It was one of those summer rains; where the flood gates of the sky opened to drop tons of water over the course of a short hour. Streams and torrents ran down the cobbled streets, gathering muck and filth before filling the sewers. Here and there, they were clogged up and water filled the streets in big ponds. People mostly agreed it was a good thing; farmers welcomed the moisture and townsfolk retreated to their homes or the many inns and taverns of Aeos Carnaatus. The most miserable ones were obviously stuck outside; guardsmen on the high walls, or traders with heavy cargo on wagons they had yet to secure.<br/><br/>The Seleia river ran through the city, but did not threaten to overflow the streets quite yet. Centuries ago, canals had been dug and bricked that brought water from the river in a large circle around the city, a smaller circle around the high district, and yet a smaller one as a moat around the central keep.<br/><br/>There were so few people outside, that no one noticed the body floating through the canals. It bobbed below the surface and up again, slowing as it neared the sea. A few times it snagged on branches, but eventually continued downwards. Finally, it slipped into the vast ocean and disappeared for ever.<br/><br/>Former friends of the deceased had sought shelter in one of the taverns near the harbor, the Scarlet Peacock. The place was crowded on account of the rain, and the ale and rum was flowing from the taps. Few of the patrons knew that the noisy bunch in one corner of the establishment had recently slit a man's throat and taken his coin. Some kept to themselves, others were dancing. Three minstrels played harp, flute and drums on a raised dais. Of course, the prostitutes had withdrawn from the streets as well; working the crowd like there was no tomorrow.