Chapter Eleven
Sikras
WITH ITS TOWERING SPIRESand intricate stone carvings, Theodore’s castle was, no doubt, a work of art. Sprawling grounds and lush gardens framed its exterior, and an ornate fountain outside the front steps hinted at the owner’s wealth. Sikras did nothing to hide his scoff—another rich bastard with his flashy trinkets and décor.
A gatipedro stood at the entry, halberd in its mighty paw. The humanoid creature, with its sleek feline features and single horn protruding from its forehead, looked more diplomat than guard in its silk finery. Sikras didn’t recall much about gatipedros, but judging by the contemptuous gaze, this one’s personality reflected that of most felines he had met—aloof and thoroughly inconvenienced by the presence of anyone.
“Name,” it snarled, whiskers twitching.
Helspira stepped forward. “It’s Helspira. You’re Argus, right? We’ve actually met befo—”
“Not on the list.”
Her shoulders slumped, and she pulled her hand to her chest. “It’s really important we see Theodore. Don’t you remember me? I came with Cecil last year?”
“Cecil.” Argus purred. “A fellow wizard of the Runicae Order. Cecil is on the list. You, Madam Helspira, are not.”
“For the love of—” Sikras stepped backward, shielding his eyes from the sun. They didn’t need this. There were always more options for entering a building than a door. Spotting an open window in a tower above, he smirked. “What say you, Benjamin? We missed the tsa’nakai races, but I bet you two coppers I can toss a rat through that window. That ought to get the wizard’s attention.”
Benjamin crossed his arms. “Sikras, I love you, but you have a terrible aim.”
“Nonsense.” Sikras kneeled, and an undead rat that was more bones than flesh scurried into his waiting palm. With entirely unearned confidence, he drew back his arm and hurled the creature toward the window.
Majestically, it soared. Right up until it struck the mansion’s exterior, exploded into bone fragments, and fell into the decorative shrubbery below.
Sikras cringed and sucked a stream of air in through his teeth. “Oh, dear. Good thing he can’t feel pain.”
Helspira, Benjamin, and Argus stared in awkward silence, until Benjamin slowly raised his hand. “Can ... Can I try one?”
Sikras scooped up another undead rat and plopped it into Ben’s hand. “Plenty to go around.”
The vertical line of Argus’s pupils shrank into small, black slits. “This is not—”
“Off she goes!” Benjamin shouted as he hurled the vermin’s corpse through the air.
Into the open window it went, disappearing inside the room.
“First try,” Sikras said, clapping. “Nicely done.”
Ben flexed his fingers. “It’s all in the wrist.”
Argus hissed, claws protruding from its furry fingers. It parted its jaws to speak but was silenced when a man appeared in the open window above.
“Which plebian with a death wish is throwing rats through my window?”
“Theodore.” Helspira gasped, offering a timid wave. “Hi. It’s been a while.”
