Den of Smoke: Absolutely gripping fantasy page turner filled with magic and betrayal

‘We do what’s required of us. War is war. Death is just one facet of its tapestry.’

‘And mercenary work?’

* * *

Umbra stopped and surveyed the man before him. If it was anybody else he would have provided sterner words or, if they were very unlucky, a series of threats. There was no malice of course – that wouldn’t have got Jack anywhere. It was a serious question and one to make him reassess his viewpoint. Someone like him stuck as a shopkeeper was a tragedy. Still, promises being what they were, he was obligated to put down his weapons and take up a more peaceful life. Umbra owed her that much at least.

‘I’m afraid the answer is still no.’

Finally Jackdaw conceded, patting the case he leant upon. ‘Hey, can’t blame a guy for trying, right?’

Wyld returned, intervening. ‘He won’t blame you, but I sure might. I’m not letting him out to play and that’s final.’

Umbra smirked, nudging her playfully upon passing. ‘Woo, I’ve been told …’

The storeowner rummaged her way through the box on the counter, unpacking each order and addressing each member of the party in turn.

‘Alvina. Sixty cartridges of wolf pepper,’ Wyld stated, checking off the collection on an inventory. The brown-paper-wrapped boxes were slid over, each one holding twenty shotgun shells each.

‘Checked?’

‘Aren’t they always?’

Alvina took one, tore a flap open and inspected a shell between thumb and finger. The cap seemed to be set neatly and the crimp of good quality. She slid it back inside, signing the invoice and sliding over the required monies.

‘Can’t be too sure. Counterfeits are everywhere nowadays,’ Alvina mumbled, having been stung before. A misfire in their line of work could be fatal. It was only by the grace of the Holy Sorceress that she’d survived that unfortunate situation.