the citizens of the town never laugh, or when they do it is forcefully stifled
… like the time Kitty-Cat spilled wine down the front of his tunic while
trying to toast the health of his brother, the emperor.
This is a valid gripe. First of all because no town is totally dismal. Second,
because those readers familiar with my other works are accustomed to finding
some humour buried in the pages – even in a genocidal war between lizards and
bugs. What’s worse, in reviewing the stories in this second volume, I am
painfully aware that the downward spiral of Sanctuary has continued rather than
reversing itself.
As such I have taken it upon myself as editor to provide the reader with a brief
glimpse of the bright side of the town – the benefits and advantages of living
in the worst hellhole in the Empire.
To this end let us turn to a seldom seen, never quoted document issued by the
Sanctuary Chamber of Commerce shortly before it went out of business. The.fact
that Kitty-Cat insisted the brochure contain some modicum of truth doubtless
contributed to the document’s lack of success. Nonetheless, for your enjoyment
and edification, here are selected excerpts from
SANCTUARY VACATION CAPITAL OF THE RANKAN EMPIRE
Every year tourists flock to Sanctuary by the tens, drawn by the rumours of
adventure and excitement which flourish in every dark corner of the Empire. They
are never disappointed that they chose Sanctuary. Our city iseverything it is
rumoured to be – and more! Many visitors never leave and those that do can