RP:Questing The Razor
Part of the Tales from the Row Arc
Synopsis: Finn finally completes his delivery of weapons and armor to the fortress of Larket, where he is persuaded to reveal to the king, information about the individual who had sought to steal the goods. Parsithius recognizes the name and description of the escaped convict bandit. The hunt is on.
Characters: Finn, Parsithius.
Location: Larket; Fortress Gate.
Rekkur picked his way along the well paved Larket street. His hoof beats crunching against what loose gravel there, was echoed by the grinding of wheels over the same as two wagons loaded with custom armament and blades were drawn by work horses behind him. Beside the drivers of the carts, the small caravan was flanked only by Cal upon his own mount. Sun was setting, but the runner made no effort to hide his arrival. Stealth was not necessary when you were expected. Nor was guard..when he knew Kingsley to be more than occupied with his own mini warzone Cenril way. It had been too long that he had held on to the retrieved goods, recovered after weeks away from the mainland from the Bandit who’d made so distasteful an introduction of himself to the smuggler’s awareness. It still left a bad taste in his mouth, the scene that had unfolded here not two months past. “Whoa…” It was a quiet directive to the stallion, as hand raised to bring caravan to a halt behind him. Gold flecked gaze came to rest on the guards who manned the massive gates. “Delivery for the King Consort..” he drawled quietly, “Reckon we’re expected..”
Parsithius isn't present just yet. But the sight that greets Rekkur and his rider is that of fortified guard, and the sight is quite impressive in its own right. Along the heavy stone walls of the fortress, nestled along the garrison walkways, are Larketian archers with bows drawn, but not taut, in aim at the approaching men. The Captain of the Guard, one of the King's own elite, steps forward from the top of the gate's garrisoned walkway, his platemailed figure seen from waist up due to the stone walls that bridge the walkway on either side. The make is strikingly similar to the Consort's own armor, save that the color of it a striking green hue, and his head is veiled with a helm. "Halt!" The word is bellowed in authority, and a massive flail falls from the man's hand, the enormous spheres striking the wall of the gate to lay there. Abruptly, Parsithius himself steps forward clad in usual armored attire, though amended with a crown atop his head to signify his position. He is on the ground, flanked by gaurds clad in chainmail and bearing tabards with emblems of Larket on them. The King Consort speaks, "You are late."
Finn shifted in his saddle, one wrist folding over another as reins lay relaxed between his fingers, and Rekkur snorted softly for the suddenness and loudness of the command breaking the oranging sky overhead. Whisky gaze lifted to the parapet, a single hand raised idly toward the Captain in acknowledgement of his directive. The runner was going to halt anyway. The idea of walking into a walled fortress from which escape might be all but impossible if the queen or her consort took it into their heads to hold him there, was not an appealing one. At least out here, and on his mount, he could make a run for it..if it came to that. “Aye.. by about a month I reckon..Took a while to get it through the pass again, bridge is still down to Kelay..” And Cenril was a cesspit of criminal activity. The man leaned forward in the saddle, a sealed scroll passed down toward whomever would reach up to receive it. “But it’s all there..per the initial order. You can convey my apologies to the queen for the delay..” The ghost of a smile lurked in the runner’s gaze. Jacklin had made an impression in their brief meeting..though he had no doubt that what reputation he might have had with the royal was history with what had amounted to an epic failure on his part. A muscle twitched in his jaw. Another thing he owed Kingsley for. His reputation to deliver on demand was above all things valued. “Reckon there were some who took a fancy to the idea of helping themselves to the load.. Took a while to get it back intact..”
Parsithius 's approach to the saddled man had his eyes narrowed to two azure slits to more keenly pierce the haze of the oncoming nightfall and more easily scrutinize him. The 'click' of armored greaves touching one another during his strides toward Finn wanes, ebbs, and finally ceases when he comes to the culmination of his approach. A gauntlet extends upward, secures, and brings the scroll into his possession. "A month late is a sizeable delay." There was neither smile nor ghost of one upon the outcast knight's visage, and through the helm of the Guard Captain, Linis watched the events unfolding in silence. Finally breaking into movement, the green armored man lifts a hand, and the result thereof are Larketian guards securing the wagons and leading them into the fortress. "I have already heard news thereof, within Larket's borders, as well," Parsithius states, lifting his gaze back toward Finn, "You're lucky to walk in here and live. I still desire your head. But, it seems your intention isn't to harm Larket, despite your... mishap. I will offer you a trade. Your life, for the identity and information upon those that dare attempted to steal from Larket's resources." The archers draw their bows back for effect. "I do intend to pay you, however, for your service." Another guard approaches, holding several large bags of gold, "I see it generous to pay you full price, despite what happened. I will pay no more than that."
Finn’s gaze flickered up to the battlements again, what good humor had been present fading into a neutral mask. He -might- be able to outrun men on foot. He’d not be able to outrun arrows from those bows. And if the stick of those weapons were not enough to lure direct answer, the weight of the load’s value in gold was enough of a carrot to. His lip ticked, the runner scarce suppressing the near savage satisfaction that came from the realization of what it would mean for the Bandit. Kingsley would come into -his- row? Threaten is woman, plunder his assets and force his to take cover in the god dammed dead lands for the heat he’d brought down on the runner’s head when heads had literally rolled on the Rynvalian docks? The bastard was past due the return of the favor. See how comfortable his row would be with Larket breathing over his shoulders. Sea dogs wouldn’t be the half of his problem. None of this would show on the man’s face as that watchful gaze dropped from Captain to King. “Reckon that’d be a fair enough trade..seein’ as I’m fond of..livin’..” Yeah. “ Goes by the name of Razor in the rows.. Has the run of north Cenril looks like..somewhere out East. Looks to be in some kinda power struggle with a bunch of other players in the city.” A shoulder lifted in a shrug. “ Big, loud..” The runners face hardened, “Stupid. Figures to have spent some time in a dungeon by the brands..”
Parsithius watches and listens to Finn as he speaks, detailing and sorting the information being divulged to him. Razor. Of course. The escapee. In realization, his eyes narrow again and his jaw clenches in anger. "Razor." He turns from the Bandit visibly, 'clicking' his way toward the garrison, "I will destroy him. You are free to go. Do not come back. And if any of your accomplices come here, and I find out, I will kill them, then hunt you down."
Finn was already drawing back on Rekkur’s reins, a silent nod offered to Cal to indicate their imminent departure. The King’s words caused a slight hitch in action, and auburn head turned toward the retreating male. “For what its worth Knight, what business I have had had with your city, has brought it no harm. I purchase your liquor, your horses, openly and with gold. Just bought weight in gold of medical supplies for a client.” It was a quiet drawl. “There are those of my..accomplices..who likewise enrich your coffers.” Eyes rested on the King, an effort made to appeal to business sense. “I’ll see the back of Larket if that’s your deal mate..but I’m figurin’ it could cost us both more than needs be borne..”
Parsithius whirls to narrow his gaze on Finn for the umpteenth time. "You seek to hide your crimes with legitimacy. It lacks trust. If any, any, any, -any- of your illegal activities even come close to touching Larket, I will not only kill you, but everything you love." He turns, now entering the garrison.