A Country Falls (Greatest Thief 3)

Bonus - Questions

(Head's up - This bonus is a little more explicit than I usually get the GT series)

Takes place during Chapter Ten

It didn't take long to realize that sneaking out of West Draulin's castle wasn't possible. So I had to enlist some help. I found the twins in one of the guardhouse courtyards while Tannix was at a meeting. Kor was shooting across the courtyard at a tiny target, so accurately I was a little surprised he wasn't hitting his own arrows. Ender was watching with his arms crossed and calling out what sounded like a healthy mix of encouragement and taunts.

Ender noticed me first. "Finn, mate! Did our lord send you with a message?"

"Um, no." I wasn't entirely sure how to start this conversation, but I forced myself to walk over to them. "I... need help with something."

Kor fired another arrow, then turned around. "We could try a lower draw weight. Less impactful, but at least you'd be able to shoot it."

I shook my head. "No, it isn't about archery. I'm going to leave that to you two." Then I took a deep breath, quickly asked Zianesa and Lovi to help me get through this, and rushed to say, "It's about Tannix. I need help with— I don't know how... We—" I cut myself off with a frustrated huff. The twins were looking at me with equal looks of amusement, which didn't help. "I need you to take me to a brothel."

Ender gasped dramatically. "Finagale! Our beloved Lord West—"

"I know you know what I'm asking for," I interrupted.

Kor laughed. "Aye, we know. Listen. I'm on guard first half tomorrow night. Reckon Ender could wait with me for a bit and escort you into the city."

Ender nodded. "Easy enough. That work for you, Finn?"

"Yes. Thank you."

I waited until Tannix was asleep before crawling out of bed. I changed quickly, shedding Tannix's old, worn-out tunic and pants for my usual darker clothes. Lovi must have blessed my mission, because the door opened without a creak. The twins were standing in the hallway, whispering to each other. With one last exchange Ender waved for me to follow him.

Leaving the castle with a knight was very simple. Ender walked around like he had every right, and it occurred to me that he did. Maybe it was unusual for one of Lord West Draulin's guards to be strolling around at night, but no one was going to question him. He led me from the castle, through the gate, and into the city. We walked down to the port, where it was never quiet, even at night. We passed by a few rowdy taverns, and a building I recognized immediately as a brothel. When we walked past it, I spoke up for the first time.

"You're taking me somewhere specific."

"Kor'n I have a place we like," Ender replied. "It's more expensive, but the women there are happier. They get to keep more of the money they make. And, it's all Crelans."

"You do know I need a man, right?"

"There are men, too. Just never paid them much attention," Ender replied with a shrug.

We fell silent for the next little while. Ender's brothel was near the water, but outside of what would be considered the actual port. It was a relatively big building, with a large porch hanging over the cliff. As we got closer, I could see couples already leaning against the railing, sharing drinks or talking.

There was a large Crelan man standing by the door, with his tattooed arms crossed over an equally tattooed chest. He eyed Ender, then stepped into the way of the door. "Reckon you'll be payin' off that debt tonight, lad?"