(1404) Troy & Culler

[West]

Continued from here...

As the Prince had moved, so had Arnold, in response to his name. He knew what was desired, having observed Twist for years.

The giant silently moved into a space equidistant from the Prince and Herald and the Reeve and Ranger around Roderick Pearson. As Troy joined him, the giant did not react. For several long moments he was silent and still.

"Not this one. Maybe the next."

Arnold lapsed back into silence as events continued to unfold -- for all intents a purposes, a giant, dark shadow.

[West]

"You may have this minute."

If Troy were paying close attention, he might note that Arnold's words came on the heels of the potential stake changing hands. Arnold lifted an arm as if to glance at a wrist watch.

If Troy were paying close attention, he might note that Arnold wasn't wearing a watch.

Perhaps, in his own way, Arnold Culler was being funny.

[West]

"I would be delighted to have you visit, and give you a tour."


The words rumbled out as the fedora swiveled to fix on Troy.

"...if I had any interest in visiting and touring your neighborhood in exchange. I don't. So do you come to me with an empty bowl and hopeful smile like Oliver Twist, or with something of value like The Artful Dodger?"

[West]

Culler let the Dawkins comment pass without rising to the bait. Useful, information, though. It was so like a neonate, though, to immediately assume that another Kindred --assumed older-- would be ignorant of technology.

He had half a mind to tell him that he could use a WiFi hotspot in the Necropolis, and watch the struggle to run a cable to the depths of the Necropolis.

"I need reconnaissance work done. In the wilderness."

[West]

"Your minute is up."

A hint of a deep rumble followed the words, a sound like a boulder sliding on gravel. A chuckle.

"We will speak more, later. Let us complete the gathering of Haunts."

Without waiting for an answer, Arnold began moving back to where he had begun.