In the far reaches of the Eastern province, within the damp halls of the secondary palace, Ben was wreaking havoc.
"Where is it?" he growled, flipping over another ornate chest.
The room he was in belonged to the High Advisor of the province, and Ben was certain he kept the map there—the one that would help him find the underground tunnels leading back to Darius' palace. Tunnels the royals used centuries ago, forgotten by most but not by thieves like Ben. He paused only when the door creaked.
"Ben," said a shaky voice.
He turned, eyes narrowing at the scrawny palace servant who dared disturb him. "You again?"
The boy held up his hands. "I-I won't tell. I swear. Just don't hurt me."
Ben sneered, stuffing the parchment into his tunic. "Good. Be a ghost, and maybe you'll live."
He slipped past the servant with ease, fading into the shadowed corridors. Soon, he'd return to the palace. And this time, he wouldn't be sneaking in just to send a letter to Odi.
