Although not of noble blood, Audric's sisters were, nevertheless, the blood relatives of the Duke of Allar, and, as such, afforded some measure of protection. Besides, they were wealthy women in their own respects, with each bearing a claim to a successful shipping company that had only become more-so with Audric's elevation to Duke. Palace guards and city guards kept an eye on the ladies and their families, and they had their own security besides...and a few off-the-record eyes and ears employed by the Shrouded Swordsman.
And so it was not long before Audric was notified in some fashion that there was suspicious activity near his sister's home. He was concerned for his sister and her family, of course, but likewise concerned for Attie, who had taken up residence there as a beloved nanny to the children.
It was rare for the Shrouded Swordsman to be present in daylight. Audric had better things to do during the day than prowl the shadows of Allar -- and, besides, most criminals came out at night, more comfortable in the darkness than in the light. Today, however, was an exception, as the man lurking around his sister's home was often seen during the day performing a particular routine. The Swordsman hoped to catch him in that routine...and find out what, exactly, he wanted.
As Audric neared the house, however, a shadow caught his eye. In this district, the rooftops were sharp and distanced too far for even the Masked Mordecai to jump successfully from one onto the next. It was a richer district, with plenty of lawn and space for the well-to-do Allarians to enjoy and to flaunt. It was little wonder the Swordsman's sometimes-partner was sneaking about on the ground.
In spite of the gravity of his mission, a grin stretched across his lips, and the Swordsman dashed after the other masked man, catching up to him as his friend reached a tall, brick wall that would have to be either scaled or avoided altogether...
"Probably not a good idea to go over," he observed pointedly. "They keep three dogs. Rottweilers. Best to go around the corner, through the hedge, and up the wall across the old Colonel's lawn. His backyard's so over-grown and his eyesight so bad, you could hide a whole army in there."