The entire screen came crashing down with a resounding clatter of falling wood.

Isobel screamed.

Kyphos first checked that his men had blocked every exit before kicking down the screen. He swiftly scanned the people on the other side, instantly dismissing the circle of young acolytes, and the high priestess and her assistant. His gaze alighted on the king of Xanthos’s blonde-haired bride, an attractive, slender woman in a crimson garment. She was clutching the well-dressed lord who was the only male present, and he knew she must be Isobel.

Kyphos nodded in satisfaction. It was just as the man Nilus had said he would arrange: there were no guards, and the area around the temple was deserted at this time of night.

He glanced at his men. Swords drawn, they hugged the shadows, waiting for his command. He once more appraised the priestess, her assistant, the young bride, and her father. Staring out at him, their eyes were wide with horror. The six acolytes looked anxious and confused. Isobel was trembling with fear as she clutched her father’s arm, while the olive-skinned high priestess’s chest heaved; she looked as if she knew what was coming. Her assistant, a dark-haired girl of twelve or thirteen, had a defiant expression, but her eyes were afraid.

The consul in the white tunic swallowed. He finally broke the silence. ‘Who are you? What do you want?’

Kyphos’s boots crunched down on the fallen lattice as he approached Isobel and her father. He brought a yelp out of the six acolytes when he glared at them.

‘Go,’ he grunted. ‘Get out.’

Shrieking, the young girls all fled, and Kyphos called out to his men. ‘Let them pass!’

Soon the acolytes were gone, and Kyphos continued to advance, staring at each of the four remaining people in turn. Two of his warriors joined him, swords held out in front of them. Lord Philippos whirled, turning to check every exit, but they were all blocked. His face was white when he touched his hip, realizing there was no sword by his side. ‘Guards!’ he cried. He shouted at the top of his lungs. ‘Guards!’

There were just a few oil lamps burning, casting wan light on the area. Kyphos reached Isobel, bringing his face further into the light, while the two flanking swordsmen spread out at his sides.

The lord stepped in front of his daughter, protecting her. ‘Who are you? What do you want?’ His voice was shaking.

Kyphos remembered the bargain he’d made with the man Nilus. ‘Philippos, I presume?’

‘Yes.’ Lord Philippos took a step forward, pressing his daughter even farther behind him. ‘What do you want with m—?’

Kyphos turned and nodded at one of his companions, who stepped forward and without a word ran the lord through.