Mugging a Day Keeps the Beggars at Bay (Raus)

[Xavier Belt]

82nd of Winter, 514 AV Winter was finally loosening its grip on the city of Sunberth, one of the worst in memory if the muttering of the locals held any truth. The temperature had finally crept above freezing, albeit just barely. Xavier had spent a fortune just heating his infirmary, the sick and injured needed warmth to heal properly and he could tell without the ledger that his profits would be down for the season. This coupled with the need for him to be out at this hour had put him in a particularly bad mood. The house again needed coal to burn, hopefully the last batch he would have to buy this season. He had been making good progress towards the market; he hoped to catch the last street vendors before they packed up and left. Xavier shouldered his coat once again pulling it tight around his chest, attempting to fight off the chill that had started in his fingers and toes. His proper winter gloves had been stolen and he was regretting trying to tough out the last bit of the season without them. Xavier redoubled his efforts in getting to the market on time. Driving forward through the wet clingy snow in a half run half shuffle One more turn would take him into the market square. He could hear the last calls of the street vendors hawking their wares to any soul who stopped for a curious glance. Rough hands flashed him in his vision before an impossibly strong force yanked him into an shallow alcove on the side of street, striking his head on the wall. Xavier’s vision swam with colors and the rough hands continued to hold him up against the wall, thankfully not seeking purchase around his throat. Xavier was practically defenseless, he had no fighting skills nor much in the way of strength. At the very least he was thankful he only brought a single Miza that could be stolen. The hands continued to run up and down him, looking for the money purse his attacker hoped to find.