The air was quite humid that day. The heavens seemed to give off an ominous feeling, as if the gods were having battle. Perhaps it was because they were indoors, but the Opera Chanleaur did not take notice. In fact, they could be heard from the streets. At least a half-mile away, the policemen discussed the innovative au courant opera, "Carmen" that was to be played at ten o'clock that very evening.
"Seems that it should be a good crowd, with all the business at the alehouses going about." Muttered a disgruntled policeman, in his mid-forties. He had an ample stomach, and a rather substantial gray mustache. The man was on top of a horse, perhaps English Hunter or Thoroughbred by the appearance of its stature. "I'd hate to see the day when we had to work at the opera house."
The other, was a tall, weedy man in his twenties replied, "Aye, the owners run that place like the Constable. M'lady says she would fancy some tickets, but I don't have the heart telling her we can't afford them..." His accent was clearly that of lower rank, and the elder scoffed at his accent. The younger continued on for quite a bit, and it was half past nine when the elder realized the time.
"I've heard worse. They bribe the fire marshal because they want a full house. Granted, they need the money for the place is in disrepair." The man grunted as he dismounted his horse. "I need to feed old Liberty, good night, Tom." Then 'Tom' nodded, and walked on into the alehouse as the other walked in the direction of the opera, which was south, on Winterburry Street. A loud chorus could be heard, and the man comforted his horse from being spooked. "Now, now girl. We're almost home."
At that moment, however, the horse started neighing uncontrollably. Liberty was bucking and seemed half mad. The policeman attempted to calm the horse, but all was for naught because the horse broke free and galloped towards the opposite direction. The policeman uttered several crude words, when a bloodcurdling scream erupted from the opera house.
"Help, help!" Screams continued, "FIRE!" The policeman was near trampled by a large, frantic crowd. The group consisted of actors, dancers, and many a member of the musical ensemble. They looked comical, running like mad with their costumes and finery on, the band especially. The man didn't know whether to laugh or call for help. He decided help was safest, and grabbed his whistled and blew, hard. By then he could see columns of dark smoke against an even darker sky. He could smell three things: fear, blood, and fire.
Tom arrived five minutes later, riding Liberty. "What's this?" He asked, staring at the fire now eating away at the ceiling. Liberty was foaming at her bit, and threatened to buck at any moment.