Chapter 314 - A Staccato of Stealth (2/2)

He turned to Tigin who squatted beside him, ”You sure you want to try this? I don't think it's likely that we'll get out of there alive”.

Tigin frowned, ”We need to try at least. From what we've seen, the Chieftain's estate is that massive building on the far side”.

”Yeah, problem is that the patrols are much more frequent on that side of the city, so our only way in is through one of the other main entrances,” Sevis sighed, ”Which means we've got to get through an entire city unnoticed before we can even think of looking for the Chieftain, or Rima”.

”But it's a pretty safe bet that they're likely close to one another, correct? I don't think the Chieftain would make the Djinn her guard if it meant that Rima was living so far away,” said Tigin.

”Agreed,” said Sevis, ”Come on, it isn't going to get much darker than this, and if we don't go now, the Djinn is probably going to catch wind of us”.

”What makes you think he hasn't already?” asked Tigin.

”No Sand Devils,” Sevis replied, ”Though I find that just as unsettling as actually seeing them for some reason”.

”Me too,” Tigin agreed, ”Come on”.

The two stood, making their way closer to the city walls step by step until they were in line with an oncoming patrol.

”Alright, quick and silent,” Sevis said.

Tigin nodded, and the two waited with baited breath as the patrol drew closer…and closer…and…

”Now!” Sevis hissed.

Tigin and Sevis both leaped up and dragged the surprised pair of patrolling warriors down to the ground. One of them let out a surprised shout, but Tigin quickly muffled him before squeezing his neck to stop his breathing.

”Oi! Everything okay out there?” asked a warrior that was at the wall about fifty metres off.

Tigin and Sevis froze, looking at each other as they continued to strangle the patrolmen. When there was no immediate reply, the warrior began to step forward.

A deep voice rumbled from behind Tigin and Sevis, ”Fine! Damn snake jumped out of nowhere!”

The Warrior hesitated before he huffed and turned back to take his spot.

The young man squatted down and nodded towards the warrior Tigin was still strangling. Though now, he was most definitely passed out if not dead. Tigin released him.

”You've gotten better at fighting, but your stealth skills are terrible,” said Aegin.