Talinvor (prime)/The Constable, Malthros
(OOC note: This vignette has been reviewed and has the approval of GM Quilic. This takes place prior to the events of 9/24/23)
The Butcher seemed assured that this portly dockhand was key to more information about the Iyo’s feared Circle. Curiously, he hadn't been tortured to death already - which concludes two things: That Socius’ threats and physical harm have not loosened his tongue AND something this man did, aroused Socius’ suspicion.
It seemed best to approach this as anti-Socius, which then meant anti-Zofiya, anti-militia and everyone else that found themselves allied with the dead-hearted creature that fancies itself the island's protector. The other method was even simpler; using his bardic magic to set a suggestion in his mind that it was in his best interest to answer truthfully to all the questions posed to him. He'd done it before, quite successfully in fact. It might even linger for others to take advantage in a few days. Restday, perhaps - when most of the town can gather for such things.
Now all he had to do was convince Mal to let him speak to the prisoner before everyone else...
Malthros, the Mist Harbor Constable was already seated at the massive desk in the west tower lockup when Talinvor arrived. A swift nod from the Dhe’nar came first, then a quiet huff and nod from the burly giantman followed. A quick glance to the south revealed the Harbor’s ‘playroom’ - a torture chamber that housed all sorts of interrogation tools that the bard was all too familiar with. A smirk curled his lips, wondering if it had been used since Ilsola’s days as the administrator. Given Zofiya’s temperament like her master...he shrugged and let the thread of that thought go.
Turning back to the constable, who was watching him cooly, the bard laced his fingers together and asked in a smooth tone, “Do you have a moment, Constable? I have a proposition that would be beneficial to all.”
The constable quirked an eyebrow in that otherwise stoic face, his scars slightly skewing across his cheeks. It was an “I’m listening” expression, if the bard ever saw one.
“I am sure you are no doubt familiar with what I can do, constable," the bard explained. "I’ve been helpful for the situation with Pashtal. Despite some not liking the process, it was indeed successful in several instances.” The Dhe’nar noted that Mal had not yet interrupted him, so he continued. “That said, the prisoner here has already been in Socius’ hands AND the interrogators among the Iyo have not been able to get anything out of him.”
Mal shifted his weight, and slid his elbows to the desk, propping his chin up on the knuckles of his fists. His green eyes narrowed, but he remained silent and the bard knew for certain that he was giving his full attention now.
“I can suggest to the prisoner that it is in his best interest to answer questions truthfully, even if the truth has been somehow suppressed. No one needs to know, of course. Andos will be as agreeable as a warm stone in winter.” The Dhe’nar waited now, to see what Mal might have to say before reveealing too much. The offer was on the table and now it was in Mal’s hands if he wanted to take him up on it.
Eyeing Talinvor neutrally, Mal spoke in a quiet monotone. "You are known to me, Dhe'nar." Talinvor drew on years of discipline not to react to the fluent Dhe’narsi phrases, though Mal seemed disinterested as he continued. "I have accepted a contract to watch over this Isle in its entirety, and no honeyed words may sway me from that commitment."
“A contract?” the bard asked, continuing the conversation in his own native tongue. “From Greth, I saw. What can a bartender offer that can be more tempting than what I can acquire or offer? I can make you rich, Mal.”
Mal sat quietly for a long moment, regarding Talinvor with a completely neutral expression. The constable's hands - fingers still intertwined, moved to rest on the desk before him., "Only a new contract may supersede an existing one, and you have naught to offer that I would consider reasonable coin” he answered in a respectful and patient tone.
“And Greth can offer you a higher price than I can afford? That seems odd for a bartender’s take.” Talinvor’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying the constable’s body language for some hint or flinch on the sudden suspicion. “Either that, or you owe him for something,” the Dhe’nar reasoned.
Ignoring Talinvor’s comment, Mal continued to explain without so much as a twitch in his voice. "The first time I contract with an individual, or entity, my fee begins at 100 million silver. Every subsequent request or contract adds two zeroes. But again, Lorekeeper” he replied to clarify, “there is nothing that you have available to offer that I would accept."
Talinvor took three slow breaths, as his head cocked to consider Mal’s words. After a pause, he answered. “You are purposely expressing how much I cannot afford your contract. I do not believe you to be willing to allow it, even if I were to hand over such a sum or even the entire Circle to you. So this tells me that you have a personal sense of loyalty. To Greth? Or to Socius. If it is a contract such as that, perhaps it is the Leiffen instead that pays you so highly. I’ve seen how money appears to be no object or holds no value for him.” Crossing his arms over his chest the bard observed, “I asked for access to Andos. I never asked for the details of your personal contract, Constable.”
Mal leaned slightly forward, but his expression remained placid and his tone even.
"You and yours are a danger to this town. You may fool others, but I know your nature, Ku'utare of the Obsidian Tower,” Mal answered firmly. “It would violate my current contract, and that is something I will not do."
Talinvor tapped an index finger to his lips as he considered the situation. Malthros had made it clear that he was completely un-bribable and Talinvor felt actually impressed by this man. Here was someone that was assured of purpose beyond doubt, and who just insisted that no one else would ever likely pay his price to even save him from it. Plus he knew Dhe’narsi fluently. That part was surprising. He wondered what other cards that the constable might reveal.
Mal interrupted the bard’s train of thought. "I offer no violence towards you and yours, so long as your games do not rise to a level that would force me to act. I warn you this once, respectfully: See that that does not come to pass, Lorekeeper. It would sadden me to act against you, but that fact would not stay me for even half a heartbeat."
Malthros stood, ending the conversation and bowed his head in respect toward Talinvor, which gave the bard further pause at the familiar gesture. Inclining his head in return, he left the west lockup tower. Now, Instead of contemplating the fate of the prisoner - the Dhe’nar’s curiosity was piqued about the story of Mist Harbor’s newest constable.