Look around first

You have never seen so many tall buildings in your life. You thought the state house on the plantation was unbelievably large, but each of the buildings that surround this square is as large or larger than the manor house where Lord Klatos and his family lived. Most of the buildings have three or more stories and some have towers that rise high above their roofs. Despite their size, the buildings look old and worn.

The mortar between the stonework is crumbling and sections of marble detailing high above the street are missing completely. You cannot tell if the marble veneer fell off or was pried loose to be sold to the builders of newer houses.

Either way, you are very sure that Pyrrhus would not live in this sort of neighborhood. In the center of the square is a fountain, the water bubbling from its statuary looks cool and inviting. Tempting you even more is a remembered story about the citizens of Athenopolis being so rich that they would throw gold and silver coins into the fountains for luck.

So far you have stayed in the shadows of the walls. Although the square appears to be empty now, to get to the fountain you would have to cross 40 yards of open space. Anyone watching the square from the windows above you would see you immediately even in the failing light of the evening. Pushing your thirst from your mind you continue to evaluate your situation. Several times today you have been spotted, first by a well-armed group of hoplites running shield to shield down a narrow street towards some distant destination. The second time by a group of pre-teen street rats who gave you only a quick glance before disappearing over a low wall and into a warren of thick bushes that had been growing untended for at least four or five years. Not too long ago you were followed deliberately by two men for several blocks. After turning a corner, you sprinted for over two minutes turning random directions until finally ducking into a side alley and hiding in some garbage, catching your breath and watching for signs of pursuit while fingering the short sword.

You are pretty sure that you can climb the building next to you. Originally built from large smooth cut stones, the gaps between these stones are easily large enough for your fingers to find a grip; the canyon walls of Harpies’ Gully at home had fewer cracks and you made that climb on a dare at the age of only twelve. From the top of the building, you may be able to see where the richer sections of town are. You wanted to get to Pyrrhus’s tonight, but now that you see the size of the city you realize how naïve that thought was. What you need is a little luck.