Chapter ONE - Weebly

Ethan had yet to meet anyone brave or foolish
enough to defy her.
Stepping into the tavern, Ethan expected to be
greeted by the usual din of laughter and shouted
conversations. But the Dowser was half empty, unusual
even for a Monday night, and those who stood at the
bar or sat at tables arrayed around the hearth spoke in
hushed voices. The air within was heavy with the smell
of candles and pipe smoke, and the mouthwatering
aroma of one of Kannice’s famous fish stews. Though
the crowd was small, Ethan saw several familiar faces,
including Devren Jervis—Diver—an old friend who
occasionally helped Ethan with his work.
Of all the people Ethan knew who frequented the
Dowser, Diver came closest to getting himself banned
from the tavern. He did so with some frequency, and,
as Kannice had pointed out on more than one occasion,
if it wasn’t for Ethan’s friendship with the man, Diver
would have been tossed out into the street long ago. He
sat alone at a table near the back of the tavern.
Catching Ethan’s eye, he raised his tankard and gave it
a little wave.