I tried the door three more times to no avail. A mixture of emotions washed over me as I stood next to a dumpster in the alley behind Jody's Bakery — confusion, doubt, and anger, but fear was the strongest. The thought of never seeing Margot again made my blood run cold. A hollow feeling in my gut threatened to swallow me whole.
A black and white cat paused to look me over before continuing its mission. “What's the matter?" I asked the retreating cat. “Have you never seen anyone dressed in chainmail and packing a sword?"
A homeless guy on the street pushing a shopping cart loaded with personal effects crossed the alley and looked my way, undaunted by my appearance. “Would you have any spare change?"
I tossed him a silver coin from my pouch. He caught it and scowled at the piece, not rea
