The knight rode through the rain splattered streets of Montfort.  
He wore a cloack over his tarnished armour, and had a long claymore 
strapped to his back.  His horse carried him steadily towards the inn 
the street urchin had told him about.  Finally, he spotted the sign of 
the dragon, and the knight dismounted and led his warhorse into a nearby 
stable.  He gave the stableboy a few coppers for fodder for his forse, 
then made his way towards the front door of the inn.  He quickly opened 
the door and shut the rain out behind him.
     As the knight stood in the doorway, he scanned the common room of 
the inn.  Once his eyes adjusted to the new lighting, he made his way 
over to the bar and removed his helmet.  Rain soaked gray hair was 
matted to his head, but the gleam in his steel blue eyes betrayed a 
youthfulness of spirit.
     Reaching into the money pouch at his side, he pulled forth a gold 
coin from one of the many countries he had been through.  During the 
length of his quest, he had traveled all the lands of Iffrean.  He 
nodded to the innkeeper - "Something hot to drink, I should think, and a 
meal to go with it."  Looking around, he noticed the cinnamon rolls 
being devoured by some of the other patrons.  "Perhaps, one of those 
delicious looking rolls, as well."  The innkeeper turned to relay the 
order to the kitchen, then faced the knight again.  "You appear to have 
traveled a bit, friend?"
     The knight smiled at the innkeeper, "Aye, the quest of a lifetime, 
and taking as long."  Taking off one of his gauntlets, he offers the 
innkeeper his hand.
     "I am Didymus, Knight of the Order of the Purple Docket, in service 
to King Calleus of Karantine."
     Hugh smiled, took the proffered hand in a sincere handshake, and 
replied, "Welcome to the Inn, Sir Didymus!  There's a table over by the 
fire...why not warm yourself while I see to your meat and drink?"
     Soon after the Knight had seated himself, Hugh brought over some 
hot mulled wine, followed shortly by Steak Draconis (Beef covered with a 
light sauce based on tomatoes, onioins, and a touch of dragon pods!), 
along with nicely browned potatoes and a portion of tender greens.  A 
cinnamon roll, steaming and warm, with a bit of sugar icing and nicely 
buttered, covered a large plate, awaiting a fork!
     Hugh added, "And would you care for a room for the evening?"
     Didymus paused for a second to swallow what was in his mouth (By 
the Gods, this steak is good!).  "Aye, I think a room would be nice, and 
a nice hot bath, as well.  I don't mind telling you, I've had my fill of 
sleeping under the stars and washing in ice cold streams.  These old 
bones of mine are really starting to complain of the abuses I put them 
through."  Didymus washed down the steak with drink of the hot mulled 
wine.
     Hugh grinned broadly and replied, "We'll have the water steaming by 
the time you finish your meal!  And you have my promise that the 
mattress will be soft, and the blankets warm!"
     "Friend innkeeper, do you know of anyone who would like to help an 
old battered knight on a quest?  I have traveled long and hard, and I 
think the time has come for me to seek younger hands to help me."
     Hugh looked over at the young Macedonian and said, "Unless I miss 
my guess, I'd bet that Parmenion is seeking an adventure!  And the young 
woman over there," Hugh nodded at Athen, "..there's something about her 
that suggests she's more than the ordinary...though she seems so sad.  
And," Hugh paused, "...there's a fellow that Sera tells me is named 
Ggorth.  He seems to only communicate in sign language... and then 
there's Siobhann.  I suspect she's more than a mere minstrel..."
     After Didymus finished his meal (the cinnamon rolls were heaven 
sent), he got up and made his way over to the bar to speak to Hugh.  
"Good Innkeeper, I wish for you to reward your cook with this silver 
piece for that glorius meal," he says, handing Hugh the coin.  "I would 
also ask a favour of you, if it is not too much trouble.  I am in no 
condition to meet with persons who would join me on my quest.  I think I 
would have that bath first, and if you could spare some steel wool or 
sandpaper, I must burnish my armour."
     Hugh looks at Didymus' armour, seeing that it was indeed tarnished, 
with rust in some spots.  "If that is all you ask, I can spare some 
steel wool easily enough."
     Smiling, Didymus continues, "No, that is not the favour I ask.  
While I am making myself more presentable, I would ask that you inquire 
of those individuals who are stout of heart and seeking adventure.  I am 
seeking companions for my quest.  Only the brave and true of heart need 
apply, for we will be journeying to the Dragon's Isle."
     Hugh looked interested, "Perhaps if you told me more about your 
quest, I could try to recruit individuals suited to what you are doing."
     "On the Dragon's Isle, there is a dragon-mage, by name of Nicol 
Bolas.  He possesses knowledge of a remarkable elixir which cures many 
ailments, including some of the more nasty plagues.  This elixir is 
called 'Penta-cillian', and I have sworn to bring its secrets to 
mankind.  I have spent the better part of ten years finding the name and 
whereabouts of the one who knows how to make this miraculous elixer.  
Ten years ago, the son of my king was taken ill by plague.  A traveling 
healer came and gave the boy some of this pinkish elixir.  He left a 
small bottle, saying to continue to administer it to the boy every day.  
While people were dying of the plaque left and right, the boy came 
through without harm.  The king decided that we needed more of this 
great elixir, but the healer had vanished without trace, and so began my 
quest."
     Didymus handed Hugh a small sack filled with gold coins from 
throughout the lands.  "I am quite close to the end of my long quest.  
But I need help.  This should serve to recruit those who would wish to 
help me.  I would buy dinner and drinks, as well as lodging for any who 
join me.  The favour is that you invite those you may know of, and who 
would fit into such a quest, to join me on my quest to find this Nicol 
Bolas, and secure from him the secrets of the elixir - 'Penta-cillian' 
for all mankind (or creature-kind, as the case may be!)
     Hugh was intrigued.  Montfort had not escaped from the effects of 
the great plague a couple of years ago; anything that would reduce 
disease would be a great blessing to Ifreann!
---je

     Kaega shook her head wearlily, and tried to stand up, still reeling 
from the magical transport that had brought her to this world.  It was 
only after she had regained her balance that she looked around.  She 
reflected that it was a good thing that she had decided to transport in 
human form, because instead of transporting to the edges of this town of 
Montfort, she was in the middle of the marketplace, and quite a few 
people were staring.  She stumbled out of the marketplace, and through 
several streets until she came to an inn.  As she opened the door, the 
name of the inn caught her eye, and she laughed to herself as Kaega, the 
rainbow dragon, entered the Dragon's Inn.
     She found a table against the wall, and when the barmaid appeared 
she tiredly said, "I would like meat, I don't care what kind, and a room 
for the night."  After the barmaid left, she simply sat, watching the 
room and waiting, hoping that on this world she would find what she was 
looking for.
     After finishing her meal, Kaega rose and glided over to the table 
that Didymus was sitting at.  "Pardon me," she said, "but I have just 
recently arrived at the Inn and I am quite a capable adventurer.  I was 
wondering if I might travel with you."
---at
     Sir Didymus agreed, mentioning that he would be back in a moment.  
Kaega then sought a table while the knight disappeared up the stairs.
---med
     As Sir Didymus enjoyed the hot water (Hugh had a secret...a wizard 
who had been down on his luck a few years ago had created a cauldron 
that kept a ready supply at hand!), Hugh went about looking for those 
who might be interested in such a selfless quest.
     Sir Didymus felt better than he had in months (it had been that 
long since his last hot bath!)  He had finished burnishing his armour, 
and after applying some wax to his large moustache, he put on fresh 
clothes and his armour, and headed back downstairs.
     He came down the stairs looking like a new man.  His armour was 
bright, and his face was cheerful and inviting.  He smiled and greeted 
anyone he would pass.
     After nodding to Kaega, who had approached him about joining him on 
his quest before he'd left to freshen himself, he walked over to the bar 
to see if Hugh had found anyone else interested in joining him on the 
quest for the mythical elixer.
     Hugh responded by telling Didymus that any who would be interested 
would be joining him at his table soon.  Didymus thanked Hugh, and 
walked back to the table where Kaega awaited him.  The knight smiled at 
his guest.
     "Greeting, m'lady.  Thank you for waiting for me.  Others who would 
join us on our journey to the Dragon's Isle should arrive soon." 
---je

     An enormous man dressed in strange armor entered the inn and sat 
down.
     Fearful, a young man approached him and asked, "Where are you 
from?"
     The man replied, "It is hard to explain," and smiled.
     "What do you mean?"
     "It is a long story."
     The boy shrugged.  "I have time."
     Rorandair smiled again, and began.  "I will give you the short 
version.  It was long ago.  My father, who was an immortal, took a 
mortal woman for his wife.  Some other immortals, though, became jealous 
and murdered her.  My father went insane and left the world.  No one has 
heard from him since.  I was still a baby, and so those immortals who 
were sympathetic to my plight gave me to a family here on Ifreann, so 
they would raise me as their own.  They lived far from here, though, in 
a land called Arlon."
     "An immortal?  Does that mean you can control my mind?"
     "No.  Because of my half-human heritage all of the powers that 
would have been mine had I been immortal are instead manifested through 
my body.  I am strong, my bones cannot be broken, I heal extremely 
quickly, and I can't be affected by magic."
     "That means wizards can't hurt you!"
     "No - they can with fire or lightning, or those things, but not 
with charms or polymorphs.  The real problem is I also can't be helped 
by magic.  No flying, no healing, no nothing for me.  Potions of 
invisibility do not work.  No rings of protection, either.  So I learned 
well and forged my own armor.  Because although I always heal, it is 
very painful and I get hurt just like anyone else."
     "What are you doing here?"
     "Looking for adventure, mostly.  I spent a long time trying to 
track down the immortals that killed my mother when I discovered what 
had really happened.  At this point I am just looking for a chance ot 
help out wherever I can."
     "Well, let me see if there's anyone here who would like to have you 
along!" the boy exclaimed, and ran off.
     Hugh came by as Rorandair finished talking to the boy and said, 
"Welcome to the Dragon's Inn!  Care for any food or drink?  A room, 
perhaps?"
     Rorandair looked up from the table at the innkeeper, Hugh.  "Thank 
you, I would like a room.  And a great deal to eat."
     "We have a broad selection.  What would you prefer?" Hugh asked.
     "How about we start off with one of everything," Rorandair replied 
casually.
     Hugh's eyebrows raised slightly, but he did not comment.  The man 
truly was enormous, and perhaps he could put all of that down.  
"Stranger, I don't mean to sound mistrustful, but do you have enough 
gold to cover that?"
     Rorandair almost laughed.  "Yes, innkeeper.  And my name is 
Rorandiar Cadimus.  I have been known by many other names, though.  You 
probably know none of them, for I am from the far off land of Arlon."
     "My name is Hugh, and you are welcome here."
     "Thank you"
---mp

     Moving towards some strangers gathered around one of the Inns' many 
tables, the young man Pen could not help but overhear Didymus discuss 
his quest with the inn-keeper. Once Hugh had left the weary looking 
Knight to himself, the boy made a bee-line for Didymus's table.
     "Good day, sir.  My name is Penithius, but most people just call me 
Pen," the boy declared with a broad smile and an extended hand.
     Pausing momentarily from eating his meal, Didymus eyed the young 
man who was in the processes of introducing himself as Pen. Standing in 
front of him was a boy at a height not much higher than himself while he 
sat. He wore a plain beige cotton chemise, with two tassels dangling 
loosely from the collar. His pants were made of the same cotton 
material, but were a darker tan and a leather apron was wrapped around 
his waist. No apparent weaponry was evident upon the young man's person. 
His eyes were large and brown as was his curly and unruly hair. His 
looks were soft and pleasing to the eye, but just below the surface the 
trained eye could easily observe the ruggedness of one who works with 
his hands all day. 
     "Probably a stable boy," Didymus thought as the boy continued to 
talk.
     Pointing back at a large figure sitting at another table across the 
inns' great room, Pen continued to speak, "the man over there is 
Rorandair Cadimus. I think he would like to join you on your quest. 
Perhaps the two of you should talk...ahhh - sort of like Knight to 
Knight." 
     Then, as the boy was about to sit down (without awaiting any proper 
invitation), Hugh returned to Didymus's table carrying a jug.
     "Leave this man alone Pen and be off!" Hugh growled at the boy.
     "I wasn't botheren any body...I-I just wanted to-" Pen tried to 
explain.
     Waving at the boy in an effort to silence him, Hugh ordered him to 
return to work in the stable.
     "But I-"
     "NO BUTS!  Be gone you rascal!  There's work to be done," Hugh 
barked.
     With his head down, Pen sulked his way back to the stables and did 
as he was ordered to do. "I'll never get out of this stink hole." the 
teen mumbled.
     "Please forgive the boy. He has an annoying tendency of bothering 
some of our patrons with his wishes to join them as a squire. His heart 
is in the right place, but his head isn't."  Then lifting the jug of 
ale, Hugh asked, "Would you care for a drink?"
---ds

     Shortly, Rorandair had his meal, and he sat contentedly in his seat 
for over an hour eating without break.  When he was finished he looked 
around casually and spotted a man dressed in black in the corner.  He 
decided that he might as well start out, for he was a long way from his 
homeland and in need of something to do.
     Casually, he got up and went over to the man, who he saw had a 
large scar across his face, and asked him if he could join him.
     "Sure, go right ahead.  My name's Shuriken."
     "Rorandair.  What brings you to these parts?"
---mp
     Shuriken put his hair back in place, hiding his scar.  "I am 
searching for my sister, Katana.  She has done this to me, but that is 
not why I want to find her.  I fear she is a great danger to all of the 
people here.  I doubt anyone who is not an expert swordsman, or who
does not attack from a distance, can defeat her.  She has killed before 
and she will kill again, for she is looking for the Golden Fang, secret 
artifact of her clan.  Paired with the Silver Claw, the fang can be a 
source of limitless power.  The fang controls the very ground, while the 
claw controls the air.  As one who has the Golden Fang can move beneath 
our feet with ease, and meld the ground as he pleases, one with the 
Silver Claw can hang onto the very air, and even create hurricanes 
without a moment's notice."  Rorandair looked unconvinced.  "And where 
are these artifacts?"  Shuriken pulled out a long, ten-inch silver claw, 
attached to a long silver necklace, from his ninja outfit.  "This is the 
Silver Claw.  The Golden Fang is in the area...somewhere.  If I do not 
find it before my sister...She will be almost impossible to defeat."
---???
     Rorandair sighed and looked at him.
     "I know those situations all too well, my friend.  I wish you luck, 
and if you haven't had any luck in a few weeks I woul be glad to help!"
     Rorandair stood and wandered over to the bartender, Hugh, and asked 
quietly, "I couldn't help but overhear the need Sir Didymus has for 
someone to join him on his quest for a magical elixir.  Please, could 
you point me to his table so that I may ask him if I could accompany 
him?"
     Hugh nodded and pointed to a table nearby.
     "Thank you."
     Rorandair walked over to the table.  "Sir Didymus, my name is 
Rorandair Cadimus and I would like to join you in your quest."
     "Greetings, Rorandair.  Please, sit with us.  We are merely waiting 
for more people such as yourself to arrive."
     Rorandair planted his heavy body down on the sturdy chair, which 
threatened to buckle beneath him.
---mp
     Kaega smiled at Rorandair as he sat down. "Greetings," she said. "I 
too have joined the quest for the mysterious elixer.  Tell me, have you 
been to Dragon's Isle before?  I never have, and I was wondering what to 
expect."
---at
     Rorandair smiled at Kaega.
     "Greetings.  I have never been to Dragon's Isle, for I am from far 
away from here, on a different continent entirely.  In Arlon, we do have 
a place called the Mountain of the Dragon.  It is where I won my armor.  
I do have a lot of experience handling dragons, but perhaps the name 
Dragon's Isle is misleading.  I suppose it is possible there aren't even 
any dragons there."
     Rorandair shrugged, and that was too much for the chair to take.  
His massive frame already having strained the chair, it finally broke.  
Rorandair crashed to the ground with a huge thud.  Embarrassed, he stood 
up.
     "One moment," he said, excusing himself politely.  Within a minute 
a huge crash could be heard and not long after Rorandair returned to the 
inn, his four foot broadsword in one hand and the stump of a large tree 
in the other.  Sighing, he dropped the stump casually on the floor with 
yet another loud thud, and sat upon it.
     "Tell me a little more about yourself.  If we are to travel 
together I should know more about you, including your name.  Perhaps Sir 
Didymus knows more of the Isle than we do."
---mp
     Kaega hid a smile as his chair collapsed, then answered his 
questions.  "My full name is Kaegashanteraak, but I usually just go by 
Kaega. I am not from around here either, although I am from a bit 
farther away than you. There really is not much to tell about me - I am 
a traveller, and I have no real home. At least -" she added, her eyes 
far away, "not yet. Also," she said, focusing on him again, "it may be a 
good thing that you have experience in handling dragons - you may need 
it more than you think.
     "Tell me," she said, "what is this place you speak of - Dragon 
Mountain, I believe?  Were there any dragons there - I have somewhat of 
an interest in them. I hope to meet some dragons on our quest - I have 
questions I would ask them. Also, I would speak with this Red the Dragon 
that I have heard of.  Do you know where he might be found?"
---at
     Rorandair paused for a moment, as if to consider what he might 
reveal.  Then he shrugged (the stump held) and replied.
     "I am new to this land, and have never even heard of Red the 
Dragon.  As far as Dragon Mountain, that is a fairly long tale.  The 
mortal family that raised me was kind, but it was obvious right from the 
start that I was different.  In some ways that was good, but in others 
it was bad.  When I was twelve I rescued my parents from a burning house 
by throwing large logs off of them, not even noticing as I did.  My 
father's immortal influence did not come to me until puberty.  Until 
then I was as every child is.  But when I started to grow, I really 
grew.  Many in our village, though, thought I was a devil.  They brought 
in a mage to try to discover if I was, indeed, possessed by a devil but 
my immunity from magic meant that he could not scry anything.  
Unfortunately, he took this to mean that I was a very powerful demon.  I 
was condemned to death.
     "Of course, my father's influence through my mother's mortal nature 
also caused me to have great healing abilities when I was injured.  It 
did not matter what my parents pleaded, I was set to burn at the stake.  
I thought about escaping, but I was brought up to be peaceful, and I was 
a scared twelve-year-old who did not know what he was capable of.  So I 
allowed myself to be tied to the pole and lit on fire.  The pain was 
incredible, and it forced me to writhe.  My bonds broke, and I staggered 
away from the fire, every nerve in pain.  Within the hour I was whole 
again, without injury.
     "If nothing else in the world could have convinced the village of 
my demon heritage, that did.  They threw me off a cliff, but my bones 
can't be broken, so I lay at the bottom with bruises over my whole body 
in pain until I healed, and then I went back to the village.  They tried 
to drown me, but my lungs always healed the damage, and even kept oxygen 
from the water so I could move around.
     "I thought it was punishment for something I did.  I thought I 
deserved it.  After two years of being put to death in every manner 
imaginable, I also considered the possibility that I might be a devil.  
But then one night my father managed to come to me in prison.  He told 
me the story of my origin - how I was the son of an immortal man and a 
mortal woman.  And that I must leave this place and find somewhere else 
to live.
     "Scarcely had he finished his story when he was killed by the 
sentry on duty.  In a rage, I ripped the prison walls down and murdered 
all of the soldiers in the barracks.  Blinded by grief and sudden 
understanding that what had been done to me had been wrong, I wandered 
off into the night.  At first, I felt terrible - like a murderer.  But 
those feelings wore off.  I wandered for days, and eventually came to a 
port city where I got a job loading cargo onto ships.  For only a year 
did I last at that, and by the end I could throw the heaviest of crates 
into the hold without effort.
     "Then a middle-aged captain asked me if I would like to join his 
crew.  After being around the docks for so long I agreed quickly.  For 
three years I lived on a ship, learning to fight against pirates and how 
to be a trader.  Eventually I had enough money to buy a small ship of my 
own, and that is when I heard of Dragon Mountain.  A place where two 
very evil dragons lived, guarding an ancient treasure.  Of course I 
decided to track them down.
     "I killed them both separately.  I will not go into details, but 
without question they were the two toughest foes I have ever faced.  It 
took me five tries to kill one and three for the other.  Eventually I 
found their treasure and within it was the sword I now carry - the only 
one I have ever touched that seems to retain its magic in my hands.  
Until I found it, I broke so many swords that you can not even imagine.
     "One of them was a black, and out of its skin I hired a very 
powerful mage to make this suit of armor.  It looks like leather, but it 
is nearly impossible to cut.  It doesn't protect against blows very 
well, but with my healing abilities I am in pain for a while and then 
everything is back to normal.  With the rest of the treasure I bought 
some land.
     "I was granted the title Dragonslayer by the King, but the truth is 
I like most dragons - just not the ones that attack villages and destroy 
ports.  Anyway, that was probably more than you wanted to know, but 
there
it is.  I am sure most of the people in this inn have similar stories."
---mp
     In response to Rorandair's tale of his past, Kaega smiled slightly, 
but her silver eyes glinted coldly. "I myself have little love for evil 
dragons, for they tend to give the others a bad name. I can also 
sympathize with your semi-immortal status, being quite old myself. 
However, as to your parents - I think we have little common ground 
there.
     My parents were killed when I was very young, and then I was 
separated from the rest - But forgive me. I ramble, and few want to hear 
of my troubles.
     "I was wondering, did you join this quest for a particular reason, 
or just for the sake of adventure?"
---at
     "I have lived for over one hundred and twenty years, and I spent 
most of my time either on a ship or in a castle trying to rule over my 
lands.  I decided enough was enough - I wanted to get out and do things 
on my own and find some adventure.  I am very intrigued by the prospect 
of finding Penta-cillian, and money does not matter to me.  I have more 
than enough money and titles at home.  I was bored of the aristocratic 
life, and I could not participated in any jousting because I am too 
heavy for any horse to carry.
     "Kaega, I don't mind hearing troubles.  It's almost nice to know 
others have gone through things similar to what I have.
     "Tell me, if you would Sir Didymus, a little more about yourself."
---mp
     Kaega turned to Sir Didymus. "I was wondering how much you knew 
about Dragon's Isle - I have never been there, and neither has our 
friend Rorandair. I have an interest in speaking to the dragons there, 
and I was hoping you knew something about them."
---at
     Didymus listened carefully to Rorandair's story.  "My friend, that 
is quite a tale you have.  I have not heard its like in years.  As for 
the Dragon's Isle, well, truth be told, I have never been there either.  
It is, God willing, the last stop on a ten year quest.  I will tell you 
what I know of this island though."  He pauses as Hugh walks by and 
orders food and drink for the table.
     "The Dragon's Isle is a large landmass well beyond the east coast 
of this continent.  The island is reported to have an unusually high 
level of magical energy, and is primarily inhabited by large numbers of 
Dragons of all species.  There are inhabitants of other races.  In 
general, everyone lives peacefully; there is no established government.  
The weather is pleasant and moderate, and game is plentiful.  Technology 
of any sort is very unwelcome, and the Dragons control, by influence if 
not otherwise, the overall culture of the island."
     Didymus pauses to take a drink.  "Now, the particular dragon we 
seek goes by the name of Nicol Bolas.  He is a dragon-mage, which means 
not only is he a dragon, but he has the full skill and knowledge of a 
master wizard.  He lives alone in the mountains on the southern part of 
the island.  It was Nicol Bolas who discovered the secret of Penta-
cillian, and it has been he who has kept the secret on the Dragon's 
Isle, except for his own forays off the island disguised as a human 
healer-mage."
     Didymus pauses to let everyone ingest what he knew about the 
Dragon's Isle.  "I tell you all now that this is a quest of great 
danger, for little, if any material gain.   I do not know what Nicol 
Bolas is like, or why he hasn't shared his secret elixer with the rest 
of the world, but I have vowed that, no matter what, I will bring Penta-
cillian back for the rest of the world!"
---je
     After listening closely to Sir Didymus explain about Dragon's Isle, 
Kaega nodded.  "If I may ask, do you know how soon we will be leaving?  
The Inn certainly is a pleasent place, but I have been a wanderer all of 
my life, and I find myself longing for the road again.
    "Also," she said, "if you will excuse me, I need to go outside. I 
should return within half an hour." Nodding to Sir Didymus and the 
others sharing the table, she rose and stepped outside the Inn.
     Once she had taken leave of her companions and stepped out into the 
night air, Kaega breathed a sigh of relief.  She walked slowly into the 
woods outside the town, until she judged that she was out of sight. 
Breathing a sigh of relief, she quickly shed her human form and changed 
back to her true form, a rainbow dragon.
     Gliding through the night sky a few minutes later, Kaega quickly 
found what she sought. Once again rejoicing in the feel of the wind on 
her wings, she slipped into a steep dive. The deer she had targeted 
seemed to sense its danger as death sped down on glittering wings, but 
it would never be fast enough...
     Later, winging back to the town, Kaega pondered, as she always did, 
when to tell her human companions her secret. They would find out sooner 
or later, and it might easier if it were sooner... But so often humans 
found it hard to understand, and once again she would be alone. She 
landed in a clearing, and changed back to human form.
     Heading back to the Inn, her problem unsolved, Kaega wondered 
again, as she had countless times, if her quest would ever be over.
---at

     Valkyr stood up.  Having overheard the word "help" in a corner of 
the room, he looked and saw a knight
conversing with a few other people.  The paladin walked over to the 
table and spoke: "Are you in need of help?"
     "Why, yes," Sir Didymus replied.  "I am looking for adventurers to 
help me find the elixer - the only
cure for the local plagues we have suffered recently."
    Valkyr bowed.  "Then I must offer my sevices, honorable Sir.  I am 
Valkyr Paladinson, a holy knight from afar.  Ever since I acquired my 
sword, which action killed a very dear person to me, I have been looking 
for a way to free myself from the guilt.  Thus, I offer my help to 
anyone in need.  And while my healing skills can take care of normal 
wounds, plagues are out of my field of experience.  So, honorable 
knight, I must ask you: Will you accept the help of this humble 
paladin?"
     Valkyr extended his hand to shake with Sir Didymus...
---yvc

     Taliessin lived by himself in the hollow of a tree in a quiet 
little valley that was the epitome of picturesqueness.  The tree that 
would have a hollow that would serve him as adequate living quarters was 
not so enormous as you might expect.  Taliessin was not so tall as human 
beings, nor did he match heights with orcs or elves or bears, nor even 
with most dwarves, gnomes, hobbits, wolves, deer, antelope, foxes or 
lynxes.  Indeed, looking at it that way, Taliessin was quite small.  So 
he preferred not to look at it that way.  By Taliessin's estimation, 
Taliessin was the absolutely perfectly right size every taliessin should 
be.
     Perhaps an unrelenting or desperate taxonomist would have 
classified him as a pixie or a brownie or a sprite or a quisling (or 
whatever) or some other fairie.  It didn't much matter to Taliessin:  He 
didn't much care to associate with flighty types such as them.  
(Physically or mentally, what was the difference?)  He could look after 
himself and go eye to eye with the rabbits or squirrels (well, the tall 
squirrels), though the squirrels (who usually fought dirty) sometimes 
won. 
     He was reasonably contented with his life in that quiet little 
valley that was the epitome of picturesqueness.  (It's perfection in 
that respect, incidentally, was attested by everyone who visited, which 
led to the subsequent problem.)  He had time to cruise the nuts-and-
berries scene (and argue long and fruitlessly with various squirrels 
about which party was responsible for compiling which stash of vittles).
     There was opportunity to dress "for bear" as he called it, putting 
on a leather jacket and breeches that he'd acquired in previous, more 
adventurous times and walk about the valley making sure that there was 
no trouble.  There was none.  Large carnivorous beasts did not live in 
that valley.  (Those that came to visit could be persuaded not to stay.) 
     He had the contemplative quiet to sit cross-legged in his hollow, 
press his tapering fingertips to his graying temples and sense the deep 
rhythms of the valley.  He had the ease of going to the Social Glade now 
and then and gazing with his large, emerald green eyes at the hares (who 
were polite enough to stare back).  There was time to listen at 
Punctuality Pond to the frog concerts (conducted at all but the coldest 
seasons); Taliessin's ears, though small, caught the deepest bass notes 
as well as a substantial amount of the overtones.
     It was a pleasant life and Taliessin would have gone on living 
there quite happily except that a family of dragons and a bunch of 
friends suddenly appeared in the valley one day and commenced building 
themselves a house, reworking the water-table, exploring the nearby 
cave, cataloguing the plant-life, and generally stirring everything up. 
     Toward evening, when they took a break from their picnicking and 
unsettling activities and disappeared again, Taliessin went over to 
inspect the site.  He walked around outside the house, finding that it 
had been constructed to a pleasing, site-specific, architectural plan. 
He found the clear evidence of ice-cream and saurian children, along 
with many other signs that that life in this valley would Never Be the 
Same.  He decided that Something Would Have To Be Done.
     Being not so foolish as to think that he could tangle successfully 
with a family of dragons (never mind their friends), Taliessin concluded 
that the prudent Something was to leave.
     And so, when next rosy-fingered Aurora applied her vermilion Cray-
Pas (she has a tight grip) to what Taliessin and many others 
patronizingly referred to as the Eastern Sky, the only taliessin that 
the valley had ever harbored dressed for bear, tossed into his rucksack 
the things he loved (as well as the things he remembered loving to have 
along the previous time he'd wandered), took up a walking stick and 
walked out of the valley along the same trail that he'd encouraged 
numerous large carnivores to use previously. 
     (Pause for deep breath.)
     He walked on the trail until he was somewhere else.  That didn't 
take long and he continued along the trail through many elses somewhere 
as it metamorphosed gradually from trail to track to road to path to 
trackless waste and back again.  He viewed new vistas and reviewed old 
haunts and, to sum it all up in one word, he traveled.  (All right, two 
words.)
     One day, Taliessin was ambling along a road that may or may not 
have had any relation to that trail he followed out of the valley.  
(Those trackless wastes do confuse the issue a bit.)  He was singing 
softly, which was good, since at his pitch range the slightest 
inaccuracy is noticeable to the listener -- assuming the sound is 
noticed at all -- and Taliessin's singing was more than slightly 
inaccurate.  The song he was singing was a terribly generic road song.  
So generic, in fact, that it could be applied to the road he was at 
present ambling along even though he knew not where the road had been 
nor where it was going.
     But the stretch he was on was pleasant enough, cutting through a 
forest that politely gave it some breathing room (rather than trying to 
crowd it out of existence with overlapping branches overhead as some 
aggressive forests were wont to do).
     As noted, then, he was strolling along this road through the forest 
and softly singing his traveling song, when he heard and soon saw 
galloping hooves and rumbling wheels.  The hooves, he observed as he 
quitted the center of the road, were attached to fast-approaching horses 
and the rumbling wheels were attached -- for the nonce -- to a too-fast-
approaching wagon (covered).  Some of the horses were pulling the wagon 
and some of the horses (ridden) were pursuing the wagon.
     Observing the arrows flying betwixt pursuers and pursued, Taliessin 
decided to quit the road entirely, rather than merely its center.  He 
watched as the four horsemen overtook the wagon (with the two visible 
drivers), engage the drivers in messy combat involving several long 
pointy weapons, and incidentally bring the wagon to a halt (the horses 
liked that part).  The drivers were outnumbered and of inferior skill 
(in the area of carving up others with long, pointy weapons, at least).  
Nonetheless, they chose to ask no quarter from their attackers.  This, 
Taliessin found to be a mystery, but one that he elected not to 
interrupt things by asking about right then.
     No quarter was offered either and the two drivers were soon 
dispatched, though not before a good bit of non-driver blood was also 
spilt.  The two least injured riders then disappeared inside the wagon 
while the worst off contemplated his bad luck and the fourth rider 
contemplated the greater misfortune of the dead drivers (and looked to 
see if they carried anything interesting on themselves).
     Almost immediately, a shout of triumph came from within the wagon 
and the pair of riders emerged dragging a woman between them.
     Well, what they were dragging appeared to be wearing a dress 
(somewhat abused) and had long, unbound light-brown hair that fell 
across the face a lot.  The odd position of the arms could be explained 
as being caused by the fact that the hands were bound behind the back.  
The shape under the dress looked feminine enough.  The only odd thing 
was the complete silence of the prize.  That notwithstanding, Taliessin 
guessed that the pair of riders had found a woman in the wagon.
     Almost immediately, the riders gave indication that their purpose 
in chasing the wagon had not been to rescue the woman.  Taliessin 
frowned as the riders (three out of the four of them, anyway) began to 
abuse further the woman's already abused dress...and person.  While 
Taliessin had doubts that he could actually practice a chivalric code 
with any consistency, he found such vilely unchivalric behavior as these 
riders were now embarking on utterly unwatchable without attempting some 
kind of intervention.
     And he couldn't just walk away and not watch.
     So he looked at the visibly sunny sky and thanked the Big Picture 
that he had a fair amount of light to work with.  He was also thankful 
that the woman -- the subject of a number of undesired attentions -- was 
neither screaming nor crying (though she didn't look too happy with the 
situation either).  It meant less distraction while he worked.
     It required a fair amount of concentration to take that random 
sunlight and discipline some of its hues and beams to assemble into the 
particular patterns that Taliessin needed.  It also required practice 
(which he had unfortunately been omitting to provide of late) and some 
luck to get the riders' eyes to intersect properly the patterns of 
sunlight that Taliessin was crafting.  Consequently, it took him a long 
time (an embarassingly long time, he felt) to put the three riders to 
sleep with the Sun Speckles.  (The fourth rider had passed out for other 
reasons -- loss of blood, mostly.)  He only succeeded because all of his 
targets were much too distracted by the woman they'd captured to notice 
that they themselves were dropping off to sleep. 
     Taliessin ran out of the shadows toward the wagon as the woman was 
pushing off of herself the last of the riders to get Sun-Speckled.  He 
ran into her field of vision as she sat on the ground, still trying to 
reclothe herself.  (Since the riders had never gotten around to 
unbinding her wrists, this was hard.)  Taliessin bowed to the woman.  
"Are you all right?" he asked. 
     Immediately, he slapped his forehead hard.  The question was inane.  
How could she be all right?  No, the questions he wanted to ask were how 
badly do you feel and what do we do now -- especially what do we do now?  
But when you rescue someone, you -- the rescuer -- are supposed to have 
a plan for seeing the whole thing through.  You're not supposed to stick 
your foot in it and then ask what next.  So what would a self-respecting 
taliessin do now?
     Run away.
     Somehow, Taliessin didn't feel comfortable with that plan.  But, 
feeling that he had to say something else now -- right away, to blot out 
the stupidity of his first question, he stumbled on:  "I'm Taliessin, by 
the way."  The woman raised her eyebrows, then smiled; he decided to 
overlook that for the moment.  "Do you want me to help free you -- your 
wrists, I mean?" 
     The woman stared at him.  She was probably quite pretty, he 
realized, but now was a poor time to judge.  The trickle of blood away 
from her puffy lips was not attractive, nor was the bruise around her 
left eye.  Feeling embarassed for intruding on her in this condition -- 
and asking her stupid questions in the bargain -- Taliessin glanced down 
at the ground.  Then he remembered the trickle of blood and imagined 
that talking might be painful for her right now.  He looked up at her 
again.
     When he did, she nodded, arched her back and twisted her arms 
around toward the little taliessin.  "Batwings!" he exclaimed staring at 
the metal rings that gripped her wrists.  "They shackled you."  She 
nodded again.  "Is there a lock?"  She shrugged.  "Oh, well -- "  
Taliessin stopped, overwhelmed for a moment by all that he didn't know 
and all the different things he wanted to do for this woman right away 
and mostly by the realization that Sun-Speckled rapists don't sleep all 
that long. 
     "We need to do something about those men who are sleeping," 
Taliessin said.  A little reluctantly, he described to the woman the 
choice.  "Either we leave here now so we'll have time to get away or we 
kill them quickly."  He sighed.  He knew how cruel they'd just been and 
likely would be again.  Still, he didn't know which he wanted to do.  
Far easier, he knew (even as he did it anyway), was to lay the decision 
on the woman.  "Do you want to kill them?" 
     She shook her head.  Taliessin nodded, grateful that she could be 
decisive on that question right now.  "I hope you won't regret that 
choice later," he said fervently.  She frowned, then held out her 
shackled wrists toward him again.  He looked more carefully at the 
shackles; there was no lock, so there was no point looking for a key.
     "I'm sorry," he said.  "It'll take me a while to get those off of 
you.  I think we'd better leave first -- "
     The woman shook her head violently and then, as much as she could, 
shook her arms.  Then she pointed with a foot at the nearest of the 
sleeping rapists.
     "Oh," Taliessin said, taking her meaning at last and wondering just 
how painful talking must be for her.  "Are there more shackles around?"  
She gave him a disgusted look.  "Or anything else we could use to tie 
them up?"  She got up (fairly easily, considering her condition) and 
walked back toward the wagon.  Taliessin ran after her.
     Amongst the miscellany in the wagon was enough hemp.  Taliessin 
took it and, saying a little prayer to the gods of topology that the 
knots he was going to essay would be good enough, began binding the 
wrists and ankles of the three rapists.  Since he was only a taliessin 
and the men were much bigger than he, this was hard work and worrisome:  
He wasn't sure just when the men would get around to waking up.
     He finished first and went over to the fourth rider, the one who'd 
passed out without any help from Taliessin.  The man was still 
unconscious, and still looked to be in pretty bad shape, but Taliessin, 
judging him guilty for the company he kept, decided to leave him be.  
Staying to give medical help would have taken a while and the woman, who 
was sitting patiently (?) on the wagon, appeared ready to move on. 
     Crossing to her, Taliessin pointed to the pair of dead drivers, who 
were now sprawled on the road close to the wagon.  "I don't suppose they 
were friends of yours?" he asked.  She shook her head and then looked up 
and ahead along the road.  Taliessin took the hint and clambered up the 
side of the wagon onto the bench next to the woman.  He looked at the 
traces.  He looked at the woman's hands, still shackled behind her back.  
He looked back at the traces and sighed and asked the question that all 
along he'd been trying to look 
too organized to need to ask:
     "Now what?" 
     One piece of good news was that Taliessin's knots held for as long 
they needed to, especially when Taliessin put the rapists' long, sharp, 
pointy things meaningfully close to their throats.
     Another piece of good news was that the shackles were composed of 
an inferior grade of metal and it did not take too long for Taliessin to 
persuade the chain between them to melt enough to free the woman.  (The 
bracelets themselves they removed later, at their leisure.)
     The bad news, Taliessin discovered after this small triumph, was 
that the woman's hands were severely palsied and unable to hold a grip 
on the traces.  However, Taliessin was able to secure the traces around 
the woman's forearms, and the horses were tolerant enough to respond 
favorably to the woman's crude pulls and shaking on the traces.
     After a few such adjustments, the wagon rolled on down the road, 
the spare horses formerly belonging to the rapists following behind on 
leads.  The woman decided to take the same direction the wagon had been 
following before.  Taliessin had no difficulty with this as one 
direction was as good to him as another and he guessed that she had some 
idea what problems lay the opposite way. 
     The still-bound rapists did not waste their breath shouting threats 
of vengeance after the departing woman and taliessin; they merely 
thought them -- and also worried about their own survival.
     Further pursuit did not materialize.  The longer Taliessin and the 
woman rattled along the road undisturbed, the more confident the little 
one felt that they'd gotten away -- and now had to figure out where they 
were going.
     "So where are we going?" he asked the woman.  She shrugged and 
concentrated on communing with the horses.  "Uh huh," Taliessin nodded.  
"Yeah, that's not a decision we have to make right away."
     After a couple of hours, the road came alongside a small river that 
was wandering through a low part of the forest.  The woman persuaded the 
horses to shift over to the edge of the road and then stopped the wagon.  
She began unwrapping the traces from her arms; Taliessin went to help 
her as soon as he figured out what she was doing.
     She reached in the back (with both arms) for a pot and then climbed 
down off the wagon and went down to the river.  Taliessin waited.  She 
returned a little while later.  She was carrying the pot -- now full of 
water -- and looking as though she had fallen into the river filling it.  
Since she was smiling now and had apparently removed her dress before 
falling in the river, Taliessin decided that all had been deliberate.  
As she approached the wagon though, the pot tipped and fell out of her 
grasp. 
     Leaping up and also sending out mental fingers, Taliessin tried to 
stop the pot from falling, but it was too 
heavy.  It hit the ground and didn't break but did spill the contents.  
He looked at the woman, who was staring at her betraying hands.
     "Well, there's plenty of water left in the river," Taliessin said 
cheerfully.  "Let's go get another batch."  The woman looked up at him 
and gave him a faint, desperate smile, but together they got the pot of 
water without further incident.
     There was some food -- biscuits and dried meat -- in the wagon.  
There was also a bowl which, previously, the woman had been obliged to 
bend over and eat from.  Her hands were still too stiff and weak to be 
of much use, so Taliessin helped feed her.
     He discovered, while helping her eat that part of the woman's 
muteness was because she had no tongue.  (Since the matter came up, he 
discovered that she also had no voice.)  She'd had them, but they had 
been removed not too long ago.  Fortunately, considering the age of the 
biscuit she bit into, her teeth were in good shape. 
     Attempting with his small skill to communicate with the woman's 
mind, Taliessin found sophisticated mental walls that blocked him out 
entirely.  Communication with the woman was thus limited to the 
taliessin's suggesting things and her nodding or shaking her head.  This 
was frustrating to them both.  Also, learning that the woman's muteness 
had been imposed, Taliessin was reluctant to do much talking himself.  
It was like the embarassment some rich people feel when visiting the 
poorer quarters of a town. 
     They went on.  As the woman drove the wagon forward along the road, 
Taliessin lost his mood of respectful silence and said "You have a name 
I suppose.  I should like to learn it."  The woman raised an eyebrow, as 
if to ask how.  "Well, we have time.  I'll guess how it begins and you 
tell me when I've guessed right."  The woman shrugged.  For a traveling 
game, it wasn't that bad and by evening they'd worked out that her name 
was Taliessin also. 
     "Really!" the little Taliessin said when it was undeniable that 
that was what the mute Taliessin was trying 
to say.  "I'd like to know who had the insight to bestow such a noble 
and glorious name upon you.  But that would take us until next week 
sometime at the earliest, I suppose.  More immediately, we need to take 
unique versions of the august name we share.  Most immediately though, I 
suppose we should think about stopping somewhere for the night." 
     The next day, Tan (what the small Taliessin decided to call 
himself) and Liess (what the mute Taliessin accepted being called by 
Tan) reached the nearest town, Turnmoor.  They found lodging and 
stabling at a place named the General Rest.  They found funding for 
continuing their travels by 1. ransacking the wagon and 2. selling the 
extra horses obtained from the rapists.  They found a replacement dress 
for Liess (and also sandals) that she could manage donning and removing 
herself.  (The shade of beige was boring, but Liess wanted to be 
practical.)  Fortunately, the horses were not recognized in Turnmoor as 
belonging to anyone in particular, nor was the wagon nor was the woman.  
The party was quite anonymous.  But the pair had to decide where they 
wanted to go now -- more than two roads wandered away from this town 
toward other parts of Ifreann. 
     "We'll head for Montfort," Tan decided.  "As I recall, the place is 
a dump -- one trading post, one dubious inn (the Dragon, as I remember), 
and a half-dozen thieving residents.  But it's on the way to Jord and in 
Jord we might find someone who could help you communicate again.  Or," 
he went on, picking up the medallion on a chain that he'd found in the 
back of the wagon, "we might go to St Varalan's and see if they 
recognize you or this wagon or this thing.  My recollection is that the 
figure on this medallion goes with that saint." 
     Liess frowned at Tan's description of Montfort, but agreed that 
going there next made sense.  They set out the next day, made good time 
on an uneventful journey, and arrived in Montfort in the evening ten 
days later.
     Over and over, as the wagon approached and entered Montfort, Tan 
said to Liess and himself, "This place has really changed."  They found 
the Dragon Inn more or less where Tan thought it should be, though it 
too had "really changed."  As they were stabling the wagon and horses, 
Tan said to Liess, "Maybe we don't need to go to Jord.  Maybe we can 
find help for you here in Montfort.  That would be truly amazing," he 
added.  "Help from Montfort -- who'd have thought it?"
     Tan helped Liess rearrange her cloak over her shoulders.  Then he 
arranged himself in as heroic pose as one could muster from fourteen 
inches of height  while standing on someone else's shoulder and clinging 
to her cloak.  They went into the inn. 
     And there were people!  Far worse than the crowd at the General 
Rest in Turnmoor, or even the crowd on the streets of Turnmoor was the 
mob that thronged the common room of the Dragon Inn.  (The streets of 
Montfort didn't count because it was already pretty late when the two 
Taliessins arrived.)  Not only the numbers, but also the variety of the 
patrons of the inn impressed the two Taliessins as they gawked in the 
entrance of the inn.
     "This place has really changed," Tan said again and softly.
     There were elves and dwarves and gnomes and gray humans and black 
humans and pale humans and even orcs.  And there were several animals 
(who were behaving most politely) mingling with the rest:  A hawk, a 
centaur, someone dressed in fur -- 
     And everyone had a drink.
     "Liess, we're sticking out like a sore thumb!" Tan exclaimed.  
Liess glanced at him.  "No drink in hand," he explained.  "Besides, I'm 
thirsty."  Liess glanced at her useless hands, folded inside her arms in 
front of her.  "I'll help you, Liess," Tan said.  "I always have."  
Still not completely happy with the idea of drinking in public, Liess 
moved cautiously through the crowd toward the bartender.  "Looks like 
Callaban sold the place to someone new," Tan remarked as they approached 
Hugh. 
    Hugh noticed the two...especially since they didn't have drinks in 
hand!...and said to the two..."Welcome to the Dragon's Inn.  What may I 
get for you?  Food?  Drink?  A room perhaps?"
     Liess (the Taliessin who looked like a woman who'd been travelling 
on the road for over a week) nodded once, twice, thrice to Hugh's 
questions.  Tan (the Taliessin who looked like a pixie who'd been 
hitching a ride on the woman's shoulder for over a week) decided to 
interpret:  "Food sounds good," he shouted in a piping, pixie-ish (but 
even more like a taliessin than a pixie) voice.  He sniffed.  "I believe 
the roast beef has had some interesting attention paid to it this 
evening; we'd like that.  Also -- " he paused again in thoughtful 
contemplation " -- the cinnamon rolls...I'm not sure I'm familiar with 
the yeast you're using (though I have been out of circulation for a 
while).  Anyway, we'd like to try them afterwards.  As for drink, she'd 
like mead -- with a chaser of mead for me, please.  And we'd like a room 
-- we may be here a few days.  And we need a table -- out of the way or 
perhaps a separate room? -- while we dine."  Tan looked at Liess.  "Did 
I forget anything?" he asked. 
     She frowned, then produced that amulet with the symbol of St 
Varalan. 
     "Right!" Tan exclaimed, turning to Hugh.  "What's the news from 
Jord and St Varalan's?" he asked. 
     Hugh thought a moment and said "Well, we haven't heard much from 
St. Varalan's lately...news travels slowly.  Of course, Jord had a 
werewolf infestation for a while.  Myrlight...she's a kender... and some 
of her friends helped rid the town of that problem!  She's quite the 
hero, now... 
     At this juncture, Hugh gave his guests a room key, and continued 
"When you finish, just tell me and I'll bring you some cinnamon rolls.  
They're best when they're served warm, you know!" 
     Tan was talking too much again, simply to ask for food, drink and 
lodging from Hugh.  Liess turned and scanned the rest of the inn while 
he continued to waste poor Hugh's time with a long description of the 
road the pair had traveled to reach Montfort (complete with the location 
of every pothole their wagon had encountered).  It was nice to be able 
to talk, she knew, and she hoped someday to be able to do it again.  But 
some people were awfully inclined to abuse the privilege...
    Then she saw the knight -- Sir Didymus!  She'd seen -- and admired -
- him before.  It was a little while ago and he doubtless would fail to 
remember her, but...
    She clapped Tan onto her shoulder again (she liked him and he was 
useful) and made her way over to the knight until she was standing right 
in front of him.  She waved at him.  (What else was she going to do?)
     Tan looked at Liess (aka Taliessin, when she wasn't travelling with 
someone who happened to be identically named) and then looked at the 
puzzled knight.
     "Ah, do you two know each other?" he piped cautiously.
---al

     Didymus took the hand Valkyr offered him and shook it.  "I welcome 
you, sir knight.  Please sit with us.  I have ordered a banquet for us 
all!"
     As Valkyr took a seat at the large table, a girl stopped at the 
table and began to wave at Sir Didymus.  Didymus smiled and waved back, 
trying to remember where he had seen the girl before. Standing, he asked 
"Would you and your friend be caring to join us, m'lady?  A banquet has 
been ordered, and your company would be most welcome."  Didymus motioned 
to a pair of unoccupied chairs at the table.
---je
     Liess (Taliessin uxor) smiled at Didymus and nodded.  Then, she sat 
down.  Tan (Taliessin minor) waited for Liess's shoulder to come to 
almost a complete halt and then hopped off it to the table.  He 
considered the empty chair next to Liess.  That piece of furniture, 
while fit for a human, or an elf, and barely adequate for a tolerant 
dwarf or halfling, simply would not do for a taliessin-sized person such 
as himself.  While he wouldn't get lost in the thing literally, the rest 
of the group at this table would lose sight of his fourteen-inch person 
if he sat -- or even stood -- in that chair.  So he elected to stay on 
the table.  But because he was a taliessin of good breeding, he seated 
himself cross-legged on the table close to the water goblet at Liess's 
place-setting.
---al

     The aroma of the special banquet Didymus had ordered filled the 
room.  As the party awaited the food, Sera came by to take drink orders 
from the newly arrived and refill mugs and goblets which were already 
there.
---je
     After Sir Didymus completed his tale, but before any of the 
listeners could respond, a bodiless voice began to speak.  The voice was 
clearly a male dwarf, and it was high-pitched (as male dwarf voices go).  
"Penta-cillian?  Nicol Bolas?  Dragon's Isle?  Then you will surely need 
the services of...err...uh, just a moment."  Then there came a hissing 
sound that degraded into sort of a sizzling.
     Suddenly, a small cloud of smoke poofed into existance in the 
middle of the table.  As it cleared, there could be seen a small toad 
with a small, pointed hat perched smartly on its head.  It spoke, 
saying, "...the services of the Magnificent Karaz-Gorm!"
     Just then Sera walked by, deftly taking a patron his meal while 
avoiding the jostling of the closely-packed room.  Seeing the frog, she 
said, "Eww!!  I'll be right back with a mallet to squash the thing!"
     The toad, seeing Sera's obvious disgust and the looks of bemusement 
on the faces of his audience (not to mention the chuckles that were 
being barely choked back), decided that it would be best to examine 
itself.  Looking down, it said, "Oh, dear, this won't do at all."  It 
began to mumble something unintelligible, and then to shudder.  Another 
poof of smoke, and in place of the toad there now stood a male dwarf.  A 
replica of the hat upon the toad adorned his head (of a much larger 
scale, however), and a robe of the same light blue covered the body.  
The robe was decorated with various crescent moons and stars made of a 
golden glittery material.  In his right hand, the dwarf had a short 
little stick made of some very light colored wood.  It was gnarled and 
twisted, tapering gradually to a point.  His eyes bulged out from his 
face (perhaps giving rise to his earlier mis-appearance), and sparkled 
the same shade of blue as his attire.  His beard was long, easily 
reaching his waist, and not well-kempt.  It was a deep, fiery shade of 
red.  When it reached his chest, it split into two ends that continued 
down, and at there tips they turned to point out ahead of his body.  
Woven into it were several gems of various sizes, shapes, and colors.
     The little man hastily looked himself over, checking to see if his 
new form was more to his liking.  Satisfied, he announced again, "...the 
services of the Magnificent Karaz-Gorm!"
     There was a moment of silence as Sir Didymus and the others 
contemplated the dwarf that was now occupying the middle of their table.  
Seeing there disapproval of his being in the place of the soon-to-be-
arriving food, he suggested, "Perhaps one of you kind sirs could help me 
to the floor?"
---med
     Roandair smiled and lifted the dwarf one-handed easily from the 
table to the ground while remaining seated, and then looked about.  "My 
story has been told but I would be very interested in hearing eveyone 
else's."
---mp
     Didymus smiled once again and assisted the mage off the table top.  
"I greet you with great satisfaction, sir"  Didymus said, using an old 
dwarven welcome he had learned in his long quest throughout the lands.
---je
     "Whoa, WHOA!!!"  As Karaz-Gorm was lifted from the table, he 
announced his imbalance to the entire room.  The scene was complete with 
bulging eyes (even more so than usual), gaping mouth, and arms flailing.  
He was certainly not used to being handled in quite the fashion that 
Rorandair had chosen, and despite the steadying hand from Sir Didymus, 
he was very happy to once again have something solid beneath his feet.
     Regaining his composure, and fiddling with his garments as if to 
straighten some unseen wrinkle, Karaz finally spoke.  To Didymus, he 
said, "Thank you, sir.  You honor me by using my native tongue."
     "My story...well, indeed.  I suppose I can tell you that, yes, I 
think so."  Karaz was ringing his hands, apparently stalling while he 
found an appropriate place to begin.  "Ah, yes!  Here we go!  Many years 
ago my people had heard a tale of a vast treasure to be held that was 
located deep within the caverns on a high mountaintop.  Our leaders 
decided that it had to be ours, and we began to march towards the 
mountain.  Scouts were sent out ahead, and they confirmed the location 
of the treasure, and one minor detail that had been lost in the 
tales...and that was of the Keeper, a huge, fire-breathing behemoth of a 
dragon!  Yes, that's it!  The treasure was definitely guarded by an 
ancient dragon.
     "Well, we had already left our homes behind, and the wealth was too 
great to be ignored, so our leaders then decided to challenge the Keeper 
for his gold.  Well, we devised a plan to draw the beast out of his 
lair, and then to slip in while he was out.  That part worked.  Heh, 
heh, yes it did, didn't it?  Oh, yes!  Well, we hadn't counted on the 
dragon sticking around once we had won his gold.  But he did.  He kept 
us pinned up inside for months, every once in a while striking at the 
entrance before we could drive him back out.  Well, as you can well 
imagine, things inside were getting a little hairy.  We had the men who 
were wounded in battle with the beast, and then there was a general 
shortage of food, and people were getting sick, and... perhaps I better 
not get into the more gruesome details," he said, nodding in Kaega's 
direction.
     "So anyway, we were in a bit of a pinch, when this Nicol Bolas 
character shows up with his Penta-cillian.  That really helped us out!  
That stuff was able to heal up our wounds and cure our diseases, and 
helped us finally defeat the Keeper!  Yep, that's exactly how it all 
happened.  So, ever since, I have been studying Mr. Bolas and his 
magical elixer, in hopes of finding the substance, or the man.  Well, 
I've studied all I can, but have still not found anything worthwhile.  
When I overheard you fine people discussing the matter, I had to pop in!  
Yep, that's exactly everything that's happened.  That's my story.  Yep, 
that's my story."
     Karaz seemed slightly nervous.  His wringing hands were still 
wringing, and there were several points to his story that didn't make 
sense....why would the dragonmage help a band of dwarves steal the 
treasure of one of his own kind?  Why had he given the elixir to many 
when all other documented accounts indicated giving it to just a few if 
not one?
     Before anyone could ask any questions, he spoke up again, "Well, I 
best be off.  First thing in the morning, right?  I'll meet you all 
right here.  Don't leave without me!  I'm the expert, remember?  You 
wouldn't want to leave without the expert!  Right here, first thing!"  
And with another poof of smoke, he was gone.
---med

     Hugh smiled broadly...it was always a pleasure to see someone with 
a good appetite!  Soon, large (relative to each guest's size!) platters 
of roast beef, with nicely browned potatoes and a dish of spicy dragon 
sauce was served.  The mead was placed upon the table, and Hugh had even 
rummaged around until he found a set of taliessin size silverware! 
     Tan admired his platter only a moment before beginning to dig in.  
Liess, on the other hand, stared for a while at hers, her hands 
remaining hidden in her cloak.  After quickly assuaging the worst of his 
hunger, Tan looked up and noticed Liess's stillness.  Slapping his 
forehead and then dropping the cutlery on his small platter with a 
small, high-pitched clatter, Tan raced over to Liess and then leapt back 
onto her shoulder.  He murmurred something in her ear.  She shook her 
head.  He murmurred something more and pointed across the room at where 
some other guests of the inn were plainly enjoying their meal (without 
recourse to niceties like knife, fork, or napkin).  Liess shook her head 
again.
     Tan said something else.  Liess nodded her head.  Tan continued 
talking, Liess continued responding.  After a little bit, Tan vanished.
     He appeared on Sera's shoulder, asked her to please take Liess's 
platter of roast beef and cut it up into bite-sized pieces, and when she 
cheerfully responded that it would be no trouble at all.  He accompanied 
Sera back to the table and then waited there with Liess for Sera to 
return with the platter.
     When the platter came back, Liess began to eat.  The process, 
however, was excruciating to watch.  When her hands appeared from within 
the cloak, it was obvious that they shook too much to manipulate any 
sort of eating utensil.  Indeed, picking up the small chunks of roast 
with her fingers was itself a challenge.  The meat cooperated as best it 
could under a watchful stare from Tan.
     After struggling with (but conquering) a half-dozen or so pieces, 
Liess sat back.
     "You should eat more," Tan said.
     Liess shook her head, waving the food away with a palsied hand.
     "You're still hungry."
     Again, she shook her head.
     "You usually eat more than that."
     She shrugged.
     Tan sighed.  "Well," he said, "roast is also quite good cold."
     Liess frowned.
---al
     Looking around at the filled table, Didymus stood and raised his 
wine glass.  "I would like to welcome you all to this feast.  Hugh and 
Sera will soon be bringing our dinner.  I suggest we use the time until 
then in getting to know each other, and I will do my best to answer any 
questions you may have of me.  Some of my newest arrivals may not yet 
know of my quest.  If so, I would gladly re-tell this tale.  But first, 
as Kaega and Rorandair have requested, I will tell you all a little 
about myself."
     "As you all know, I am Didymus, a knight of the Order of the Purple 
Grommet, from the empire of Karantine, which lies far from this land.  I 
am now fifty-eight years of age, and have spent over the last ten years 
on my quest.  You must excuse my excitement, but for the first time in 
those ten years, I can see an end to this long quest.  I have no family, 
and most of my friends are far, far away."
     Didymus sipped from his glass "What of the rest of you?  Please 
tell us all your tales as well!"
---je
     Valkyr set his glass aside as he looked around the table.  "If you 
please, sir Didymus, I will tell how I came here.  It is a sad tale, and 
I wish to get it out now before I can no longer utter these words."
     "I come from the world of Dyoptaz, more precisely, the Allied 
Kingdoms of the East.  While I was out with my beloved Alicia, we 
stumbled upon an old temple.  I do not remember where it was, but by the 
markings upon it I knew it was a temple of Drakonis, the Pure God of 
Light.  Inside, the halls were in ruins and the tapestries, nothing more 
than food for the worms.  But at the center of the main hall was the 
most amazing sight I ever beheld: a silver longsword embedded in the 
throne of Drakonis.  Foolishly, and against Alicia's advise, I stepped 
up and grabbed the golden-hilt sword."
     "Immediately the temple shook, and the ceiling started to crumble.  
A bright light envelopped me, and the last thing I saw was the temple 
roof fall on my Alicia, crushing her beneath ten tons of hard rock.  I 
appeared upon this world, with nothing more than my clothes, my golden 
amulet which held Alicia's picture, and the sword, in its scabbard."
     "Since that day, I have vowed never again to let greed or envy take 
control of me.  I have become a Paladin, to aid others.  By offering my 
help to all those I encounter, it helps to ease my heart of a little of 
that guilt."
     "The weapon which literally crushed my happiness also proved a boon 
to my cause.  It can help me detect all sources of evil.  And every time 
I pull it free from its scabbard, the blue-shaded holy battle armor you 
saw me enter in appears on me.  When the sword goes back in its 
scabbard, the armor vanishes.  Although it is a formidable power, I can 
only pull out my sword when the cause is just and right."
     "I have stumbled into this Inn, and, hearing of your quest, I have 
come to offer my talents.  I assure you that I will not fail, for my 
word is my bond."
     This said, Valkyr sighed and listened to the next person who would 
tell his tale...
---yvc
     Rorandair laughed and slapped the table, causing it to buckle and 
shift.  "Well then, young Valkyr - I truly hope Sir Didymus' quest can 
be judged to be just and right.  Otherwise, you could be in quite a 
pickle!!"
---mp
     Tan hopped up onto Liess's shoulder and waited for a relative lull 
in the noise.  He waited a long time.  
Finally unable to be patient any longer, he shouted (so that everyone 
had some small chance of hearing him): 
     "My name is Taliessin!"  He took another breath.  "You should call 
me Tan!"  Realizing that he was going to be restricted to short 
declarative sentences, he continued.  "Her name is also Taliessin!  
Coincidence, no?  Call her Liess!
     "I wandered a while ago!  Then I settled some!  In a valley I 
called Home!  Some dragons moved in!  I left!"
     Tan hopped off Liess's shoulder, seized his goblet and drained it 
of the mead it contained. 
     "Liess doesn't talk!  I speak for her!"
     Liess turned her head and looked at him -- fairly inscrutably.
     "Sometimes I get it right!" Tan added.    
     "We met on the road!  Over a week ago!"  Tan paused, then turned to 
Liess and asked "Anything else I should say about you?"
     Liess shook her head, so Tan spread his hands in a benedictive, 
end-of-speech gesture.  Then he hopped off her shoulder and got himself 
more mead.
---al
     Sir Didymus listened to the tales told by the other members at the 
table.  During the conversations, Hugh and Sera brought the feast that 
was ordered.  Roast beef, spicy ribs, dragon pods, greens, beans and 
freshly baked bread.  The cinnamon rolls the inn was famous for were 
also brought on a steaming platter, with fresh butter dripping from each 
roll.
     The conversations continued as the group began to partake of the 
wonderful food and drink.
---je
     After Sir Didymus had told the group about himself, Kaega 
approached the table. She had slipped out half an hour ago, and now 
rejoined the group. "Greetings again," she said. "I apologize for being 
gone, but I had some... business to attend to. I heard you talking just 
now, and I do have a question. I never had a chance to ask it earlier, 
because I had to leave.
     "Do you know when we will leave for the Isle, Sir Didynus? If I 
seem impatient, I apologize, but I need to be on the road again."  Her 
question asked, Kaega sat down and awaited the answer.
---at
     "My, the young are so anxious," Didymus thought to himself.  "My 
dear, I more than anyone wish to begin this final leg of my..er..our 
quest as soon as possible.  If it is alright with everyone else, I 
suggest we leave at dawn.  That is, for those of you wishing to join 
me."  Didymus streched out his arms and stiffled a yawn.  "I am no 
longer as spry as I once was.  These old bones of mine need much more 
rest.  I shall retire for the evening.  I have left payment for the 
feast with Hugh, as well as an open bar tab for the rest of you.  Sit 
and talk amongst yourselves.  Those who wish to go on with me should 
meet me in the stable at dawn."  Looking around, Didymus looked into 
everyone's eyes in turn.  "I hope you all decide to accompany me. I tell 
you true, this elixir will relieve much suffering and death for the free 
peoples, and I mean to bring it back, even at risk of my life!"
     Shaking everyone's hand in turn, Didymus smiled and wished each a 
good night.  He then walked over to Hugh to make arrangements for the 
morning.  "I'll be needing my horse at first light, as well as rations 
for the field.  I wish to thank you now for the great service you have 
done me this day."  Didymus took an additional pouch of coins from his 
belt and handed it to Hugh. "For any additional drinks they wish for, 
and for your services."  Hugh looked in the pouch and gawked.  This, 
matched with the pouch Didymus had given him earlier, was more than the 
inn brought in in two to three weeks.  Hugh began to object to being 
payed so much, but Didymus hushed him with a wave of the hand.  "You are 
a true and trusted comrade, and by finding me these travelers, you have 
done more for me than you will ever know.  Please accept the payment, 
and make an old man happy."  Didymus smiled warmly at Hugh, wished him a 
good evening, then retired up the stairs.
     "Ohh, these bones are indeed getting old.  And I still have to get 
this heavy armour off.  Perhaps it is high time I found myself a squire.  
I can surely use the help."
---je
     Taking Sir Didymus at his word, Tan scarcely waited for the old 
soldier to begin crossing the floor to the 
stairs before asking Liess, "All right, why did you want to sit here at 
this table?"
     Liess shrugged and made a great production out of eating another 
piece of beef.  That may not have been by choice.
     "Sorry," Tan grumbled.  "Bad question."  He scooped some more mead 
out of Liess's goblet with his and then took a sip.  "Do you want to go 
with Sir Didymus to look for this penny-potion (or whatever it is)?"
     Liess nodded.  Grasping her goblet with both hands and moving it as 
little as possible, she took a drink.
     "What about St Varalan's?"
     Liess shook her head.
     "Is going to this Dragon Isle going to help you?"
     Liess shrugged.
     "It didn't sound like Sir Didymus can help you."
     The look Liess gave Tan he'd already decided was her "That's what 
you think" look.
     Sometime later, they took the roomkey Hugh had given them and went 
upstairs.  
---al
     Rorandair watched Sir Didymus rise and leave, wondering what the 
trip had in store for him.  No matter.  Since he really did not need to 
sleep, he decided to stay up and enjoy himself, talking with the 
visitors to the inn.
     At dawn he entered the stable, eager to start out on something new.
---mp
     Sir Didymus bid the others goodnight, then departed to his room.  
Kaega munched a few more of the delicious dragon pods, the went and got 
her room key from Hugh.  Settling down to sleep in her room, Kaega 
wondered what the next day would bring.  She was fairly certain that she 
would not be able to keep her secret much longer, and she wondered what 
her companions' reactions would be.  They all seemed like good people, 
but the dwarf might not take kindly to her true form.  Still, it would 
be good to fly again. Her short time this evening had been refreshing, 
but she needed more time.  Finally, her thoughts quieted and she fell 
into sleep.
     In the morning, she got up quickly.  She had nothing to pack but 
her staff, so she took it and headed to the common room.  There she 
acquired a good breakfast, then headed out to the stables to meet Sir 
Didymus.
---at

     As the early morning light crept into the open windows of the 
stable, young Pen was already busy feeding, cleaning and prepping horses 
for the new day.
     Noticing the entrance of the large man he had met and spoke with 
the previous day at the inn, Pen rushed over to greet him.
     "Good mornen to ya sir!" Pen blurted out with a broad grin, still 
holding his manure covered shovel in his hands. "Did ya get a chance ta 
talk ta that Knight at the other table?"
     "Oh..you mean Sir Didymus. Yes...yes I did." Rorandair responded, 
returning the boy's smile with his own.
     "Will ya be leaven to go seeken adventures with the 
Knight...Didymus?" the boy asked with wide curiosity.
---ds
     "Yes, I will, young man.  I am greatly looking forward to heading 
out.  Unfortunately, I have a bit of a problem.  I have never 
encountered a horse that could even come close to carrying my weight.  
Have you ever heard of, or seen one, that looked like it could carry 
me?"
     "No, sir.  But if I do, I'll surely let you know!"
     "Excellent!  Thank you for all your help in these matters.  If 
there's something I can do for you, then let me know."
     Pen's voice, however, was unable to reply.
---mp
     As he talked to the large man known as Rorandair Cadimus, Pen's 
voice box suddenly malfunctioned and he had to clear his throat and 
blink hard as he studied the entrance of a most beautiful female.
     Gawking at Kaega, the cause of the boy's technical problems became 
all to apparent.
---ds
     Didymus awoke before the sun came up, and quickly washed and 
dressed himself for travel.  He donned his armour and shouldered his 
equipment pack, and made his way down the stairs.  The inn was pretty 
quiet at this hour of the morning, so Didymus quietly exited the inn and 
walked to the stable.  The air outside was cool and crisp, and Didymus 
could not think of a more perfect way to begin the last leg of his 
quest.
     Entering the stable, he saw that Rorandair and Kaega had already 
arrived, and the stable boy was attaching the rations pack he had 
purchased from Hugh to his horse.  Didymus greeted them all, and went 
over to speak to Rorandair and Kaega.  "I trust the two of you slept 
well?" He said, with a smile and a twist of his moustache.
---je
     Kaega waited in the stables. Sir Didymus came out to the stable and 
inquired as to how she and the others had slept.  She sighed, but 
managed to dredge up a pleasent smile and answer, "Very well, thank you. 
I am afraid, though, that there is something that I must tell you before 
we all go further in the quest. I have not been completly open with 
you."
     Two of the others came up behind her, and she paused for a moment.
---at

     It was early evening, when the two travelers rode into Montford. 
Theirs hadbeen a long journey, yet they had finally reached their 
destination.  The Red Dragon Inn. They dismounted and led their horses 
into the nearby stable. They were ofdiffering heights. One was about 6 
feet tall, his built concealed beneatha soft velvet robe, blue 
embroidered with silvery runes. His long goldenhair flowed in elegant 
curls down to his shoulders, his full golden beardwas equally curled.  
Over his robes he wore a brown dustcloak to protecthis garments from the 
strains of travel.   The other was smaller, about 5 feet in height. Her 
long black hair flowed down to her waist, almost absorbing the light 
around it. Shewore a blue dustcloak over her white and blue robes, 
embroidered withsilvery runes. But her face was the most capturing of 
her, it seemed toradiate with an inner beauty seldom found in a mortal. 
Her features weredelicate and her dark eyes like ponds.
---mw
     Brushing the colt of a beautiful large stallion, Pen was happy to 
be interrupted by the entrance of the two new visitors.  Moving around 
the large equine, Pen walked over towards the two newcomers and stopped 
in  his tracks suddenly once his eyes focused on the incredible beauty 
that stood in front of him.  After a moment of awkward silence the man 
handed the reigns of both horses over to the gawking boy and cleared his 
throat loudly to gain his attention.  "Ahhemm...Young man, please take 
care of our horses, whilst we  visit the Inn."    Blinking rapidly, 
speechless, Pen came out of his trance with a smile and took the two 
horses into clean stalls.
---ds
     After stabling their horses they went to the front door of the inn 
and entered.
---mw
     As the boy fed and watered the horses, his mind began to wander.  
"WOW..that was one beautiful woman!  She's amazing!"  Not knowing it at  
the time, but Pen would end up spending the rest of his waking hours, 
and perhaps his sleeping ones as well, dreaming of the tiny, elegant 
female, who's horse he now fed. "I can't wait to see her again," he told 
the animals in the stable.
     Pen began to whistle... 
---ds

     The journey from Jord was long and tiresome.  Derek dismounted from 
his glorified plow horse, and tossed to reins to Pen, the stable boy, 
who was busy drooling over something.  "Just manage to keep her alive."  
He said as he dropped a copper piece at the boy's feet.
     Derek was haggard and scruffy in apperance.  His dirty and rusty 
chainmail shirt was littered with gash marks from over-use.  His long, 
black hair was matted back with mud and sweat into a lose pony-tail.  A 
battered pendant hung about his neck.  It had the look as if a 
blacksmith mistook it for a horseshoe and  started to pound on it before 
he realized what it was.  The design that was formerly on it is now 
unrecognizable.  Derek looked as if life hadn't been kind to him of 
late.  The one thing that looked odd about him was the bright sword that 
he carried at his side, as out of place as a princess in a pig sty.
     He proceeds to walk to the inn where he planned to get a long 
overdue drink.  Boy, was it crowded.  Derek didn't like the idea of 
having so many people around.  Crowds made him nervous.  He managed to 
make his way across the common room where he saw a table with only one 
other patron.  As he passed through the crowd, he saw a Paladin (Valkyr) 
next to another knight (Sir Didymus).  "Look at those two goodie-two-
shoes.  How sickening.  To think that you were once as deluded as they,"  
Zion (Derek's sword) chimed in with Mind-speak.
     Derek proceeded to walk up to them, got into Valkyr's face, and 
looked deep into his eyes.  "Ha!  He's not as pure as he seems," Zion 
mind-spoke to Derek.
     "Maybe you should wipe some of that blood off your hands before you 
go around rescuing princesses or whatever you're here to do."  He spat 
at Valkyr's feet as he turned back to his original destination.  He sat 
down at the table and stared long and hard at the local fellow sitting 
across from him.  After just a moment of being under gaze of Derek, the 
fellow decided to go find a different table.  He nearly spilt his drink 
in  his haste.
     Derek sat back at the table as he waited for the serving wench to 
make her way around again.  He remembered a place very similair to this 
Inn.  A place to find adventure. It seemed like ages ago.  Before the 
Lycanthrope trouble in Jord.  Before his last quest.  Before he had 
broke his Oath.  Before he had Zion.  "Having nostalgic thoughts, are 
we?  Remembering how nice things were before you meet me?  Then you 
remember that you were nothing before me.  A pawn of the Temple.  And 
now you're stuck with me.  You knew the price when you first saw me, you 
knew what I was.  They would never take you back now, even if you 
managed to gain enough courage yourself to try to get rid of me,"  Zion 
spoke into Derek's mind.  Having no other outlet for the anger he turned 
and grabbed Sera none too gently by the arm and pulled her towards him.
     "Bring me an Ale.  And make it snappy," he barked at Sera as he 
released her.  Derek paused as he saw her hurry away, thinking that he 
should apologize.  It was just that Zion got the better of him at times.       
Derek started to look around the room to see what manner adventure was 
brewing.  They had grown tired of the fighting in Jord and decided to 
move on.  The Dragon's Inn was well known for a place to go to find 
adventure.  Hopefully they would find some before Zion got too bored.  
Things got nasty when he got bored.
---mwf

     The innkeeper welcomed Rashna and Rabancal and determined with a 
practiced look that the newcomers were well off.  The female came over 
to him, inclined her head and said, "We would need a room for two 
people. We are planing to stay a while."
     Hugh Rogers bowed slightly and said, "Yes, milady, as you wish."
     The male went over to a table at the fire and sat down ordering a 
meal and some wine for the lady and himself.  The female walked or 
rather glided to the table and sat down beside the male.  With a small 
gesture she brushed her hair back, shortly revealing two pointed ears.  
Then the two started to talk quietly. When the meal arrived, they 
stopped talking and ate in silence.
---mw

     Derek was astounded by the amount of people that started to come 
into the inn.  It was extremly crowded.  Derek didn't like crowds.  He 
decided to see if there were any rooms left before it was too late.
     "Sorry," Hugh replied.  "I just rented my last one out.  I never 
thought I would have seen the day that I would run out of space for 
people here at the inn.  Perhaps I should build an addition."
     Derek began to feel a cold rage building inside him, not sure if 
Hugh was speaking the truth or just trying to get rid of him.
     "I hate to turn people away.  If you don't mind, you could sleep in 
the loft of the stable.  At least it is dry and you will have a roof 
over your head," Hugh suggested.  "At no charge, of course," he added.
     "Thank you for your generosity," Derek replied with a snarl and 
proceeded to storm out of the inn.
     "Fool," was the only thought coming from Zion and Derek knew it 
wasn't directed towards Hugh.
 ---mwf

     Rashna and Rabancal had gotten up early to pack their provisions 
and ready their horses. They were working quietly in the back of the 
stable, so the others hadn't noticed them, yet.
     When they were ready, they lead their horses to the front of the 
stable.
     Rashna greeted Didymus with her strangely melodical voice: "Sir 
Knight, my husband and I are ready to embark on your noble quest. Would 
you please be so kind as to introduce our companions to us?"
     Rabancal meanwhile held the horses and took a mental note of the 
people present. The stable boy, Pen, seemed a little 'exicted' at the 
ladies around him, but that wouldn't be a problem. With one gaze he took 
in Kaega and Rorandir wondering who they were.
---mw
     Overhearing Rashna tell Didymus of her marital status caused all 
the fantasies Pen had so intricately designed in his mind the previous 
evening to crash and burn. His young head sunk with his heart, but he 
soon recovered remembering Kaega's presence.  (to be young and fickle)
     While listening to the small group filling the stable, Pen's memory 
banks rang bells all of a sudden and he remembered that there was a 
horse available and that would suit Rorandair just fine. To Rorandair, 
the young boy blurted excitedly, "I know of a horse that could carry you 
sir! It is a most excellent mount. I   understand from my employer, 
Hugh, that the stallion is as strong as an elephant, quick as lightning, 
and ma de for war." Without waiting for an answer from the warrior, Pen 
took off for the inn.  "I'll ask Hugh if he'll sell it to you." the boy 
yelled back as he ran.
     A few moments later, Pen returned with a slightly confused look on 
his face. Without a word to the large man, he proceeded to the back of 
the barn and retrieved the sturdy equine he had spoken of a few moments 
earlier. 
     The glorious beast stood approximately two dozen hands from hoof to 
head.  Its' colt was black as night and glistened as it moved in the 
early morning sun. Muscles rippled through out its body, revealing 
powerful front and hind legs that could carry a large man at a quick 
pace.
     "Here you go sir. I believe this fine horse will do the job."  Pen 
stated as he handed over the reigns.
     Amazed by the stallions beauty, Rorandair took the reigns and asked 
how much the horse would cost.
     Shaking his head slightly, Pen spoke in a soft voice, "Uhm..there's 
no charge...sir." Still shaking his head in utter perplexity, Pen 
thought, "How could he just give the Legentor's stallion away -I mean- 
he found it wandering the streets several days ago without any sign of 
that Eldarion fellow around to claim it, but to just give it away.  It 
was Hugh's to sell!  I'll never understand his generosity."
---ds
     Kaega continued. "My true form is not the human you see, but a 
rainbow dragon. I am on this quest because I need to get to the Dragon's 
Isle, to speak with my fellow dragons. I hope that my true form will not 
distress you, because I need to travel in it."  She turned to Sir 
Didymus. "I hope that I may stay on the quest, but it is up to you. May 
I stay?"
---at
     Overhearing Kaega, Pen's bubble burst for the second time that 
morning.  Two beautiful young ladies and neither were attainable.
---ds
     Didymus is quite intrigued.  "A dragon you say!  Well now, you will 
indeed be quite an asset on this quest, especially in dealing with this 
Nicol Bolas!  You will, I hope, continue on with us to secure the elixir 
even after attaining your goal of reaching the isle?"
---je
     Rorandiar looked very puzzled when Kaega revealed she was a rainbow 
dragon.
     "Kaega, I do not know where that places our relationship, exactly, 
for in Arlon I was chosen by all good and lawful dragons as their 
champion over sixty years ago.  That is why I can wear this armor, made 
out of the skin of an evil black dragon which I defeated.  For much of 
the last sixty years I have wandered the lands killing evil and 
destructive dragons.  I'd like to know where that puts your opinion of 
me, for I am most likely either your chosen champion, a sworn enemy, or 
someone who would not be committed either way, depending on your 
alignment.  I just want you to know in advance that if you start killing 
helpless humans, I will kill you."
---mp
     "I hope I am not interrupting..."
     Everyone turned to the stable entrance as Valkyr Paladinson 
entered.  "Unfortunately I overslept, and I didn't want to be late.  I 
hope you have place for one more person on your quest.  My horse, 
Lightwave, is waiting for me near here.  I shall call him now."
     Valkyr closed his eyes, and, slowly, clapped his hand together.  A 
few moments later, a beautiful white horse trotted up to the stable.  
Turning to the others, Valkyr spoke as he gave the horse's neck a 
friendly rub.
     "I have found Lightwave at the very spot where I have arrived upon 
this world...  She was, indeed, my only friend then.  I hope that has 
changed now..."
---yvc

     It was early the next day, and there were few patrons in the Inn's 
common room at that early hour.  A small ball of smoke puffed from 
nothingness in a vacant corner, and standing there was an elderly 
dwarven male, dressed absurdly in a deep purple robe lavishly trimmed in 
maroon feathers.  A small pointed hat adorned his head, perched 
cheerfully if not off-balance upon the dwarf's white hair.  He grasped a 
gnarled stick with the stubby little fingers of his right hand, which 
was upraised.  His left was similarly upraised, but carried nothing.  He 
quickly looked himself over, and seeing that he hadn't made the mistake 
of the night before, looked back up.
     The room filled with the sound of a trumpet fanfare, and at the 
conclusion, the dwarf proudly announced, "It is I, the Magnificent 
Karaz-Gorm!  I have arrived!  The Quest for Penta-cillian may now 
begin!"  Despite his glorious entrance, and to his horror, he found no 
familiar faces in the audience which greeted him with muffled laughs and 
stifled guffaws.  Panicked, he began muttering hurridly, "Oh, no!  They 
have left me!  They promised they would not leave without me and they 
have left me!"
     He hurried over to the bar where Hugh was busy preparing for the 
coming day's business, and not without several wise cracks from the few 
people who had witnessed his great entrance.  "Tell me, kind sir....Sir 
Didymus and the others...Where have they gone?  They swore they would 
not leave without me!  How could they leave without the magnificent me?"
     Fighting back a smile that was creeping relentless onto his face, 
Hugh replied, "My friend, they have not left you.  I believe they are 
assembling in the stables across...."
     "AAIIEEEEEE!!!"  he shreaked in fear.  He ran for the door, and 
then remembered his manners.
     "Oh, thank you!  Thank you, kind sir!"  Shouted the excited dwarf.  
"May your beard grow to reach your toes!"  Then, looking at the height 
of Hugh compared to his own, he added, "and I'm afraid that will take 
far longer for you than for me!"  With that, he scampered out the door 
and headed for the stables, all the while muttering, "Ohhh, I hope they 
haven't left.  Ohhh, ohhh, they said they wouldn't leave.  How could 
they leave?  I'm the Magnificent Karaz-Gorm!  They couldn't leave 
without me! Ohhh, but what if they have!"
     He was still muttering when he finally reached the stables.  
Everyone else had already gathered there, and were patiently awaiting 
the dwarf.  He was half way to the other side, and well in the midst of 
the adventurers when he noticed that he had already arrived.  He quickly 
looked from face to astonished face, and darted back through the door he 
had entered.  A few moments later, and he proudly marched in again.
     Another fanfare, and another announcement, "The Magnificent Karaz-
Gorm has decided to grace you with his presence upon this Quest for the 
Penta-cillian."  Then, in a more timid voice, "You know, I wasn't late.  
You all were just early.  Yep, just early, that's all.  But that's okay.  
You couldn't leave without me.  No, not without the great Kara...no, the 
'Magnificent' Karaz-Gorm.  No, you wouldn't have left without me.  
Wouldn't have left without me.....would you have?"
---med
     Didymus smiled at Karaz-Gorm.  "Actually, we are still awaiting the 
arrival of two more of our party."
     Karaz-Gorm quickly sneered at this.  "They're LATE!  How insulting 
to my person!  Well, I will forgive them this time, but I am not one to 
be kept waiting!"
     Didymus turned back to Rashna and Rabancal and introduced them to 
the rest of the party.  "I'm sorry, but other than your names, I do not 
know much about you.  Perhaps while we wait for Tan and Liess you could 
tell us all about yourselves?"
---je
     When Didymus asked them to tell 'all about themselves', Rabancal 
stepped forward.  He knew that there were things better left untold, and 
probably the others didn't have the time or patience to listen to the 
story of a lifetime.  Thus he would keep the story simple and short.
     "We are travelers, half-elves from a far and distant plane.  We 
have come here for our version of vacation," he began.
     Didymus raised his eyebrows at that.
     Rashna saw his confusion, and explained.  "We are working for good 
and just causes all over the multiverse.  Now we have decided to retire 
a little and do something here on this world.  Your quest is our best 
excuse for a vacation in ages.  It's a worthwhile goal, and besides the 
Dragon Isle sounds interesting."
     Rabancal took over again.  "You may ask what we can contribute to 
this group, besides two able hands and minds."
     Mysteriously smiling, Rashna continued, "You will find out in 
time."
---mw

     In the morning, a little while past dawn, they came flying 
(metaphorically) downstairs again and out the door, Tan's small voice 
crying as they passed (probably a repetition), "Well, I thought you were 
going to wake us..."
     "This is so embarassing," Tan was saying as the pair entered the 
stables.  "If they're -- oh good!  You waited.  Now all we have to do is 
humbly abase ourselves and request that you indulge us with your 
patience while we try to get our horses back into our wagon's harness 
and get all the traces straightened out, et cetera, et cetera."
     Liess went over to where the wagon was standing and stood there, 
her arms folded.
     "If we'd been smart," Tan continued, hopping off her shoulder onto 
the wagon and dancing out a strut to the general vicinity of the tack, 
"we would've told the stableboy last night when we needed this thing 
ready to go -- "
     Liess raised an eyebrow.
     Tan sighed.  "Fine.  If I'd been smart -- rest of the text 
unaltered.  Happy?"  He glanced at the others and shrugged.  "We're a 
little cranky first thing in the morning."
     Liess waved an arm and shook her head.
     "She doesn't think so," Tan explained unnecessarily.  He looked at 
the lack of horses in the immediate vicinity of the front of the wagon.
     "HELP!!" he bawled out probably as loudly as his small voice could 
manage.  It was not very impressive, and he coughed some at the 
conclusion.
     "At least we didn't unpack much from the wagon last night," he 
added.  "I don't even travel with a wagon as a rule," he went on kicking 
the strut he was standing on, "-- and I don't think you do either," he 
said to Liess.
     She raised her eyes to the rafters.
---al
     At hearing the tiny man's distressful plea, Pen moved towards him 
and the lady he introduced as Liess and spoke, "I'm afraid I have a lit- 
I mean some bad news for you sir.  One of your horses had a stone buried 
in behind its shoe - don't worry, I've removed the shoe, but 
unfortunately the poor beast won't be able to pull your cart for atleast 
a week."
     "What?"  squawked the tiny man.
     Aware of the added distress the news had caused the taliessin, Pen 
quickly added, "Sir, we have other horses...Perhaps a trade can be 
made."
---ds
     Upon hearing this, Karaz-Gorm rolled his eyes and threw his arms 
into the air.  "I see!  So, I am asked to wait for those discourteous 
enough to be LATE, and NOW I'm asked to sit through some HORSE TRADE???  
I'm an important man, you know!  I've got things to see, places to do, 
people to go to..." he paused, looking thoughtful as he recounted what 
had just come from his mouth.  "Never mind.  I haven't TIME for this 
kind of nonsense!"
     With that, he stormed over to a corner of the stable.  With a wave 
of his stick, several pieces of straw rose from the rest and began some 
kind of inane dance that seemed to be amusing the dwarven mage.  He was 
laughing and giggling to himself, entirely unmindful of the others in 
the stable.
---med
     Tan (Taliessin minor) walked dejectedly back along the strut to the 
point nearest to Liess's shoulder.
     "Well," he rasped (having strained his voice on that call for 
help), "I'm flexible about what manner of conveyance or shoulder I ride 
upon, but Liess -- "  He looked at her, she looked at him, he jumped 
over to her shoulder.  "What do you think about taking the horse that's 
left and riding it?" he asked her.  "Assuming we could trade the wagon 
for saddle and stuff."
     Liess shook her head.
     "Don't much care for riding, mm?"
     Liess shook her head again.
     Tan nodded and looked at Pen.  "All right.  Who do we see about 
making a horse-trade?" he asked.  Then he glanced at Sir Didymus and 
added " -- and quickly.  We're already holding up a Very Important 
Adventure.  (Assuming they'll wait around while we get organized.)"
---al
     Apparently, Karaz was able to hear the strained voice of the 
taliessin (perhaps his ears were more trained towards the higher 
pitches), because he came storming over to the little man and blustered, 
"Not to mention a very important person!  Don't forget that!  I'm a very 
important person.  Yes I am!  Very important!  Very important!"
     Tan stared at him blankly, Karaz returning the stare as if to say 
"Yes I am" one more time.  He then turned his attention to his straw.  
The dancing straws were apparently picking up partners, as there was now 
much more straw dancing about, and it was beginning to get out of 
control.  Karaz was waving his stick around more, and he began to hum 
nervously.  His motion was beginning to get more and more erratic.
---med
     Taking his queue, the young stable boy stated, "I'll fetch Hugh 
from the Inn!" Then without hesitation the boy took of for the Inn.  
Prior to exiting the stable, Pen spun around and as he ran backwards, 
yelled out, "I'm sure there will be no problem with a trade, Sir."  Then 
the boy disappeared.
     As he had promised, Pen returned with the inn keeper, Hugh.
     With Pen at his heels, Hugh marched over to where Tan and Liess 
stood and asked in a used-car salesman tone-of-voice, "What seems to be 
the trouble?"
     Tan quickly replied in his strangled voice that was becoming 
slightly more hoarse with each time he used it, "We are in need of a 
replacement horse.  Your stable boy here has been so kind to point out 
that ours is no longer capable of travel.  Can you help us?"
     Hugh listened intently then replied with a broad smile, "I'm sure 
we can!  Just give me a moment or two."  And without waiting for a 
reply, he took Pen aside and mumbled something to the boy (if Tan's 
hearing were exceptional, he would simple overhear Hugh ask the boy what 
condition the injured horse was in).  Pen responded with a hand gesture 
representing the 'O.K.'
     Returning to Tan's circle of new friends, Hugh spoke, again in that 
overly friendly voice only a perfect stranger can utilize in such 
instances, "A trade is no problem...no problem at all Sir!  Follow me 
please." With that, Hugh lead Tan, Liess and Pen to a stall.  "Will this 
fine horse do?" he asked the tiny man.
     Standing in the stall was a middle-aged dark brown work horse in 
obvious good health (but this would probably be its last big adventure 
as well).
---ds
     The measurement of horse quality was not one of Tan's strong suits.  
Most of what he knew about horses was how to avoid them.  He looked to 
Liess for advice.  Liess looked blankly back at him.  They both sighed.  
Once again, they would have to depend on the kindness of strangers.
     Deciding to overlook the strange attack of oiliness that had 
somehow crept into Hugh's voice, the pair of Taliessins both nodded.
     "How quickly can you get our new team of horses in harness, boy?" 
Tan whispered, having neglected to ask the stableboy's name.
---al
     "Well!" said Didymus, clapping his hands and then rubbing them 
together, "It would appear we are now all here.  If you would all move 
in closer..."
     Didymus pulled out a roll of ancient-looking suede leather from his 
pack and placed it on an empty barrel.
     He unrolled the leather unveiling a map of the area, including the 
Dragons Isle.  There were many changes made to the map, such as the name 
Monthaven being crossed out and replaced with Montfort, and areas of the 
map which once said, 'Here there be monsters' crossed out and replaced 
with 'not anymore'.
---je
     Pen became quite fascinated by the map Didymus produced.  Pen was 
quite fond of maps.  Maps usually showed you how to get from here to 
there and there was always more interesting than here.  Yes, the young 
boy was very keen about maps, especially ones that were riddled with 
mysteries and adventure.
     "This is my chance to get out of this tiny no where town.  Hugh's 
been great ever since my dad died, but I can't live with my mother 
forever," Pen thought as he listened to Didymus speak of the upcoming 
journey he and his new companions were about to undertake.
---ds
     Didymus continued.  "First, we'll make our way to Rosehaven, then 
Turnmoor after that.  After that there is a deep river we must cross by 
ferry, with the town of Churliesse on the other side.  From Churliesse 
we can book passage on a barge which will take us all the way down river 
to the port of Varna.  From there, we must find a ship's captain willing 
to take us to the Dragons Isle."
---je
     Everyone gathered around the map, and no one remembered to get the 
dwarf (or maybe no one wanted to remember to get the dwarf!).  As 
Didymus discussed the trek that lay before them, Karaz-Gorm noticed that 
there was some activity behind him that he might want to take part in.
     Hurrying over to the croud, he scampered about looking for a way 
towards the middle where he would be able to see what everyone was 
looking at.  No luck.  Finally, disregarding all respect for his 
questmates, he ducked his head down and darted between Rorandair's 
trunk-like legs (well, trunk-like from a dwarf's perspective...mountain-
like from a taliessin's perspective!)  When he finally made it to the 
map side, he inconsiderately pushed everyone out of the way while he 
busily studied every detail the parchment contained, quickly darting 
from corner to corner, ink blot to ink blot.  All the while, he was 
muttering, "Mmm hmm!  Mmm hmm!  Ooo, yep.  Yep.  Mmm hmm!"  Finally, 
Karaz-Gorm opened his mouth as if to say something profound, and Sir 
Didymus picked up the parchment.
---med
     Rolling up the map, Didymus gives everyone his brightest smile, 
"Well now, that doesn't look too hard, does it?"
---je
     Karaz closed his mouth in disgust, then opened it again as if he 
decided to say it anyway, then closed it again.  He went back to his 
dancing straw, which appeared to have kept dancing even without his 
supervision.
---med
     Dashing forward, full of excitement at the prospect of going on his 
first adventure, Pen stood in front of Didymus.  "Ahhum..Hello good Sir.  
R-remeber me from yesterday?  I would like to offer you my services  as 
your pers-" the young boy began to say, but was interrupted suddenly by 
some falling straw that landed on top of his head.  Looking up to the 
loft he grabbed the loose straw from his hair and queried in a puzzled  
voice, "w-who's up there?"
---ds
     Kaega looked around at the chaos in the stable. Straw was falling 
out of a hole  in the ceiling, Karaz-Gorm was watching more of the straw 
dance, and the Taliessins were completing a horse trade. She quickly 
stepped out of the stable and changed back to her dragon form.  "If you 
will excuse me," those in the stable heard a voice rumble in their 
minds, "I need to stretch my wings."  This said, Kaega quickly took to 
the air.
     Soaring high above Montfort, Kaega sighed contentedly (with the 
result that a few high-flying birds had their feathers slightly 
scorched).  She decided that she would like this planet.
---at
     Karaz saw the straw land on the boy, and quickly piped in, "I 
didn't do that, you know!  Not me!  I'm the Magnificent Karaz-Gorm!  I 
wouldn't do something like that!  Not me!"
---med
     Rorandair glanced up.  "Does anyone want to check, or should I just 
jump up there and see?" he asked, eyeing the opening in the loft floor.
---mp
     Looking at the huge warrior then the frail ladder leading to the 
top of the loft, Pen responded quickly and politely, "that's alright, 
I'll check Sir!"
     Without waiting for any opposition, the young stable boy climbed 
the latter to sequester the growing curiosity of the crowd below.
     Reaching the top of the shaky latter, Pen took an attentive look 
around the loft and cried out, "Anyone there?"
     He waited.
     Nothing.
     Again the boy yelled in his voice that squeaked occasionally, 
"hello...anybody up here?"
     Satisfied, Pen returned to the lower level where everyone waited 
and declared sheepishly, "I guess it was nothen but the wind."
---ds
"You see?  Nothing but the wind!"  shouted the dwarf, who appeared to be 
relieved
that the falling hay was not going to be attributed to his apparently 
misbehaving
dancing act.  "Just like the boy said, it was nothing but the wind!  Not 
me!"
---med
     Turning to the tiny man known as Tan, Pen spoke, "I'll get your 
wagon and horses ready right away!" And that said, the boy set to his 
task. A few short minutes later the wagon was set to go.
  ---ds
     "I hope I'm not late."
     Valkyr walked into the stable, amongst the confusion.  While 
everyone was occupied, he walked up to Sir Didymus.
     "Sir Didymus.  I am pleased to find out you have not left yet.  I 
overslept, and I was worried you would have been gone without me.  If 
you please, I would like to know what has happened in my absence..."
---yvc
     Sir Didymus was indeed glad that everyone was ready to go.  It was 
mid morning before all the details had been worked out, but finally 
everyone was ready to leave.
---je
     Karaz-Gorm walked over to the hitched wagon of the Taliessins, and 
hoisted himself into the back.  Liess, who was already at the reigns, 
looked back at him with a look on her face as if to say, "And what do 
you think you're doing?"
     The dwarf at first acted as though he didn't see her, but when she 
continued to stare at him, he finally acknowledged her glance and 
replied, "Well, you certainly don't expect me to walk, do you?  And I'm 
not riding one of those beasts, either!"
     Liess turned back around in her seat, her eyes again carefully 
examining the rafters.
     As Karaz was making himself comfortable, a tiny voice whispered up 
to him, "Hey!  Watch it!"  Lifting a blanket, he found Tan hiding in the 
back of the wagon.  Karaz opened his mouth to greet the little man, when 
the Taliessin slapped a raised index finger to his lips.  Karaz nodded 
and smiled, replacing the blanket.
---med