These spells you have. When you have them its like theres somebody else looking out from behind your eyes. Its like theres some other soul swirling around you.

I never noticed. Would I notice?

If we had us a skilled necromancer or a spirit talker we might be surprise what we found. You wasnt born twins, was you? His stare was fierce.

A chill stalked my spine. The hairs on my neck stirred. I did feel spooky, sometimes. But he was just trying to change the subject.

Goblin joined us uninvited. Theres something going on with the Shadowlanders, Murgen.

A crow nearby made a sound like laughter. I asked, They arent setting up for another big attack? I thought Mogaba screwed their main ramp.

I couldnt get close enough to catch any details. Mogaba is staying out where people can see him. But I think there was a battle. And I think Shadowspinners creeps got whipped. We may have friends out there ready to bust us out.

Calm down. Dont start packing your gear. One-Eye snickered. Thats the runt all over, counting his chickens when he aint even stole no eggs yet.

I grumbled, You remember what we were just discussing? Stupid moves? And youd dare get down on Goblin? Of course he would. That was his great mission. Whats going on? Goblin demanded. Uncle Doj materialized. His presence ended the discussion. That man could be spookier than any shade, he moved so fast and quiet. Speaker says tell you southerners carrying tools instead of weapons are assembling south of the city.

And whats that over there? From our perch most of the activity was hidden behind the curve of the wall but it looked like a big engineering party had begun to gather north of the city as well. You see any prisoners or slaves out there...? Huh?

Whats that?

That was the sparkle of sunlight off metal in the hills. The sparkle repeated itself. People were moving out there, not carefully enough.

Shadowspinners men had no need to sneak. I told Goblin, Pass the word. Full alert come sundown.

Uncle Doj considered the hills. You have good eyes, Bone Warrior.

Know something, Stubby? Id a whole lot rather be called Murgen.

The squat man smiled thinly. As you wish, Murgen. I have come on behalf of the Speaker. He says tell you hard times are coming. He says prepare your hearts and minds.

Hard times?

One-Eye laughed. The party is over, Kid. Now we got to pay for loafing around and getting fat while the houris slithered all over us.

Keep it in mind next time youre tempted to do some profiteering.

Huh?

You cant eat money, One-Eye.

Killjoy.