Snippet #1403229

With a slight bow and tilt of his head Gideon took Lady Victoria's hand in his, brushing his lips lightly across her knuckles. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Victoria. Doubtless what you've heard is exaggerated."

Gideon looked down at the fat man before him, it was an effort to keep the sneer from his face. "My lord Malik, a man who is foolish enough to anger the merchants deserves his devalued estates. I was merely suggesting incentives for clearing roads and highways of the villainous bandits which have plagued our country as of late. I'm sure the caravans would prefer to pass through my lands unmolested, tariffs insure a lord's continued vigilance against thievery."

The night was young and already Gideon had grown weary of his fellow nobility. He sighed, masking it as boredom, and drank deeply of his wine. Looking over the lip of his glass he spied Lucenzio. The presence of one so close to the throne would draw the wolves out, gnashing their pearlescent teeth with their painted talons extended. Gideon smiled to himself, letting the image linger in his mind for a moment.

Many minor nobles passed the circle, hoping to be called upon so that they could join with the assembled elite. Gideon realized what a boon he had unwittingly granted to Sandovak and Dunnel. They stood on either side of him like obedient hounds, he was sure their noses had gained an extra inch of air. "Lady Victoria, have you met Lord Sandovak? I assure you that while my exploits may be exaggerated, but his are not."

Sandovak bowed with a flourish before Lady Victoria, "Ah, mon ami! The stars pale in comparison to the daunting beauty of your eyes. I wait in breathless anticipation for you to reveal more of your exquisite features..."

Gideon turned back to Malik, "My lord, I was wondering if you would be interested in supplying my men directly? I find that the hassle of military bureaucracy slows down my ability to wage war on our enemies. If I were to have access to quality items as they appeared I would be able to find a better use for the spoils of war which seem to have have untapped potential on the market." Gideon leaned close, whispering. "For instance; I have recently come across a few immaculate Sarifen tapestries depicting the mighty Emperor. Our allies might find them to be priceless gifts and could curry much favor for the right man."