Risky Business

“The great wooden door swung open silently on rough barrel hinges. The big guard paused on the precipice, staring at the blackened iron metalwork with great suspicion.

With a meaty arm, he jiggled it back and forth, the only noise the rough clicking of his mail against itself.

Fat lips curled in contempt, he glanced around the room from the safety of the corridor, side-eyeing the orb at its centre, lest the weight of his gaze knock it over.”

Risk is something everyone manages, but perhaps not so much as thieves.

Every break-in is another flip of the coin, every pocket picked is another twirl with the lady.

When robbing wizards, it pays to be especially careful. Check every panel, test every lock. Twice. Just to be safe.

After all, you can never be too careful… can you?

1,994 Words

Submitted to the Writers' & Artists' Short Story Competition 2024 ‘Risk’