Romae Gesta

[Mors Vigilia]

Finding himself left alone in Rome, the allure of a local taverna had proven too much for Henry Shieldworth. The beer and wine flowed freely here and though none spoke Henry's tongue he did not want for drinking companions.

[Warhead7]

Henry wondered what The Archbishop was doing and why he had taken so long. He looked out of place and some people were talking about him, most were drunk. Perhaps this wasn't the best time to drink either. However there was one man who looked like he might have came from England. Henry looked at him a few times to confirm it and he was. He wondered if he should possibly approach him or to see if the man might go to him first.

[Mors Vigilia]

The man stood up and made his way unsteadily towards Henry. He had a large mug of wine in his hand and reeked of the stuff, the stench poured forth from a mouth of few teeth hiding beneath a large black bushy beard.

You lookin' at me?

[Warhead7]

Henry was hardly scared of the man. He was drunk and could barely walk straight. However he seemed to be carrying a dagger with him.

"And what if I am?"

[Mors Vigilia]

A man should know who he's lookin' at before he kills him...

The man's eyes crossed momentarily in thought as he played back that sentence.

Before the man who he's doin' the lookin' at does the killin'... of him.

[Warhead7]

Henry squinted his eyes at the man, wondering his intent.

"If you wish to kill me then draw your blade"

Henry felt confident he could take him.

[Mors Vigilia]

The man's hand went to his dagger though he didn't draw it.

There a price on your head, boy? I'm the besht mershenary in the world. People pay me to deal with people like you.

[Warhead7]

Henry smiled

"However, I don't need pay to kill scum like you"

He hoped to anger the man into foolish attack.

[Mors Vigilia]

The man's face now became one of mock surprise.

Shcum? Shcum, he says?

The mug of wine was thrust towards Henry, less than a quarter of it actually held any wine.

Here, drink.

[Warhead7]

Henry snatched the mug from him and drunk all that was left in it. He started to laugh at the man.

"Who are you?"

[Mors Vigilia]

The man slumped down onto a bench.

A man that you now owe a drink to.

[Warhead7]

Henry flicked a coin to him.

"That should be enough. Now, you're are mercenary? It doesn't seem you have much work. And from England? Why are you all the way out here?"

[Mors Vigilia]

The man picked up the coin on his third attempt before righting himself and shrugging.

I do alright. As I shaid, I'm the besht.

He picked up his mug again before remembering that it was empty and set it back down.

I work for the Duke of Apulia.

[Warhead7]

Henry was suprised.

"Really? You don't look the sort to do any work."

Henry was curious of this man.

"Lets leave this place. I would like to know more of you. Perhaps even meet your Duke."

[Mors Vigilia]

The man tried to focus on Henry, his eyes scrutinising him.

I don't think so...

[Warhead7]

Henry frowned.

"And I don't suppose anything could change your mind?"

He rattled a coin purse in his hand.

[Mors Vigilia]

No, Shir.

The man took on a wide eyed look of honesty.

I am married and do not sheek the company of men in that way...

[Warhead7]

Henry rolled his eyes.

"You're either funny or stupid. I intend to leave this place soon. I am with... someone rather important. Perhaps you would accompany me somewhere in the meantime."

[Mors Vigilia]

The man gave a knowing nod and got unsteadily to his feet.

What's yours that mine is Talbot L'Aquila?

[Warhead7]

Henry frowned once again. The man was clearly very drunk and his words were sometimes muddled.

"What? Who is Talbot L'Aquila?"

Even as Henry spoke the man was staggering. He grabbed his shoulder to keep him steady and collect what he was going to say, so that Henry could understand.