“Why you little twode,” I shouted at Kennet, “Don’t you dare, or I’ll…” But I might as well have saved my breath. Demigobs only listen to gold…well gold and chipmunks. Nobody quite knows what’s up with the chipmunk thing.

Kennet just smiled a viscious, toothy grin with his narrow mouth and threw some glittering powder into the fire. Green and purple sparks sprayed skyward, and the whole world seemed to tilt and melt outside the circle. The brahgus sat up on his haunches, dropping Thayen onto his head by the tent. The great, hairy beast mumbled frantically, front legs waving about in futile panic.

Groden danced and sang, “Wee-hoo, found a Gnud and treasure-bound!”

My girlfriend was not quite as cheery. In fact, her anger seemed to barrel right through any confusion over these events. I kind of admire that, ya’ know, when I’m not ducking things she’s thrown at me.

Luckily all she had at hand was an empty canteen, which she threw at me, yelling, “Fix this, or the engagement is so off.”