Chapter 241

IGNATIUS THOUGHT THE CASTLE GATES would pose a problemhe hadn't expected to find them open. The Lieutenant studied the open gatehouse uneasily and paused to draw his sword and dagger, then continued up the wide path into the courtyard. Aiming for the first door he spotted, he stopped at a soft throaty warble and looked up. Loushka sat on the roof of the highest tower and peered down at him then made a deliberate motion with her head to the central door, into the tower she sat on. With a nod of thanks, Ignatius moved silently up the stairs and pushed one of the stubbed iron doors wide. After a vigilant look around, he slipped in and let the door close behind.

THE SILENCE I STEPPED INTO after all the noise from the shadow creatures felt unnerving. It looked like the first floor; dark wood walls and a thick rich carpet. Again, I could see no one around. Only a few feet before me stood a beautiful blue tank. Large and cylindrical, taller than me by another half easily. The warmth of the