This is an old Bricu, written for another Rider.

The Pig and Whistle was long since closed, but two stayed behind sipping at drinks. Bricu nursed his tea while Ceil sipped at her bourbon. The two hadn’t spoken since they got word–pamphlets, really–from the man who brought them together–Uthas the Plaguefather.

After a few minutes of silence, Ceil spoke up. “Bricu, can you tell me how you met fa-Uthas?”

Bricu rolled a cigarette and gathered his thoughts.

“We met a wee bit o’er twenty years ago. He was the smallest, skinniest kid I ever met. Still is”

Ceil looked pained. “Was he beaten or hurt?”

“Bah, he was fine, just too bloody skinny. He was holdin’ onta Makara-didja know Makara?-for dear life, wearin’ a royal blue tunic three sizes too big for ‘im.”

Ceil nodded.

“She came with him.” Bricu sighed and pulled a drag from his cigarette before pointing it at her. “They weren’t related. None o’us were.”

“The minute they walked in, Peter, an older kid, took a likin’ ta that fancy shirt. That night, when they were finally separated, Peter went ta Uthas an told ‘im ta hand over the shirt or she’d get a beatin’.”

“So what did you do?”

“Like any good orphan, I watched.”

“Bricu, that’s horrible!”

Bricu finished his tea before answering her. “Yeh wanna tell me ’bout bein’ an Orphan or yeh want me ta continue?”

“Please, go on.” She said hesitantly.

“Peter was a giant, so I kept me distance. Uthas cried for a bit then gave up the shirt. He got away with only a black eye.”

Bricu stubbed out his cigarette. “That night, we woke up ta Uthas on top o’Peter, punchin’ him the face. Peter tried ta git ‘im off, but Uthas was fierce. Eventually, Peter gave up, an’ the new kids didn’t have a damn thing ta fear.”

Ceil nodded

“What happened to Peter?”

“He left fer the army a few weeks layer. We never talked again, but he always sent me letters from the front.”

Bricu started gathering his things to leave while Ceil poured herself another bourbon. They were quiet until Ceil asked another question.

“You said you kept your distance, but it sounded that you talked with him frequently. How did that work?”

Bricu stood up from the table.

“Boss, who do yeh think encouraged Peter ta get Uthas’ shirt.”

Shocked at his answer, she said her goodbyes after he walked out.

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