Chapter 10

Bartz dismounted directly in front of the archway, pushing the auto shutdown button on his horse to send it into simulated lifelessness. He locked his helmet onto his saddle—after all, everybody knew it was improper to wear a helm inside the castle’s hallowed walls. He walked slowly and carefully towards a numeric keypad on the wall next to the arch.

Bartz looked at the keypad. It was typical, with the numerals one through nine and a hand-sized mold under it.

“At least I don’t have to deal with any more human guards. Machines are less temperamental,” Bartz mumbled as he studied the pad.

“You forgot your access code again, didn’t you?” Falca asked.

“Maybe.”

“In front of all these impressionable commoners, too. Do you want me to help you?” Falca asked. “I can probably tap into the system if need be.”

“That won’t be needed,” Bartz insisted.

Bartz pressed a few buttons on the keypad and placed his hand into the mold.

“Password and palm pri