***
Pird slowly and carefully reached inside his pocket and drew out a slim hooked rod from his stash of lock-picking tools. He dropped it in front of him, making sure no one saw the strange gesture. While watching Kingsmin he slowly slipped one of his feet free of its shoe. He dug his foot into the mud and was rewarded with the cold touch of the metal rod. He gripped it between his toes and pulled it from the grime. He slowly reached forward with his foot until the rod's end touched the chest of drawers behind the swindler. Never looking away from Kingsmin as the man argued pleasantly with an irate Sye, Pird quested around until the rod hit another resistance. He hooped the hooked end of the rod around a drawer’s knob. He eased it open and gently fished inside.
“What will you even do with the money?” Sye asked angrily, “There's no one to buy from!”
“Order will resume eventually,” Kingsmin countered with a greasy smile, “And when it does my investments will reward me.”
“Since you will not be swayed,” Pird interrupted Sye's next outburst, “I guess I will have to lighten my pockets.” He raised up one hand and dropped a small strung pouch onto the podium. It fell heavily and they all heard the rattle of coins within. Eris and Sye did poorly to hide their surprise, but Kingsmin eyes were between Pird and the pouch. Kingsmin lunged forward. He undid the string and spilled silver onto the wood.
He did a quick count, pushing a few spare clicks and taps back to Pird, and said, “Twenty taps, you are now passengers to Bakaar, mining city of the Bowels!” He pointed to two of Jakmin's men, “You two! Make yourselves useful and get my stuff onto my cart.”