By the time he arrived with his men, dawn was near at hand.
The courtyard lay shrouded in darkness, silent and still, without the faintest sign of life.
With a single motion of his hand, Rhaegar gave the signal. Like shadows loosed into the night, the imperial guards vaulted the walls and slipped silently into the courtyard.
The door was kicked open from within with a thunderous crash.
Inside, Shopkeeper Brameroth had only just scrambled up from his bed, his hand already reaching beneath his pillow for the dagger hidden there.
"Do not move."
A blade's cold tip pressed against the back of his neck.
He froze instantly.
Rhaegar stepped forward, reached beneath the pillow, and drew out the weapon. He examined it briefly, then tossed it aside to one of his men.
"Take him to the prison ward."
***
Within the interrogation chamber, Shopkeeper Brameroth was bound fast to a wooden pillar.
