Before the Storm: Act 9, Chapter 3
Chapter 3
As it turned out, the whole damn city of Re-Blumrushur was only half on fire. It took a few hours going down the other side of the cloud-shrouded pass before Liam could survey the reported damage. The city at the bottom of the valley was still over a day distant, but he could still make out the general details.
“It looks like only the lower city was affected,” he said.
“Of course,” Olin snorted. “It’s the only place where a fire like that could happen in this weather.”
Liam nodded in agreement as he scanned the smouldering skeletons of the buildings in Re-Blumrushur’s common districts. Living in the city was a crowded affair: apartments were cramped, buildings were crammed close together to maximise the use of the space inside the walls, and all manner of refuse tended to collect out of sight of the major streets. Given Marquis Blumrush’s reputation, Liam wouldn’t be surprised if the city’s ruler cut corners to save on what he might consider unnecessary maintenance.
His eyes went to the formidable castle atop the hill in the upper city.
“Does Marquis Blumrush usually stay in the city?” Liam asked.
“No,” Olin answered, “he’s usually in the capital.”
“Then who’s in charge here?”