The most troublesome visitor in Sanctuary was not Holt.
Holt's punishment at the orc work camp placed him in a separate category. The elite gnomes ranked only people who remained technically compliant while creating unnecessary work.
First place belonged to a merchant named Cassin.
His record contained forty-three incidents. He asked three departments the same question and used the answer he preferred. He submitted routine requests as emergencies. He moved signs when they directed customers away from his stall. None of his actions justified expulsion or punishment at the work camp.
Together, they made every gnome who dealt with him less efficient.
Max read the ranking document beside Anna and Quin.
The categories included visitors, merchants, adventurers, ordinary staff, elite staff, and people whose classification remained disputed.
Max appeared in the last category.
[MAX CLARKSON]
