The watch had little interest in justice. When the nobles up on the hill cried out for a thief to hang, guilt was far less important than expedience. Her brother�s only crime had been crossing the guard�s path.
She had hoped his spirit could rest after that night, but his rage still burned within her. The guard had been full of wine and lust. His eyes were distracted by her bare breasts and did not fall to the knife tucked in her boot. He never saw the blade she slipped it under his ribs. In that final moment he barely managed to break their embrace and draw the short sword that now hung from Shalla�s waist. His mouth opened with a quiet gurgle, and a dark stream of blood as he fell limp.