painting by Allen Anderson Within the smoky confines of a bustling tavern, a grizzled mercenary sits at a dimly lit table, scarred features obscured by a hooded cloak. His weather- beaten armor, adorned with notches and scratches, speaks of a lifetime on the battlefield. With a well- worn sword resting across his knees and a tankard of ale in hand, he watches the room with a wary eye, surrounded by drunken patrons and bawdy tavern songs, waiting for his next contract. action, PulpCover, pulp style, olfn