Twin suns burned, Frater and Soror. Once one, now two. They lit the day and night, they parched the land, salted the sea.

One would dare not cross the land in midday, while the twins were closest. Death from the scorching heat was as common as starvation and disease.

It was just past seven, the wind brought with it a tepid breeze. A storm was approaching, a crackle of thunder sounded from the distant hills. My feet were swift against red ground, the air somewhat cool on my sweat drenched face. I ran south, towards Umbri.

A letter wrapped in leather, was tucked close against my breast, a red seal stained it. A mark of royalty, a letter of allegiance and the promise of war. The delivery must be swift and secret. My steps slowed, as Umbri rose into view.

The mighty stone stuck straight out of the dusty earth. Providing moving shade as the suns glared. Migrating around the giant sundial of stone, were tents, shops, a whole bazaar. Liars, cheats, killers, and harlots, all called it home.

And Umbri, was the only place anonymity was promised.

My wide brim hat and bandana covered my dirt filled face. I resembled all those who walked in the shade of Umbri, riffraff and vermin.

The ground rumble, the drills ran and dug, ever expanding beneath the solor cracked surface of the earth. The air was thick with dust, and the smell of fuel and oil.

I made my way through the stalls and vendors, towards a dramshop. Dirty bottles were packed high, various dark viscous liquids filling them. The barkeep glared, his skin slate gray from the drill dust. One eye crusted over.

“Salve,” I greeted, my voice dry and cracked. “I have a delivery.”

He spit onto the ground. “Don’t serve mailmen.” He grunted.

“I come nameless,” I raise my hands in surrender, speaking the code phrase. I peeked the corner of the letter from under my shirt. Red seal bright. “And with great secrecy.”

He eyed me close, before glancing around the packed bazaar. People had begun to shift, following the shade.

“Aie..fine then.” He pulled from under his bar an old lock box. “I respect that, and shall deliver with haste.”

I hand him the leather wrapped letter. “May Frater and Soror be cool and generous.” I bowed my head.

He ignores me, quickly placing the letter in the box and back under his bar. He spits again, this time on a glass he begans to clean.

I head back to the outskirts of Umbri, the storm rolls in the distance. A wall of dust and heat, lighting striking within.

The Twins watch from high above, burning bright. Frater and Soror, brother and sister. One one, now two.