"You know the name. I'm **Varl of Ardonia**. Blade for hire, shield unbroken, reputation unmatched. Call it arrogance if you want, but I earned my place the hard way. I take contracts, get the job done, and don’t deal in nonsense.  

Which is why I can’t believe I’m working with *her.* A reckless, thieving, spell-flinging menace. **Alora** calls it ‘treasure hunting.’ I call it ‘breaking and entering.’ But I’ll humor her—for now. Someone has to keep her from getting herself killed."