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When the clock tower in the town square struck six, Molin and Brashani heard the tones ring out like a church bell tolling the death of a local lord. As the last chime sounded Frank brought in their dinners. They ate in silence, which suited Molin. As a mage who had served in the court of King Kenilworth 30 years ago, he was tired of Brashani arguing with him all the time. To Molin, Brashani was nothing more than a young upstart, showing off his knowledge. The fact that the other mage had been a magical detective in Marngol carried no weight. In fact, as the senior mage, Molin expected Brashani to defer to him.

However the former detective was only trying to share his knowledge while he could. It had been a long time since Brashani had discussed any aspect of his former craft with one of his peers. Brashani had almost come to believe that most mages were dead or in hiding, which amounted to the same thing in Brashani's mind.

"If we can't practice our craft without getting a permit signed in triplicate, it's the same as being dead," he was fond of saying.

Molin had disagreed, but then he usually did. Brashani paid no heed to Molin's opinion. To the junior mage, both of them were entitled to an opinion and to express it. Molin disagreed with that view too.

After eating, both mages drew out long pipes, stuffed them with tobacco, and began puffing on them. Molin's pipe took a little longer to start while Brashani began blowing smoke almost immediately.

***

The clock tower tolled eight o'clock. Few visitors to the Grey Horse came into the function room now. The two mages settled back, ready for a quiet night. From the other room, Brashani could hear people carousing, talking, and laughing.

"Typical," he thought. On an average night, Frank usually had the dining room full and from the sound of it he did so again tonight.

As the night wore on, the crowd in the Grey Horse's dining room dwindled until only the guests staying at the inn occupied tables. As the clock tower struck midnight, Frank looked around and ran his hands through his hair. He was tired but he still had to clean up and lock the front doors before he could go to bed. Cleaning up would take a while, but locking the doors was an easy task.

Walking into the lobby, he saw James, Iriel, and Daniel coming out of the sleeping quarters the guards shared with the cook. James yawned as he walked. Half way across the foyer, he stretched before continuing into the function room with his companions.

Behind the registration counter stood Evan watching the scene.

"What are you doing back there?" Frank asked Evan.

"Standing guard."

"Why?"

"Because Bigsbee refuses to have professional guards stand watch and this is the most strategic point of the inn. There is only one way in and out the function room so if someone wants to steal the gem, he'll have to get by me first."

Frank narrowed his eyes. "We haven't had a theft in years."

"I know but I saw an elf in the inn earlier and I think he's a dark elf."

"A dark elf! Here? Ridiculous." said Frank.

"Maybe," said Evan.