The halls were too quiet.

The guards had been drinking, as usual. A long day had ended with Sergius snapping at everyone, throwing a wine goblet across the room, and retreating to his study to sulk. Most of the house had learned to take his tantrums in stride.

But no one heard the whisper of the blade.

Not until it had already slit the throat of the first man.

Then the second.

The two guards were dead before their lungs could carry a scream.

Then a third....

And a fourth.

None ...