One more time

More time passes, time that you do not have, but the new lock on this door alone has you more than a little curious. There is little you'd like better than finding Orestes sleeping peacefully on the other side of this sturdy door, but you expect instead to see a collection of the honorable (you spit in contempt into the darkness) judge's most valued possessions.

Patience. You remind yourself as more time slips away. You are doing the best you can in time, you are sure you could open this lock. However, time was one thing that you no longer had in unlimited quantities. You pause for again to stretch your aching fingers and clear your mind and try again to work the lock. One by one the tumblers are lifted until only the one deepest in the lock is still holding, delicately you reach deeper into the tiny hole feeling for the last tiny piece of metal.

"Yes!" You hiss a little too loudly as you feel the last tumbler lift and the lock turns slightly. You are pleased with your success and eager to see what is hidden behind this door. Your primary target is Orestes himself and no matter what wealth you find in this room you will not be happy if you leave this tower without gutting the snake. But he might not even be in the tower and there was more than one way to hurt the pig. Besides, proving that you could open the lock when needed was good for your ego. Returning the picks to your hair you quickly re-braid the long black strands and turn your attention to the door.