© 2026 – J.B. Norman, published by Emona Literary Services
As she sneaks through the third sub-level of the west wing of Special Vaults at the First Bank of Porthaven with Dunstana, Niamh can help but think that this isn’t like her typical heists.
On top of the fact that she’s never had to sneak into a back vault to reclaim an ancient Pelayan King’s burial urn to return him to the current Pelayan King…
As she stops suddenly, causing Dunstana to bump into her, Niamh thinks she’s figured it out.
“You know,” Niamh whispers, looking over her shoulder at Dunstana. “Humming the music like that doesn’t help. We’re trying to be sneaky.”
Dunstana smiles back apologetically at the Half-Goblin thief. “Oh. Sorry. But it really adds to the atmosphere, doesn’t it?”
“Uh huh,” Niamh says sceptically.
“It’s just that, when I get an idea, saying it out loud makes it seem, like, realer, you know?” Dunstana explains. “And, well, we’re sneaking, so I start thinking sneaking music.”
“Uh huh,” Niamh says sceptically.
Niamh steers Dunstana around a corner and ducks into the shadows with her as one of the patrolling guards approaches.
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