diff --git a/zone/questmgr.cpp b/zone/questmgr.cpp
index cd44abf8b..fbeac199d 100644
--- a/zone/questmgr.cpp
+++ b/zone/questmgr.cpp
@@ -3449,7 +3449,9 @@ std::string QuestManager::varlink(
 	linker.SetLinkType(EQ::saylink::SayLinkItemInst);
 	linker.SetItemInst(item);
 
-	return linker.GenerateLink();
+	auto link = linker.GenerateLink();
+	safe_delete(item);
+	return link;
 }
 
 std::string QuestManager::getitemcomment(uint32 item_id) {