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The man sighed and strapped his mandolin to his back.
"Bollocks to this then. Let's get a move on."
He patted his horse's neck and walked it towards the group on the road. As he approached them he raised a hand in greeting, his business smile playing over his lips. He appeared the honest shop-keeper. An honest working-man. He bowed to Chira, taking her hand and planting a kiss on the back of it. A gentleman. He gave her a subtle wink and smirk as he raised his head.
"Princess. I do hope I've not kept you waiting long. A little argument with a guardsman had me waiting outside for fear of reprimand. Now that I can see we're all here, perhaps it's best we make our way onwards. The road leads straight to the bridge. No need to dally then. Perhaps you'd like to ride up front with me. There's something I'd like to discuss with you. Privately."
His words were honey-laced, and steel-edged. He turned and gracefully mounted his horse, spurring it forward along the road, its hooves clopping on the flagstones. Behind him he could just make out the faint cry of an irate guardsman.
"What the 'ell 'appened to my 'orse!? If I ever get my 'ands on that bastard 'ore's-son I'll skin 'im alive with a bloody spoon!"
Orwaith's lips curled up into his un-mistakable smirking grin. He was enjoying this little trip already.