PROLOGUE

The allosaur lunged at me, roaring ferociously and swinging its dangerous claws wildly. I shrieked and instinctively leapt back. The beast turned its massive head and gazed into my eyes, growling menacingly and baring its sharp teeth. It loomed over me, sensing my fear as easily as I could smell its horrid odour. My heart raced uncontrollably. Stories of people being slashed to death flashed through my mind. I kept reassuring myself that such incidents were rare and highly exaggerated without much effect. The attendant chuckled and tightened the reptile’s muzzle, ensuring it couldn’t bite.

“Stay calm, Jayden!” he said. “This reptile is old and harmless. He puts on a good show but has never hurt anyone. Show him who’s in charge!”

Easier said than done, I thought, fighting rising panic. My inner voice screamed that I should flee and forget about the coins I had already paid for the lesson. I almost gave in. Be sensible, I told myself, taking a few deep breaths to calm my nerves. Everyone you know has been riding for years. They're all still alive. You can’t be the only 19-year-old in Janiculum who has never ridden an allosaur. It’s time you learned.

The attendant gave the allosaur a treat to calm it down and assisted me in mounting. He overlooked my trembling hands and awkwardness. It took three attempts before I was finally settled in the saddle. Despite requiring a walking cane because of an old injury that never healed properly, the attendant leaped onto his allosaur effortlessly using his strong leg. My confidence, already low, sank even further.

 “Grip the reins and keep your feet in the straps,” he reminded me. “Trust me, and don’t worry. I’ll ride beside you and make sure nothing bad happens. Use the reins and your knees as I taught you to get this old reptile into a slow walk. It’ll obey your commands. You’re in control!”

My mind went blank. I’m not sure what I did. The allosaur raced off at full speed with me screaming. The attendant shouted something, but I couldn’t hear him. I panicked, forgetting how to make it stop. My ineptitude confused and annoyed the beast, causing it to begin bucking. I let go of the reins and desperately grabbed the saddle—my worst mistake. Seconds later, I flew through the air. Just before hitting the rocky ground, I extended an arm to protect myself. A searing pain ripped through me as I blacked out.

*****

Her hand trembled slightly as Joie Artius read the encrypted note one last time in the flickering candlelight. The ink was barely dry.

Our secret is out. I can’t contain it. Activate the plan. Let the others know.
May the Gods be merciful.

It wasn’t like her to feel so nervous. I’m being foolish, she told herself. If the Sine Nomine intercepts my message and breaks the code, they won’t gain much. The wording is obscure. It reveals nothing. Joie Artius carefully folded the note and placed it into a small wooden capsule, which she tied securely to the leg of the tiny nemisaur.

“Be quick and be safe,” she whispered while opening the window.

The messenger reptile flapped its wings, took one last look at her as if to say goodbye, and flew off into the night. As she watched it disappear, Joie prayed that no one had seen it leave and that it would reach its destination in time. She had known this day would come for years. She had planned for it meticulously. Why, then, do I feel so anxious?

Joie quietly shut the window, settled into her favourite chair, and brooded until dawn, endlessly second-guessing all her preparations. Will they be adequate? Have I missed anything? There’s no room for error. Our lives are at stake!

Her enhanced eyes and ears missed a man shrouded in black slipping out of the shadows from the alley across the street. After many fruitless nights, he finally had something suspicious to report to the Optio of Janiculum.