number of life forces being added to her own . Napier had been a substantial hunter .
As a mist , she entered the Baron ’ s stronghold . With the calm , assuredness of a master thief , armed with all the information gleaned from Napier , she floated through the hallways of the keep , moving ever closer to the Baron ’ s private chambers . Once aware of all the defenses , they were easily circumvented . The Baron ’ s habits , clearly defined in Napier ’ s memories , had been crucial in her planning . She had learned that he rarely rose before the moon , so her arrival had been just after sunset . She knew that no one was allowed in his private chambers , for his most prized possessions were stored there . She knew that it had been over a hundred years since the keep had been attacked . Watchfulness will have eroded .
She materialized inside his chamber and he was immediately aware of her , as she knew that he would be . Such was the magnitude of his rage that the mahogany sarcophagus , which for years had sheltered him , exploded into thousands of splinters , flying through the room , and he stood before her .
‘ He is magnificent ,’ Lisle , could not help but think to herself .
At his full height he rose seven feet . His shoulders were broad and , even wearing the light silk tunic in which he frequently rested , she could see that his chest and arms were heavily muscled . He screamed at her , leaning toward her , his fangs dripping spittle .
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