Quoted By:
>SELECTED: Several questions, I will incorporate them over a few posts, some next thread.
<span class="mu-i">“Currently he is petitioning for an exemption on the docking fees. See how the other sailors laugh? There is some joke in there about his daughter having a larger member than the dockmaster. Very clever, but the how-do-you-say ‘play on words’? It does not carry over very well to your mother tongue.”</span> Fabio the Elder frowns, offering some sentences in translation. Finally he shrugs and turns back to you. <span class="mu-i">“I do not think this current subject is of particular interest to you, young sir. I am happy to summarise and perhaps explain some things about this forum in the meantime, if that suits?”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“It does.”</span> You nod, much preferring some context to put all the ‘public debate’ into focus. <span class="mu-i"> “Some context may prove helpful.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“The grey robed men are representatives to the various Families. Uncles, cousins, close friends. Trusted men. That sort of thing. They do not address the Admirals directly; such a thing is not done. But they do listen, to the speaker and crowd both, and report.”</span> Fabio the Elder waves a hand, his only hand, dismissively. <span class="mu-i">“Nothing is decided here, despite all the show and big promises. But the Families pay attention, and what moves the mob may see a speaker invited to one manor or another to discuss the details. Or arrange for a blade in the back to those they view as a threat, so it is whispered.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“And the hooded figures in black?”</span> You say, nodding at three figures standing in front of the gallery of grey robes. The crowd seems to ripple away from them like water around a sandbank. <span class="mu-i">“Are they bodyguards?”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Ah, the Inferni. Bodyguards of a sort, yes. But more apt to be called bloodhounds. A Family without their pet sorcerer is hardly worthy of the titles.”</span> Fabio shakes his head, making a sign with his hand, the meaning of which escapes you. A ward against bad luck? <span class="mu-i">“Sorcerers… As you can see, most know well enough to keep their distance from such unnatural creatures.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Is that why they are allowed to wear those colours?”</span> You narrow your gaze, eyeing the hooded figures with renewed suspicion. <span class="mu-i">“Is it something to do with the Black Sails?”</span>
[1/3]
