I stepped back and briefly considered dodging past the guard and making a run for the gate, but thought better of it when the other guard began to saunter over.  With the element of surprise, I was pretty sure that I could get past one guard, but two was asking for trouble.

My options for getting through the gate were rapidly dwindling.  Someone, presumably another set of guards on the other side, had begun to push the huge gate closed.

Knowing that I wasn’t going to get any positive reactions from the jackal guard, who I had privately given a very unflattering name, I side stepped away from him and addressed his companion.

“They really are expecting me today and they’ll be really worried if I don’t arrive.  I’d hate to jeopardise the possibility of collecting that church donation.  Could I just nip through?”

The human guard gave a song suffering sigh.  He was clearly used to the antics of his bestial companion. “Listen, mate, the gate’s closing and it’s too late.  I know it’s a bit harsh, but he was following the rules.  You can come back later tomorrow.  Now, away with you so I can go home.  You should do the same.”

Huh.  That was pretty much that.  I couldn’t think of anything else to try to get into Faircrest and antagonising the guards any further wouldn’t help me.  With no other option, I turned and headed back towards DownTown.  I had no destination in mind, I just needed to get away from the guards.