Ascent from Darkness by Gregory J . Glanz
Part Two
“ It ’ s called a bath ,” Miso was explaining .
Wank stood naked facing the tub of warm water , his hairy back and white butt facing his benefactor , Miso Sturm . Miso rubbed fat fingers through the thinning hair on top of his head , a knowing smile hidden from the half-orc .
“ I ’ ve never been in water before ,” Wank said , slowly turning to face the apothecary .
Miso dried his hands on a small towel and gave the half-orc a sympathetic nod . “ One might think it ’ s worth getting used to ,” he explained .
Another human act to this human circus , thought Wank , gritting his teeth and finally lowering himself into the tub . Twenty minutes later , Miso had him stand up before dumping a large bucket of cold water over his head and down his body . Wank yelped and turned a baleful eye on the fat man . Miso only pointed toward an open door to his right and another steaming bath beyond . “ It ’ s warm ,” was all he said . Wank climbed quickly out of his current tub and veritably pranced toward the steaming water . Despite the shiver of dread he felt upon entering , he quickly lowered himself into its steaming confines .
“ And now for the last step in the first phase of the Tassner treatment ,” Miso said as he entered the room smiling . He held out a pale square perched in one sparkling palm as he
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