Their agent's next choice took them beyond Sarthal's walls, up a winding road through wooded hills. By the time the mansion appeared, Quinlan could no longer see the city behind them.
"The grounds extend to the stream below," she explained, opening the gate onto a lawn. "The nearest neighbors are on the other side of the hill. You'd have complete privacy here."
Birdsong reached him from the trees. Blossom's ears perked, and several of his women drifted toward the terrace to admire the view.
The house itself looked comfortable. Quinlan let the others explore while he stayed with their guide.
"Where's the nearest guard post?"
"At the city gate, sir. The owners employ their own guards when they're staying here."
Quinlan glanced back down the road they'd climbed.
"This is too remote. I'd like to stay inside Sarthal."
"Of course. I thought you might prefer the seclusion."
"I do, but this is too distant. Could we find somewhere with private grounds inside the city?"
