Written in the style of Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay:

“Alert.” Jael said. “There’s been an attempted theft.” She glanced down at Jason. “Thankfully, he didn’t manage to get far.” She kicked the Korbanas Box out from his reach, then picked it up to ensure it was intact.

“Seriously couldn’t wait your turn, could you?” she scoffed.

The Lamassu pressed down on Jason’s back, its dry breath running across his neck. Its mouth was peeled back to reveal jagged stone teeth. One snap would be all it took.

“Where did you put the Lorica?” Jael demanded. “That’s the reason you came, right? Tell me, and I might let you go.”