The Empty Circle

Talia POV

The chain seller was at the south end of the market.

The blacksmith was in the middle of hammering a glowing strip of metal when they arrived, and he did not stop just because two strangers walked into his forge.

“Rolf,” he said without looking up.

“Pike.”

The hammer rang again. Sparks jumped across the floor like angry fireflies.

Pike finally lifted his head and looked at Talia once. Ju