[IRP] Power Begets Power

[WyvernSlayer]

Satsume lowered his head and blinked in understanding.  Orica's story went more or less how he suspected it had.  Cecily sat quietly beneath her umbrella, absorbing Orica's tale with an expression that seemed to flash between immersion and consternation.  But each mention of Satsume’s name brought with it an icy glare.  Satsume simply shrugged as Orica finished her tale.  While he was certain Cecily planned on peeling him like an onion once they were in private, he had too much else to worry about in the immediate future.

Just then, the wagon driver in the lead shouted, “We’re approaching the castle town!”

That seemed to jolt everyone to attention.  Satsume walked up alongside Orica’s steed.  “We’re happy to have your strength with us again, milady.  What do you say to one more tandem?”  He met Orica’s hard gaze with his own.  A smirk crept across his face.  “I promise I won’t get in the way this time.”  She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“Okay,” said Satsume, facing the rest of the group.  “Let’s do this thing.  The three of you need to go with the wagon to the checkpoint.”  He paused on Cecily.  “Milady… you must guide them to the castle entrance, but discretion is critical.  I will go to the barracks and use my, uh… credentials… to make sure they won’t be a problem.”  He walked around to the other side of the wagon and got the attention of the driver.

“We need you to distract the checkpoint guards long enough for them to slip past.  Can we count on you?”

“Aye.  Lord Elbert told us to assist you in any way we can,” the driver nodded.

“Good.  Now, if you all would excuse me for a few minutes…” Satsume gave one last glance to Cecily and winked.  “I have some business to attend to.  I’ll see you all on the other side.”  He nodded to the wagon driver and saw them off in the direction of the caravan checkpoint, before heading around to the main gate of the castle town.