““Just—don’t—move,” Guy said with his hands spread out in front of him. He looked as if he were trying to catch a wild horse, and did not advance, dismount, or draw his sword. Just then the portcullis dropped. “There’s no escape,” Guy assured him. From a nearby door, a handful of guards trotted toward Hadrian with their swords drawn. “Stop!” Guy ordered, raising his hand abruptly. “Don’t go near him. Just fan out.” The men waiting in line looked from the soldiers to Hadrian and then backed away. “I know what you’re thinking, Mr. Blackwater,” Guy said in an almost friendly tone. “But we truly have you outnumbered this time.””
