In fact, a brief survey of my surroundings showed that all of the bodies had been removed. I staggered to my feet. The knife he had threatened me with...was still on the floor; I grabbed it without thinking and made my way outside.There were signs of more fighting throughout the town, especially near the guard post and the mayor's office, where the local taxes would be held. It seemed the locals had either fled or remained hidden in their homes. I knew better than to seek charity from them. If. I’m comfortable in my own home, the home I built together with my wife — you remember her?’ ‘Oh, that’s so unfair Stan! Of course I remember your wife!’ Denise decided it was time she took a hand. ‘Stan, love, please calm down and think for a minute? Please?’ ‘Calm down!?’ ‘Yes, Stan, we all need to take a breather here,’ Denise told him. She rounded on Anne and told her ‘You too, Anne! We need a time out before someone says or does something we’ll all regret!’ Denise drew a deep breath. ‘Look. .. dull. Strong men and women drop by regularly, keeping the markets moving and the people happy, bringing with them not just coin but stories of their exploits in the larger world outside. Growing up on these stories, you decided at an early age that as soon as you were able you'd leave and make your mark just like them. You trained for years, surpassing the other young men in fleetness and strength. Your body, in the sun and sand is well-muscled and tanned, stature approaching that of the. There was no winning this game.Later, just as Dave drifted off to sleep, he recalled how loved and satisfied he felt. He’d made love with each of his wives. Alice and Pam were snuggled against him as a light breeze from the overhead fan cooled their hot bodies.Nancy had a pile of messages for Dave when he came back from a field inspection of one of the major substations for the city. Since it was only a thirty-minute drive from the office, he’d taken the opportunity to revert to his old.