Parts of this area of the Trade district was turned to rubble when the Chimeria got loose. Where it not for the heroic mental might of a reluctant adventurer, who knows how much damage would have been caused? Regardless, the events of these past few weeks are behind us. Most of the rubble has been cleared. But it will be awhile before trade resumes at its notorious clip. It is here, in the early hours of the morning a group of legionnaires go door to door during curfew, to check on the health of the populace, while the blue cloaks patrol against the looting of nights’ past.
“Sir, your retired. Why are you going around knocking on doors with those of us on the front line.” Asked a respectfully indignant medicos auxiliary trooper of his former Tribune. “More importantly why are we walking around two hours before first light knocking on doors”
“Well, Medicus, we have a duty to make certain the civilians are safe and well cared for, healed of their wounds, and assured fresh water,” replied Luminous Volumous val Assanante. “After all the Emperor wants to make certain his new charges are healthy.”
“I understand that. But I remind you, Sir, your retired,” the medico’s indigence seams to have moved to concern.
“Ah good man, I am retired from the Legion. However, I remain the Emperors servant. Besides, my duty is to the health of the populous and that is a duty that I will never be relieved from. Now do you have any other questions, Medico?”
“Well, sir, since you gave me the opportunity to ask….”
“Go on Medico’s.”
“Why is it four in the morning, and you are walking around lit up like a human torch?”
“Ah yes, you are referring to the Continual Light Spell on my Armor? Well I need to see.”
“But why not place the spell on something, less, um obvious? You know like a lantern?”
As if it was an obvious answer, “Medico’s this way I keep my hands free”
The curious Tribune and his former subordinate proceeded to walk down the street. Whereon Luminous catches eye of an odd sight. Despite battle, unrest, and looting, one building stands as a firm bulwark against the chaos.
“Medico, what building is this?”
“Sir, according to the map, it is Litera Scripta Manet. Says here Ambassador Tukufu runs it. If you ask me it is in an odd place for an embassy. Folks say it is haunted...”
“Haunted! BAH! I see no signs of that,” replied the Tribune. “Medico, go on knock on the door.”
“No. Sir. As you were sir," replied the auxiliary.
“WHAT!!” Luminous raises a hand to slap the auxiliary upside the head. Then, as if remembering he no longer has that authority catches himself. “Fine, I’ll ring the bell myself.” Luminous pulls the cord. The cord loosens a barrel of bricks on the roof which, promptly, comes crashing down on the Tribune, nocking the arrogant former officer to his feet in a pile of rubble. A gong rings true, trumpets blast, and the Blue Cloaks are close behind.
“Sir, I tried to tell you, folks say the place is haunted….but it is just well trapped. Oh sir, you know what the trumpet means. Formation. I’ve got to go. I trust you can heal your own wounds.” With that, the medicos executes a sharp about face and double times to the marketplace.
_________________ --- Eric Hughes
There once was a gnome called Oozy, Who kissed a Yaricite floozy. But rather than wed, She drowned him instead, Now he is a Yaricite toosey!
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