…some work in progress from the Cazique of Poyais story…

They sat by the bridge for a good hour before anyone came along that they were happy to approach.  Too many had looked either nasty or out of the know, both of which may have been incorrect, but in any event it meant they didn’t approach those people.

The man they did approach came walking wearing tidy looking breeches, a clean white shirt with a dark coat and overcoat.  He used a cane though it appeared to be for image rather than necessity.  There was a leisurely pace to his walk though he also seemed to be very determined in his direction.  Jose approached him deferentially and said, “Excuse me, Sir, but could I trouble you for a moment?”

He beamed at Jose and cast his eyes at Noemi and Emma, who stood about a meter behind him, “but of course young man, how can I be of service?”

“Very kind, Sir” Jose said Boeing ever so slightly, “we’re not from around these parts, if you haven’t already guessed and we wanted to understand a bit about the area.  We are due to see some of the Bishop’s adviser regarding the delivery of some documents and wanted to know how best we got to the Palace, but also learn about what lies beyond in the area.  We’ll need to find a place to stay for the night you see.”

“Well, there is Parsons Green just east of here where there is a church building as well as a number of houses.  A relatively small community of people.  There is an inn above a public house, the kings head just beyond.”

“Thank you, sir, very kind of you indeed.”

“May I ask your business with the Bishop?”

“It’s not with him directly, but with his treasurer.”

“And the business?”

Jose hesitated before realising there wasn’t much to lose, “delivering documents from our client, a banker from the City.”

“Well then you are in luck friends, for I am the treasurer.”