NPCs (Spells, Swords, & Stealth, #1)

by Drew Hayes

"We'll loot the bodies and be on our way." "The words that start every great adventure,"

Eric, in a show of either cunning or stupidity (the difference between the two being an idea works or not) elected to go the one direction that no one was paying attention to.

Instead of a glowing orb surrounded by mist, the symbol of Mithingow, the gnome god, there was a picture of a broom with a dagger tied to the top. This was the symbol of Grumble, god of the minions.

“In a real battle, anything can happen.” He’d meant it as a caution to be prepared for whatever their opponent might throw at them, but Eric had gleaned a different meaning from those words. To him, it meant that, no matter how difficult an opponent might be, there was always a chance.

Thistle knew the terms of the bargain he’d struck; it was why he’d been so hesitant to take it. For all the perks and gifts that came with being a paladin, there was also an unshirkable duty attached. Paladins didn’t run. Paladins didn’t hide. Paladins were the shield of flesh between the forces of darkness and those without strength to defend themselves.

“If a man claims to love children, builds orphanages to help them, saves them from trouble, gets them food when they are hungry, and all the while secretly hates the devil out of children, what does the lie matter? Actions are more important than motivations.

His words rang true — truer than they’d been intended, likely — and the others had to admit that the constant threat of death was such a persistent companion, it almost felt like they should get it a horse.

“I accept your divine task. For the rest of my life, I will never again willingly set foot in Solium. Any divine guidance before I go back?” “Always tip the bartender more than you think you should, be nice to the people who know where you sleep, and beware the bush with red flowers.”