I staggered back, my hand gripping the counter's edge for support.

  "Closed down? But that's not possible. You can't do that!"

  Blackburr adjusted his monocle. "I assure you, it's quite possible."

  "The Shadow's Respite isn't just a tavern," I said, gesturing around the room. "It's become a part of Everspring. Do you know how many lives this place has touched?"

  "Mr. Vel'Naris—"

  "No, listen. When I first opened, the townspeople had nothing but animosity for the greenskin races, and they had good reason. But it wasn't their fault that a power-mad dark lord had enslaved and driven them to war against the other races. Now? I've built a place where the races come together. I'm helping the local economy," I said, my voice rising angrily with each word. "And it means a lot to me. I've worked so hard to make this a cozy and inviting tavern."

  "Be that as it may—" Blackburr started.

  "Goes beyond just my business," I cut him off. "I hosted an event last month and we now have contracts with six local brewers who depend on us to showcase their craft. Farmers supply our kitchen with fresh produce. We're part of a network of small businesses supporting each other."

  Blackburr's shoulders tensed. "The guild's decision—"

  "Will devastate this community. Those brewers chose to expand their operations because of our partnerships. And what about my staff?"

  "I understand your position—"

  "Do you? Because this isn't about just one tavern. This is about destroying something that brings people together. Something that makes Everspring stronger." My voice grew quiet. "Tell me why. I deserve to know that much, at least."

  Blackburr smoothed his jacket. "This matter is out of my hands. You have three days to close the tavern."

  "Three days?" My fingers dug into the counter. "What happens to the building after that?"

  "It will sit vacant until a suitable buyer has been located. Though not for use as a tavern, of course."

  "Why? Give me one good reason."

  "The guild's decision is final." Blackburr's chin lifted. "I've said all I need to say on the matter."

  "To hell with the guild." I slammed my palm on the counter. "I won't be bullied into closing."

  Blackburr's face hardened. "If you refuse to comply, the tavern will be closed for you. And you can contemplate your choices from inside a prison cell while your building is dismantled piece by piece."

  "Son of a b—"

  "Good day, Mr. Vel'Naris." He turned and strode into the back room.

  "Hey!" I yelled. "You can't do this. I'm friends with the king."

  Heads swiveled. Faces stared at me. Blackburr chuckled and shook his head as the door closed behind him, but he did not reappear.

  I stood frozen—mouth agape. I'd worked so hard just for this to happen. It was even more ridiculous since the guild had not given me a good reason for the closing.

  I suddenly remembered the packet of papers in my pocket and reached for them. The entryway door creaked open before I could retrieve them and spilled sunlight on the musky interior.

  Dulmore Thornton stepped inside and his face went slack at the sight of me.

  "Hey, I need your help," I said to Dulmore. "They want to close my tavern."

  He squinted at me and recognition dawned. He glanced around, then beckoned me to follow him outside. His voice was barely a whisper. "Come with me. We'll talk."

  What choice did I have? Blackburr had disappeared, and the others in the guild now looked at me with pity or blank stares.

  "Cowards," I muttered.

  I followed Dulmore into the street, squinting against the bright morning sun. The cobblestones clattered with the footsteps of dwarves hauling carts of ore and gnomes carrying bundles of goods. Smoke rose from the nearby forges, carrying the scent of hot metal and coal. The rhythmic ping of hammers striking anvils filled the air.

  Dulmore pulled me aside near a stack of wooden crates.

  "I'm glad you made it to the guild, Mr. Vel'Naris. I assume things went as badly as they could in there?"

  I nodded, my mind still reeling from Blackburr's order.

  “I shouldn't be telling you this," he said, his voice low, "but you're right about the baron. He's been pushing hard to run you out of business."

  "I knew it." I clenched my fists. "That pompous—"

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  "Keep your voice down." Dulmore glanced over his shoulder. "Master Blackburr gave strict orders. None of us are to engage with you beyond official business. I'm taking a risk just talking to you."

  "Thank you, Mr. Thornton. I appreciate your help. But this is blackmail, plain and simple."

  "You are right." Dulmore's shoulders slumped. "Our first meeting was confusing, but I observed how you run your tavern. The place seems to unite people and races like nowhere else I’ve been. I know this because I stayed for a day and observed."

  "You spied on me?"

  "Spy is a strong word, friend Varix."

  That got a genuine laugh out of me.

  A group of dwarven smiths trudged past, their leather aprons stained with soot.

  "If you truly know the king," Dulmore said, "I'd suggest appealing directly to him."

  I shook my head. "I have a better idea."

  "Oh?" Dulmore raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

  "I'm going straight to the source." My jaw tightened. "Time to have a chat with the baron himself."

  "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

  "Best idea I've had in a while," I said honestly.

  "How in the world will you return to Everspring in such a short time?"

  "That's easy, Mr. Thornton. I'm friends with a dragon."

  Dulmore’s laugh was like a shot in the morning air. "A dragon? I didn't figure you for flights of fancy."

  I narrowed my eyes. "Yeah. People keep underestimating me. Let them."

  "I wish you the best of luck, Mr. Vel'Naris. For what it's worth, I'm sorry on behalf of the guild."

  "You and me both."

  I trudged back to the Silver Crown Inn, cursing the baron's name with every step. Images of handing him over to my orc friends coursed through my mind. Or taking him to the temple beneath the Shadow's Respite and dropping him a few thousand feet into the middle of the ferrokin city. But I knew I wouldn't hurt him. Instead, I would figure out how to beat him at his game.

  The morning crowd had thinned, leaving the streets less crowded but still noisy with the constant hammering from nearby forges.

  I nodded to the tavern keeper back inside the inn before heading for the stairs.

  When I entered our room, Seraphina stood at the mirror, adjusting a deep purple dress with silver embroidery along the neckline and sleeves. The fabric hugged her curves before flowing out at the waist into a full skirt. She'd pinned her dark hair up with silver combs, leaving a few strands to frame her face.

  "How did it go?"

  "Not good." I groaned.

  Seraphina spun around. "What? Why?"

  I recounted the details of my conversation with the guild master. Seraphina's expression fell further as I continued the tale. When I mentioned the baron, tension crept into her posture, and her mouth twisted with displeasure.

  "That slimy … are you going to confront him?" she asked.

  "Damn right, I am. I'm going back to Everspring as soon as I can. I hope to talk Frostfire into giving me a ride.”

  "I'm sure she will, but how long will you be gone? We will need you and your amulet in the coming days."

  "I won't be gone long. I only need a few hours of the baron's time."

  Seraphina blew out a breath and said, "This is not great timing, but I understand why you have to do it. You and Everspring can't afford to lose the Shadow's Respite."

  "Thank you for saying that, Seraphina.”

  "I want to say this diplomatically, so please don't take it wrong. You need to keep your temper in check," Seraphina said, smoothing her skirt. "This needs to be handled with caution. The baron is royalty. A distant descendant, but still royalty. He has a lot of power. He can have you arrested and tossed in jail."

  "He could, but that would be a mistake. I know people." I grinned.

  "The king?"

  It was my turn to blow out a heavy sigh. "I don't want to pull the 'I'm pals with the King' card. I have a different idea."

  "You're going to handle him with that Varix magic. I figured as much. I need to warn you that it probably won't work."

  "I'd like to handle his head with a mace," I muttered.

  Seraphina wrapped her arms around me. "We'll figure this out. But first, we need to find Father and the others. Oh, before we head out, I need to look at something."

  Seraphina backed up, sat on the bed, and gestured for me to join her.

  "Oh?" I grinned.

  "Just get over here." Sarphina laughed.

  I moved to stand in front of her. She had me lean over so she could pull the amulet out of my shirt.

  "Do you want me to take it off?"

  "Gods, no!"

  Her other hand dug into the pouch at her side. She pulled out a handful of gems and held them up to the Heart of Shadows. Her face stilled in a look I knew well. She was studying the magic of the gem. The other jewels were probably the vessel she and Elixander planned to duplicate the power into.

  She shifted gems in her hand. Placed some on the table and put others in a pile on her other side. She soon had a pile of six. She then tested each of those while I waited.

  Seraphina blinked rapidly and sat back.

  "Did you find one?"

  "Several, but they aren't a great match. I need to consult my father."

  "Where is he?"

  "Probably at the great library. Maybe Frostfire is with him."

  "I hope so. Ready?" I offered my arm.

  Seraphina picked up the larger pile of gems and deposited them in her pouch. The others went into a smaller pouch along the front of her belt, clacking together like marbles. She took my hand, stood, fell into my arms, and leaned forward, turning it into a tight hug.

  "It's going to work out," she whispered near my ear.

  "I know it is," I said with confidence I mostly felt.

  We descended to the main room of the Silver Crown. Most tables had been cleared from last night's festivities, though a few still held empty mugs. Three dwarves sat in the corner, already deep in their morning drinks. Triolux occupied a table near the hearth.

  "Ah! My friends!" Triolux enthused, rising to his feet.

  "You must have had a good night."

  The ferrokin lifted his arms and said, "I am among my brethren. These are fine fellows. Very fine indeed."

  "Ain't so bad yourself," One of the dwarves slurred.

  "Aye, Harsk. It was a pleasure to meet you and your kin."

  "Aye!" Harsk lifted his mug toward Triolux.

  "Ready to head out?" I asked him.

  "Indeed," he said, rising from his seat.

  We stepped back into the streets with Seraphina leading the way. The morning air carried the scent of coal smoke and fresh bread from nearby bakeries. We passed more hammering smiths. Thanks to the restorative, my head felt much better. Still, the hangover was on my periphery and barely contained.

  Drinking with dwarves. Never again.

  The Dark Lord's Guide to Hostile Corporate Takeover. This one is tough because I love the covers the artists came up with. The contest is on 99designs.

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