Book Four: Chapter 66

“Spirits of the earth. Water, wind, fire, the like. When I speak with ye, I get the feeling I be speaking to a kindred spirit, with ye smelling damp like the back of a cave in the deepest mountains and all,” the gnome said, his voice low and gravelly, curling around each word like smoke. He let out a long, mournful sigh, puffing at his pipe as if it were the only comfort in the world. “But, I’m afraid that my hands be tied. I can offer ye no help nor assistance other than to let ye know that ye be not welcome in our land.”

Beth crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at him. “So… you won’t help us,” she said, trying to hide the irritation in her tone.

“Nay,” he replied firmly, sucking on the pipe again and shooting a thin column of red smoke up into the air. The smoke swirled lazily, forming little spirals that floated around his head. He fixed her with a knowing look, one that made her feel