The strange noise outside the window prompted Malz to alertly draw his military saber—years of meticulous maintenance had ensured it remained Sharpness. In the candlelight, it emitted a chilling glint.
Malz quickly approached the window, staying close to the wall.
He used the blade's reflection to scout the scene outside the window.
But there was nothing to see.
"Is it because the 'sheriff' came that it attracted a stray cat?"
Malz muttered to himself.
Afterward, the old sheriff began pacing in place, starting forcefully, then gradually easing up, creating the illusion for anyone listening to his footsteps that they were fading away.
But he stood motionless, straining his ear for any sounds outside the window.
After a full ten minutes, the old sheriff was certain there was no one outside.
