The meat wagons
"Yes. That's a full Tarut I do believe. You Humes might be good at many things but cardy wards isn't one of them." The little taru Mugal beamed across the table at the larger hume as he raked in the Gill. "But I'll be nice. Want a drink?"
"You take my money with a card game your people invented and with cards you keep to yourself. Yet you say you'll be nice?" Rowan scowled down at his black mage friend. "Get me a pint of Old Galkan ale and I might forgive you." The Tarutaru made a hurt look and then waddled off to the bar.
Rowan knew that he wasn't really offended. The banter was one of the things that kept the group going. However even that was dying out now. Their first days as adventurers had been full of energy and laughter. Even after the Quadev had caused their first real life and death battle they had joked about it. Now things were different.
If possible it seemed the Big Galka takker spoke even less than he did before. The only time he seemed to perk up was during the fights they had in the highlands. But now he seemed to do nothing but sit and brood.
T'lesta had changed as well. Although still the shy girl that they had known in Bastok she now hid behind an arrogant face as opposed to the happy one she wore before. Mugal believed it had something to do with their proximity to San D'oria. She alone knew the real reason.
The biggest change though was Kimalla. Ever since they met the other group in the highlands she had gone from being an adventurous Mithra to become as serious as Takker. Even now she sat looking at the night sky hardly touching her food.
"One ale for you and one good vintage Rolanberry wine for me. Want to play another hand?" Mugal had returned from the bar and placed the drinks before him.
"Naaah, I've only got enough gill to pay for my mithkabob. Besides I feel like having fun is banned around here."
They sat in a small tavern on the road from the highlands to the dunes. A fire crackled in a hearth across from the Hume's table. Although several tables were laid out only Rowans party was here. According to the Elvaan barkeep hardly anyone travelled the road anymore. Once flour from the Highland windmills bought traders with Ronufare wood through this way. Bastokan metal was sold for the leather and cloth of San D'oria. All that had changed now. All that was left was the "Meat Wagons" from Valkurn.
It seemed Mugals thoughts went along the same lines. "So what do you thing the Meat wagons could be? I've never heard of any sheep or other edible animal living in Valkurn. Maybe rabbits?"
"I don't think so. I mean rabbits hardly constitute wagons now do they. Maybe something from Selbina? I mean I heard th…………." Rowan trailed off as the Barkeep appeared at his side.
"The meat is coming from Valkurn but it's actually returning to Bastok. There's one coming down the trail now if you really want to see what I mean." With that he went back to the kitchen.
From outside came the sound of a large wagon pulling up outside. The squaekey noise of the Chocobos echoing inside. A few seconds later and a large Galka in black walked in and headed for the Bar. He sat down and mumbled something to the Barkeep.
"Wanna see what he's carrying?" Rowan turned back to see Mugal smiling, Mischief in his eyes. "I could sneak out no problem."
"No thanks I can't be bothered to see a hundred dead rabbits or whatever. You go though if it suits you." Replied rowan. The Tarutaru gave a quick nod and slid of his stool. A few seconds later he was out of the door. Rowan finished his ale and then started for the bar for another. He never reached it. A high pitched scream came from outside.
Dashing for the door Rowan burst through to find Mugal pointing at the cart, his face as white as flour. Rowan heard the door open again and knew his party was behind him. Wishing he grabbed his axe when he came out he walked towards the cart. A foul smell of rotting meat met his nostrils. With the tip of his fingers he pushed up the covering and then jumped back. A limp hume arm fell out in front of him.
"So you want to see what I carry?" The large Galka was back. "Produce of Bastok, refined in Valkurm. I'm returning them to their families." With that he threw off the cover. Whilst Rowan tried to figure out what he was seeing he also heard the sound of T'lesta gagging.
The wagon was filled with bodies. Around 20 of them mostly Hume and Galka. Cuts and slashes bit deep into their skin. Burns removed hair and flesh. Stings and water cuts could also been seen. All of the eyes were lifeless.
Rowan stumbled back from the cart. His world spinning. He saw T'lesta being ill in the drain. Takker stood and hit a wall a howl of rage marring his peacefull exterior. Mugal sat weeping where Rowan had found him. The grinning face of the Wagon driver came into view.
Just before his world turned to darkness he focused on Kimalla. She stood expressionless. Staring into the wagon. Her lips moved slightly and for a second she seemed much more than the Mithra he knew. Then the night consumed him.