Tales from the Wasteland | The No Leaf Clover

Chapter 6

The skyline is a marriage of red and orange as the sun hides behind the mountain range. The cool breeze flows off to the east for its nightly slumber. Stars begin to faintly twinkle through the light hues of red. One by one the people of Mercantile proceed to the old faded brick buildings they call home. Children say their last farewell to the day by dancing with sparklers while the elderly sit and watch. They laugh and tell stories of their youth. Several adults near the windmill herd the livestock into barns west of the apple orchard. One by one, parents peek their heads out of their windows, telling their children it's time to come in. Sadly, the children heed their parents' calls and vanish until the elders are all that remain.

Off toward the mountain range, the cloaked Mercantile soldiers prepare shift change. Some head home to their families. The single residents all make their way to the cafeteria to drink and fraternize with one another. Drinking, smoking, and listening to the local band round out the nightlife in Mercantile. The soft melody of each instrument flows through the village. A comforting tune to lay weary heads. A two-story inn sits adjacent to the cafeteria. Tonight, it's home to only two travelers. Eric is too exhausted to part take in the nightlife. As for Rod, he's sitting on his balcony smoking and watching the last bit of the day wash away, enjoying the music from below. He hears his room door open then close and climbs back through the window, where he's greeted by Taloon. The merchant leader walks to the table in the corner with a drink and a plate of food. He sets the plate onto the table then sits in one of the chairs. Rod walks over to join his dinner guest. The aromatic steam dances through the air as the hunter moves closer to the plate.

"So what's on the menu tonight?" Rod asks.

"Broiled swine with an assortment of steamed vegetables," Taloon replies, leaning back in the chair. Rod holds his mead up to Taloon for a quick dinner toast. "Cheers, my friend and thank you for your hospitality."

"It is I who owes you thanks." Taloon brings his mug toward his longtime comrade, and they clash with white foam bubbles splashing out. Both men take a hardy gulp of their drink. He looks again at Rod with heavy eyes as he moves the mug away from his lips. The boisterous and jolly demeanor vanishes. "So it is done?"

Rod puts his hand in his brown cloth pants, reveals the vial and sets it on the table. "Tulum was already dead. I changed the contract to a blood contract. Your brother has been avenged. The debt has been paid with blood."

The merchant stabs a piece of swine and places it into his mouth. Taloon picks up the vial, staring at it with malice. "He was an ignorant fool, but he was my brother. I pray those despicable creatures at that godless Asylum burn for all eternity."

He slides the tiny flask into the left breast pocket of his tunic. The room is silent for a moment for prayer and reflection. The only sound is the wick burning from the candles scattered throughout the room. Taloon looks at Rod, interrupting the silence.

"Well enough of that, my scouts send word that the Sanitarium is in ruin and no one has been seen coming out."

The hunter nods, washing down the swine with mead. He recounts the events at the Sanitarium. He divulges much about the torture that went on and Dr. Armistead dabbling in ancient texts.

"I figured the prisoners of the Sanitarium suffered long enough. We live in a desolate world. No need to add any more misery to their lives," he concludes.

"Orgrimdeare will just find another place to house their prisoners and godless experiments," Taloon replies, diving into the cuisine again. He chews savagely and continues, "It will take several weeks to a month before Claudius gets word anyway. Will buy people some time. They will probably use the Bell Tower for a time till a suitable facility is acquired."