"Shadows of Absalom" by Pax Groometra

Note · 70 gp · Weight 2

"Nwan Quant peeped through a slit in the window shutter. The visitor was staggering at the porch. Nwan had promised himself many centuries ago that he'd never have to deal with halflings again, after the case of the Clockwork Head. Even the Bleaching is better than some adventures! However, there was something disturbing in the visitor's appearance. Something was wrong. — What do you say, Kexy? His assistant sat at the next window with yarn and knitting needles in her hands. — Look at his clothes. They're second-hand. He's a hobo. — He is, but you're not quite right. Look at his feet. Kexy looked, trying to make out at least something in faint light of the lantern above the door. — Are those... he was shackled? Rather than answering, the gnome stepped toward the door. — We shall need a doctor. As if to prove his words, the guest faltered and collapsed onto the knees, and fell head first onto the doorstep."