The carriage jolted as they began the ride back, the wheels clattering over the cobblestones. Vanadis sat stiffly, arms crossed, his expression somewhere between annoyance and awe.
Odysseus leaned back, half-smiling as he watched the passing scenery. "You're welcome." he murmured.
Vanadis scowled. "You didn't even threaten him. I thought persuasion involved… words."
Odysseus chuckled. "Ah, but it did. The right ones." He tilted his head, the sunlight cutting sharp angles across his face. "You'd be amazed how easily people fold when you give them the illusion of choice."
Vanadis muttered something under his breath and turned to look out the window. He didn't want to admit it but the man was right.
The town rolled by in silence after that, the sound of hooves filling the air.
