The Blood Cord — Harry Connolly

Short Story. The human city of Pald was once, briefly, free, but it is free no longer. Magic of all kinds is outlawed, and people live by their wits, connections, and honor.

Fat Willug is a man with a secret that too many people know. When he is kidnapped and poisoned by a wealthy man's personal doctor, he has one day to recover a stolen--but forbidden--item to earn an antidote. But will that be enough time to puzzle out who stole the enchanted blood cord and return it?