When Dick stepped into The Grim Guzzler again, it was far noisier than before. Many new faces had arrived, filling the place with life and utter chaos. As Dick walked in and took his seat, the proprietor, the reclusive Gnome High Warlock Plugger, served the Paladin a mug of Flames Ale as usual.
Of course, the socially adept Warlock did not forget to serve the ladies three glasses of fruit wine.
"You're finally here. Kanrethad has been waiting for you for days."
Plugger spotted two tall Tauren beating a drunken Orc in a corner of the tavern. He snapped his fingers, and two fully armed, exceptionally muscular Ogre bodyguards put down their oversized mugs and walked toward the little disturbance.
Only after the two Tauren had been thrown out did Plugger grunt in satisfaction and continue.
"Business has been booming lately, but there are always a few troublemakers. Forget it, let's not talk about that. Kanrethad is waiting for you in the private chamber. He's been riding high lately, but I know he has you to thank for it. So if anything good comes up, don't forget to spare a thought for me, my lord Earl."
Dick shrugged. "Something will come up. I'm just afraid you won't dare take it on."
He smiled, tossed three gold coins onto the bar, and quietly led Jaina, Liadrin, and Velinde, who had returned from visiting her family, into the passage to the private chamber.
A few minutes later, in the same chamber as before, a freshly groomed Kanrethad sat before the warm fireplace, reading a thick grimoire. He radiated an air of tranquility. A Gnome in a servant's formal attire stood beside him, holding a wooden tray with tequila over ice and some fruit.
When Dick and the others pushed open the door,