DEADLY MISSION
 

"Looks like you'll have to climb," Seregil whispered, squinting up. "Be careful going over; most of these places have the walls topped with spikes or sharp flints."

"Hold on!" Alec tried to make out Seregil's expression through the darkness. "Aren't you coming with me?"

"It's a one-man job; the fewer the better,"

Seregil assured him. "Would I send you in alone if I didn't think you could handle it? Best leave your sword, though."

"What if someone sees me?"

"Honestly, Alec! You can't just go hacking your way out of every difficult situation that arises. It's uncivilized."

Alec unbuckled his sword and started up the garden wall. He was halfway to the top when Micum called softly, "We'll meet you back here when you've finished. Oh, and look out for the dogs."

"Dogs?" Alec dropped down again. "What dogs? You didn't say anything about dogs!"

Seregil tapped himself sharply between the eyes.

"Illior's Fingers, what am I thinking of tonight? There's a pair of Zengati hounds, snow-white and big as bears."

"That's a fine detail to forget," growled Micum.

"Anything else I should know?"

"Let's see, the spikes, the dogs, the servants—No, I think we covered it. Luck in the shadows, Alec."

"And to you," Alec muttered, starting up the wall again.