The Wolf's Flask
Wolf's Creek, Scotland, UK
April 19, 2012
Stephan and Alex walked into the bar, both beyond exhausted mentally and physically. It was a silent mutual agreement that they shouldn't be here, but one drink wouldn't kill them today. Stephan sat down first, groaning in pain from the day's work. Alex followed, laying his head against the cool surface of the bar to try and rid himself of the horrid memories of the last few hours. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, stirring up the feelings of guilt and shame that always came from being here after work.
Picking up dead bodies, clearing away radiation contaminated rubble and plants, hunting down the animals that posed a threat to what little populace was left, and killing the poor souls that had crossed to become a threat themselves were just a few of the morbid tasks that the immune had to perform. All those people that were immune to the diseases and radiation had to clean the city to try and prevent another epidemic, but so far it wasn't working. All it was doing was sending more and more of those who had to kill their loved ones over the edge.
"Hey boys; what's your poison today?" Nate Johnson, the barkeep asked them softly. Contrary to his gruff appearance, he was very gentle, kind and fun loving; when there was fun to be had, that is. Nate had taken especially to Stephan and Alex because of how young they were, and how wise they had become in so few years. Each was still a minor; Alex was seventeen, and Stephan was fifteen, but Nate let them come here to relax, and try to forget the day's events.
Stephan said softly, "Dark 'n stormy, hold the lime." It was one of his favorites, although it was a lighter proof than was his norm. Stephan and his brother both favored harder proofs after work, but Nate checked them after the first and second, depending on what they were drinking.
"Hard day at 'work'?" Nate asked softly; as he prepared the drink, he noticed a deep purple bruise around the boy's left eye. "What happened?"
Shaking his head slowly, Stephan coughed voice raspy, "Yeah. It was hell today; twelve more dead and fifteen hold a threat to the public. One of them was a fighter and he caught me off guard." Sighing deeply the young man laid his forehead against the counter. It was several moments before he looked up, even after Nate placed the drink in front of him.
Turning, the bartender asked Alex, "What'll it be today?"
The boy cleared his throat and rasped, "Absinthe, half a measure of Everclear."
Nate was a bit shocked, but as he took in the multiple wound along his arms, face, and those that disappeared under his shirt, he understood why. Alex was covered in blood and bruises, so he didn't bother to say anything.
A moment later, Nate looked up and gasped. "Boys, you might want to look at this."
Stephan touched Alex on the shoulder, pointing behind them at the door.