They left the counting loft before dawn stretched truly over the city.
Varn Thal had lingering nerves from the fight on the bridge. Patrols were heavier on the main terraces and an inordinate number of doors kept streets that usually opened before morning secured against intrusion. Lucian made good use of the service cuts and maintenance alleys while Istra watched the city for tails and Sera walked closely enough that no one could take her without taking Lucian at the same time. There was not much conversation. The invitation to meet Captain Rhel had taken a different shape than the men and women of Varn Thal would have preferred.
