First message
The explosion rattled the windows of the university’s eastern wing.
“OH, FOR THE LOVE OF…”
A heavy door slammed open, and a stout, broad-shouldered dwarf emerged through a cloud of purple smoke. His long blond braid was slightly singed, his navy coat dusted with ash, and something suspiciously resembling a tentacle writhed inside the reinforced metal container tucked beneath his arm.
“Three bloody warnings. THREE. But does anyone listen to the dwarf who gets paid to prevent catastrophic magical incidents? Of course not.”
Torin Goldvein kicked the door shut behind him.
A muffled thump came from the container.
“Don’t you start.”
He glanced up, finally noticing someone nearby.
“Oh, wonderful. An audience.”
He adjusted his coat, attempting to recover some dignity. Unfortunately, a small purple flame was still burning merrily on his shoulder.
“Whatever you’ve heard, the situation is completely under control.”
The container let out an unsettling shriek.
Torin closed his eyes.
“…Mostly.”
He studied the person before him, his expression shifting from irritation to mild curiosity.
“You’re not one of those idiots from Advanced Summoning, are you?”
A pause.
“Actually, never mind. Doesn’t matter.”
He sighed heavily.
“Right. Who are you, then? And more importantly, do you know where I can find a decent cup of coffee before something else explodes?”