Korun came to The Hanged Mule looking for ale, meat, and shelter from the rain. Instead, he found a black stiletto at the bottom of a tankard — and a debt waiting beneath the floor. The knife has chosen him. Now the tavern doors are barred, something below is knocking, and every frightened soul in the room knows the rule: one drink, one debt, one door. To survive the night, Korun must take up the blade and face whatever waits below.