Prinsoner No. 25738 (Karramae's Story)

Page 5: False Rumors, Fear Mongering, and A Banquet

   Actis woke on the floor of his housing unit, covered in sweat. He sat up, and stood on shakey legs. He stumbled to his closet and took his work clothes out. Slowly, Actis began to regain. He stood, looking at himself in the handblown glass mirror. His blue-teal hair was thrown in every direction and his eyes had dark circles around them.

   Actis went to the fields, where he worked side-by-side with Huntin. His son was only a child, Huntin had told him. Only six years of age.

   "I'm Joshiah!" The Lurker-child replied in perfect dialect.

   "Me son was taught by Master Kiros' daughter to speak good." Huntin said.

   Actis nodded. "He's doing very well, Huntin."

   The Lurker beamed with pride. Actis could feel the townsfolk staring at him with disapproval. Many people thought Lurkers were savage beasts. But that was not the case.

   It was just another one of Baron Praxis' scare tactics. He had far too many of them. Actis continued to harvest the plants and crops with the two Lurkers until dawn fell. They got their pay, but Huntin and Joshiah's money combined was less than his. Once their landlord left, he gave both Huntin and his son a quarter of what he had, which left them three at an equal amount.

   "I send you much happy thanks, Actis." Huntin said graciously.

   The two left Actis, smiles on their furry faces. Actis couldn't help but smile as well. He was about to enter his home, when a voice called his name. He turned to see the young woman from yesterday.

   "Hey," she said. "Since you're doing so well as a farmhand and helping my father so much, he wants to envite you to a banquet he his throwing."

   Actis was, at first, delighted. But then disappointment crossed his face.

   "Oh, I would be honored, but I have no fitting clothes for something that fancy." he replied sullenly.

   But the young woman smiled. "Don't worry about the attire! My father's maid has left an outfit for you in your unit."

   Actis nodded, withholding his excitement.

   "Thank you," Actis said.

   The woman turned. "The banquet starts at 20:00 (or 9:00 pm for any of you 'modernized' people)."

   Actis nodded and went to his housing. On his bed was a most extravagant and formal outfit. It was a black suit with hems and buttons made of gold. A gold tie was placed next to it, along with a gold polo and some black dress shoes.

   Actis rushed to put the suit on, almost tearing it in the process. The suit fit perfectly on him. It was like it was fine-tuned for himself. He had never felt so high-up, even when he lived in his own manor.

   He stopped at the thought. The sealed deal. Had it been just a dream? Or was it more?

   He decided it was just a dream and prepared himself for the banquet.