It has been quiet in the City of late: the beloved Screaming Head which has long resided at the aptly named Severed Head public house has been silent. Wild rumors (unusual in New Toulouse) swept the city. Some suggested pirates from Winterfell or New Babbage. Others whispered darkly of sabotage and a sinister underground movement. The most chilling suggestion of all was that the Head had been lost in a Linden Rolling Restart.
It takes a lot to stir the average Talooster, especially after a heavy Friday night, but on Saturday, August 30, angry citizens finally took action and matters came to a head as a mob gathered outside the pub, demanding the return of this most iconic of artifacts.
A certain amount of confusion reigned, especially among the gentlemen present, who seemed to think they were taking part in a Lonely Hearts gathering. Mr. Aodhan of New Toulouse Bayou, wearing a fetching red beret, mentioned that he can be contacted on NT-207 (call collect if necessary). Miss Frannie Alva, who had been partaking freely of liquid refreshments, seemed a little confused too, as she was exhorting everyone to “Save da [sic] Krakens.” A laudable sentiment indeed, but given Mayor Godenot’s assertion that krakens do not exist, somewhat pointless.
Miss Maggie Hawksby, in the spirit of true comradeship, said she was only there because she loved her fellow-citizens but that she had been “about ready to put the root on that head myself.”
Miz Niki had been present at the start of the rally but disappeared about halfway through. Her place was taken by a mysterious unknown woman who bore her an uncanny resemblance.
The assembled crowd was in high spirits when Miz Salome Starsmith, proprietress of the Severed Head and present guardian of the Screaming Head, announced that the Head had been found. In a short but moving ceremony Miz Salome drew aside a dirty tarpaulin and revealed the Head.
Taloosters have endured sleepless nights of worry. Now they can once again endure sleepless nights because of the screaming coming from the Severed Head. All is well in the Big Sleazy.
Caricia Wellesley is a native of Caledon. From time to time she breaks free of the constraints of Caledon life (and her corsets) and gets down and dirty in New Toulouse.