CHAPTER 1 THE ROAD TO HELL

The town of Longacre sits just outside the fringes of the
Whisperwood. A few lights shine in the streets and windows,
and the occasional snippet of conversation or laughter
issues from open doors, but here on the outskirts of town,
the night is quiet and dark. Sparse clouds scud across the
sky, momentarily obscuring the dim light from the moon
overhead. Across a scrubby field, barely distinguishable
under the starry sky, a darkened, fortlike compound hunches
in the distance.
Cimri points toward the dim structure.
“That’s it—Louslik Tannery. Here’s the job: We break in,
sack Ol’ Louslik’s office, take whatever’s shiny, and get out
before the sheriff shows up. If we get separated, meet back
at the Ash House by dawn.”
Dull moonlight glints across her dagger as she flicks it in
emphasis. “If you get pinched, remember: you’re mute. Keep
your mouth shut, and I’ll handle things. I got assurances that
we won’t take any blame if things go south. But get chatty
and I’ll let you rot.” A beat passes and her usual crooked
smirk appears. “If you don’t screw things up, we’ll all be
drinking on Razelago’s coin come dawn. Let’s do this.”