"Make sure to keep a strong watch in the -" Marcus continued before being interrupted by a crashing sound behind him which was followed by an immediate thud. Out of reflex Marcus lowered his head and pulled a dirk out of his belt. The spymaster, Erik, also reacted in a similar manner, both ready for an attack, even if they were still confused as it took them by surprise. The door opened in an instant, revealing the Hawksmith guards stationed outside, they heard the sound too.<br/><br/>After realizing no attack would follow, the men looked at the shattered window of the office, the glass covered the floor near the hole in the wall and on the opposite side, near where Marcus was standing was an arrow, it had a small message, but it wasn't really needed. It was a warning, even if the nobleman didn't know for what, as he had plenty of enemies that he ruined or they wanted to take him out.<br/><br/>"... Erik... How the hell did this happen?!" Marcus said in anger, pulling the arrow from the wooden bookcase it was embedded in. "Your spies are supposed to keep the surroundings safe!" The realization that it was a small arrow, fit for a short bow was even more outrageous for the nobleman, as it meant that it was fired from close proximity.<br/><br/>"I-I have no idea!" Erik said surprised, it was the first time since he was in Marcus employ that he slipped up. "But after that message... maybe it is related to the matter with the Stoikos?"<br/><br/>"Just find him! He must still be close."<br/><br/>Marcus and the guards retreated deeper into the manor as Erik ran outside and called for some of his own men. The whole household was in alert, but despite a rigorous search they didn't manage to attacker. After a couple of hours, almost midnight, the search was stopped and Erik searched for Lord Hawksmith to report on his findings with the rest of Marcus' staff.<br/><br/>"We didn't find the attacker, sir." The spymaster said, no his fist as he said it. The fault on the security was bad for his pride. "...But two of my men were killed, their throats slit. We found them near we think he attacked, but there were no other traces. This one was a professional."<br/><br/>"A professional just to send a message?" Marcus couldn't hide the surprise in his tone, mainly because he thought the attacker would have been captured. "That's odd... But if he eluded your security and Falko's guards..."<br/><br/>"Then this enemy may be too confident in their plans, my lord." Falko's said as he joined the conversation. "We could use that to our advantage."<br/><br/>The nobleman and his trusted staff spent another hour making their plans for the upcoming days to try and make their rivals careless, using their own sense of security and exploit in in order to draw them out. By the end of it Marcus retired to his chambers to rest, knowing that patrols were now more intense in the manor's surroundings... Yet he still had difficulties sleeping, even if he already had a plan against this emboldened enemy, the attack still managed to unnerve him.<br/><br/>As expected, Marcus woke up the next day with news of the arrival of his majesty's summons. He took his time making the arrangements for his departure to his liege's castle, deeming it useful to present himself late at court due to 'personal issues'.<br/><br/>"Is everything ready? Bellport? Lockster?" The lord asked as he met with Falko in the courtyard, which was filled with mounted guardsmen to protect the carriages they'd be taking to court.<br/><br/>"Each one in a carriage, with four guards each. The other families were notified too, they'll meet us there." The captain of the guards said, opening the door to Marcus carriage to let him in. "We'll get them, my lord." He added in reassurance once Marcus was seated and closed the door before ordering the whole convoy to move.<br/><br/>Who could have thought that the death of a man Marcus didn't know would cause him so much problems already.