Page 357 of End Game

I put my phone facedown on the table.

Campaign night begins.

Ronan has worked Shawn and Alexis into the city we’ve been stuck in for the last two sessions. Not elegantly, exactly, but intentionally enough that I can see the seams and appreciate the effort.

Our party is in a tavern trying to find information about the group that’s been tracking us since we left the temple.

Or at least that’s what we’re supposed to be doing.

Instead, Cami has spent the first five minutes talking to an elderly bartender Ronan clearly created for the sole purpose of giving us directions.

Again.

Apparently adopting NPCs is a character trait of hers now.

Griffin is trying to determine whether the man sitting in the corner is watching us.

I am actually looking for the contact we’re supposed to meet.

And the role normally occupied by Dex making all of our lives harder remains conspicuously unfilled.

Then the tavern door opens.

Ronan looks toward Shawn. “Go ahead.”

Shawn sits a little straighter.

Something about his demeanor changes—just enough that I know he’s done this before.

“My character walks in and stops just inside the door.”

Ronan nods. “Describe him.”

Shawn thinks for half a second. “Human. Early thirties. Dark robes, but not dramatic wizard robes. They’re practical. Travel-worn. He’s carrying a staff mostly because his knees hurt when he walks long distances.”

Cami snorts.

Alexis turns toward him. “Your fantasy wizard has bad knees?”

“He’s had a hard life.”

“He’s thirty.”

“So am I.”

That makes Griffin laugh.

Shawn continues. “His name is Edrin. He looks around the room like he’s already regretting coming inside.”

“Relatable,” Ronan says.

Shawn’s mouth lifts.

Then Ronan turns toward Alexis.

She freezes. “What?”

“Your entrance.”