Snippet #2397647

The Magistrate of the Merchant Ward now had to reassess the situation. With all these revelations mounting, he did not wish to travel to the castle alone. Of course, he could have one of his numerous spies and secret warriors spread throughout the city accompany him. After all, there was never someone so far out of reach that wasn't in his pocket whom he couldn't enlist, but that would risk revealing their identities; a play with which he wasn't sure he wanted to reveal at this time. However, now that the object of his desire (and a very well trained fighter) was drunk and unconscious in his private room in the tavern, it didn't leave him many options.

Or so Selwyn thought.

That's when Calvin had once again burst into the room. The Magistrate rose from his kneeling position slowly and turned to face the Knight.

"Calvin Hammond," he started, "were you not just dismissed? Do you truthfully feel that bursting into my private room, in my own establishment, uninvited is the way to win Cordelia's affection? Are you aware of who I am?"

For once, Selwyn did not bear a grin on his face, but rather an expressionless look of sternness. He was not mad, nor upset at all, though his tone would imply some impatience. In fact, as far as he saw it, this was a rather fortunate turn of luck for him. If he were to make Calvin Hammond feel as if he had wronged a Throne Holder in Iracot, he would have him under his thumb.

"It is you who must be admonished for your disrespect," the Magistrate said coolly. He once again paced evenly around the room, the brown depths of his eyes never leaving the Knight's face. "However, I have a different idea for your penance."

"I have business to discuss with Magistrate Shiabiann Xao-Lai at the Palace that cannot wait until morning. Seeing as how you are in armor as it is, you will accompany me as my personal guard until further notice," he authoritatively commanded, not leaving room for argument. The man's smirk began to grow on his face as he inched closer and closer towards the Knight.

"And I promise you this, if any harm befalls me whilst you are in my command, your days of looking pretty, flirting with highborn women, and earning your status shall be numbered. There may not be many in Iracot who bear the symbol of the Fox outwardly, but that certainly does not leave me friendless by any means," he whispered and paused, staring the man directly in his eyes.

Selwyn reached into his jacket and pulled out a hefty satchel of gold, pressing it into Calvin's hands.

"For your troubles, Calvin Hammond...and your discretion," the man smirked before stepping away from the Knight and clapping his hands twice. A server girl and a massive oaf of a security guard stepped into the room unnaturally fast, as if they were teleported there.

"Please ensure that Cordelia Ightlor here is seen to the finest private room we have to offer at the Crimson Fox. Stand guard outside, and leave her instruction to see me as soon as she wakes. I can be found at the Palace," his attention turned back to Calvin. "We shall take our leave immediately."

And without another word, Selwyn turned to the door and made his exit.