Through the darkened streets of the night the trio made their way, rains swirled about them by a chill wind that gusted down narrow streets, tugging at their cloaks and lashing them with rains. Waters ran down the streets, and mud spattered their boots.

Kato lead the way, whistling cheerfully despite the hour and the rain, making his way through the city with an easy, nonchalant stride. He projected an aura of one unconcerned, merely out for a stroll with friends.

Behind, Ivkarha and Aedmorn were less sanguine in their manner. Ivkarha constantly fingered the hilt of her sword, face grim and tight as she watched the back of the big man walking before her. Aedmorn bore his concerns less openly, yet he had argued against such a course of action before they had departed, only bowing to the inevitable when it became apparent that Ivkarha was adamant that they go.

Few there were that were out on the streets at the night, and these Kato greeted openly and easily as they passed, so that none could guess that they were intent on nefarious deeds.

From the lower parts of the city, where it followed the banks of the River Surtan, the River Crimson, that ran red to the sea, they climbed upwards into the hills to the north of it, wherein sprawling manors and pagodas, ziggurats, temples, conservatories and academies were established, where dwelt and thoughts, studied and learned the sages of Khefra Sur. In day time the district would have been alive with sounds and smells, with the burning of incense and offerings of sacrifices, of debate and teaching and philosophy. Now it lay quiet, still, and but for the glow of strange, almost eldritch lights emanating from buildings about them, would have appeared empty.

“The House of Afra Zan,” Kato stated on passing one notable building, more tower that rose to a gilded dome than a house. “He seeks the Five Score Names of the Ancients.” At another structure, a small ziggurat that climbed in steps to an observatory upon the roof, he said, “Here lies one who seeks to unlock the hidden secrets of the stars.”

More he knew and did reveal to them, and it seemed to them that he knew all who dwelt in the Sage’s District, of their names and purpose, a font of of great wisdom and knowledge that he shared openly and easily.

“If you know of the sages, tell us of this parakor, this Zalasfir. What know you of him.”

“As much as any, and yet not enough,” Kato recounted. “None had heard tell of him but a few years ago, for he is not of here; it is said he was to have come form the utter east, from far Khavaya, and with him four hooded servants whom carried an emberwood chest. Rumours constant have swirled about the chest, and still none know what it held, or whom the servants were. All that can be said is that he took up residence in the city, and seldom was seen out in it, and his servants never.”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“How then did he become this parakor?”

“The ways of the sages can be at times mysterious, their workings unseen by men. It did not take long for them to proclaim his skill, his prowess, and then to name him parakor. Seldom has he needed to display his skills, but those times he has, it has been undeniable that he is indeed a master.”

“There are ever rumours,” Aedmorn mused, “Swift to take flight, hard to track down. Enough, though, for at least some to be based upon an aspect of truth. To have risen as fast speaks of his abilities.”

They entered into a part of the Sage’s District, atop a hill that looked down over the city, and there it seemed that the darkness was deeper and the silence more pronounced that elsewhere, for even the wind failed to blow and the only sound was the soft fall of raindrops around them. The city beneath seemed a hive of activity, even despite the night and the weather, in contrast.

Kato lead them to where a tall wall of smooth cut stone stood, heavy bronze gates set within it. The gates were closed, and the wall stood twice their height, allowing no vision of what lay belong.

“Here is Zalasfir’s residence,” Kato announced, and for a change he spoke softly, as if the sombre cast of the place had settled even upon him, dimming once indefatigable spirits. “The only means of entrance shall be over the wall.”

Ivkarha looked up at it, then around them. “The dark shall be our friend, aye, and the rain as well, for none are about to see, and doubtful any within would be active either.”

“The gods bless our endeavours,” Kato said, “And shelter us from prying eyes. Come, give me a hand and we shall be about our business this night.”

Aedmorn cupped his hands, and as Kato stepped in them, he gave the big man a boost, sending him up, to grasp the top of the wall. With a mighty heave he pulled himself up. Swift did Ivkarha follow before the pair leant down, extending their arms. Aedmorn leapt and grabbed a hold of their hands, and they pulled him up to join him.

Beyond the wall, they looked into a darkened gardens, and the shadowed form of a building in the midst of it, a vague hint of it in the dim light. Tall trees grew about, and the dark shapes of bushes could just be observed. There were no lights from the building to give it form, or guide their way.

Kato let himself down into the gardens, and they heard the whispered sound of his sword being drawn. Ivkarha and Aedmorn joined him, dropping silent from the wall. The ground was springy beneath their feet, of wet grass that grew thick and lush, a carpet that would muffle their movement.

“Ah for but a little light, to guide our way,” Kato whispered. “What may shelter us may hinder us as well.”

“We shall have to endure as best we can,” Aedmorn murmured, letting his eyes adjust as he peered around. All about were shadows, and the shape of shadows, within which anything could lurk in waiting. He could feel life all around, vibrant, profuse, overwhelming, a veritable oasis in the heart of the city. Too much to focus in on any one aspect of it, to pick out any dangers that might be hidden about. If there were any, then they would have to deal with it as they found it.

A low chuckle came from Kato. “That we shall.” And with that he started forward, into the garden, with a cautious, wary step, headed for Zalasfir’s residence.