27 First Investigation (2/2)
A great number of officials advocated for a change in the way sewage was treated, with hopes of bettering the quality of life in big cities. Garett knew there was no hope in this movement, as it was not lucrative at all for those with the money, and the power, to enforce those changes.
Some scholars also advocated in favor of the movement, as there was strong evidence and cases of diseases that eventually caused death occurring to residents in areas near canals, and that was especially in cities like Lhûn. It was said that the city of Altra dumped its sewage in the sea; obviously, there were people advocating against it as well, calling it 'pollution' of the mortal realm, something that would eventually anger the gods and cause humanity to be smitten with punishment.
Sadly, Lhûn was a city with a very delicate position, and it couldn't dump its sewage on the nearby rivers, as that would pollute the water supply of a dozen villages nearby who depended on the rivers to live. As such, the sewage was redirected somewhere underground, but Garett had no idea where.
”The residents reported that the noises came from the area near the bridge. And there is no fixed time for it to happen; sometimes it can happen soon after night falls, or maybe it could also happen very deep into the night.” Garett finished explaining the ins and outs of the case to Alice, a cold draft passing through their bodies while causing chills on the pair.
”So, what do we do now? It's getting late and I doubt people will be receptive if we knock on their doors at this hour.” Alice pointed out. Many of the residences nearby had the lights turned off, without any sign of life on the inside.
”That's quite eerie, this place almost seems empty…” Garett mumbled while approaching the window of one of these houses. ”It's like they are abandoned, the report didn't say anything about this.”
”Do not put too much trust in the report, it's not a hundred percent accurate. Also… it's not surprising if the residents left their houses, most people would have all kinds of fantasies about monsters and the like when hearing such noises. The first thing they would do the next day is to leave the area.” Alice explained while approaching one of the closed doors. ”They could even have left the city.”
”Isn't that too extreme?” He asked in exasperation.
”What would you do, Garett? It's a wonder there are people courageous enough to stay here…” She then shook her head after thinking more about it. ”Actually, the may be stuck here. Not everyone can just leave after all.”
These words sunk like a rock to the duo, dissipating the somewhat leisure atmosphere that accompanied them. The situation of the low class was something that was no secret among the people of the kingdom, and it was even worse for these people! Every night there were terrifying noises happening not too far from them!
”But that's strange too…” Garett said after pondering about it for a moment. ”Two people in the other street left their homes to investigate the source of the whistling, but the people here just… left? That's weird.”
”Now that you mention it…” Alice's expression got grave after hearing Garett's words. ”It really is weird. The report doesn't mention anyone investigating, or missing people?”
”None, the only thing it mentions is the strange noises, that's why I thought it would be simpler.”
Alice stopped hesitating and walked towards one of the few houses with lights still lit before knocking on the door, her brutish strength creating loud noises that echoed through the empty streets.
”Excuse me, sir. We came from the church.” She shouted while forcefully banging the door. ”We want to make some questions.”
Step sounds came from the inside of the house. Strangely, they kept happening for a long time before Alice shouted once more.
”Sir? Is everything all right?” She said while starting to reach for the case on her back, her movements calm and deliberate.
The footsteps suddenly stopped, and the lights turned off right after; the once lit house suddenly turned dark and somber just like any other house on the streets.
”This is weird,” Garett said at that moment, his senses prickling with suspicion.
And just as he said that; all the other houses on the street who had their lights still on suddenly followed in the actions of the first! The whole street suddenly darkened as every house plunged into darkness!
”There's everything very wrong going on here.” He voiced once more, slowly materializing a handgun in the insides of his vests! He had already informed Alice that he 'brought' one with him, so he casually took it off and readied himself for any circumstances.
Gwauh! Gwauh!
A strange animal sound started to sound throughout the whole street! It didn't come from a specific location, in fact, it seemed to be emitted by every single one of the houses!