The moon was a sliver of bone in the sky, offering little light and casting the sleeping town in deep shadows.
'It's time.'
The door to the infirmary closed with a soft click. A masked figure stood in the cold night air, the rough fabric of a concealment cloak pulled tight around them.
'Good thing the 'I will stand watch on the infirmary tonight' excuse worked.' The figure, Aman, chuckled. 'Of course, I have to thank Cassandra for that.' Her quick thinking in backing up his story had made this much simpler.
He stood motionless for a moment, stretching his senses out into the sleeping town. The Pulse of the Unseen flowed from him, a gentle probe mapping the night. He felt the weary sleep of the townsfolk, the rhythmic pacing of the guards on the walls, and the concentrated aura of the bandits in their new quarters.
Then he located it - that watchful presence stationed near the Princess's temporary residence. The royal watchdog was still at his post, vigilant as ever.
'Good.'
