17. John

As a highwayman, John has beyond seen his fair share of dead bodies. After all, his victims often end up just that, dead.

But never before had John seen a co-worker pass out out of nowhere before. One moment ago Thomas was talking to him like any lovely human being would. But after he drank whatever cider he got, he passed out near instantly.

Even weak-drinkers shouldn't react this violently to alcohol, someone must have spiked his drink! John pulled out his pistol and readied himself for an ambush, since now would be the optimal time with his cohort downed successfully.

Scanning the room John picked out the most likely culprits.

The bartender seemed to have not noticed anything was wrong, somewhat suspicious but not damning.

The men in the next seat over seemed just as startled and were backing away talking to each other.

Thomas's breath was ragged, not a standard sleeping pattern, but more as if he was watching a funeral in progress. John doesn't know much about human health, but that cannot be safe or healthy.

"You!"

John pointed using his pistol to the man sitting next to him.

The man yelped and raised both hands into the air.

'Whoops'

John pointed his pistol away and motioned using his other hand.

"Help me, my friend here is too heavy for me to lift, I need to take him to the medic."

The man was practically built out of pure muscles, his arms and was covered in scars. Despite his short stature, he looked like the kind of man that could wrestle lions for a living.

The man looked back at his own beer.

"I'll buy you another one, just help me Dammit."

'This also would conveniently heavily discourage any attackers.'

The man gave the most manly "hmmph" imagineable before grabbing Thomas's arm and leg, hoisting him onto his back.

"You better be good for that beer."

John continued scanning the room as they walked outside.

Once they emerged they took an immediate turn towards the nurse's building and started walking there.

Feeling bad about suddenly impressing this man into carrying Thomas John decided to speak up,

"What's you're name...?"

The man grunted,

"Troth"

John smirked,

"Troth?"

(Note: Troth is an archaic English word meaning "is it true?" Kinda like "really?")

"Yes, what are your ear-holes plugged or something?"

(Another note: Troth isn't an English scholar by any stretch of the imagination)

John raised his hands defensively.

"No not at all, just an interesting name."

"Hmmph, well what is your name boy?"

'Well ain't that patronizing'

"My name is John, here we are."

Sure enough they had finally arrived.

Gathering up his nerve, John walked up to the door and gave 3 firm raps.

From behind the door John heard what seemed to be a scramble of motion.

As most people would do, he promptly backed up a step.

The door flung open and he saw a girl. Not the nurse but a somewhat short girl (around 5 foot). She had seemingly gravity-defying, dark brown hair that was so dark one could easily assume it was wet if it weren't so floaty. The girl wore a white nightgown and hid her hands behind her back as she gave a bow to the guests.

"Hello gentlemen, what can mama do for you guys today?"

John blinked a few times to recover his wits, but ultimately Troth spoke first.

"This guy's drunk friend isn't awake."

'Accurate'

The girl pouted.

"Well that's hardly our fault, now goodbye."

She started to close the door as John reached in and grabbed her wrist.

"Wait- "

The girl growled and swiped at his hand with her other hand. Too late John realized her hands were NOT normal, which he found out as she sank her fingertips into the back of his hand, drawing blood. Her hands were more like claws with skin over them, forming nasty talons that dig into his soft flesh.

"Let go now."

Grimacing, John complied.

"I have to add, my friend barely had anything to drink, and he isn't breathing."

The girl bared her teeth (which are surprisingly pointy) as she spoke,

"Do you have money for treatment?"

John still had plenty from the last escapade.

"Yes."

The girl sighed, seeming to immediately collect her temper, and opened the door wider.

"Bring him in."