4 Klarmont - A Package

 The next day dawned rainy and grim. The Duke was massing soldiers to deal with the civil unrest. The populace was tense. It was a delicate situation and would not take much for things to go bad very quickly. However, for Broneslav it was business as usual. A message had arrived from Theosius.

Given that he was expecting trouble, Broneslav donned his armour, and slung his shield on his back. He belted his sword on but left the peace binding intact. For this, he would have to rely on his fists and a couple of hidden daggers if things got lethal.

The walk down to the docks went quickly. He could feel the tension in the city though. People were barely paying attention to their work, and many were just standing around on street corners talking quietly. It would not take much to trigger another riot, he thought.

The Jade Sea was a medium-sized cog like many in the harbour. The gangplank was guarded by a wizend old sailor with ragged trousers and bare feet.

"What d'ye want?" snapped the sailor as Broneslav approached. Manners and diplomacy were clearly not part of his skill set.

"I'm here to collect a package. Theosius sent me."

"Wait here!"

The old sailor trudged off. A few minutes later, he returned with another man in tow.

"Here's your package, ye lubber."

Broneslav looked confused. It took a moment to realise that the man was the package. He recognised this man as Simion Torenescu. Simion was from a different branch of the family, but was known to Broneslav because he was a statesman and part of the city government. Broneslav introduced himself.

"Ah, well met, young Broneslav. I trust you will convey me to Senator Eipistlo's house with all discretion."

Broneslav nodded assent and indicated that Simion should follow him. He knew the way to the senator's house and had mapped a route through the city in his head beforehand. Once clear of the docks, that route should be discrete enough, and, perhaps, easier given that his package was ambulatory.

The pair moved off the gangplank and onto the docks. Suddenly a gang of ragged roughnecks emerged from among the crates of goods that had been unloaded.

Broneslav's hand went to his dagger and he braced himself. Before he could draw, one of the men had dropped to one knee.

"Lord Simion, our sovereign master Prince Dimitrios, Ruler of the Beggars, sends us as his solemn oath of homage to the Torenescu. Receive us into your service, if it so please you."

This was news to Broneslav. He had never even heard a hint that the Torenescu family was allied with the Beggards.

Simion laughed gleefully. His face was wreathed in smiles."

"Welcome, Beggars, one and all. I gratefully accept your homage and accept you into my service. Come. We must go and quickly."

The party now numbered a dozen and was not going to be easily concealed, which had been Broneslav's first plan. Speed would now be of the essence.

The beggars formed up in a circle around Simion and Broneslav led the way. They walked quickly, ducking down alleys to avoid crowds that could permit assassins to get up close or that might slow them down. The journey was going smoothly. Too smoothly.

As they walked down yet another street that was empty of people, suddenly people in hoods leapt out from side alleys with daggers in hand ...