Daniel hadn't seen her draw the blade. She hadn't moved. And yet the dagger was embedded in the tabletop. His eyes were drawn to the blade. It was one solid piece that looked like black glass. He blinked, and the dagger was gone. She hadn't moved, he was certain of that.

Eric opened his mouth and closed it a few times and then slumped in his seat.

Grace gave him a moment and then clasped Brian on the shoulder.

"Brian, what's he said?"

"Nothing yet. He says what ever happened in the south is done with."

Grace glared at Eric for a moment. “Is it true? It's done with? I've heard rumours you're a hunted man."

Eric looked warily to Daniel. He sat up a little and shook his head.

"No. It's over."

Grace growled a little. The sound so feral it awakened something in Daniel. He realised, with certainty, that this woman was the most dangerous person he had ever met. “You lie. You know I can tell. Why do you lie? What are you hiding?"

Eric refused to look her in the eye. “It's my problem. I'll deal with it."

“And now? Do we continue? We are so close. We can't have anything jeopardising this step in our plan. I don't like you, Eric. I don't trust you."

Eric's face grew dark, and Daniel swore he could see a spark snap between two of Eric's fingers. "I don't care if you trust me. You need me. We all know that. Without me you achieve nothing."

Grace sat back and stared at Eric. The silence grew uncomfortable, even for Daniel. Grace looked at Jason and waited until he nodded once. She sighed. "Okay. We proceed."

Eric smiled. "See? We'll be fine. We are only four days' ride from our goal.”

Grace growled again. “Silence, you fool. We don't talk business in public. Your arrogance disgusts me."

“You call me arrogant? A fae half breed like you? You are nothing but arrogant."

Grace grew still. “I caution you once again, Eric Garcia. You insult me and you insult my guild. We don't suffer fools.”

Eric smirked but said nothing.

Brian shifted in his seat. "Enough. We've stocked up for the journey.

Let's be gone from this town. Finish your drinks." Brian set his empty tankard down and rose. Jason rose with him, and Daniel sensed Jason was Brian's personal protection. The farmers in the bar looked up at the adventurers with surprise as if seeing them for the first time.

Grace downed her brandy in one gulp and set her cup down. “Agreed.”

She rose and glanced over to Daniel with a thoughtful expression.

"I'll be out in a second."

The others rose and gathered their belongings. Eric moved past Grace and walked to the door. One of the farmers rose from his seat and knuckled his forehead at the spell caster.