The castle wall rose before Teclos like a massive black cliff, barring his entry.
Lanterns burned along the battlements, their golden light cutting through the night in slow, sweeping arcs. Knights moved above in organized patrols, fully armored with spears in hand and alert eyes. There was not even one lazy guard here. Everyone maintained full order and attention, which made Teclos grimace.
It made him realize that this would be a long, arduous night of constantly being on his toes, with his guard and stealth up.
Teclos crouched in the shadow of a narrow alley across from the outer wall. He pulled the darkness over himself like a second cloak, hiding him even more. The darkness spread throughout his body like ink, and wherever it passed, his presence dimmed until it was nonexistent.
Across the street, Ralph staggered into view.
