A few comments: I ended each segment written by a particular author with three dashes and the author's first initial. For example, ---l indicates a passage written by Liana Elandrian, and ---d by Dave Womack. I have also included the bried appearance of the possible and not to be fourth party member, but will probably delete it from my "final" copy. What do you say to this removal from the "final" state? I tell you what...this looks GREAT in its final formatted form in MS Word! If you'd like a nice looking hard copy, I could print it out and send it via snail mail...just tell me where it should go. 13 pages for Chap 1! Not bad! DragonsBlood by Liana Elandrian, Dave Womack, and Michael Dew editted by Michael Dew Chapter 1 - A gaily painted wooden sign creaked back and forth above the Inn door. In the fading light, Aeryn could barely make out the form of a friendly-looking golden dragon. Aeryn gazed up at the dragon, debating whether or not she should stop at this particular Inn. Her eyes widened abruptly as the dragon suddenly began to move! The light of the setting sun glinted off of its bright golden scales as it lazily nodded its head in the direction of the Inn, as though indicating that Aeryn should enter. The mouth gaped open in a sharp- toothed grin, and one eye slowly winked shut. Suddenly a voice caused Aeryn to look away from the sign. "Are you all right, miss?" A well-dressed young man was asking, his expression faintly worried. "You seemed very pale for a moment; I thought you were about to faint." Aeryn shook her head, glancing nervously back up at the dragon on the sign. It was once again curled in its original position, its painted grin beckoning visitors to enter the door below. "I--I'm okay," she murmured faintly. "I guess I'm just hungry. I was wondering...is this a good Inn?" she asked as a burst of raucous laughter erupted from within the building. The young man's expression became faintly incredulous. "You've never heard of the Dragon's Inn?" he asked. Aeryn shook her head. "Should I have?" "Well, perhaps not. You don't seem the type," the young man replied with an assessing glance. "It's very popular among adventurers, since it's known to be a place where folk come to hire sell-swords and the like. But unless you're looking for adventure, I'd advise you to try the Golden Gryphon. It's not quite so--" the young man paused, a slightly embarrassed blush creeping up his cheeks. "Well, it's much quieter, at any rate." Aeryn nodded briskly, offended by the man's obvious conclusion that she was incapable of taking care of herself. "Thank you for the advice," she said smoothly before opening the Inn's door and stepping inside. The young man stared after her for a brief moment; then he shook his head and continued along the street. Aeryn stood just inside the door and looked around for a few seconds. Finally she spotted an empty table in the middle of the room--the corners were all taken, unfortunately, she noticed with a sigh--and made her way towards it. As she took her seat a smiling barmaid approached. "Can I get ya somethin' ta drink?" the woman asked. "I'll have a--" Aeryn started to say, but she was interrupted by a loud squeal from the server. "Now, we'll have none o' that!" the woman shrieked, whirling to face the grinning man at the next table who had just pinched her bottom. "Th' Innkeep don't stand for that," she informed him. "Lay another hand on me an' I'll get you bounced out o' here real quick!" The man laughed. "Aw, come off it, Sera," he retorted. "I was just teasin' ya!" "Jus' don't do it again," Sera replied in a haughty tone. "I can still get ya thrown out." She turned back to Aeryn in a huff. "Now, what was ya sayin'?" she asked. "I'll have a bottle of the Innkeeper's finest wine," Aeryn replied with a grin. She reached into her money pouch and withdrew a gold coin, which she handed to the serving woman. Sera stared at the coin for a few long moments, bit it, smiled widely once more, and then tucked the coin away. She nodded to Aeryn and hurried away to fetch the wine. The man at the next table was staring speculatively at Aeryn, eyeing first her purse and then her beautiful face and her long golden hair. Aeryn met his eyes and stared at him for a long moment. The man appeared to become entranced as he stared into Aeryn's golden eyes... Aeryn finally broke contact and turned her gaze to the returning barmaid. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the man making hasty excuses to his companions and rushing out of the Inn. Aeryn shook her head dismissively and tasted the wine which Sera had poured. "Excellent," she said, smiling up at the barmaid. Sera smiled and nodded once more before moving on to other customers. Aeryn's golden eyes scanned the Inn as she sipped her wine, pausing now and then on some of the more interesting faces in the crowd... ---l The mage Therion had come to the Dragon's Inn to rest after an unproductive search for a variety of magical supplies. His particular field of study required some relatively expensive materials, notable for their rarity; which meant he often had to search far and wide for what was needed. He had obtained a good room, finished a quality meal, and begun enjoying a snifter of fine brandy, and an excellent cigar; all things considered, it seemed the best evening possible. However; as so often happened, there was a rather rude drunk harassing an attractive young woman, but he seemed to develop a sudden need to leave; curious -- magic perhaps? The young woman *had* caught his eye. He signaled the barmaid, and sent a bottle of good vintage champagne to Aeryn at her table. As the barmaid pointed to Therion, he smiled, and raised his glass in pleasant greeting. Therion is middle-aged, with graying hair, and is dressed simply but expensively. His hooded cloak is charcoal gray, and he wears black boots. A single silvery ring appears on his right hand...scribed upon it are two equilateral triangles, the upper of the two having a symbol written within it. He walks with a cane; the top is a small sphere of clear, glittering crystal, and the body is silver. Inlaid in the body of the cane are fine filaments of gold creating a complex pattern. The tip of the cane is gold, yet shows neither wear nor damage from use. He pays his bills with gold coins, and tends to spend freely and tip lavishly. ---d Sera returned to Aeryn's table; she was carrying another glass and a bottle of champagne. Aeryn glanced at the bottle and then up at the barmaid in puzzlement. "What's this? I didn't order this!" "This is from the gentleman over there," Sera explained, pointing to a middle-aged man on the far side of the room. The man raised his own glass in greeting, and Aeryn smiled absent-mindedly in return. "Did he say *why* he sent this?" Aeryn asked, returning her gaze to the barmaid. "No." Sera shrugged. "You'll hafta ask 'im yerself." She left then to answer a demand for ale from another table. Aeryn returned her speculative gaze to the man at the other table. He had a strange, powerful aura around him--he was probably a mage, Aeryn decided. He might prove useful to her quest... As Aeryn gazed at the man, her eye was caught by the glitter of the clear crystal on the top of his silver cane. An image started to form in the crystal. The golden dragon appeared again, smiling and beckoning ...then the dragon faded away, and Aeryn shook her head as though to clear a dizziness. She stared at the crystal, hoping to see another image form...but the crystal remained empty. This was the second time Aeryn had seen the dragon in her visions--perhaps it was a good sign. With a shrug, Aeryn decided to take it as such. She picked up her two bottles of wine and the glasses and approached the man's table. "Excuse me," Aeryn said briskly, setting the bottles and glasses down on the table. "Do you mind if I join you?" She smiled, her strange golden eyes seeming to glow in the firelight... Aeryn is wearing brown breeches, a brown cloak, and a golden tunic which shimmers as the light reflects from the strange material. She has unusual golden eyes; otherwise she appears to be an ordinary human. She is about 5'10" and has long blonde hair. She does not carry any obvious weapons. ---l Therion stood as Aeryn sat the bottle and glasses on the table, waiting for her to sit before returning to his chair. He replied to Aeryn's question "Mind? Indeed not! In my travels, I came across a people who believed that those who dine alone tend to be morose...and, it seems that is frequently the case. Since you appear to be by yourself, as am I, I thought a bit of evening conversation might be pleasant...perhaps for both of us?" ---d "Indeed," Aeryn replied, "conversation would be most welcome. I have been traveling alone for a very long time, and I have missed the company of other humans." She smiled and poured a glass of champagne, which she sipped delicately. "This is excellent champagne," she said with a blissful sigh. "Fine wine is yet another aspect of civilization which I have sorely missed." ---l "My name, by the way, is Therion. I am a student of magic...I come from the town of Chadwick, roughly midway between Montfort and Mysthaven." ---d "Well met, Therion. My name is Aeryn. I come from nowhere and everywhere, most recently from the ruins of Isarra to the south." ---l Therion replied, "A most interesting area! I regret that I have never been there..." He took a sip of champagne, and continued, "The particular magical discipline I pursue requires unusual components; rare gems, unusual alloys of base and precious metals...all difficult to find, unfortunately. But I forget my manners; please forgive me for talking 'shop'." Therion smiled pleasantly, then continued. "Journeys are always enlightening, but as one gets older the simple comforts come to mean a lot. This Inn, for example...a pleasant place; unpretentious; good food, and good folk. I visited the Principality of Kosice, northeast of here; they're prosperous folk, but not particularly friendly. And, I regret to say that their Inns are somewhat lacking..." Therion chuckled. "However, I again find myself prattling endlessly!" Therion smiled. "Pray, tell me what interesting things and peoples you have come across in your travels; for I perceive that your horizons are at least as wide as my own." ---d "I have spent much of my life exploring Ifreann," Aeryn replied, her voice distant. "I have been to many wondrous places and I have seen things which would not be believed..." Aeryn sighed wistfully. "I have spent the past year exploring the remains of Isarra, Cerys, and other once-great Elven cities," she explained. ---l Therion remained quiet, clearly interested, and murmured "Ahh, the secrets they could share...may still contain..." ---d Aeryn continued, "They were so beautiful once...but there are only ruins left now. What little remains is guarded jealously by the region's inhabitants." Aeryn thought briefly of the unicorns she had glimpsed from time to time. Once they had welcomed her...but that time was long gone, and now they barely tolerated her presence. "But I am not much of a storyteller," Aeryn said with an apologetic smile, dismissing her melancholy thoughts. "However, I would like very much to hear your story, Therion. I am interested in all forms of magic. What form of magic do you practice?" ---l Therion smiled "Umm, you sense my weakness...talking about my favorite subject. I have found the magic of the mind to be utterly fascinating, though not as impressive as fireballs and lightning bolts...it can be every bit as powerful. And, in some ways, even more powerful." Therion paused a moment, as if thinking about whether to proceed, then continued speaking. "Of course, if you start finding this boring, you need only say so...or a yawn will do!" Therion chuckled. "More years ago than I'll ever admit, it occurred to me that one of the fundamental, underlying principles of magic...and of so many other disciplines, from art to military command!...was the intelligent application of the will. Of course, that is obvious. But, what is not so obvious is how this can be applied *effectively*." Therion sipped some champagne, and, since Aeryn didn't appear to be bored yet, warmed to his subject. "The threshold of mind-magic is reading the surface thoughts of others... it's little more than a fortune teller's trick, but it has its uses. But beyond that...what makes one man a coward, another a hero...and yet another a foolhardy idiot? Or, what lets one person not get ill...while others sicken, even die? It is, quite simply...attitude. So trivial;" Therion smiled, reflectively. "...but it can shatter nations! For what is the difference between a tyrant and a strong leader? Once again, attitude. And, with mind magic, it is possible to change those inmost feelings, emotions and drives. Once, I was called to help an Earl... supposedly on his death bed. Of course," Therion chuckled, "a few less helpings of dessert was the medicine he truly needed! With a few spells, I helped him regain his enthusiasm for life, his vigor...it's been 10 years, and he lives more actively than his grandchildren!" ---d Aeryn listened to Therion's description of his magic with interest and growing concern. An evil mage who practiced mind magic would be dangerous--and even a good person could do harm with such power. The reading and manipulation of others' thoughts was, in Aeryn's opinion, a serious infringement on personal privacy. She was not at all certain that she approved of such magic. She decided to wait and see how Therion used his powers before saying anything about it. In the meantime Aeryn gathered her strength and erected several mental barriers, just in case Therion was the type to read others' thoughts without permission. There was a great deal of dangerous information which certain people had entrusted to her, and if someone was to learn of it.... The thought sent chills running down Aeryn's spine. She gathered her cloak more tightly around her. ---l "However..." Therion paused again, "It takes no mind magic to know that you are not as happy as might be the case. Perhaps an understanding ear would lessen the burden?" ---d Aeryn hesitantly opened her mouth to answer Therion's question, but before she could do so a stranger approached the table... ---l Coming over the small rise, Vengar looked over the terrain. Apparently, he had arrived upon a river, and now stood at the crest of the valley. A gently sloping hill rolled from his feet towards the shimmering ribbon of water. Before the river, a road ran parallel along the near bank, disappearing in both directions in the failing light of evening. "That's it...the river," thought the tired traveler to himself. The journey had been long indeed, but the hardships of a long march are quickly forgotten when finally arriving at the destination. Vengar hustled down the grassy slopes, hoping to make it to the road before the final westward glow disappeared. His legs hurt, but the pain was not great, and he knew that tonight he would rest. Suddenly, he froze, his ears primed to catch again whatever that noise was that caused him to instinctively hold his ground. Slowly he lowered himself to the ground, gradually assuming a kneeling position while his head remained upright, eyes and ears scanning for the slightest hint of danger. He made no noise as he shrank into the tall grass. There he crouched, silent, motionless. After several minutes that seemed to pass eternally slowly, Vengar cautiously rose not quite upright. "No sign of danger, must be fatigue setting in," he thought, not entirely convinced that there was nothing out there. He headed for the road, warily watching the growing shadows around him. When Vengar finally reached the road, he turned left, which was west, and began walking a little quicker. The road was empty, but that did not alarm him, for not many journeyed after nightfall. Still, he placed his right hand on the hilt of his longsword to reassure himself that his trusty sidekick had not mysteriously deserted him. Confirming its presence, Vengar continued. Soon, he could see lights ahead. "This town must be the place," he thought, hastening a bit to a fast walk. "The Inn should be coming into view soon." When he had halved the distance, Vengar could hear loud shouts and laughter. Laughing to himself, he said aloud, "The Inn's patrons do betray themselves!" Vengar hastened. Soon he was before the source of the clamor. It came from a rather unassuming structure on a forgotten street in this small town. He entered, taking no notice of the sign hanging above the door bearing the letters "Red Dragon's Inn". The smell of two dozen sweaty bodies and weeks-old spilled beer nearly knocked Vengar off his feet, but regaining his composure, he pressed forward to the bar. No one appeared to take notice of this rather unassuming figure, for Vengar's appearance belied his capabilities. He was short for a human, and very slim, giving a full half a foot to two yards in height, and surely not more than 8 stones in weight (a stone is about 20 pounds). He was covered in a heavy cloak of dark and mottled colors (what hue it was originally was unclear) which hid from view that which he carried. Upon his back was a small and worn backpack, and judging from its shape it was not empty. His head was unadorned, and his hair was black as pitch. He was not a dark man, but it was obvious that he had seen much of the outdoors, nor was he very young. However, the most striking feature was his face, for Vengar was very difficult to behold. His features were not to the extent as to be described as grotesque, but he was certainly not one of the more pleasant men to view. When he had negotiated the crowd to the bar, a barmaid asked him what he wanted. He looked up at her and said, "Besides rest, water for my skin and my throat" as he lay his water skin on the bar. The barmaid took the skin and turned to go, but before leaving caught a look of Vengar's face. She inhaled sharply, and Vengar caught her gaze with his eyes. She did not appear about to scream, so he stated, "I was burned as a child." It was a lie and he knew it, but it generally satisfied most people. The barmaid nodded hesitantly, and disappeared into a back room. After a few minutes, she reappeared with Vengar's water skin and a large cup filled with the clear liquid he had requested. Dropping a coin on the bar and stowing the skin, Vengar took the cup and began sipping its contents while surveying the room. Turning around inevitably led to someone noticing him, and he was soon beset with cries of "Hey Ugly! You could scare the wings off of gargoyles with a face like that!" and other such derogatory comments to that effect from the more unruly in the crowd. Vengar ignored them, as he had learned to do early in his life. When the crowd saw that they would not get any satisfaction from such taunting, they quickly lost interest and resumed their previous business. Something caught his eye. A person? No, it was what that person was wearing. Such a strange garment, the way the light danced upon it, shimmering as if to conceal its true color. Fascinated by the garment, Vengar began to approach the wearer whose back was to him. He noticed that the wearer was a female, human in appearance, with hair of a shade of gold that he had never seen before. With her at the table was an older man with graying hair and in the strangest of attire, holding an even stranger cane. Vengar continued to approach. The crowd was jostling him with every step, yet he displayed his uncanny agility as to not spill a drop of his drink. When he was a few paces from the woman whose cloak so intrigued him, her companion saw him and tilted his cane towards him. She turned, and looked Vengar in the face. Instantly, his eyes were transfixed by hers. "Something about those eyes," he thought. They were the same strange color of gold as her hair, and so very sharp, piercing even. And yet, deeper down, there was something else ....pain? Vengar was not certain. Snapping from his momentary trance, he spoke. "Excuse me, my lady, but I could not help but notice your cloak. The material is very fine, and the workmanship is flawless. I could make use with one. Could you tell me where I could obtain such a garment, and at what cost?" ---m Aeryn shook her head with a small smile. "I'm afraid that I can be of no help to you, good sir. This tunic once belonged to my mother, who died when I was a small child. I have never seen another like it, and I have been unable to trace its origins." ---l Vengar started again, "A thousand pardons, my manners were slow in catching up to me. My name is Vengar. Please forgive me, for the journey has been long, and rest has been hard to come by." He awaited their reply. ---m Aeryn poured herself another glass of champagne and then listened quietly as Therion greeted the stranger. ---l Therion looked at Vengar and said "A fellow traveler, I see...but surely you realize you'll never be popular with the barmaids when you order water! Don't you realize that fish *swim* in water? Now champagne, on the other hand..." Therion chuckled in a friendly manner, and took a sip of his own drink. "But tell me, what brings you to this corner of the world? Unless I misjudge, you are a stranger here, as are we...and I surmise you seek things other than the names of adequate tailors ." Therion smiled. Nearby, an argument among several men started becoming heated and a trip outside by the several participants seemed inevitable. ---d Unfortunately, Vengar was not able to see what was occurring (as his back was turned), but it did not sound friendly. He did not turn, not wanting any potential adversary to know that he was aware of him, but his ears remained perked to the slightest hint that an assailant was approaching. His muscles tightened, ready to snatch the daggar from its belt-sheath and spin into action. Momentarily, he lost all cognizance of the table before him. ---m As Aeryn observed the mage and the stranger, she noticed Vengar tense slightly as though preparing for an attack. The man was obviously a well- trained and experienced fighter. He seemed honest... perhaps, Aeryn thought, she would ask him to join her in her quest. A good fighter was always an asset in an adventuring party. ---l Therion glanced over at them, smirked, and closed his eyes for a moment. The argument immediately ceased, and the same folk who had been discussing unpleasant ways of injuring each other began exchanging compliments. ---d Aeryn's eyes narrowed as the argument faded and changed. It was undoubtedly Therion's work. Aeryn definitely didn't approve of his methods. ---l Vengar's attention, though still primed towards the rear, returned to the table. ---m Therion looked back to Aeryn and said "You see? Attitude can make a world of difference!" ---d "I'm not at all certain that I like your method of dealing with the situation, Therion," Aeryn said calmly, but there was a slight edge of frost in her tone. She said nothing more on the matter for the moment; she did not wish to jump to any hasty conclusion based upon a few minutes' conversation. She decided to wait and see what developed... ---l Therion looked surprised and replied "Really? Would it have been preferable for them to have fought, injuring themselves and perhaps others? Seriously, do you regard it as wrong to prevent such an outcome?" ---d Aeryn glared stonily at the mage but shook her head, refusing to answer. There wasn't time at the moment, but later she would have to discuss his practices with him... ---l "Could this gentleman have had an effect on the commotion behind him?" Vengar thought. He had heard of sorcerer's who were able to alter a person's mind, but had always thought that most conjuror's were more obvious in their craft, with smoke and flames, thunder and lightning, and the like. This person would need more study. "I would answer your questions, good sir, but you have me at a disadvantage. While I have told you my name, you have not yet shared the same," Vengar said. "Indeed, you are correct, Vengar!" said the old man, realizing his faux pas. "I am Therion, and my companion here is Aeryn. Come, have a drink?" ---m Aeryn blushed slightly as Therion introduced her. It had been so long since she had been in the company of other humans; her manners were slipping. ---l "I thank you for your hospitality, but forgive me for being cautious. I do not drink that which dulls the mind when in a strange place and when surrounded by strange faces. And while fish may *swim* in water, as you point out, they do so to maintain their life, for sustenance. Like the fish, then, I drink." At that, Vengar tilted his cup to Therion, and then to Aeryn, while continuing, "Besides, I am not here to win any popularity contests with the barmaids. I dare say that I frightened one off when I ordered my drink! But you are correct. I am not here in search of tailors. I have a mission before me, but before I can undertake it, I must hone my skills so that I may be up to the task. You greeted me with the words 'fellow traveler', and 'a stranger here, as are we'. You, then, are not from these parts?" ---m Aeryn listened with great interest. A mission? Perhaps he would be willing to help her in her quest if she agreed to help him in his... Since the question was directed to Therion, Aeryn decided to sit back for a few moments and let him do the talking for the time being... ---l Therion chuckled at Vengar's reply, and decided not to give in to the temptation of getting clarification on the concept of 'drinking like a fish'... especially since Vengar seemed to have had more than enough teasing at the Inn anyway. Therion replied, "As I had just mentioned before you came by, I come from the town of Chadwick. It's about 180 miles Northwest of Montfort. And, since there are few who travel beyond the borders of their county of birth... that, if nothing else, would make of me a traveler." Therion smiled good naturedly. "But, Vengar, you seem to be of a most serious turn of mind...speaking of 'missions' and 'honing skills'...and I was not blind to your..." Therion smiled again. "...internal preparations, shall we say?...when matters behind you started getting out of hand. A young man like yourself should not forget to have some fun before your youth has passed." ---d Aeryn frowned. The more she heard of Therion's magic, the less she liked it. Therion was obviously not averse to reading thoughts without permission, as she had feared. She tightened her mental barriers, briefly thanking the gods that she had the benefit of experience on her side when it came to mind- magic. She knew how to keep Therion from learning what he should not. ---l Vengar listened to Therion as he spake, and rage began to well inside of him. How dare this mage invade his mind! As surely as Vengar would oppose an intruder to his home, he opposed the thought of someone rampaging through his thoughts. His jaw muscles tightened in fierce anger as Therion continued, but Vengar's eyes were frozen on Therion's. ---m Therion shifted slightly, and glanced down at the small crystal orb atop his cane, and said, "Red...the color of anger. But not, I think, due to those who taunted you earlier..." He paused, then continued. "I am a student of magic, who finds himself often traveling to gather the materials and books demanded by my art. My latest trip has been only moderately successful, I regret to say...but, if I do not pry too much..what is this mission you speak of? Of course, if it is a secret, please do not feel that I wish to pry..." ---d Vengar was about to lash Therion verbally, but before he could Aeryn spoke. ---m "And please, do sit down, Vengar," Aeryn added with a warm smile. "Forgive me for my apparent lack of manners. I have not had need of them for a long time, since I have travelled mainly in my own company. They appear to have grown a bit rusty. "You need not speak of your mission, if you do not wish to do so," Aeryn continued smoothly. "But if you seek experience, I might be able to help you." ---l When she was finished, he began. Breaking his gaze to Therion for the first time, he looked at Aeryn and said, "I understand the absence of your manners, for I have been in a similar situation this past fort-night, and I would gladly accept your invitation to sit." Then, leaning over the table and placing his face in Therion's, Vengar lowered his voice and said, "But let me make one thing clear, mage: do not practice your craft on me, unless it is at my request! I do not practice MY craft on you, and I expect the same!" With that, he sat at the table, conspicuously sitting next to Aeryn and away from Therion. ---m Therion raised his eyebrows in surprise and replied to Vengar "Practice my craft? If you shouted to the barmaid, could you expect others not to hear? And, if the barmaid yelled back, would you believe that others should suddenly become deaf? There are those who say that in the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king...alas, I find that is rarely the case. More often, he is the source of undeserved anger and resentment...." Therion looked genuinely wounded by Vengar's reaction. ---d Aeryn was relieved to find that the stranger echoed her feelings on the subject of Therion's magic. She started to offer him a drink, but remembered in time that he drank only water. Instead she sat back and listened carefully as Vengar continued. ---l When he was seated, Vengar turned to Therion and, in a more normal, conversational tone, answered his first question. "You asked of my mission, if it were not to pry. With all due respect, having just met the two of you I would prefer not to divulge that just yet. You see, I do not give my trust upon meeting a person, nor do I expect it. I must have time to earn your trust, as you must have it to earn mine." It was clear from Vengar's speech and attitude that he considered his outburst at Therion to be the final matter of the issue. ---m Therion said "I see." The ghost of a smile played upon his features, as he looked toward Aeryn and Vengar, but what it meant was indeterminate. ---d "This is quite understandable," Aeryn remarked with a smile which did not quite reach her golden eyes. "I do not trust others until I have seen evidence that they are trustworthy. I tend to choose my companions carefully--and obviously, I have spent much of my life travelling *alone* as a result." Aeryn's eyes held a hint of sadness and pain as well as loneliness. ---l Turning to Aeryn, Vengar added, "You spoke of a way to help me perfect my skills? I am interested. Tell me more." ---m "Gladly," Aeryn replied, sitting forward and resting her arms on the table. "Normally, as I have told you, I prefer to travel alone. This remains true when it comes to this quest, since it is a very personal one and I am extremely reluctant to share it with anyone, much less with two perfect strangers. But, as much as I hate to admit it, I will very likely need help in this case. Both of you have talents which could prove useful to me--though I find some of them extremely distasteful," she added ruefully. "But that is unimportant at the moment. "My current quest is to discover who--and what--I am. This may not seem like the kind of quest which would need the help of a highly trained fighter or a mage specializing in mind-magic, but I believe that your help may prove necessary all the same. Perhaps I should explain my background a bit, to help you understand." Aeryn took a sip of champagne and continued. "My mother came from a small mountain village far to the north, beyond Mysthaven and its neighboring towns. She was an ordinary human girl, except for her extraordinary beauty. My mother was promised to a young man from a neighboring village, but a few days before her wedding she disappeared without a trace. For years no one knew whether she was still alive and where she might have gone. But one day she returned to the village--ill, half-starved, and obviously pregnant. She was taken in by her family, but she refused to tell them where she had been or who the father of her child was. She gave birth to me a few months after her return, and a few hours later she was dead. I was taken in by my aunt and uncle; they raised me as their own child. When I was old enough, they gave me this golden tunic--which my mother had been wearing when she returned--and they told me what they knew of the circumstances surrounding my birth, which of course was very little." ---l Vengar listened intently as Aeryn told her story, and it evoked a torrent of memories from his own past. "In search of your origins?" he mused bitterly in silence to himself. "Be careful what you search for, it may not be what you want to know." He began to think of his own childhood, of his own origins, and then he remembered Therion. What if he was listening to him? He quickly focused his mind again on what Aeryn was saying, but the underlying anger and hatred was still lurking in his mind. He took a long draft from his cup, and finished it. He slammed it to the table as Aeryn continued. ---m "I have been wandering the earth since I was only twenty years of age, and for most of that time I have considered myself an ordinary human being. There was nothing out of the ordinary about me, except for my hair, my eyes, and a few strange powers which I had discovered over the years. But when I reached my fortieth year, I realized that I had not aged a great deal since I had become an adult. It was then that I knew that I am not fully human. I know, too, that I am not a half-elf, for I have many elven friends and I do not resemble them in the slightest. But now that I have nearly reached a century in age, I feel a growing need to discover who or what I may be." ---l What was that she said? ONE HUNDRED years old? Vengar's curiosity was aroused, but caution also. Was he dealing with powers beyond his control? Still, there was a connection between his troubled past and Aeryn's desire to find hers. He listened as Aeryn continued. ---m "I have recently begun having visions of dragons--golden dragons, in particular. And when my visions tell of dragons, I know that dragons are what I must find. I must travel north, into the unexplored regions beyond any human settlement, and I must seek dragons there. If I do not have the blood of dragons running through my veins, then they will no doubt be able to tell me where I might look next for my origins. For I have found that my visions-- though often vague and unclear--contain only the truth." ---l Dragons. Vengar had heard of these terrible reptilian monsters, but he had never seen one nor known anyone who had...and survived, at any rate. He pictured these huge beasts, soaring through the sky on their outstretched wings, searching the countryside for any tiny morsel that could satiate their voracious appetite, and he shuddered. Their horrible limbs rippling with muscles and able to tear a man in half with a mere flick of their razor sharp claws. Or, to be bitten by that maw with hundreds? thousands? of teeth, every one as bad as the claws, or even worse! And what was more, Vengar had also heard a spattering of stories purporting that some dragons even possessed the ability to use magic, with a stare that could paralyze and an aura that struck fear in the bravest of souls. Dragons. "Well, you wanted to test your skills," Vengar thought to himself. "What better way than against dragons?" But wait? Did she say that she thought that she had dragon blood in her? Perhaps she means not to fight these creatures, but merely to beseech them? And if she is kin, perhaps they will not find her companions nearly as tasty as they might otherwise. ---m Aeryn sat back, taking another sip of her champagne. "Will you travel with me, sirs? The journey will be perilous, but I believe that it will be well worth it." ---l When Aeryn had finished, Vengar sat silently, spinning the empty cup in his hands, with her last words echoing in his ears. "The journey will be perilous, but I believe that it will be well worth it." Perilous indeed. He had heard of no encounters with dragons that could be described otherwise. But, then again, he had never actually come in contact with a dragon himself, and the fools back in his village were all cowards anyway. Well worth it? That certainly sounded encouraging. And, if she were planning on doing this alone, she surely expected to survive. With two companions, myself familiar with the blade and Therion with the mind, perhaps I over-estimate the danger. Besides, nothing risked, nothing gained. Vengar had talked himself into accompanying Aeryn. "I will journey with you," he said finally, breaking the silence. "And may we have luck in finding that which we seek, and may we seek that which you desire." Vengar then looked over to Therion to see his reply. ---m Aeryn smiled sweetly at her newest companion. "Thank you, Vengar. Your help is greatly appreciated." She turned to Therion, her smile dimming not one whit, and waited to hear what the mage might say... ---l Therion sat silently as Aeryn described her quest, his face and body revealing nothing. As Vengar listened, and ultimately replied to Aeryn, there was no indication from Therion to show whether he had seen within his thoughts or not. He said to Aeryn "I have long been curious about Golden Dragons...there is much to learn from them. And, I will gladly accompany you on your quest, for it seems most worthy." ---d Aeryn opened her mouth to thank Therion, but the mage was not yet finished... ---l "Yet....there is something which you should consider first. You say that your mother returned ill and half starved. It would be unusual for a Golden Dragon - if what little information is available about them is true - to abuse her in any case. More particularly, if she bore the Dragon's child." ---d "This is only one of the questions which I wish to have answered," Aeryn replied quietly. ---l "I have, from time to time, been asked to help some people...and have entered their minds, at their own invitation...sometimes, they find the information I locate distasteful. As some might say, be careful what you search for..." A hint of a smile appeared on Therion's lips. ---d As Therion spoke, Vengar thought about what the gray-haired man said. "CURIOUS about Golden Dragons? That does not at all seem to indicate that he is the least bit concerned about his SAFETY around them. Perhaps the stories I have heard have been fanciful exaggerations circulated by cowards. 'Unusual for a Golden Dragon to abuse', hmm? Well, that does sound more encouraging than what I have heard." "At least Therion understands that you should choose your questions with care, as the answer may not be as palatable as you had hoped." Vengar did not suspect that the origin of this notion may not have been entirely unique to Therion. ---m Therion took a sip of champagne, then continued. "You may find my magic to be of more help than you think!" He chuckled good naturedly at the pun. "In many such situations, people don't tell everything they really know; for whatever reason, they hold back. With a small boost to their self-confidence, they can become much less shy about revealing things." ---d "I realize this, which is why I feel that your magic would be helpful in this case. I am not at all certain whether or not this is the right thing to do...but I must have answers and I will use any means possible to attain them." Aeryn still had not resolved her confusion on the matter. On one hand, she wanted this information very badly...but on the other, she felt that using magic to pry it from people's minds was wrong. ---l "For example; you say that your mother would never reveal who the father of the child was....but, do we know that? Sometimes, people tell lies. Perhaps it would be a good idea to start first in your home village?" ---d Vengar's suspicions about the mage rose again at these words. "What was that he had said earlier, that if I yelled across a room that others were bound to hear? Could his skills be so non-intrusive? And that analogy concerning the one-eyed man amongst the blind. No. NO! It IS an invasion! When amongst the blind, one may choose not to don clothing. When learning of the one-eyed man, your privacy has been compromised! There must be assurances from the one- eyed man that he will not be looking unless asked to!" Vengar clenched his teeth as he listened on to Therion's words. ---m Aeryn then said in answer to Therion, "It's been almost a hundred years since I left the village. For all I know, it may not be there anymore. And if it is, I won't know anyone there. But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look." ---l "If acceptable to both of you," he nodded to Aeryn and Vengar, "we could leave in the morning, and start what is certain to be a most interesting quest..." His two companions noticed as he closed his eyes for an instant. ---d Aeryn thought for a moment, and then nodded. "Yes, that will be fine. There are very few necessary preparations, and I can take care of them this evening." ---l Therion leaned back in good humor. A few minutes later the stable boy came to Therion and said "Sir, a stranger told me you wanted your horse to be ready to ride early tomorrow morning...is that right?" Therion replied, "Exactly. Thank you!", and gave the lad a large silver coin. Therion chuckled. ---d Aeryn frowned at Therion's rather obvious display of his talents, but said nothing on the matter. She was not responsible for the way in which he practiced his magic. It had been her practice for years to simply worry about taking care of herself and to ignore the rest of the world...and though her conscience often troubled her about it, she was not about to change her habits until she felt it absolutely necessary. As long as Therion did not trouble her with his powers...she would leave him alone. ---l "My, my, what a coincidence!" Vengar thought wryly as the stable boy addressed Therion. When the mage chuckled, Vengar knew that this was more than just coincidence! "And what reaction will a Golden Dragon have if it suspects that its mind has been read?" he speculated ruefully, hoping never to have to answer that question. That had been at least three instances of Therion's mind magic, and he claimed merely to be a "student"! Vengar thought that the mage was sorely needing a lesson in self-discipline, but he surmised that such individuals probably were unfamiliar with the concept. He let out an audible sigh and said aloud, "Agreed! There be no reason to delay our departure!" Knowing the tradition of partaking of a common drink prior to such an endeavour, Vengar held his empty cup towards Therion and said, "Let us drink to our good fortune, that we may be successful in our task and expeditious in our safe return!" He was still amongst strangers in a strange place, but Vengar knew the importance of forming a bond with the people he would be trusting his life to. Besides, while he did not fully trust Therion, a peace offering was always prudent. And if his mind started to become clouded, he could always cease. ---m Therion smiled and said "Excellent! And, Vengar, may we learn much... perhaps I will even learn the rudiments of self-discipline." Therion's smile increased by the smallest increment. He then offered Champagne to Vengar.... ---d Vengar accepted the Champagne from Therion, but his eyes glared at the latest blatant use of Therion's magic on his mind. He thought to himself, "And you just failed your first lesson." When Therion had filled his cup, Vengar proposed a toast. "To us, and to the success of our mission!" Aeryn and Therion raised their glasses in unison, and the three touched them together and drank, cementing their union. Afterwards, talk settled on much lighter stuff, having been heavy with the details of Aeryn's troubled past and the chafing between Vengar and Therion. ---m The inn door swings open, revealing a shadowed figure. For a moment, a wave of unnatural fear chills the blood of those nearest the door. Then the figure steps forward, dispelling the effect. It is a man, tall and slender, dressed in brightly coloured silk. On his head sits a hat, cocked at a rakish angle, with a red feather stuck in the band. His features are sharp, his gaze clear and slightly disconcerting if held for too long. At his side hangs a rapier, and around his chest is a bandoleer of stilettos. One is conspicuously missing. His hair hangs down below his shoulders, and is slightly disarrayed from the wind. He walks across to the bar, and produces a few gold coins from somewhere inside his clothes. He then proceeds to purchase a large bottle of strong, and expensive spirits. He takes a seat near the fire, and settles down to drink, his eyes occasionally sweeping across nearby women. A shadow fell over the table, startling those too engrossed in conversation and their own thoughts to hear the approaching figure. A man stood there, and after a moment spoke. "I couldn't help but overhear your mention of a quest, seeking your father. It happens that I am upon a similar quest, seeking my own. I was wondering if you might appreciate a little company on your quest? I do have a few skills of my own, and though no master with a blade, I am still not unfamiliar with the ways of battle." He stood, awaiting a response, his eyes darting between the three people already at the table, though lingering longest on Aeryn. ---? Aeryn looked up in surprise as the stranger approached the table. There was more to this man than met the eye, she was sure...but as it was she felt wary enough traveling with two strangers--never mind three. "I'm very sorry, sir," she said, smiling apologetically. "But I would prefer to keep the group as small as possible, since this is a rather personal mission... Perhaps another time." ---l Therion had felt the man's approach, and after finishing his drink to his new companion's health, replied "You are most kind...however, we seem to have formed a consensus that our present triangle of three sides would be stronger than a group of four. Certainly we wish you well on your quest, and in your search for knowledge...perhaps at some future time... As the time passed, Therion stood, and wished his two new friends a good night before retiring to his room. Once inside, and after carefully locking the door, he sat for a few minutes. After assuring himself that all was as it should be, he went to bed. Had anyone been watching, they would have seen a faint shimmering bubble surround Therion's body, filled with a hint of a greenish luminance which soon faded. ---d After Therion had left, Aeryn got up to leave, but Vengar grabbed her arm and beckoned for her to stay. After she had sat back down, Vengar spoke to her in a low voice. "I have some things that I wish to discuss with you, but away from Therion." ---m An understanding expression crossed Aeryn's face; she nodded slightly, indicating that Vengar should continue. ---l "I am very concerned about his magic, and his seemingly wanton way of employing it. Therion seems to have no self-control." ---m "I'm not so certain that it is a matter of self-control," Aeryn said slowly. "It seems to me to be a matter of pride, and self-importance. He seems to enjoy demonstrating his talents...but he has not, so far, used them in such a way as to cause harm. Until he does, I see no reason to interfere. Besides, his powers will be useful in my quest." ---l "Perhaps, as you say, it is a matter of pride and self-importance, but those two factors are compromising his self-control. I understand that he has not used them to cause any harm, but that does not mean that he won't. If the corner of this table were burning, I would move to put it out, not wait until the entire Inn was engulfed in flames. I am not saying that he should not employ his powers. Indeed, that is the very reason he is on this quest." ---m "Well, as I see it," Aeryn replied slowly, "he enjoys demonstrating his powers--but he has, as yet, only demonstrated them in such a way that they have not caused any harm. I think that if he was genuinely evil, he would have shown off in a way that *was* harmful, since that would have been more effective. But since he has not, I can only assume that he has some morals. Either that, or he is on his best behavior since he does not wish to offend us. Either way, we can only wait and see. We don't know enough about him to make judgment calls." ---l "True, and I DO feel that his services will be very important to this mission, perhaps even vital, but I insist that something be done to protect ourselves from his probing thoughts." ---m Aeryn frowned thoughtfully. "I am not certain that we *can* protect ourselves," she said frankly. "I have placed several mental barriers around my thoughts, but I have no way of judging whether he may break through them. I cannot tell how strong his powers might be; so far he has used them on unsuspecting innocents, and he has used them to read your thoughts because you do not know how to protect them." Aeryn toyed with the stem of her wine glass, considering their absent companion. "We may have to simply trust him not to probe too deeply...or perhaps he can be convinced not to probe at all. We will have to straighten this out before we reach our destination." ---l "Mental barriers?" Vengar sat silently, mulling over the possibilities of this type of defense. "This would be sufficient, as long as he did not attempt to penetrate the barriers. Can you teach me how to raise them, and how to detect if they have been breached? Perhaps also we can talk to Therion and express our concerns. 'Simply trust'? Perhaps in time, but I have known too many people who 'simply trusted' the person who eventually led to their demise. That will have to come." ---m "I do not know if I can teach them. I use them instinctively, and I am not exactly certain how they work." Aeryn shrugged, frowning thoughtfully. "At any rate. I do not mean that we actually trust him with our lives! We do not know that he can be trusted. I simply mean that we can do nothing more about it; we have no other choice but to hope that he does not penetrate more deeply into our minds than he already has." ---l "I am also concerned about these Dragons, but I would like some more information from you first. All I have heard are from stories, and they do not paint a very favorable image of these beasts. I gathered from the conversation that not all Dragons are evil. What more can you tell me? ---m "Very little," Aeryn replied with a sigh. "I have heard the same stories, but I have never been privileged enough to meet a dragon." ---l "Also, and perhaps most importantly: So far, we have only been able to tell when Therion uses his powers when he has eluded to it in what he has said, or when other people's behavior changes strangely for no reason. We cannot tell directly when our minds and thoughts are being read." ---m "I can," Aeryn replied. "So far he has not probed more than surface thoughts, but if he were to try to go deeper, I would know of it. I do not know what I would be able to do about it...but I would know of it." ---l Reiterating his request, Vengar asked, "Again, can you teach me how to do this?" but Aeryn did not seem to hear, or at the very least did not respond. "What about the Dragons? What if they CAN tell? And how would they react if they knew they were being read? I would not want to risk angering one of the giant worms, good, evil, or otherwise." ---m "We can only hope that Therion is intelligent enough to take precautions. No doubt dragons are able to protect themselves, however. They are essentially magical creatures, and they no doubt have some sort of built-in protection, so to speak." Aeryn shrugged. "I wish that I knew more, but I do not. If I did, I wouldn't need to go on this quest." Aeryn smiled wryly, her golden eyes seeming to glow for a moment. ---l Vengar repeated Aeryn's words with disdain, "'We can only hope.' I really don't like the sound of that." He looked into her eyes as she finished, and saw in them a deep, warm, golden glow. Strangely, Vengar felt reassured, that all would turn out well in the end. Perhaps all his caution and concern was unnecessary, but years of experience had taught him otherwise. ---m After a brief moment Aeryn stood, her chair scraping loudly on the wooden floor. "If there is nothing else...?" she said with a questioning look. "I believe I will retire for the night." She paused, waiting to see if Vengar had any other questions... ---l Vengar stared at his empty cup for a few moments, then stood also. "That sounds like a good idea. Let us adjourn for the eve, and begin this quest in the morn! Good night to you, Aeryn!" ---m Aeryn nodded and smiled before turning away; she quickly disappeared into the crowd. ---l Vengar watched her go and was surprised how quickly she disappeared from view. Sitting back down at the table, he thought aloud to himself. "Well, tomorrow begins what could be a long and difficult mission, full of peril and promise. And what do I know of my companions? A mind-mage who enjoys tip- toeing through the thoughts of the unaware, and a century-old woman who thinks she might be a dragon. What strange fellows you have picked for yourself this time, Vengar!" ---m -- Michael Dew Stoner Associates, Inc. michael.dew@Stoner.COM +1 713 626 9568 voice +1 713 622 7832 fax