<div style="color:black;font: 10pt arial;">
<div style="font-family:arial,helvetica;font-size:10pt;color:black">
<div id="yiv9657346847">
<div style="color:black;font:10pt arial;">
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><font size="5"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Bitt and his squad mates wind up visiting somewhere no one wants to go.</font></span></font></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><font size="5"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
</font></span></font></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><font size="5" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Chris</font><br>
</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> <br>
</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""><font size="2">************************</font><br>
</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""><br>
</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""><font size="2"> </font></span>When Bitt arrived for formation one morning Tribune
Vitellius was waiting there.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We’re headed to Mozta,” the Tribune
explained.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>That got a groan and several curses from the
entire Contubernium.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“The garum factory?” Bitt asked nervously.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The oryx nodded in answer. “We have gotten
word that something happened there.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Bitt stopped for a moment. Then he turned
away from the group. “Wait!” Bitt said as he ran away. “I’ll be back.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“What?” Vinius shouted. “You forget
something?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I’m not going back there unarmed,” the fox
said and passed from sight.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“What does that mean?” Vinius asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We’ll find out in a moment,” Tossius
shrugged.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The fox came back a moment and fell into his
assigned spot in the formation.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Vinius didn’t speak but looked at the fox.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Bitt reached into a pouch dangling from his
belt and produced two bars of soap and a small vial. “The strongest I could
afford.” He handed the vial to the decanus.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The hound removed the stopper from the vial
and took a careful sniff. His nose was assaulted by a really strong, sweet
smell. “This is the type of crap even a cheap, street whore wouldn’t wear.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Anything is better than the stench there,”
the fox countered as he took back the vial. It was safely tucked back into the
pouch.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">*************</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The march from the fortress was made at a
fast pace.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>They reached the junction where a side road
split off and headed to the garum factory. There they met a very nervous
teamster. The goat had a large wagon pulled by two, feral horses. The goat was
visibly shaken and nervous. He pointed down the side road. “Down there. They’re
all gone and the place is burning.” With that done the goat got onto his wagon
and fled.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Let him go,” the tribune ordered. “He will
not be of any further help.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Bitt could smell it long before they
actually reached it. The legionnaires had been descending the road down towards
the shore. Unlike the last time the smell that came to them was not of rotting
fish. It was smoke. It spurred them to move faster but not too fast. The closer
they got the more cautious they became. Swords were drawn and everyone stayed
alert.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The gate leading into the complex was open.
There was no sign of the guard with the spear who had been there previously.
There was no sign of anyone.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Vinius used the point of one of his pilum to
gently push open the gate. They were all wary of an ambush.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>At first nothing looked different. The tanks
carved in the stone looked the same and nothing seemed out of place. Then he
noticed that no one was there. Neither living nor dead. They were gone. A few
wooden tools lay scattered about as if dropped in haste. Bitt noticed that
there was no real damage. Nothing smashed or torn down. And no bodies scattered
about. The smell of the garum was still there but down to a tolerable level.
The one overwhelming smell was of smoke.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We missed all the excitement,” Decebalus
commented. “Whatever happened was over long before we got here.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Stay alert,” Vinius ordered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Look for any survivors or evidence of what
happened,” the Tribune added.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Break into pairs,” the decanus ordered.
“Start searching but stay close.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“If everything here is stone,” Sabinus
asked. “Where is the smoke coming from?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The tribune pointed up. Above them was the
mansio from which smoke was billowing.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Lots of wood up there,” Tossius commented.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Not for long,” the jackal added.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“VINIUS! TRIBUNE! HERE! NOW!” Bitt ordered
at the top of his voice.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>They turned and saw Bitt and several others
standing next to one of the tanks. The decanus muttered several curses in an
equal number of languages. He raced towards the tanks at a dead run. The
tribune followed close behind.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“What?” Vinius asked as he came up them.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Bitt had his head down, his nose covered with
a cloth and with his back to the tank. He didn’t speak but just pointed over
his shoulder into the tank.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The tribune took a deep breath and peered
into the tank. There, floating face down amidst the foul goo was a body.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Fish him out of there Bitt,” Vinius
ordered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Why do I have to do it?” The fox asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Cause you are the lowest ranking person
here,” the decanus ordered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Good thing you brought that soap,” the
hyena commented.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Bitt leaned over the side and was hit hard
by the stench. He stumbled backward a few steps.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“He’ll need it.” Tossius added. </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The fox looked around and saw what he
needed. Nearby was a long wooden pole with a hook on the end. Next to it was a
large piece of gray cloth that was reasonably clean and didn’t smell. He took
off his armor and the tunic under it. Leaving him in just his loin cloth. Bitt
took his scarf and soaked it with a large dose of the perfume. Then he tied it
over his nose.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Bitt used the long pole to try and fish the
corpse out. It took several tries before he got the hook snagged under an arm.
He pulled it toward him and succeeded and draping the head and arms over the
side of the tank.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The fox turned the body over “It’s the
supervisor Gallio.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Not a big surprise,” the tribune commented.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Bitt wrapped the cloth around the arms and
then grabbed hold. The body didn’t move. “Someone grab the other arm.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>No one moved or spoke.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“GRAB AN ARM!” Bitt ordered. “The longer you
wait the longer we’ll have to be in the smell.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Reluctantly Tossius came forward and
gingerly took hold of one arm.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The two pulled and the body came free of the
noxious liquid with a loud slurp. It was lowered to the ground with a degree of
respect.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The tribune leaned close to the body. “His
skull has been smashed in on one side.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“At least he didn’t drown in the stuff,”
Tossius commented.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“That’s a blessing,” Someone muttered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Leave two here on guard,” the tribune
ordered. “We’ll go up to the mansion and see what’s left there.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Kegan and Sabinus stay here on guard,”
Vinius ordered. “The rest follow us.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The group made its way slowly up the steps
being wary of any potential ambush. But things at the top were quiet. The only
movement was the smoke coming from the windows and doors.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We cannot go in there till the fire burns
itself out,” the tribune commented out loud.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“What happened here?” Eteiwi asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I think one of the slaves snapped.” Bitt
answered. “And killed the foreman. The rest thinking they would be blamed,
panicked, took what they could carry and fled.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The tribune nodded in agreement. “And the
guards?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“They were probably then ones who set fire
to the mansion,” the fox answered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Rolozius shook his head. “No loyalty?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Why should those mercenaries care show any
loyalty,”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I doubt Gavrus treated them any better than
he did his slaves,” the fox commented.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“What makes you think it wasn’t raiders?”
the tribune asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“If it was raiders there’d be more dead
scattered about,” the fox responded. “At least one or two of the guards and
several of the slaves. And if raiders were after the garum why attack here?
There’s literally nothing worth stealing. And what raider would voluntarily get
near this awful stench.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Where is the owner?” Vinius asked and
pointed to the flames. “Could he be in there?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The tribune shook his head. “I doubt it. He
usually stays back in the city and let Gallio run it.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Servants?” Bitt asked.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“He always brought his own when he came
out,” the tribune answered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">*******************</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>They were there for only the day;
thankfully. The tribune sent word back to the fortress. A priest arrived a
while later with a cart. The feline collected Gallio’s body and took it away
for proper burial.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The mansion burned for most of the day.
Poking through the smoking ruins later wasn’t much good. But it did show that
no one was in it when it burned down. Maybe.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“We’re going to spend the next few days
looking for escaped slaves,” Vinius commented.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“I’m not here to chase slaves,” Bitt said in
a calm, clear tone.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>“Do as your told Bitt,” his decanus ordered.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>Bitt glared at the decanus but didn’t speak.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style=""> </span>The next two days were spent is patrolling
the countryside looking for slaves. No one showed any real enthusiasm for the
task and they just went through the motions. That suited Bitt fine. His
sympathies were with the now escaped slaves.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">****************</span></div>
<div class="yiv9657346847MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>