[Ridge]
It could be Kadeeth. After all, he wasn't in his room when I woke up. Maybe he has some late night studying, or work, to take care of. The more likely possibility right now though, is that for some unknown reason, it's Martina behind that door.
That reason, better be a damn good one. I have nothing to fear disciplinary wise if I barge in there right now, at least not from Kadeeth. It's a whole different story if it really is a highly trained and experienced Knight with possible bad intentions waiting on the other side.
I pull away from the bedroom door and instead move closer to the study. From what I remember, there's a large window on the far side, with heavy satin curtains covering it entirely. The two side walls are lined up and down with bookcases and locked chests.
However, if memory serves, the most important feature is the generously sized and meticulously organized desk positioned in the center of the window-wall. According to Kadeeth's many rants, all of the most valuable documents are stored in his desk drawers, along with a few defensive tricks and last measures.
The first obstacle someone attempting to steal from the desk might face, is that each drawer is locked, and the only key is worn on a thin string that Kadeeth keeps tied around his ankle. It's not impossible to get a hold of the key, however. I've tested it myself.
In fact, the reason why the other traps are in place is because Kadeeth asked me to attempt to bypass his security, and I did. Of course, when I told him how long it took me, I tacked on another day or so to save his pride. Since then he's added a slip of paper in the corner of the drawers, so that he'll know if anyone unaware of the silent alarm accesses them.
He's also invented a small compartment below his most important drawer that will leak water into the drawer and soak the documents if not disarmed. Ever since our balcony project, he's become pretty crafty.
The point is, I'm not particularly worried about someone actually accessing any private information Kadeeth might be storing in his study. I'm much more concerned about what they might resort to next when they find that they can't get to their desired resources. If someone's already desperate enough to break into a Riddothas personal study, there's no telling what they'd be willing to do if that desperation isn't quenched.
Please, oh please let this be Kadeeth. I grip the door knob and inhale deep enough that it burns. On the exhale I use quick, precise movements to open the door and slip inside. That way, it doesn't alarm the intruder, at least not too much. It's quiet and fast.
I close the door silently behind me, then turn around to examine my company. Damn.
----------
I know it's short, but I wanted to get something out even though I don't have time to write a full chapter today. #13: Part 2 will be out tomorrow, and if I can I'll release #14 too, to make up for the short chapters!