \u201CThey have been\u2026civil,\u201D Roderick said. His composure cracked, dark eyes staring into the distance. \u201CHey, no, stay with me, Roddy.\u201D Min nudged his shoulder into the man\u2019s hip. Roderick looked down at the gnome, his vacant eyes blinking. Lucidity returned. \u201CMy apologies. It\u2026has been difficult.\u201D \u201CNot a problem,\u201D Min said, giving what he hoped was a reassuring grin. \u201CUnderstood. Now, if we\u2019re to get out of here, I\u2019m going to need you help.\u201D \u201CWhat can I do?\u201D Min rattled the chain behind his back. \u201CWouldn\u2019t happen to be a locksmith, would you?\u201D The nobleman shook his head. \u201CNo, that would\u2019ve been too easy\u2026and a lot less painful.\u201D Min turned his back to Roderick and sighed. \u201COkay, there\u2019s not enough slack in the chain for me to get my legs through. Since I can\u2019t change that\u2026.\u201D \u201CI am unsure what you need of me,\u201D Roderick said. \u201CTake hold of my left arm, just above the manacle. On three, pull down. Hard.\u201D Roderick knelt and clasped the gnome\u2019s arm as instructed. \u201CLike so?\u201D Min nodded. \u201CDon\u2019t get squeamish on me now. One.\u201D Min felt the human\u2019s hands tighten. \u201CTwo.\u201D Jaw tense, Min planted his feet while relaxing the muscles in his shoulders. \u201CThree.\u201D Breath hissed through clenched teeth as Min\u2019s shoulder tore from its socket. He wanted to scream, but that would bring guards. And he didn\u2019t want that. Not yet. Aghast, Roderick let go and fell back into the dirt of the cell floor. His wide eyes stared at the gnome\u2019s awkwardly dangling arm. Wasting no time, Min dropped to his back and worked his left leg over the chain, then his right. Hands in front of him now, he closed his eyes and lay in the dirt breathing hard and fast. \u201CMin?\u201D Roderick said. \u201CYeah, I\u2019m here,\u201D Min replied, voice weak. \u201CAre you all right?\u201D \u201CWill be. Just need a moment before\u2026\u201D \u201CBefore what?\u201D Min got to his feet without answering. He threw himself to the ground, landing with all his weight on his left elbow. The sickening crack of Min\u2019s shoulder slamming into place made Roderick flinch. As repulsed as he was by the display, he could not look away. He watched as the gnome writhed in agony, a muted whimper floating on the stale air. Moments later, the gnome came to rest. \u201CGlad that part\u2019s over,\u201D Min said. He gave a quick, tight laugh. \u201CEnjoying the show so far?\u201D \u201CHow\u2026?\u201D Min sat up. \u201CEasy. Once your shoulder\u2019s been dislocated, you can do it whenever. A dwarf taught me that.\u201D \u201CWhy would he teach you anything like that?\u201D \u201CShe. She taught me a lot of ways to get out of tight spots. She was even kind enough to dislocate it for me that ever-important first time. I\u2019m just glad she was in a good mood when she did it else your gracious hosts would have had trouble knowing where to attach the second shackle.\u201D Roderick stared. \u201CNow for my next trick,\u201D Min said. The gnome ran a hand through his hair. \u201CYou see, people think I do this as a nervous habit, or even a vanity trait. What they don\u2019t know is what can be done with a dab of theatrical adhesive and some paint. Really, it\u2019s just to make sure it\u2019s-. Ah, yep, still there.\u201D Min tugged, wincing a bit as some hair came out along with a slim metal wire, painted black to match his hair. He held it up to the nobleman, an impish smile lighting his eyes. \u201COne day I\u2019ll have Star teach me how to do this behind my back so I never have to disassemble myself again,\u201D Min said. \u201CBut, for now, can you keep an ear out for anyone coming. I\u2019m terrible at this and need to concentrate.\u201D \u201CYou do not know how to pick the lock?\u201D Roderick asked. \u201CI can\u2026just need time.\u201D Min slipped the wire into the left manacle\u2019s lock. \u201CLook, I\u2019m not as good as...um, well\u2026just about anyone at this, but I can do it. Luckily for us, these locks would simply roll over and die for someone like Star, meaning I\u2019ll need a few minutes.\u201D Roderick stood at the door. While trying his best to listen for any approaching danger, he couldn\u2019t help but hear the many whispered gnomish curses coming from the floor behind him. After an eternity, the gnome let loose with a victorious, if subdued, shout. \u201CGood,\u201D Roderick said, turning his back to the door to look at the gnome. \u201CCan we leave-\u201D Min held up his arm, the chain swinging from the manacle attached to his right wrist. \u201CGot the first one!\u201D he said. The nobleman glared. \u201CWhat?\u201D Min asked. \u201COh, let\u2019s see you do it! What do you know other than tea parties and doilies?\u201D * * * * * \u201CFootsteps,\u201D said Roderick Castille. \u201CSomeone\u2019s coming.\u201D He turned in time to see Min free himself from the second shackle and toss them into a dark corner. \u201CHow many?\u201D asked the gnome. \u201CSounds like one.\u201D \u201CThey often come singly?\u201D \u201COnly one brings me food.\u201D \u201CGood.\u201D Min looked around the room. A single torch on the wall and a pair of shackles equaled not much to work with. \u201COn the floor,\u201D Min said, pointing. \u201COn your side, facing the door with your hands visible.\u201D Roderick\u2019s gaze went from the gnome to the ground and back. \u201CWhy?\u201D \u201CBecause I like to see nobles rolling around in the dirt when I\u2019m trying to rescue them.\u201D Min raised his hand, cutting off any response. The footsteps stopped outside the call door followed by the sound of a key slipping into a lock. Min thrust his finger at the ground as he flattened himself against the wall next to the doorway. Spurred by the tumbling lock, Roderick dropped to his side, eyes closing just as the door opened. \u201CNow what the hell?\u201D the guard said, dropping a wooden tray and rushing in to kneel in front of the nobleman. He looked back over his shoulder in time to see a gnomish left hook. Min helped Roderick out from under the man\u2019s dead weight before grabbing the manacles and locking his arms behind his back. \u201CNeed you for a moment, Roddy,\u201D Min said. \u201CSomething I can help you-\u201D The gnome reached up and took hold of Roderick\u2019s sleeve with both hands and ripped it off at the seam. He smiled up at the nobleman. With the gag in place, Min set to searching the man. He stood, grinning, as he spun a ring of keys on his finger. \u201CNo weapon, though,\u201D Min said. \u201CProbably didn\u2019t want to risk you getting a hold of it. This the same one as before?\u201D Roderick nodded. \u201CAlways this one.\u201D \u201CThat leaves Sleepyhead, his buddy, and Mr. Oogie Boogie. That I know of, that is.\u201D Min opened the cell door and poked his head out. The cell was at the end of a hallway, another door across from it. He turned to Roderick and held a finger to his lips. After locking the cell, they crossed the hall to the other door, the gnome keeping his eye on the hall. Flinching at the jangling, Min fit key after key into the lock before finding the right one. He opened the door and pulled Roderick in by his belt. \u201CWe are wasting time,\u201D Roderick said. \u201CThey will notice he has not come back soon.\u201D \u201CListen,\u201D Min said, \u201CI wouldn\u2019t ask you to make an escape without clothing. Don\u2019t ask me to do the same without my shield.\u201D \u201CYou did not think to bring a weapon?\u201D \u201COf course I did! I thought about and brought a weapon. So both.\u201D Min turned away, his gnomish muttering about ridiculous humans cut short as he noticed the room. There, resting on a table and gleaming in the torch light, was his shield. \u201CHa! See?\u201D Min slipped the shield onto his arm, its weight comforting. He hefted a pouch in his hand, reminding himself to thank Alara again for designing it. No matter how many of his crafted orbs he put in it, the thing never got heavier. He tied the pouch to his hip and started for the door when faded leather caught his eye. \u201CA book,\u201D said Min. \u201CCan we leave now, gnome?\u201D Roderick said, standing at the door. \u201CGive me a moment. Might not have read this one yet.\u201D \u201CMin.\u201D The name spoken in a harsh whisper. The gnome\u2019s brow furrowed. Blank, not a drop of ink on any of the pages. \u201CNot a very interesting read. Did Mr. Oogie Boogie look the type to need a diary to you?\u201D He closed the book and shrugged. \u201CYour sword?\u201D Roderick asked, pointing to the table. \u201COh, that. Well\u2026you any good with a sword?\u201D Roderick gave the gnome an incredulous look. \u201CYou are not? Why carry one?\u201D \u201CIt goes so well with the shield,\u201D Min said. \u201COf course I can use a sword. Can you?\u201D \u201CI am an accomplished duelist.\u201D Min wondered if the man could get his nose much higher in the air. He took the sword and handed it to Roderick. The nobleman took his stance and went into a standard routine of swings and parries. \u201CA duelist, huh,\u201D Min said. \u201CC\u2019mere a moment.\u201D Roderick stood in front of the gnome, resting the sword on his shoulder. Min stomped down on the nobleman\u2019s instep. The nobleman lifted his foot, sword forgotten, and hit the ground hard after Min swept the other out from underneath him. The gnome stood over Roderick, looking down at him. \u201CYou\u2019re a duelist,\u201D Min said. \u201CThey\u2019re mercenaries. They\u2019re not going to stop fighting at the sight of first blood. They\u2019ll kick, punch, poke, and spit if that\u2019s what it takes.\u201D Min held out his hand to the nobleman. \u201CTime to go.\u201D * * * * * \u201COh, hell,\u201D Min said, raising his shield. The gnome and Roderick Castille had rounded a turn\u2026straight into the crossbow sights of Kothrin and another mercenary. Twin bolts splintered against Min\u2019s shield, his other hand at the pouch on his hip. An orb shimmered into existence, summoned from the space within the enchanted bag. Kothrin dove, crossbow discarded, as the gnome\u2019s orb flew. Caught reloading, the other mercenary saw the glass sphere too late to move. Dirt crumbled off the hewn walls from the blast of force released by the orb as it shattered against the man\u2019s breastplate. The rasp of unsheathed steel broke the silent aftermath. Kothrin charged through the falling dirt without even a glance to his unconscious comrade. Sword raised, a battle cry rising in his throat, Kothrin closed in on the gnome. He knew Castille posed no threat, but that gnome\u2026that annoying, infuriating gnome was going to die. Min stood his ground, shield steady. Time slowed in his perception as he watched Kothrin\u2019s steps, measuring them, calculating. The mercenary couldn\u2019t see Min\u2019s face behind the shield, or the smile spreading across it. Min sprang into the air, turning sideways. Kothrin\u2019s battle cry stopped as the gnome\u2019s rolling tackle caught him mid-stride across his insteps, sending him sprawling, and his sword spinning from his grasp. The gnome got to his knees, winded from the impact, in time to see Roderick standing over Kothrin\u2019s prone back. He could only watch as the nobleman drove the sword down, pinning the mercenary. Kothrin thrashed, trying in futile desperation to reach the blade. He tried to shout, to scream, but blood drowned his lungs as the light left his eyes. \u201CDammit, Roderick,\u201D Min said, using his shield to push himself to his feet. \u201CYou didn\u2019t have to\u2026. Just didn\u2019t.\u201D He winced as the nobleman withdrew the sword from Kothrin\u2019s corpse. \u201CIt was you, gnome, who said they would do anything.\u201D Roderick said, wiping the blade on the dead man\u2019s clothing. \u201CI merely returned their courtesy.\u201D \u201CHe was down\u2026and unarmed, Roderick. There\u2019s a difference.\u201D \u201CYou have never taken a life?\u201D Min glared. \u201CHypocrite,\u201D Roderick said. \u201CAren\u2019t we all.\u201D Min turned his back and started away. \u201CJust leave the other one alone. He\u2019ll be out till long after we\u2019re gone.\u201D Roderick caught up to the gnome and matched his pace. \u201CYou are certain?\u201D \u201COf course. A tauren may be able to shake off one of those concussion orbs, but it\u2019d have to be a tough side of beef to do so.\u201D \u201CYou know the way out?\u201D \u201CNo idea,\u201D Min said, stopping at a door. \u201CThis is underground. I thought your kind possessed an innate sense of direction in these conditions.\u201D Min rounded on the nobleman. \u201CAnd I thought your kind had an innate sense of tact and decorum. How about I whip up some machine to drill our way out while I\u2019m at it? If only I had a whirligig and a piece of string!\u201D \u201CCould you?\u201D \u201CGah!\u201D Min threw his hands in the air. \u201CI don\u2019t recall Miriam saying I had to bring all of you back. I was kinda on the wrong side of consciousness to remember anything from when they-\u201D Roderick gasped and stumbled back against the wall. \u201CRoddy?\u201D Min said, at the nobleman\u2019s side in an instant. \u201CHe\u2026he knows,\u201D Roderick said, his eyes losing focus. \u201CI can\u2026I can feel him. Almost here.\u201D Min braced himself against Roderick\u2019s hip, opened the door in front of them, and led the nobleman through. \u201CWe\u2019ll hole up in here.\u201D Torchlight lit the room, the same in which Min awoke to a splash of cold water. \u201CHey,\u201D Min said, \u201Cat least I recognize this. You still with me?\u201D He released Roderick, who slid down the wall. \u201CNo good,\u201D Roderick said, his head resting on his knees. \u201CHere\u2026and angry.\u201D He toppled to his side, curled around himself in fear. \u201CRoderick,\u201D Min said, shaking him. \u201CSnap out of it! Bloody fel, not now.\u201D He watched as Roderick\u2019s eyes rolled back in his head, only the whites showing. \u201CThat can\u2019t be good.\u201D He gave the nobleman a sharp slap to the face. Nothing. Min raised his hand for another shot when a creeping dread washed over him. He knew someone else had arrived. He stood and turned, shield at his side. \u201CI was enjoying that a bit too much,\u201D Min said. \u201CNot every day I get to smack a noble around.\u201D The figure in the black robe did not respond. \u201CI may be slow, but I\u2019m sure you\u2019re the one poor Roddy here was talking about. So\u2026now what?\u201D The cowled man\u2019s hand twitched, almost too subtle to notice. Chains of shadow energy coalesced around Min before seizing him and slamming him to one knee. \u201CThat\u2019s a good start,\u201D Min said. The chains tightened, forcing the air from Min\u2019s lungs. Darkness descended as the torches and candles guttered. Fragments of animated shadow crawled from the corners of the room, fueled by an insatiable desire to defile the gnome\u2019s flesh. \u201CKill\u2026kill me and lose\u2026Miriam,\u201D Min said. The shield slipped from his arm, fingers too numb to keep hold. He watched the shadows slither closer, his strength ebbing with every inch. \u201CRegrettable, but not a defeat,\u201D said the robed man. \u201CI will find her another way.\u201D Min shifted, suppressing a scream as the chains tore skin. His fingertips brushed the pouch hanging from his hip. \u201CYou won\u2019t. Where I stashed her, you\u2026you\u2019ll never think\u2026to look.\u201D The shadows halted in place, roiling in defiance at having their feast delayed. \u201CTell me where you hid her and I will let you live,\u201D the man said, his words slow and deliberate. \u201CAnd Roderick?\u201D \u201CHe stays. Your insignificant existence may continue, gnome, but they are mine.\u201D \u201CAll right\u2026all right.\u201D Min focused on the pouch, calling on it to bring an orb to his hand. \u201CI\u2019ll tell you. Just\u2026just let me go.\u201D \u201CGood.\u201D The shadows resumed their deadly creep. \u201CBest be quick, little coward.\u201D As though through thick gloves, Min felt the glass sphere solidify in his hand. He tried to keep his thoughts from what he was about to do\u2026and the pain if he survived. \u201CShe\u2019s\u2026\u201D Min closed his eyes. \u201CGo to hell,\u201D he said. Glass shattered as Min crushed the orb in his hand. Searing white light exploded in the room, banishing the shadows. Driven from existence by the radiance, the chains weakened and fell away. Min lunged for his shield. Despite numb hands and closed eyes, he fixed the shield to his arm and crouched, steadying himself for a desperate tackle before the man could recover. He hesitated at the sound of a body dropping to the floor. \u201CMin?\u201D said a feeble voice behind the gnome. \u201CRoderick, stay\u2026\u201D His words trailed off as he blinked his vision clear. \u201CDown?\u201D The robed man lay on his back, not moving. Min got to his feet and stood over the prone form. Cautious, Min prodded the body with his shield. \u201CIs it over?\u201D Roderick asked, now at Min\u2019s side. Min shook his head. He knelt and reached a hand, trembling from the pain coursing through wakening nerves, to the man\u2019s cowl. It fell back, revealing a human face ravaged by decay, its eyes putrid and staring. The gnome withdrew his hand and sat. \u201CPouch\u2026left hip,\u201D he said through clenched teeth. \u201CBeg your-\u201D Roderick started. \u201COh, yes, of course.\u201D The nobleman reached into the pouch and took out a tight roll of cloth. Min held out his hand and nodded. Roderick recoiled at seeing the blackened and torn skin. \u201CYou could have just dropped it,\u201D Roderick said. He wound the cloth around the gnome\u2019s injured hand. \u201CIn any case, it worked.\u201D Min narrowed his eyes and hissed. \u201COw. Yeah\u2026it worked, didn\u2019t it. No magic at all. Just powder and metal.\u201D Roderick finished with the bandage. \u201CPerhaps his magic was linked to those shadows. When the light sent them away, it may have created a backlash.\u201D Min planted the edge of his shield on the ground and pushed himself to his feet. \u201CYeah.\u201D \u201CCan you make it back to Stormwind?\u201D Roderick asked. The gnome nodded. \u201CIs that where Miriam is?\u201D \u201CNo idea, but we\u2019ll find her.\u201D \u201CHow?\u201D Min hooked the shield to his back and flashed the plain silver band adorning his finger. \n* * * * * The gnome and the nobleman rode side by side, horses at a canter. They crossed into Elwynn Forest, leaving the drought of Westfall behind. \u201CIs it far now?\u201D Roderick asked. \u201CNot an exact thing,\u201D said Min. They rode on in silence. The wind shifted, carrying the smells of Goldshire to the weary pair. \u201CThis whole time a filthy Forsaken was behind it,\u201D Roderick said. \u201CYou think so?\u201D Min asked, staring into the distance. \u201CDead, rotten, and moving. Kidnap a noble of the Alliance, hold them for ransom, and kill them once the gold is given. Sounds like a Forsaken to me.\u201D Min sighed and reined his horse to a stop. He slid down, pain lancing up his sore, beaten body. His ring pulsed, its cadence quickening. Miriam was coming closer. He unwound the bandage from his hand. \u201CWhy have we stopped?\u201D Roderick asked, dismounting. Grimacing, Min flexed his fingers, blood welling up in the fresh cracks of skin. \u201CMin?\u201D \u201CAll this for a book.\u201D Min said, keeping his back to the nobleman. \u201CWhat are you-\u201D \u201CThe book meant for Miriam. But it was a fake, a blank fake.\u201D Min faced Roderick. \u201CWhy did you want that book?\u201D \u201CBe careful who you accuse of such things, gnome,\u201D Roderick said. \u201CWhen you discovered the fake, you arranged your own kidnapping to cover your involvement and bring Miriam into the open. Once you had her, finding the book would have been easy. The man in the robes was the dead messenger.\u201D Roderick\u2019s feigned indignation dissipated, a cold resolve taking its place. \u201CYes, it was. Most useful that fool had ever been.\u201D Min felt an insistent tug from the ring. Miriam should be in sight. \u201CDidn\u2019t count on your wife sending someone after you?\u201D Min asked. \u201CI should have. Should have known she would rather endanger me further than let herself be taken. She would have tried to stop me from learning even the lowliest magic. One does not ascend in the Cult of the Damned without it. When did you know?\u201D \u201CIt must have taken all your concentration to control that poor man\u2019s corpse. I wondered how you knew I didn\u2019t drop that flash orb, being unconscious and all. The rest\u2026I guessed. You just told me I was right.\u201D Roderick lifted his hand, fingers contorted in casting. The horses bolted as the air soured, poisoned by the corrupt power radiating from him. \u201CShe sent you to your death.\u201D Min\u2019s eyes narrowed. The gathering power faltered, abandoning the nobleman. Roderick\u2019s hands flew to his chest, his face a mask of agony as something unseen crushed the life from him. \u201CMiri-\u201D Roderick Castille fell dead. \u201CI know you\u2019re close,\u201D Min shouted. \u201CCome out!\u201D Miriam Castille stepped from behind a tree. Peasant garb and lack of finery did nothing to detract from her regal presence. \u201CSuch a shame,\u201D Miriam said, her grin predatory. \u201CIt was fun watching him stumble along, thinking himself so terribly clever. He thought teaching himself magic would put him ahead of me.\u201D \u201CHe was your cover,\u201D Min said. \u201CCorrect. Unfortunately, he discovered my secret. When he did, he also discovered his own ambitions. Ambitions his woefully limited talents could not support. His land dealings gave me ample contacts, but his idiocy outweighed his usefulness.\u201D \u201CAnd the book?\u201D \u201CA ruse, and a test. I wanted to see how far he would take the subterfuge. I even entertained the idea of bringing him into the Cult if he did well. He was my husband, after all.\u201D She gave the corpse a look of disgust. \u201CBut he failed. Not only failed, but was thwarted by a gnome, three feet of nothing.\u201D Tendrils of shadow burst from the ground, seizing Min at the wrists. \u201CNo more surprises from you,\u201D Miriam said. \u201CYou will make a good servant once I have killed you. Consider it your reward for a job well done, and a punishment for daring to speak to me as you did.\u201D Min didn\u2019t struggle, only stared at the noblewoman. \u201COh, I think I have one more surprise left in me.\u201D \u201CGoodbye, Min.\u201D \u201CGoodbye, Miriam Castille,\u201D Min said. \u201CNockhavis modor.\u201D A gasp escaped Miriam as her body shuddered once before the muscles went rigid, her eyes bulging in their sockets. The gnome watched as she fell unconscious. The ring on her index finger, now dull and brittle, crumbled to dust on impact. \u201CGuess I forgot to tell you about that,\u201D Min said as he stepped onto the road to Goldshire, putting the Castilles behind him. \u201CAnd that I never trust a noble.\u201D \n* * * * * \u201CWho do I kill?\u201D asked Starheart Rainewind, swiping a stray lock of pink hair from her eye. It fell right back into place as she shook with rage. \u201CNo one,\u201D Min said, smiling. \u201CRoderick Castille is dead and Miriam Castille is in jail awaiting trial for the murder of her husband as well as an avalanche of cultist dealings.\u201D \u201CShe\u2019s a noble. She\u2019ll beat it.\u201D Starheart grabbed the nearest priestess and ordered her to check Min\u2019s bandages\u2026again. \u201CNot likely,\u201D Min said. He gave the priestess an apologetic look while waving her away. \u201CShe\u2019ll refuse to name names for fear of her life, and her fellow nobles and cultists won\u2019t lift a finger to help for fear of dirtying themselves. If she flips on them, her death is guaranteed. If she keeps quiet, she has a chance to avoid execution at trial.\u201D \u201COptimist,\u201D Starheart said. She reached behind her without looking and snagged the robe of another priest unlucky enough to get within her range. She turned and glared up at the startled man. \u201CDo I have to tear this cathedral apart to get someone to tend to this gnome?\u201D Too tired to resist, Min settled into his cot and let the priest do his work. As his eyes closed, his gaze rested on Starheart. He could not think of a better image on which to drift off to sleep."@en . "Min"@en . . .