The Rumor Mill

Sprick's back finally straightened out again as the weight of the burlap sack over his shoulder shifted from him and unto the doctor. It was no easy task to stow away a sum of gold this hefty while Sprick made his way across Mythrite. He felt nothing but pride in that moment; it took all morning to even build up the will to trudge through the viscera drenched ER tents once more. After the first wave of goblin attacks, he had seen one too many impromptu surgeries for one lifetime. Thankfully, this deed was done, and the doctor accepted the donation.
Once Sprick finished his moment of brief celebration, he recollected himself. His spine was finally realigned, and it was time for business! But as his eyes met with his recipient’s, a sudden cold sweat ran down his neck. Instead of the practitioner’s gratitude, their face held nothing but a dour gaze of distrust. But… whatever for? Just as quickly had Sprick recollected himself, the man’s cold glare had shaken him to his core. His anxieties went wild.
Perhaps Sprick's smile hadn’t reached his eyes? It’d be rather psychopathic to be able to have a genuine grin in this grotesque gore-fest. Or was it obvious how difficult it was to keep his composure? Just holding down his shrieks was more than a monumental feat given this environment. The overwhelming stench of blood paired with an ever-constant choir of cries, screams, moans, and groans was more than enough to tie Sprick’s stomach into knots. The fact that Sprick was here willingly should’ve been more than enough of a sign of good faith…
The two stood in silence as one tried to read the others thoughts. What felt like seconds passing turned into minutes. Then minutes to hours. Hours to days. Weeks to months. Years to decades. Each brief and utterly insignificant moment that came and went felt like an entire eternity to Sprick. Then finally the doctor spoke, and just as easily had the doctor’s stern glare tore him from reality, so too did his words steal him right back in.
“And you’re sure of this…” The doctor eyed Sprick up one more time before continuing. “Mr. Grimmer, sir? This is quite the hefty amount of money here, sir. Rather a large sum to be passing off unto me on a moment’s whim, correct Mr. Grimmer? Especially for one so young.”
Sprick jumped at the chance to reply to his query; finally, a chance to explain himself! But just as he went to speak, the unexpected taste of iron upon his tongue caused Sprick to stumble upon his words back and stutter for a second. No doubt from all the blood in the air.
“O-.. of course I’m su-… sure! Folks are in… um… in dire need of- of help! Around here! And ah.. um, you’re just the man to do it… doctor…. I uh… I tried to lend a hand to h-help out prior, but uh…”
Just as Sprick was about to explain himself, the sight of two huddled nurses stole his attention. They were no more than ten paces away from behind the doctor; how did he not notice them? Had they been there the whole time? Or did they just arrive? He paused a moment to try an recollect himself, but couldn’t help overhear into their murmurs.
“I heard he’s a part of the Lord’s Alliance! I’d wager five gold coins that he’s got it in good with ‘em! That’s where all his money’s comin’ from!” “Folks are saying that apparently they’re coming! Do you think he’s the one who summoned them here?!” “SH! He’s looking…”
Was that in reference to him? No, that had to be just some silly pish posh, of course… Regardless, Sprick's peanut gallery had only made the situation that more awkward. “Mr. Grimmer, sir. Your business is with me, not them.” The doctor’s voice snapped Sprick back out of his thoughts once more.
“Ah yes! My sincerest apologies.” Sprick gave the doctor a quick apologetic bow and continued on. “I’ve learned that I’m uh, rather out of place here. This environment makes me just a tad bit too squeamish, to say the very least. I figured that this would at least assure that those who can help out are properly prepared with the supplies they need!”
The doctor never let up his gaze. Why was he analyzing Sprick for…? He’d done nothing wrong! But… perhaps it was pure naivete to have thought that this dire situation could’ve been solved by just throwing money at it… Sprick was no use as makeshift nurse, but couldn’t’ve just too around idle when he could help those unfortunate folk who’ve been injured from the attacks.
Seconds passed. Why was no one in the room replying? Sprick didn’t say anything so outlandish to warrant any of this. Not a word was said from the doctor nor nurses. Why weren’t they speaking?! What had Sprick done wrong?!
When the ever-growing silence in the room was broken, it was not by the doctor nor the nurses like Sprick had hope, but by whispers carried in the wind.
“He’s in business with that Tanner fellow, correct? I bet he’s got some dirt on him.” “Wasn’t that one guy who’s s’posed tah be part’a the thieve’s guild get kicked outta his store or somethin’? I bet he’s hidin’ somethin’ good in his store’ah his!” “Yah blasted idiot! The thieves guild doesn’t exist. ‘Sides, if it did, he’d prob’ly be in good with ‘em… How else could ya’ explain his pockets gettin’ lined so quickly?”
Did a crowd gather outside the tent?! Why?! Sprick'd done nothing wrong, so why is he on trial!?! There are patients who need help, damnit! So why!? What is everyone gossiping for?!
Just as Sprick's anxiety reached a breaking point, the doctor spoke once more. His words cut sharper than a dagger. “Mr. Grimmer, sir. I’m going to be frank; can you explain to me where this money has come from?”