Episode 01 - Barroom Etiquette - 2/7

Indian, and the buzz of conversation had ceased as they leaned forward on their benches, pointing their ears at his table.

Sai flicked his eyes to his mug, the pewter chipped and dented. He sighed, shaking his head. What these red giants considered a drink was disgraceful, and it was no mystery why the native bars never had business from his kind. In fact, Sai visited them for precisely that quality.

In the izakaya, there were Imperial Deputies to enforce the peace, and no one was stupid enough to risk jail-time for a brawl. And though Sai wouldn't mind a night in the local jail, he did want to avoid becoming the guest of honor at a military tribunal.

Savoring the calm before the storm, the control he had over the pacing, he looked up and replied, "I'm not trying to be unfriendly, but I'm afraid if I drank too much, I'd do something foolish."

With unhurried grace, he took another drink, glancing around the common room. Dozens of red-skinned patrons, nursing grudges over their beers, were watching him. These people didn't hide behind Deputies. Matching strength against strength carried its own kind of authority. It could give a powerless person a sense of direction, and though he wouldn't admit it to himself, Sai needed direction.