The Firmament Saga: Book I: The Rains of Sorrow

Chapter 8: Voices

Chapter 8: Voices (Lou)

Waneday, Week 75, Month Octus, Year of God 488

Rain pattered down around him as Lou briskly walked down Rat Boot Street, pulling his coat around him. He stared happily down at the large string of coins in his hands. Kylian had come in again today, and had tipped Lou an additional 10 bronze Chips more than he usually did. Kylian was wearing through his boots quickly - maintaining the elaborate gutter and sewer system that prevented the buildings of Urbs Sacer from flooding apparently required quite a lot of walking. And standing in mud and garbage, as Kylian regularly ranted about during his fittings. His old boots were always covered with muddy stains that no amount of washing could seem to remove.

Today's work had gone on longer than usual, and Thyrian's shop had received a whopping eight customers today. The duo had done a slightly rushed job on the third man's boots, and he spent ten minutes cursing and complaining, despite having both paid and put the boots on. He had been escorted out of the shop by a benevolent passerby, but it still had been annoying. Kylian had been the day's final customer, and, for some reason, he had been especially pleased with the quality of his new pair of boots. He had tipped a significantly larger sum than he usually did, and Lou was excited to spend it on the best clams in town, so to speak.

The "Best Clams in Town" was the catchphrase of a popular bar and restaurant, The Walrus Man's Treasure. Catering to lesser Rain Castemen, Wind Castemen and the highest echelons of Earth Castemen, the establishment used only the finest clams from the Yalen District and the choicest mosses from the Garoe District in producing its fine cuisine and beverages. It was located on Golden Emu Street, an upscale shopping neighborhood frequented by off-duty Wind Castemen. Lou had been wanting to go all year, and he finally had some disposable income to do so.

Lou walked for half an hour from his own neighborhood to this new one, taking in the various shops and residences. Some were familiar, some not, but all felt part of the same city. As he moved closer to Golden Emu Street, the buildings became gradually more and more elaborate and high-quailty. He saw more people using Lux, not just the omnipresent guards that hovered everywhere in the city, but lesser nobles, priests and off-duty soldiers using it for light, heat, speed and other conveniences. Lou's own inability to use the power of nobility stung him when he received some condescending glances from a passing couple wearing the robes of lesser marquesses. He was a clam on dry land, metaphorically speaking.

Eventually, he arrived at his destination. The entire front of the building was painted gold, and a Wind Caste attendant was constantly using Lux to ensure that the rain didn't tarnish the intricately designed exterior of the structure. Elaborately dressed people circulated in and out of the building, making Lou feel self-conscious about his drab grey coat, shirt and pants. Most of the patrons seemed absorbed in conversation or drink, and thus paid him little mind. Gathering up his courage, Lou stepped into the unfamiliar establishment.

He was immediately bombarded with a wave of sound and light. Loud drumming music echoed around the space, and combined with the loud chatter and bustle of the patrons, the torrent of sound was too much for Lou. He squealed and cowered, covering his ears with his arm. In a second, he felt recovered, and his ears adapted to the sound. He then took in the sight of the restaurant.

He was standing in an alcove facing a large room that extended to the left and right. Patrons moved around him, some complaining about the fact that he was standing in their way. He quickly got out of the way and entered the room, rain dripping off his coat. He took off his hood to better glimpse the area.

The left side of the room was dominated by a large bar that ran parallel to the left wall. Patrons sat on gilded stools, slamming down shots of hard liquor or sipping on mugs of mossbeer. In front of the bar were many circular tables that could seat two or three people. Many were occupied, with patrons eating from baskets of food and sipping a variety of drinks, not all of which were alcoholic. Waiters clad in golden robes bustled around, delivering food and refilling drinks.