Journey to The Grotto

Gustav exited the Bumbridge residence and weaved his way through the teeming crowds of Pantiles Market towards The Spa Casino. On his way he eyed the window display at Fatima’s Haremware, picturing in his mind some of the outfits on Marion.

At the casino he descended the tunnel stairs and made his way along various Passages until he reached the Grand Canal. There was a small queue for the water taxis, so Gustav mentally went over a new recipe for moth larvae terrine while he waited. Eventually he got a taxi, which he had to share with a Romanov couple and their noisy brat. During the ride he picked at the dirt under his fingernails with the corkscrew he always carried in his pocket.

Eventually the taxi arrived, with about a hundred others, at The Grand Cavern. The Glowmoths were thick at the top of the cavern and provided a nice light show, if you were in to that sort of thing. Gustav was not. He got out and made his way along the quay to Boots, where he purchased some deodorant and shaving gel. He then sauntered his way past the score of ratwear merchants until he arrived at The Grotto.

The Grotto was Gustav’s favourite tunnel pub. He bought a pint of Calverley Bark and took a seat by the railing so he could toss his cigarette ends into the water and watch them float away. Soon his guest would arrive.