The Anomaly

[Rodent]

Chapter 13- The Setting

The City of Clermont-Ferrand is a quiet and picturesque town, set against a mountain range, the valley had long before been filled in with human habitation, and now little traces of nature remained. There was still a trace of natural beauty about the place, the kind of town that might go for centuries, unnoticed, peaceful in it's oblivion and lack of the grandeur and charm of bigger cities.

The peace had been disturbed however, temporarily. Police Hover-craft were flying in and round the myriad skyscrapers, and the whole City was lit up against the falling sun. It was a rare sight for the small city, and thus, it was hyped up to grandiose scales, even if the event in question was rather small.

In the middle of the city was a fairly large park, where crowds were assembling since the start of the morning. Dressed in their best, with expectant eyes for a good time, they had come and taken seats, since the garden had been rigged for the occasion. It was to be a fairly good day, a little talk, and then a lot of eating in the banquet that had been prepared.

The speech came first though, and they had to wait for the "Chief attraction". His arrival was...pompous to say the least. Many Police hovercraft first went in, and cleared the area, then came in a luxurious ride, obviously a rare sight in these regions and thus instantly recognized. They glided and set themselves in a space set aside as "Parking" and from there, many Police teams jumped out of their cars, and hurried to escort the person in the Luxurious Limousine.

The Person in question was Duke Etienne Desnoyers, A minor Duke considering the huge Gallic Aristocratic structure, but a huge celebrity in this town. He came out regally, dressed comfortably in a Suit, and walked behind the myriad guards that had been arranged for him.

They soon reached the Dias, and the crowds stood up for the Duke. After a few fitting words by the Mayor, the duke came up and began to speak.

Citoyens and Citoyennes of this glorious Town! he began. The Crowd gave forth an exuberant cheer in return.

Far away, many pairs of eyes watched the Duke's movements, and wiped the sweat off their foreheads. It was time.