The carriage was parked at the corner of a quiet, narrow street, partially hidden by the shade of a large oak tree. Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Eric sat staring out the window, his gaze fixed on a modest house down the block, a house that now seemed like a fortress.
Aiden, his trusted aide, slipped back into the carriage, his movements quick and silent. He sat opposite Eric, his face grim.
"How did you know, Your Grace?" Aiden asked, his voice a low whisper. He had just completed a slow walk around the block, and what he saw confirmed Eric's suspicions completely.
Eric remained silent for a moment, his mind piecing together the ugly puzzle. Aiden continued, filling the silence. "Like you said, there are hired people all over the place. Two at the front door, one at the back alley, and another two just walking the street, pretending to be locals. They don't look like official guards. They look… rough."
