They had tried to knock Ryn out as they did with the other two, but their technique was all wrong. So he had to pretend to be unconscious, while they went and confiscated his things, occasionally suppressing the urge to just beat the thugs up right now.
Eventually, the rummaging stopped. The thugs grabbed him under the arms and hauled him across the dusty floorboards. Ryn let his head loll just enough to sell the act.
They dumped him into a corner beside Ellis and the cardinal, then tied their wrists and ankles with rope that was thick but poorly knotted.
His fingers flexed experimentally.
He could break out of this in three seconds, maybe five if he wanted to be subtle.
The footsteps retreated. The bandits continued whispering among themselves, their voices echoing faintly through the warehouse.
"…Can't believe it's him. A cardinal. A real one."
"Boss is gonna be thrilled."
"Think we'll get a cut this time?"
"Only if we don't mess up. So shut up and watch the door."
