---
"Yes, young master." They responded in a perfect tone.
"Kill anyone who barks."
Dickon's face twisted.
"You did this," he spat. "You put that statue and that message."
Sekhmet's voice came out even and quiet.
"Of course," he replied. "I did it. Who do you think did it? Your father?"
Dickon's eyes bulged with anger.
"You think you are funny and clever," Dickon hissed. "You think you can mock Iron House and survive."
Sekhmet tilted his head slightly.
"Clever," he repeated, as if tasting the word. Then he spoke again, voice calm, almost conversational.
"I did not mock Iron House," Sekhmet said. "I prepared for it."
Dickon's grip on Reyan tightened again.
Reyan wheezed.
"You told him," Dickon snarled at Reyan. "You told him we were coming!"
Reyan shook his head violently, tears starting.
"No! I swear! I swear I didn't—"
Sekhmet interrupted, voice flat.
"Reyan did not tell me," he said.
Dickon blinked. For a split second, confusion cut through his rage.
