From under the bed he pulled out a simple grey cloak with blue trim and some trousers. The cloak he’d stolen from Pik on a previous visit, and the trousers he’d traded for with one of the apprentice hunters. He changed quickly, pulling the hood as far forward as it would go, then practised walking up and down a few times. He allowed his head to dip a little and modified his stride to make it slower, mimicking the way he’d seen Pik move.

If those idiots in the castle were willing to believe that Pik was him, then it would be easy to reverse the illusion. There were risks, certainly, but Satyendra rarely got to roam about the castle freely.

The guards outside looked surprised when he emerged from the room. ‘Finished already?’

He didn’t reply immediately, not wanting to appear too clever. When he did, his voice sounded almost identical to Pik’s usual whine. ‘No, forgot my sponge.’

They laughed at that. ‘Better hurry then. When the Honoured Mother gets back, she’ll expect everything to be spotless.’

‘Yes,’ he agreed, and turned away.

Once out of their sight, he made his way quickly towards the lower-mid level of the castle, where the apprentice hunters slept. By now all of the apprentices would be training, leaving the rooms free for him to explore. Each one contained four bunks and a single gemlight. Sacks were slung from each end of the bunk, containing their possessions. Satyendra moved between them, searching for things he might need.

If the High Lord can’t be put off, this could be my last chance.

A knife took his fancy. The handle was carved from wood, highly polished, with settings for gemstones. Even unfinished, it would be desired in the markets.

He already had a knife stashed away, but it was a blunt one stolen from the kitchens. This one was much nicer. He tucked it away and continued to rummage, taking anything that might help him effect an escape, along with anything he liked the look of. He was far greedier than normal, and more reckless.

They’ll never suspect me as the thief, and even if I’m caught what can they do? I’m too important to exile or hurt.

With his treasures hidden within his cloak, he made his way towards one of the quieter areas of the castle, a little courtyard that had once been used by Samarku Un-Sapphire to cultivate a rare type of flower called Dawn’s Blush. Since Lord Rochant’s arrival it had been abandoned and left to grow wild.

Why the courtyard hadn’t been maintained or repurposed was not spoken about, but Satyendra liked to think it was an act of pure pettiness. A little shoot of spite in Lord Rochant’s otherwise perfect record.