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“How’s that?” asked Mick

“I was not always as you see I have known loss Once I was a merchant, and ue away from my home, my wife and child I was not there when our city—our honers from across the hills By the time we even realized the city was under attack, they were already dead

“I was crazed with grief But I was no warrior The path I chose was not one of honor, but of revenge I ain for the power to destroy those who had taken e I was bound to the Eye ever after”

~~

“Hurricane Roy has picked up speed yet again Meteorologists are predicting landfall in as little as four hours Freeways are clogged as citizens try to evacuate ahead of this category four stor in ourin as round to wait out the storth of the new levee—”

Sophie turned off the car and stared at the sign above the shop

“OCC?” she asked “Really?”

“Not that OCC Olaf’s Custom Cycles” If the situation hadn’t been so dire, Mick would’ve laughed at the expression of disbelief on Sophie’s face

“Your forger makes motorcycles?”

“As There’s a market for them down here”

“Doesn’t look very open”

“He’s here” Mick pointed at the wisps of s “And he’s at his forge That’s exactly ant”

He got out of the car and headed for the side door rather than the boarded glass of the showrooht ca frolad he was still using Sophie’s coat to cover himself The panel slid shut with a snap, and there was a rattle of chains and locks on the other side Then the door swung open to reveal Olaf, who stood all of four foot seven inches, looking up at him with one pierced eyebrow arched

“Havin’ that kinda night, are we? Do I wanna know?”

“No,” Mick told him