Kirghast, outside the walls of the imperial garison, was a squalid gheto of thatched roofed, crumbling houses, many adobed but not white washed, or with scafolds set up to weave new thatch but no straw in sight.  The children dancing in the streets and shaking play spears at the sky were fed for the most part, but their parents showed the price of it in their own gaunt, often outright malnourished frames.  Everywhere were the signs of the practice of trade, tools carefuly stowed or service uniforms worn, but rarely was there scene sign of an honest days wage.  Poor shrines to Ahlat were adorned with red weed-flowers for offerings, for few could aford to offer meat.  The shrin of the Imaculate Order he passed was no better, though in better repair.<br/><br/>He found a tavern where beer from yane and two bowls of curry were being served over bread.