Ch. 4, Page 15

Rary and Robilar exchanged looks.

"I don't need to remind you about your debt to me..." Robilar said, scratching the side of his face and turning to look off to the side innocently.

"No, of course not," Rary said quickly.

"Good! Then I've done my part, Ehlissa. Good luck to you..." And Robilar beat a hasty retreat out the door he had come in, just as Ehlissa was internally debating if she should present some argument for Robilar to stay.

Alone with a strange magician, Ehlissa straightened up and steadied her voice before describing the spell she needed...

Ch. 4, Page 14

Robilar didn't give in right away; Ehlissa had to badger him about it for awhile. Then she switched tactics, softened her tone, and plied him with free beer.

After the third free beer, Robilar had a name for her.

"I don't want just a name, I want you to take me to him," Ehlissa said.

"What, right now?"

"Yes!"

"You are...an incorrigible woman," Robilar protested meekly. "Fine. But!" and here he wagged a finger at her. "I introduce you and leave. And you have to leave me alone for a whole week after this."

The deal was struck. Ehlissa would miss the rest of her work day, for they had a long walk to Clerkberg ahead of them. Once there, Robilar made straight for a row of tenement housing, knocked on the right door, and they were shown in...