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You can see the candlehop waving gently from its stand as you approach. There’s a scrap of paper hanging from one of its little hooks—proper parchment that has clearly been torn from a more official document, ink still glistening on parts of the rough block capital script.

Tarquin unhooks the note. You’re about to thank the candlehop but, before you can, Ashur bows his head low to it and says, “Thank you for your help.”

The candlehop twirls a little in response, then stills, going from a lively collaborator to another unnoticed object on the Minrathous streets until the next person needs a message delivered.

Unfolding the note, Tarquin reads out, “Meet me in the… is that meant to be ‘catacombs?’ Meet me in the catacombs by—” he narrows his eyes, clearly struggling with the sender’s creative spelling “—got to be Glandivalis Square. Tonight.”

There’s no signature on the note but, even so, it’s the best lead you’ve got.

• Turn to page 59.