Quoted By:
Three hours of rage and terror pass.
After the panic of the first few minutes, a system was rapidly established by yourself and Pollux; a search grid formed. Bizarrely, Paris’ tracks disappear into a copse of brush; a mystery that is only solved when Teukros looks up to find Paris hiding in the boughs – he had managed to scramble up into the trees despite his hands having been bound behind him. No doubt the prince was hoping to hold out until morning, and then beg travelers for assistance on the path. Paris is induced to climb down safely, and once again, bundled tightly into the back of the horse-cart. His knots are doubled – Pollux seemingly has no shortage of rope for this very purpose.
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The delay has nearly damned your chances for infiltration – less than seven hours remain until saffron-robed Eos makes her appearance.
It is a good thing that the horses keep their previous energy – they fly at top speed until the white walls of Ilion are within sight. For the last hour, Teukros and Castor have been interrogating a gagged Paris through a combination of Luwian and impromptu hand signaling to determine the best way to proceed through the Royal Palace. Castor needs only strike the man in the middle every few minutes to keep the interrogation ongoing. Paris, for his part, is desperate to assist your group - he is shameless in his eagerness to avoid pain and discomfort.
Approaching the Lower Gates, Paris is placed within the horse-cart seat, alongside Teukros, and it is decided that Teukros will hold your Lebinthian knife at Paris’ side, under his robes. Likewise, yourself and Pollux hold Salaminian spearpoints against his lower back, the ash only just protruding from the hide tarp. Paris' hands are also unbound - but not the ropes binding his ankles together, under his prince's garb. Castor lies ready with Dius' bow under the tarp - even should Paris do the impossible and escape his bonds, and then the cart itself, Castor will plant an arrow in his back. Paris is therefore held in position by no less than four deaths – once this is repeatedly explained to him, and his frantic nods of understanding observed by all - only then is his gag removed.
Paris is well-loved by the people of Ilion – the Lower Gates and the High Gates fall open at the sound of his voice alone. It is a good thing that he is a coward – he clearly fears death, and does not try to flee the cart or attempt to signal the gate guards.
Entrance to the Royal Palace itself is almost as easy, with a living Paris able to speak - a service entrance to the kitchens of the massive structure is easily passed by your horsecart, as well as a guard station. Thousands of wagons pass through the same checkpoint every week to deliver substance, wine, oils and other such provisions to the King's οἶκος - your horsecart does not raise alarm.
>cont
