"You can get other clients," Walker said reasonably. "Walk away, John. I've already signed the elf's death warrant. I'd hate to have to sign another."

That was Walker for you. He might or might not hate to do it; but he'd do it. Walker was all about getting the job done.

"You know I never let a client down," I said.

"Of course, dear boy. I'm only keeping you talking so my people can pinpoint your current location… John? What are you doing back at the Dragon's Mouth?"

There was something in his voice. It might have been concern; but you can never be sure with Walker.

"I'm fine," I said. "The client chose the meeting place."

"Typical elf. He knew what it meant to you. Yet another reason why you shouldn't trust him. I know you pride yourself on being loyal to your clients, John, but he won't be loyal to you. He can't. He's an elf."

"The principle still stands," I said. "I don't have many, so I have to stick with what I've got. We're off on a little road trip, Walker, off to see the worlds. Try and keep up."

"This is no joke, John. I've been forced to take on some really serious people, to see this through."

"Send the best you've got," I said. "And I'll send them home crying for their mothers."

Walker sighed into my ear, like a parent disappointed by a stubborn child. "You've been listening to the elf, haven't you, John? You know you can't trust anything an elf says. I am the only one who knows what's really going on here."

"Doesn't matter," I said. "If he's on the opposite side to you, I must be doing the right thing."

"All these years of butting heads," said Walker. "And you haven't learned a damned thing."