It was perfect, the way the boy lied. The words spilled from his lips slowly, like the most wicked sort of honey, and Knox had to actually try and suppress a grin. Beneath his dark and tainted lips, teeth that would forever be stained red with blood gripped each other in a hidden smile. But he would never show this mare that he had anything in him other than anger and hate. "Well done, my boy," Knox praises, thinking of how undeserving his own son is of such words.

It was half true, after all. He ran his good eye over the mare, inspecting her every stripe and sinew. On a whim, in a faint daydream, he imagined her dead on the ground. He wondered vaguely who would believe who, or if his actions would be pardoned on the basis of her intrusion. But wouldn't that start a war, and wouldn't the war end all things? Would it really be so bad if it did? He snorted at the thought of it, the screaming and bleeding battlefield of his youth that was now decomposed and covered with flowers. No, these were not the days of the Grey. That violence was, to some extent, behind him now.

The mare put forth names and legend titles, but none of them did anything to impress him. Knox had been in Helovia a long time, and had met many men who called themselves kings as this Temobu did. He was, and always would be, unimpressed. Though Knox did not seek recognition, it was clear to him that he deserved it more than some of the other fools running about this land. What sort of king would send a herd member into the night like this, seeking knowledge? He knows she isn't lying, but that doesn't mean she's smart, and it doesn't mean he has to respect her wishes. After all, she doesn't know that he knows that she's telling the... oh, fuck it.

"Our scholars know much of the world, I doubt they'll find their knowledge so lacking that they must rely on yours. But should they wish to plumb your depths," and this is said sarcastically, bitterly, as if to imply that she is a fool with no depth at all, "then I am sure they will approach you diplomatically, and in the light of day, as allies should. The Elephant King may have sent you on this mission, but he did not judge his audience well. You can return to him with the information that our laws include outsiders wait at the border, and make themselves known with respect." Even the word allies tastes sour on his tongue. Knox looks at Brendan, his gaze steady and encouraging. He has no more time for this mare, but the boy...

Knox flicks his tail dismissively, and then does the same with his head in a dull nod. "Now go. I will send--" Knox pauses, for he realizes in a moment of heartbreak that he can no longer have Manhattan escort the intruder out. He can't have her do anything.

He never could, not really.

"... I will send word of you to the mountain that knows, but I have already given you more knowledge than you need for tonight." He first thinks a threat, but then sees no reason to hide it. "Do not attempt to sneak across our borders again, or I will not show so much restraint. The Dauntless makes alliances with whomever he pleases, but under threat this herd can break them in a heartbeat." His teeth snapped upon the t in heartbeat, as if he really was crushing her heart between them as he spoke. His half silver gaze was unforgiving and cold. Knox would watch her walk away.


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