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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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surprised me. A wave <strong>of</strong> hot air blasted in my face, and with my eyes<br />

adjusted <strong>to</strong> the dim lighting, the flames <strong>of</strong> the crema<strong>to</strong>rium were blinding.<br />

The flames within that grand cham<strong>be</strong>r roared with the fury <strong>of</strong> a sun, crimson<br />

as blood, and I was momentarily entraced. Terrified, but entranced.<br />

"You there! Hold!" cried a voice.<br />

Damn.<br />

The Dustman that walked up met me with a s<strong>to</strong>ny gaze, his unkempt<br />

blue-gray hair a short and wild mane that framed a dead-gray face, "Are you<br />

lost?"<br />

I had <strong>to</strong> keep him talking, or he might alert the guards, "No, I'm <strong>not</strong> lost... I<br />

just need some help."<br />

"If you are <strong>not</strong> lost, what is your business here?" He eyed me suspiciously.<br />

I had <strong>to</strong> think quickly, "I was here for an internment, but there seems <strong>to</strong><br />

have <strong>be</strong>en a mistake."<br />

"Who was <strong>be</strong>ing interred? Perhaps the services are taking place somewhere<br />

else in the Mortuary."<br />

I nodded knowingly, "That could <strong>be</strong>. Where are these other services taking<br />

place?"<br />

He gestured quickly, annoyance marking his voice, "Several internment<br />

cham<strong>be</strong>rs line the perimeter <strong>of</strong> the Mortuary. They follow the curve <strong>of</strong> the<br />

wall on the first and second floors. Do you know the name <strong>of</strong> the<br />

deceased?"<br />

I stumbled a little, and made a mental <strong>not</strong>e <strong>to</strong> get <strong>be</strong>tter at lying. I pulled a<br />

simple mash <strong>of</strong> syllables out <strong>of</strong> the air, "Uh... Adahn."<br />

"That name is <strong>not</strong> familiar <strong>to</strong> me. Check with one <strong>of</strong> the guides at the front<br />

gate... they may <strong>be</strong> able <strong>to</strong> direct you <strong>be</strong>tter than I," the Dustman replied,<br />

shaking his head.<br />

I thanked him and turned <strong>to</strong> leave, only <strong>to</strong> face an annoyed Morte, "You<br />

know, chief, I'm just starting <strong>to</strong> like you, so <strong>do</strong> us both a favor and <strong>do</strong>n't put<br />

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