The roof was similar to what she had witnessed in Silvandom, steep and sloping. The crown of the roof had an iron cage. There was some sort of metal contrivance inside the cage and a large bracket of some kind. The wind whipped against her suddenly, causing her grip to strain. She pulled herself up on the balcony ledge and then waited, watching and listening. She was too high up to hear the training yard. The wind was all she could hear and it was as cold as winter.
Hettie stared at the door, examining the hinges and how it was made. She studied the mosaic of stone chips, admiring the pattern, but searching for cracks or grooves that would reveal the presence of a trap. The urns were slightly green with moss on one side. Her eyes went up to the strange cage at the top of the roof. It looked tall enough for a man to stand inside. The edge of the roof was low enough that she believed she could jump and reach it and pull herself up. But the stone shingles looked noisy and loose and she dared not risk it.
Now that she was at the top of the balcony, Hettie felt her mind come alive with all the years of Romani training. She assessed the shapes and structures, looking for anything out of place. She was carefully tuned to her feelings, seeking that telltale jolt of apprehension that would warn her of danger. As much as she hated the life, there was a certain degree of thrill in what she was doing. She caught herself smiling and then scowled. How long would her loyalties be divided? The mixture of feelings was difficult. She was grateful to have the skills she needed at this moment—skills that Paedrin lacked. Her plan was simple. Start with the highest tower, usually the place of power. Probe the edges to test its defenses. Then break past the defenses and search for the missing Sword of Winds. It was either on Cruw Reon’s body or it was likely hidden in the tower. Determining which was crucially important.
Hettie crept along the edge of the stone seat, avoiding the puzzle-like stones below. It did not feel threatening, but she did not wish to risk it. The door was thick and solid, likely sealed by a crossbar on the other side. Not a problem for her. As she crouched near the wall, she studied the outer rim of the tower, looking for an alternative way inside. She was surprised by the lack of windows. Cautiously, Hettie stepped on the edge of the balcony floor, careful to avoid the colored design. She waited, listening. Then, slowly, she began to stretch over the ground, sliding out like a snake so that it spread her weight evenly as she moved. That was usually a way to circumvent many troubles that might be in the way, but her instincts felt that the balcony was not rigged. When she was fully stretched out, her head near the door, she cocked her ear at the seam at the bottom and listened, waiting patiently. She waited a long while, letting the sounds of the wind wash over her, letting her senses reach out to the world around her. The air from the bottom of the door was stale but she detected the odors of ale and wine. Curious. She also felt heat coming from the seams, just enough to caress her skin. Thinking back, she realized she had seen a flue jutting from the rooftop on the other side—a tiny one. A sparrow might squeeze in it, not her.
Convinced there was no one beyond, she lightly touched the handle, a stout iron ring flecked with rust. Grasping it by the collar, she waited, breathing in slowly, her heart starting to race. She pulled at the ring. The door opened a fraction. She waited, shutting her eyes so that she could hear better with her ears. Another little tug on the door. It opened farther. There was no crossbar securing it. With her other hand, Hettie loosed her dagger from its sheath and brought it out, holding it underhanded. She pulled the door until it parted open, just a fraction. She kept herself pressed against the door itself so that she would not be seen. Again, she waited for sounds to reveal the presence of someone.
Nothing.
Taking a deep breath, Hettie jerked the door ajar, keeping herself back out of sight. She wanted it to seem like the wind may have gusted it loose. If someone were asleep inside, they would come to investigate. Nothing happened. Hettie peered around the edge of the door, into the room.