"Veer is a predator," Siss murmured, swirling his wine. "He does not hide behind fake armies. If he is involved, then this distraction is merely a smokescreen for an infiltration. They plan to strike while I am looking the other way. The audacity is almost poetic."
Lord Siss set his goblet down and raised a single, pale hand. From the shadows of the massive obsidian pillars, four elite Snake guards materialized, dropping to one knee in perfect, silent synchronization.
"Send word to the canyon gates," Lord Siss commanded, his voice devoid of all warmth. "I want a token force of archers on the walls. Let them fire a few arrows. Let the enemy believe their little distraction is working. But pull the entire elite inner guard into the shadows of the royal courtyard. Coat every blade in the highest grade of paralytic venom."
The guards bowed their heads.
