Return.

"Howard, I have decided to return here later tonight," I stated, picking up the morning's paper. "Could you-"

"I have already sent a message to the stablemaster at the livery, sir," he smiled, "He'll have an excellent animal saddled and ready for you when you arrive. I'll also have Gloria prepare something light for supper if you wish to have something to eat when you return home."

"...Thank you, Howard..." I said, raising an eyebrow at him over the paper. Gloria returned with a fresh pot of coffee and after receiving her instructions from Howard, they both left me to my own devices.

I took a walk soon after, but as I meandered through the streets of the commune, I looked upon the faces of everyone who passed me by, I could not but wonder what kinds of relationships they had with each other. What sordid secrets they hide away behind closed doors. While stopping at the local tavern for a respite and a bite, I chatted with the barman, and listened to the boisterous songs and laughter of the local docks-men rang out merrily all around, before making my way to the livery that Howard had told me of.

It was empty upon my arrival, save for the occasional clanging of metal meeting metal. I called out into the yard and a few moments later, a flustered man, who I presumed to be the stablemaster appeared, walking briskly towards me. I introduced myself and he apologized profusely that I had not been attended to before yelling loudly for his assistant. "BOY! Get your head out from between the neighbor's thighs and get Mr. Mckay's horse ready, or I WON'T strap you down and let them take the belt to you!"

A shadow dashed out from the building in the lot next door and vanished into the stables. The stablemaster sighed and shook his head while I raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm sorry, but did you just say that you wouldn't belt him... as punishment?"

The stablemaster shook his head again and shrugged. "What can I do? It's not much of a punishment if he enjoys the thrashing is it?" The journey to my destination was mostly a blur in my mind, as I rode on in utter confusion.