Night descended fast, yet the entire city slept light. Partying could be heard from the silver halls till deep in the night, before silence resumed. As the night deepened and day sat at world’s edge, figures flashed over the courtyard stealthily as though searching for something, or someone.
Si Sanga and the rest waited for the attack, but it never came. As quickly as they came, the intruders left, just before daylight burst from the mountain east. The morning brought tension and a hint of anticipation that hugged the city like morning mist.