Rabbitgear CannonSaul's constant grin can be unnerving. He smiles even when people reassure him it is not necessary. He smiles even when it seems forced. It is as if he is hiding something. But what?
There's no one better when it comes to logistics than Saul. Need something built? Supplies gathered? Army provisions? Saul's your man. There is something driving him to work faster, harder, better. Few have asked why.
In a world as broken as this, it is often better not to ask questions.
Story
Saul's past is tied to the Pilgrimage Alliance, a military organization under the old Royal Expeditionary Force. Although small, the Alliance was tasked with maintaining order at holy sites and protecting the faithful.
But the Pilgrimage Alliance quickly swelled with recruits seeking refuge from the outside world. Rapid growth came with unchecked ambition. The king soon ordered their activities be drastically cut.
Saul was then assigned to the Order of Holy Paladins under the Holy Ecclesia. This heavily-armed force was concerned with finding more holy relics for the church. Saul's unit was known as the "Wild Rabbit Brigade". The Wild Rabbits were missing for over a month when the worst time of Saul's life occurred.
Saul saved his diary from those days. It traces the rough outline of the Wild Rabbits' journey to explore an ancient site called the Golden City.
"This is our first week in the Golden City. The buildings are made out of solid gold! But apart from golden statues we have found nothing else of any value. This place is utterly desolate. But many of us are very excited at discovering gold. I'm sure these riches will help the mother church immensely!"
"A second week of searching has turned up nothing except deep fissures where veins of pure gold glitter in the sunlight. Yet the sight of it leaves people sick and disorientated. The entire city is so quiet. It is eerie. We are still moving towards the center. There we can see a giant golden circular structure. I needn't add that we are on high alert. We've already had several desertions. Desertions... or something else?"
"I know not what week it is. Most everyone is mad here. I'm probably mad too. What's the use of gold? We can't eat it. All that matters now is we cnot look at the great circular demon structure in the middle of the city! It is cursed. The Holy Mother protect me and watch over me. Protect me from the evil spirit that reigns in this city..."
The last few pages of the journal are written in a barely-legible scrawl.
"What else do I remember? Barely anything until Captain pulled me away from a great pile of gold... I think he saved my life." Saul spoke in a low voice as Seth kept jogging down notes in his little book. "What happened to the others?" Seth finally asked.
"They became statues! My fate would have been the same had Captain not given me his face-shield. When that darned light hit our eyes... it couldn't reach me! The damned light! It shines into your soul!" Saul resumed after a brief silence, "I'll never forget the last thing Captain said to me: run! Forget this city! Forget any of this ever happened! Just smile! Smile because you lived!" Saul twisted his face into a nervous grin. The grin felt different.
It was hard to make out other people's faces in the candlelight. How many drinkers at the inn were listening intently to Saultory? What were they thinking? A great city full of gold? Potentially cursed? Perhaps they will fare better?
