A Game of Flags

Chapter Three: Negotiation

𝗔s the Man in heavy, pitch-black armor stood at the door, he walked in, his heavy metal boots making a Creak! sound as the siblings moved out of the way from him, he bowed respectfully, which confused Perrin as he got up and now his facial expression changed, which spooked Perrin a little.
"Perekin, is it?" asked Arathor.
"Yes," said Perrin, "but call me Perrin instead, Perrin is short."
"Alright, Perrin," said Arathor, grabbing a chair as he sat down, putting his warm fingers on the table, as the backhand was covered in black gloves. "Mind calling those scrawny people of yours off?"
"They're my siblings," said Perrin, as he threw his middle finger up at the siblings and pointed outside, implying they should go outside and play as all walked out in single file, with Arathor watching.

"That guy freaks me out a bit," said Tony to Abby. "I don't know what it is, but he gives weird vibes. Why is he here? What does he want?"
"I don't know," said Abby, turning back to the house, "coming from the type of guy Merry is, i expected a junkie to make negotations, not folk like him, although Perrin is old enough to make these type of deals, god knows what he is doing. No one knows, but it is bad i certain."
"Your certain?" said Tony. "So what? Is Perrin gonna get arrested for what?"
"It is possible," said Abby. "But if it does end that way, then we need to support Merry however we can, even if that means getting executed."
Tony glanced back at the House, where he mainly looked at the window, as he could see Arathor talking to Merry. "I don't trust that Arathor not one bit, if he does something-" Tony slammed his fist into his other hand. "-he's gonna get it."

"Alright, now that they are gone," said Arathor, turning back to Perrin. "Tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"What is your deal?"
"I don't have a deal."
"Oh really? Guess i shouldnt call it a deal then, maybe a planned robbery!"
"You what!" yelled Perrin.
The Shadow reflected half of Arathor's face, as he tilted his head slightly down. "I am not one to be fooled, Percival Steinfield!" said Arathor. "You may not take this serious, but i do! And trust me, this will never work out positively if you do not do what i say!"
"Man fuck you!" said Perrin, getting up. "You wanna bust into my house, tell my siblings to get out, then throw fire at me for something i didnt even do! You said i robbed someone, or planned to rob someone. Where is your proof!"
"Oh i have proof alright," said Arathor, getting up as he reached for the groceries. "It is one thing that i need."
Arathor searched the bag for a few moments as Perrin watched, but Arathor's search did not go well, as he looked up and said, "Give me that jacket."
"Wh-"
"Do not negotiate! I am a qualified soldier, i have the right to search you. Now give me your jacket!"
Perrin had a skeptical look on his face as he took the jacket off and gave it to Arathor, as Arathor emptied the pockets and remained silent, as Perrin watched.
Unexpectedly, Arathor said, "Aha!" he looked up at Perrin. "Robbing groceries is one thing to do, and there is one thing that catches them out so easily!"
"...What?" asked Perrin.
"The Receipt! You know how Nazdal Law works, you always have to take a receipt after you buy something. Thats how theft went down! But no you went straight pass that and stole being the dumb fuck you are, now, lets do this one last time. Shall we?"

The Dummy fell down, as debris went into the air, and it showed Tony Steinfield holding a baseball bat, as he kneeled down and stood it up again.
"Practicing my swing," said Tony to himself. "That Arathor is no good, gotta be ready."
He held the Bat in both of his hands, as he did a full 360 and swung the bat, hitting the dummy as it fell down to the ground once more.
"They've been talking in there for a while," said Abby. "I wonder what they're actually talking about?"
"It's no good, i am certain," said Tony. "Look! He is searching the Groceries! He is definitely up to something!"
He threw the Bat down as he went to walk over there, but Abby put her gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Do not satisfy him!" said Abby. "Stay put, if you plan to attack someone as shady as him, you need to cover your tracks-and weaknesses."
Tony said nothing, as he glanced at Abby and went to pick up the Bat, but then the door threw open, as Arathor walked out, looking unpleased with himself.
"Good one, Perrin," said Tony. "Not letting those shady bastards get answer of whatever they needed."
"But what if Perrin is hurt?" asked Abby, which got Tony thinking for a few moments.
"Shit!" said Tony, as he sprinted towards the house, with Abby following behind.

Arathor walked down the slope as he approached the cart, as a guard stood waiting, as he asked; "What did you get?"
"Nothing," said Arathor. "Bastard may be sloppy, but hes very loyal to his word. I'll give him that."
"So what do we do now?" said the Guard. "You gonna find someone else or not?"
"No, i am still onto Percival," said Arathor, turning his eyes to the Guard. "It is time for Plan B."
Arathor climbed into the Cart. "Start the Cart."
The Guard agreed as he got into the driver seat and drove off, leaving nothing but debris behind.

Four is soon!