Weapon of the Guild [The Chronicles of Grimm Dragonblaster, Book 2] Read Online Free PDF

replied, returning a polite nod. “This is his first expedition, but he is a mighty mage, nonetheless. I would take it as a signal favour if you would hold him in the same regard you do me."
    "Welcome to The Broken Bottle , Questor Grimm. I am your host, Uril Shamas, and I offer you homage as a Guild wizard. A glass of Callorion Red for you, perhaps, Questor Dalquist? It's very good indeed."
    Dalquist nodded.
    "And what would you care to sample, Questor Grimm?"
    Grimm scanned the various brews on offer, and his eyes lit on a pump legend that piqued his interest. “I think I would like to try a pint of your ‘Midnight Ale', Mr. Shamas. It sounds intriguing."
    "An excellent choice, Lord Mage,” the landlord responded, with a friendly smile. “The brew is full-flavoured, foamy and just right for a thirsty traveller, although not for the dilettante, you understand. Please call me Uril."
    Grimm looked at Dalquist and winked as he drew his staff close to him.
    "Thank you for the warning, Uril,” he said, remembering to keep his tone of voice cool and formal. “Do not fear; we mages have a way with alcohol."
    "I meant no slight, Questor Grimm, I assure you,” the landlord said and laughed. “I'm sure your capacity for drink is formidable.” Uril placed a glass of rich red wine before Dalquist and a foaming, red-brown pint before Grimm. The young mage took a sip of his beer and found it nutty, warming and refreshing, quite at odds with the dubious promise of the tavern. After his riotous, drunken Ceremony of Acclamation, he knew well the effects of alcohol, and he vowed to use the magic in his staff to keep them at bay.
    The muscular landlord raised his eyebrows in question, and Grimm responded. “This is an excellent brew, Uril. It seems you keep a fine cellar here."
    Dalquist nodded. “And the Red is as good as ever, Uril. Thank you.” He handed over three coppers, which the landlord accepted with a friendly smile as he glided with surprising grace towards another thirsty customer.
    Dalquist moved over to a small table, and Grimm followed him. “It's early yet, Grimm,” he muttered
    “Let's see who comes in before we make a move. Uril seems to approve of you, and that's a good start. You've made a favourable impression on him, which should help you to be better accepted here." The two mages sat for a while, reminiscing of earlier times. Grimm allowed the drink to cheer him, although he used Redeemer to keep the merriness at a manageable level whenever the strong beer threatened to overwhelm him.
    After an hour or so, a slender young man entered the bar, dressed in fine, loose robes and carrying a polished rapier in a low-slung silk baldric. The man carried himself with a loose-limbed confidence, and he appeared quite at ease in the rough company. He purchased a glass of wine from Uric, for which he paid with a freshly minted silver piece, waving away the handful of copper change, for which the burly landlord thanked him. The swordsman moved to a table on the left side of the bar, and Grimm saw he left his rapier and his sword arm free. With a respectful nod to the others arrayed around the tavern, he sat and sipped his wine.
    "He looks a likely type, Grimm,” Dalquist whispered. “He may be here plying for trade. Let's go and have a word."
    "He looks a little foppish to me, Dalquist,” Grimm replied, frowning, “and he hasn't a mark on him. Some of the other men here seem more like dangerous fighters, don't you think?"
    "Don't mistake him for a dilettante, Grimm. He's comfortable in this rough place and he looks confident with his steel. Look at those little notches on his blade; this is no pretty toy, and the warrior keeps it clean and well-honed. This is a man who's been in many fights and values his weapon. On the other hand, he bears no visible scars, which implies he has done well in those fights. Some flaunt battle scars as proof of prowess, but I view a whole skin as better evidence."
    I can see I'll have