Panthrix moved through the market square, a wide, dark hat atop his head, cocked to one side as was the fashion of knaves and rakes.  The panther wore a dark, leather vest, open in the front, revealing a long line of abdominal muscles along his dark fur.  He wore a pair of loose linen breeches, tucked into a pair of dark leather boots.  About his waist was a thick leather belt, adorned with various pouches and the sheathe that held his falchion, the unusual weapon more common in southern kingdoms than in the northern lands where the city dwelt..<br/><br/>He reached up, one clawed hand toying idly with a silver hooped earring.  He eyed the various trinkets and other baubles that the merchants sold, all of them a pale comparison in wealth to the many accouterments that he wore as trophies.  They were flimsy, at best, and certainly not worth the coin in the pouches at his belt.<br/><br/>Despite his obvious wealth and the pouches that jiggled with coin and gems, no one made a move to rob him.  Panthrix was known throughout the kingdom as a dangerous cat, one not to be trifled with.  Tales were told in taverns and the more squalid sections of the city of the many deaths attributed to the mercenary.  He was deadly with his barbed whip, and deadlier still with his curved blade, and even pick pockets knew better than to try to steal from one such as he.<br/><br/>His reputation had only grown greater still when it was announced that he was in the service of King Leomedes.  After the warrior Queen's death, the King hired him to personally ensure his children's safety, and while his extensive network of spies and mercenaries tracked the two royal children, ready to spring into action should they need it, the panther still took his responsibility seriously.<br/><br/>Tipping his wide-brimmed hat to a passing servant girl, the mercenary turned to watch the sway of her hips and the way her long, slender tail seemed to accent her movements.  She turned, glancing at him over her shoulder, a smile widening her pretty face as she realized he was watching her.  Grinning, Panthrix turned to follow her, and the two soon disappeared into a nearby warehouse, the mercenary eager for a little distraction from his duties to the King.<br/><br/>It was good to be a cat, Panthrix mused, watching the girl begin to undress.