The scent of spiritually-charged herbs filled the air as I carefully tended to my garden. These weren't ordinary plants but rare medicinal ingredients I'd been cultivating with painstaking care for months. Each leaf, each stem contained energy that could save lives—or end them in the right formulation.
A commotion at the front gate broke my concentration.
"Master Knight!" The servant's voice carried an edge of concern. "Conrad Thornton has returned, and he's brought guests—important ones!"
I straightened up, brushing soil from my hands. Conrad returning so soon after our meeting at the Blue Star Inn was unexpected. Even more surprising was that he'd brought others directly to my home without warning.
"Show them to the reception room," I instructed. "I'll be there shortly."
