Chapter ONE - Weebly

person casting them is willing to pay a high enough cost.
I could make you take your own life, but I would have
to take the life of another to do it. I could destroy this
entire city, but I’d probably have to bleed myself to
death.”
“So this conjurer—”
“This conjurer is skilled and powerful, and entirely
willing to spend the lives of others in pursuit of his aims,
whatever they may be. I can’t think of anything more
dangerous.”
“How will you stop him?” Pell asked.
Ethan smiled wryly. “I haven’t the faintest idea.
Good night, Mister Pell.”
He left the minister beside the chapel gate and began
to make his way through the streets to the Dowser,
nervously surveying storefronts and alleys. He felt
vulnerable; for the second time in as many days, he was
forced to admit to himself that the simple act of walking
through the city had him frightened. He had survived
battles at sea and years as a prisoner. He had been
wounded and beaten and had gone to sleep many nights
wondering if he would live long enough to win his