act23side

Anasa

The word means 'one without roots' in an ancient language.

My people say that all things are uncertain, except life and death. Trying to cling onto something only brings trouble.

That's why we drifted from one place to another, living with the barrenlands. There is always water and game to be found, and at the end of our lives, we return to dust, return to the earth.

But a Catastrophe destroyed our camp, and most of us lost our lives in the migration.

A woman from a nomadic city happened to pass by, and guided us to safety.

She taught us how to fight, shared knowledge, and told us stories of the cities.

She said that everyone should have a place to call home.

Stay down.

(Ancient Sarkaz language) Who are you? Why am I here?

Can't understand a word. Not that it matters.

You're here to heal your wounds. You'll do exactly as the doc says, if you want to see the sun rise again. If the don't want to die here, do as I say.

(In hesitant Yanese) Where am I... who are you?

This is an infirmary and you're a patient. I'm a helper at the infirmary.

Where's my sword?!

The girl reaches around her in a panic, only calming down when she finds the weapon beside her.

It's there... thank goodness...

We found you passed out at the door of the infirmary yesterday, but you wouldn't let the sword go. Did you get hurt fighting over it?

...Doesn't concern you.

No need to look at me like that. I could've taken it while you were passed out, if I wanted to.

I've seen so many people die over so-called masterwork weapons.

Did you really think wielding a weapon like that would make you strong enough to beat enemies you couldn't?

I don't trust weapons. The only thing I trust is my fists.

A true warrior shouldn't entrust victory to something else.

You don't understand!

I'm not trying to fight with this sword... I... I want to repay a debt.

The sword is a weapon for killing.

My mentor told me the sword means a lot to her.

I promised her that I would bring her the sword, or bring it to her grave at least.

Has your mentor passed away?

Yes...

Well, I'm not interested in listening to people talk about their debts and grudges.

If you say you fought over the sword to repay a debt, I'll believe it. A woman who's almost died has no need to lie.

So it means you see your obligations as being more important than your life. That's not a bad thing.

Why did you help me?

What's an infirmary for, if not to help people?

But I don't have any money. I know that money is required in exchange for kindness in the nomadic cities.

That's not wrong, but you can work your debt off as well. Why do you think I'm working here for the doc?

The difference is that I'm working to pay the medical bills of the people I beat up.

I do the heavy lifting at the clinic, so you should learn to do things like drying herbs and wrapping wounds. You don't owe as much as I do. A few months should be enough to pay your debt off.

No!

I will find a way to repay your kindness, but I am in a hurry...

I need to get out of the city.

You're not going anywhere.

I said, stay down. You're here to get your injuries healed.

You managed to survive them. Would be a shame if you died now. Not to mention an embarrassment to the clinic.

But... kindness is important too. I'll think about it... once you're healed up and repaid your debt.

Another patient?

I'll take a look. STAY, DOWN.

What is it?

Are you the doctor, sir?

The doc's out. I'm a helper here. I can help you, if you just want meds, but you'll have to wait if you want the doc to look at you.

I apologize for the interruption. We are investigating a case and pursuing a suspect. Here is my token. We would appreciate your cooperation in answering a few questions.

Ask what you want. I'll decide if I want to answer.

Has this clinic treated or seen anyone who suffered serious a stab wound?

Nope and nope. Either you're buying, or you go find someone else to bother.

I would like to take a quick look. It'll only take a minute.

Nope, patients and customers only.

I have nothing but the greatest respect for the clinic's work. I would rather not have to force my way in.

But this concerns the safety of all of Yumen. Your cooperation would be appreciated.

You got your rules, I got mine. You ain't coming in unless I say so.

Then I apologize.

Zuo Le's movements are swift as a fowlbeast.

But he feels a hand on his collar just as he is about to cross the clinic's threshold, throwing him backwards.

The burly man continues to stand there, as though he has never moved.

It is as though the fowlbeast flew into an invisible and boundless net.

(This man is no ordinary brute!)

I said, you ain't coming in! You got a death wish, kid?

Do you understand the consequences of obstructing justice?

Don't understand, don't care.

Try that again, I dare you.

Enough! This is not a game.

Huh...?

There's someone else in there?!

Hm? Hey, where did the girl go?

What the...?

Bandages and cotton balls are scattered on the table, and the bed is still warm.

The air smells of blood and herbal medicine.

You said no heavily wounded patients were taken in lately.

How do you explain the gauze and blood?

Aiya! I told her to stay put!

She said she needed to get out of the city. She must be headed to the gates!

Oh no, I've gotta catch her, or the doc's gonna put her bill on my tab!

Stop right there!

Tea leaves! Shangshu rock tea, Kou-wu flower tea, Jiangqi white tea, Dahuang raw leaves... anything you want, I've got it here!

Two carts of Lungmen green tea.

E-Excuse me, miss, but we don't sell tea by the cart...

M-

Miss...

We meet again.

Any updates on what I asked you to look into?

We agreed on terms.

I... I don't know what you mean...

How many caravans in this batch are carrying false permits? How did they get those permits?

I need to know more.

I-I'll pay the taxes I owe! The whole amount! Please, don't ask any more questions!

We can talk about your previous offenses another day.

Answer my question.

H-Help!

Thief!