Before Aleksey could reply, the dark shape loped off into the shroud of the forest, seeming to float across the snow. Jacob stepped to the edge of the tower and watched it go. Trailing half a foot behind it left an after image. Watching it go was like watching a shadow move. He heard Aleksey’s voice come from behind him.

“It is done. I am not sure if he will get the message. He may yet be far away. What was it you saw?”

“One of the wolves. It was watching us from down there.” He pointed. “Gone now.”

Aleksey stared into the woods for a moment and then, without a word, returned to the trap door. Heaving it open he stepped down, out of the wind, and scooped up his lantern. Jacob followed him, pulling the door shut behind him.

“Did you check on the horses?” Jacob said as they descended the stairs.

“Yes, they were fine. We will check the wards first, then load the wagon. I do not want to go to the stable until we have to.”

The two strode down the halls of the castle. Passing through its dark hallways until they arrived at a heavy wooden double door. Jacob and Aleksey went to either side and hefted a large wooden plank which barred the door. As Jacob pulled one of the doors open snow began to blow into the hall. The two slipped through the door into the night air.

They stood in a stone archway which led out into the courtyard of the castle. Aleksey lifted the lantern and scanned the walls.

“I was wrong. The wards are gone.” Aleksey turned to look at Jacob. “We might as well just go get the horses. They could already be inside."