Stomp, stomp, stomp...
In the echoing heaviness of their footfalls, a fully armed guard patrol passed by.
The glow of the torchlight slowly dissipated as they moved away, and the courtyard was once again enveloped in darkness.
In the corner's shadow, Colin subtly quickened his pace. Guided by the fleeting, barely discernable scent of blood, he gradually approached the northwestern corner of the Phoenix Butterfly Fort.
A wave of strong stench hit him, nearly causing Colin to faint.
It was the smell of horse dung.
Only then did Colin realize that he had arrived at the stables.
Damn it!
Colin cursed under his breath. The scent of blood was being masked by the odor of the horses, making it hard for him to determine its source.
Luckily, he was at the edge of the Phoenix Butterfly Fort. Colin started to search the area one by one.
Soon, he located the source of the smell again — the clock tower.