A shadow moved and Jarrad instinctively touched the hilt of his sword. He peered deep into the dark mouth of the narrow alley where he sensed the sudden movement. Shadows reigned in this section of the city known as Beggar's Blood; a violent corner of the capital city of Kathandria. He drew his zanteer, the magically enchanted fighting weapon of the House of Thorne. The rapier came clear from the leather scabbard on his hip; its razor-thin blade glinted in the light of the two moons of Irth. ...