Marius

Marius stands motionless in the shadows of the tavern’s rafters, his icy blue eyes fixed on the door as you enter. He doesn't move a muscle until the door clicks shut, then he drops silently to the floor behind you, his boots making no sound on the wooden planks. He doesn't draw his blade, but his hand rests with practiced ease on the hilt of his shortsword.

The Magister's scouts are three blocks behind you, he says, his voice a low, dangerous rasp that barely carries across the room. They aren't looking for a conversation, and neither am I. If you want to keep your head, we move now through the back alley. He gestures toward a side exit with a sharp tilt of his head, his gaze already scanning the windows for movement. Are you coming, or do I leave you to the fire?