XXX.
It was a fringe, no-name Ishtari settlement. The kind where donkeys and stray dogs and cats had free roam of the dusty streets lined with beggars, and destitute merchants desperately trying to keep from becoming beggars. The whole place, stinking of sweat and waste. Gaius only sought to restock on his supplies when, as he was walking through with his horse, a pair of soldiers came and stood in his way.
"Halt!" One greeted him while the other stood by, observing with a suspicious grin. "All new travelers must pay a fine!"
Gaius looked them over. Smelling strongly of alcohol, both men were unkempt with their hair and beards messy, and wearing dirty, plain civilian robes rather than armor. The only aspect of their appearances that marked them as soldiers were the swords with unique bronze decorated hilts at their sides, which for all Gaius knew had been stolen.
"No," Gaius simply said, knowing a shakedown when he saw it.
