About half a day later, the Bat Taoist came out from the Royal Palace, his face beaming. Owen Bertram knew that he had gained the full support of Prince Henry - which meant a huge amount of treasure material was coming his way!
My treasure material!
Owen Bertram quietly followed behind. It was nearly dark now and they wouldn't make it back to the Little Merchant Gathering. Bat Taoist would likely find an inn to lodge for the night - but as soon as he stepped out, he was taken away by the palace gatekeepers and settled across the street in a residence.
Owen Bertram eyed the situation and, as a caution, decided not to investigate further.
At night, the Bat Taoist revelled merrily within the courtyard, appraising the dancing girls' costumes and the inevitable connection to their body language, enjoying his drunken stupor.
Meanwhile, Owen Bertram stood outside in the cold night air, hiding like a mouse from the patrolling teams that periodically swarmed the palace surroundings.
