The Crimson Soldier

Blood-red armor?" I was intrigued, but I still found it hard to believe a suit of armor could be described as colorful.

"It's true!" he insisted. "The soldier wearing it wasn't in any state to carry on a conversation, so the armor had to do the talking. Looked like the stuff worn by those mercenaries stationed in the tower over yonder. You know the one?"

I nodded.

"Haven't heard much from them in a while, so I couldn't say if the soldier came from there," he continued. "Wouldn't surprise me, considering the state he was in. And the rumors."

"Rumors?" I asked.

"You know... the experiments. Some folks say they've heard strange, beastly noises coming from that tower. And others have seen bizarre flashes of light."

"Yes," I offered. "I'm well aware. But what does any of that have to do with your soldier friend in the fancy armor?"

"A place like that might explain his injuries. Wounds like that don't come from any sword or dagger I've ever seen."

"You got the armor off then?" I probed.

"I did. With the help of my son, at least. Afterward, I left him there to tend to the man while I came into town to ask around about him. That's when I ran into you."

"You left your son alone with that stranger?"

"Better him than me. I can't stand the sight of blood, you see? And my son's training to be a doctor anyhow, so the soldier couldn't be in better hands."

Recounting the gruesome details of the soldier's unconscious body was making the man queasy, so I thanked him for his time and asked for his address. He hesitated at first but quickly relented. I've made loose plans to visit their home tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, by then the soldier will have awoken and will be able to provide us all with some much-needed answers.

Either way, I'd like to see this mysterious soldier—and his colorful armor—with my own two eyes.