Athgar watched as Nikolai entered a run-down building, circular in shape, with a grand entrance supported by two immense wooden pillars. At first, he took it for a house, but the longer he stared, the more he thought otherwise.
"What do you make of that?" he asked.
"It's an old theatre," Natalia replied.
"Surely not! It's round."
"That used to be a popular design, with a central stage and benches arranged in a circle."
"The Majestic back in Caerhaven wasn't like that," he retorted.
"Circular buildings are more common in the north. Even Karslev had such things. They are referred to as theatres in the round and are said to provide a more immersive experience."
She was met with a blank stare.
"That means it feels more like you're truly there," she explained.
"But you are there, aren't you? Watching the play, I mean."
She laughed. "No, what I meant to say is it makes you feel like you're part of what's happening onstage."
"Does it?" Athgar asked. "Make you feel that way, I mean?"
"I must confess I don't know. I've never actually made it to one, but I heard they were quite popular amongst the graduates of the Volstrum."
"So why has Nikolai come here?"
"I'm not sure," Natalia replied. "There must be something about the place that suits his purpose."
"Could it be because the place is abandoned?"
"Abandoned? Why would you say that?"
"Look at the entrance," said Athgar. "The paint on those pillars is flaking while the wood beneath is cracking, indicating it's been exposed to the elements for some time. It's also the middle of the afternoon. Wouldn't the place be open for rehearsals if someone were using it?"
"You're very observant. I didn't notice any of that."
He shrugged. "It's all part of being a hunter, I suppose. But the real issue, in this case, is still why Nikolai came here, of all places?"
"Do you think he came to meet someone?" said Natalia.
"Possibly, but who? If he's working for the family, the father general's place would have been more convenient."
"That's a good point. We need to get closer, and see what we can discover."
"What are we likely to see inside? You mentioned a circular stage. Anything else?"
"Yes," she said, warming to the task. "Usually there's an outer ring forming a hallway, with doors leading into the central area. It allows patrons to get to their seats more efficiently."
"They have enough customers that they have to worry about such things?"
"Oh yes, a theatre like this can hold far more than the conventional design. Of course the downside is it's much harder to fill. That's likely the reason this place went out of business."
Natalia moved closer, pausing across the street and making it look like she was interested in a nearby shop. Athgar glanced up and down the street, noting the lack of any real traffic. He wandered up beside her, taking his time while trying to draw as little attention to himself as possible.
"It definitely looks deserted," she said, glancing over her shoulder. "How do you want to proceed?"
"We can't just go in the front door; it would draw too much attention. I suggest we work our way around back."
"Good idea," agreed Natalia. "There appears to be an alleyway off to the right."
"Unusual, isn't it?" said Athgar.
"Why would you say that?"
"There are very few alleys in Ebenstadt, and yet there's one here?"
"You're overthinking things," she said. "It's a circular building. It's only logical that it should have a small alley to either side. After all, look at its neighbours; they're rectangular. How would they fit together without an alley?"
"I suppose that makes sense." He glanced up and down the street once more, but no one appeared to be paying them any mind. "I'll go first."
Athgar crossed the street, taking his time as he wandered over to the building next door, a bootmaker by the look of it. Lingering by its entrance, he once more cast a glance at the theatre, wondering if this could be a trap. He shook off the thought. They had been careful while following this Nikolai fellow. He was confident they had remained hidden.
Moving to the alleyway in the shadow of the building, his hand rested tentatively on his axe. Once he was sure the alleyway was clear, he waved Natalia over.
She took the same path, lingering for a moment by the storefront before disappearing into the alley, halting by his side at the narrowest part of the gap.
"Any sign of a way in?" Natalia asked.
"There's a window over here." Athgar moved towards a warped shutter, then grasped it, giving it a tug. "This looks loose," he said as it fell into his hands, and he now stared into the space beyond. "It seems we have a way in."
Poking his head inside, he looked left and right. "You were right about the design. There's a circular corridor running to either side."
"And ahead?"
"A series of doors set at regular intervals."
"That's what we're looking for."
Athgar pulled the other shutter from its hinges, then climbed in, keeping an eye out for trouble.
"It's clear, so far," he whispered.
Natalia began climbing in, and he lent her a hand. Off in the distance somewhere, he heard the sound of feet as if someone were walking on a wooden floor. He motioned Natalia over and made his way to the nearest door, pressing his ear to the wood.
"I hear something," he whispered.
"Talking?"
"No, pacing."
"Open it, and let's see what's inside."
Athgar yanked on the door a couple times to open it, until it finally swung towards them, revealing a darkened room beyond. Letting his eyes adjust, he then poked his head through. The chamber beyond was quite large, with benches arranged around a circular stage lit by a single lantern. He moved into the room, treading as quietly as he could.
Natalia followed, closing the door quietly behind her. "I don't hear anything," she whispered.
"Nor do I. Let's hope whoever it was has left."
Her eyes were drawn to the lantern, which illuminated a lump on the stage. "What's that?"
"Let's go find out, shall we?"
They moved towards their target,
