As the group got on their respective horses (or wagon),
Didymus said farewell to the stableboy.  "My thanks, dear
Pen.  You have been of great service to me, and I shall not
forget you."  In shaking Pen's hand, Didymus pressed a gold
piece into the boy's palm.
     Didymus looked around.  "Is everyone ready?"  After
receiving nods from everyone, he continued. "Good, then let
us be off!"
     Didymus began to ride his horse out of the stable, when
suddenly his horse reared and he fell flat on his back.  It
took a few moments as he tried to get his wind back, then he
got up to see to his horse.
     Pen had ahold of the reins, as the skittish horse was
doing its best to stay away from the dancing straw at its
feet.
---je
     Karaz-Gorm looked over the side of the wagon to see
what the commotion was.  Sir Didymus had been thrown from
his horse.  He was about to lecture the knight on the
importance of having a well-trained steed if you were, in
fact, going to have one at all, when he noticed the straw
dancing on the floor.  He also noticed that all eyes were on
him, and he blushed a very deep shade of red.  With a
nervous smile and an equally uneasy sheepish laugh, he waved
his stick and muttered some words.
     Nothing happened.
     Again, more waving and more words, and still nothing. 
Karaz was growing concerned.  His expression changed from
embarassment to frustration, and his brow wrinkled over his
focused eyes, but the straw continued to dance.  He could
sense the urgency in the others, and decided to try a new
approach.  With another wave of the stick (this time
different from the previous patterns), and with clearly
different words spoken, the dancing straw danced no more. 
It was blue, but it wasn't dancing.
     With the problem resolved, Karaz gently lowered himself
behind the side of the wagon, trying desperately to slip
from the attention of the rest of the group.
---med
     Leading his horse outside, Didymus once again got in
the saddle, and the group made their way through the
awakening streets of Montfort.
---je
     Admiring the gold coin that was his tip, Pen thought,
"Wow!  A gold piece," as he bit down on the thing.
     The group made its way from the stable slowly, using
the road that pointed for Rosehaven.
     As he watched the party depart, Pen thought again about
the map and the talk of a quest, causing his blood to course
with adrenalin.  "This is my chance to get out of here and
become somebody important like Sir Didymus."
     Quickly the boy wrote a note on some parchment and
stuck it on a hook.  It read:
    
          Hugh, tanx four you helping me. I am leeving with
Ser
          Didimus. Please tale mi mom I luv her.
          Tanx Hugh.
                        Pen.
    
     With only the clothes on his back and the gold coin,
the stable boy took after the small caravan. Reaching the
convoy, Pen thought it best to sneak into the back of the
wagon that was trailing.  Moving  swiftly and so as not to
be seen or heard by the others, Pen climbed into the back of
the cart and hid under an old piece of canvas.
---ds
     He was startled to see Karaz-Gorm sitting with his back
to the side of the wagon, apparently forgetting that he had
been back there during the dancing straw incident.  However,
noticing that the mage was asleep, he relaxed a bit.
---med
     "I'll beg Didymus to be his squire when they find me,"
he thought.  "He'll teach me how to be a knight in
exchange."
     The boy shivered with excitement at the prospect of his
newly developed fantasies of adventure and fame.
---ds
     Tan rolled out of the way of the boy's feet, then eased
his way up close to Pen's ear.
     "Shhhh," he whispered.  "Be very, very quiet.  I'm
trying to make Liess feel guilty about almost leaving me
behind.  ('Course, it's never worked before.)  What's your
excuse?"
---al
     Alarmed at first at being discovered, Pen relaxed once
he realised that he wasn't the only one playing hide-and-go-
seek.
     Whispering, the boy answered Tan, "I want to be a
knight!"
---ds
     Rorandair was glad to ride towards some goal again, and
he was more than happy about his new horse.  Silently, he
vowed to somehow pay Sir Didymus and Hugh for finding him a
mount which he could actually ride.  And that boy Pen, if he
ever saw him again.
     Rorandair reflected upon his new companions.  A diverse
crew of adventurers to be sure, but seemingly solid. 
Rorandair rode up to Sir Didymus to ask him a question.
     "Sir Didymus, do you mind if I take up the rear of the
party?  I have always liked to see what's going on, and if
you have no objections I will drop back a bit, at least
while we are on the highway."
     Sir Didymus considered this strange request.  He
doubted Rorandair was fearful of being the first into
combat.  Maybe it was just a strange personal quirk.  "Sure. 
Why not?" he shrugged.
     "Thanks," Rorandair replied, and dropped back behind
the wagon, nodding to the others as he passed.  Ambling
along, he let his thoughts wander to other times and other
places...
---mp
     Peeking through an opening, Pen eyed the scenery behind
the wagon as the town of Montfort began to shrink in size.
     "Good-bye Monfort...good-bye home. " he thought at
last.
     Suddenly Rorandair appeared on his magnificent black
stallion as he took up the rear.  Frightened by the prospect
of being discovered, Pen shrunk behind the covering of the
canvas and whispered a warning to Tan.  "The big warrior is
riding behind us."
  ---ds
     On his white-and-gold steed, Valkyr moved up to trot
beside Sir Didymus.
     "It is a fine day to travel", he said, referring to the
cloudless blue sky above.  "I was wondering, Sir Didymus, do
you know of any aquatic creatures that live in the body of
water we will cross on the way to Dragon's Isle?  I was
wondering if I should prepare myself for a possible battle,
or if I could take the opportunity to relax.  Also, I must
ask you this: did you accept me into your quest simply
because you needed help, of is it for another reason?"
     Valkyr turned his head, so as to better hear the
knight's answer...
---yvc
     But no answer came.  The Knight seemed too preoccupied
with the scenery to even notice the Paladin.  After several
moments, Valkyr shrugged to himself and eased his mount away
from the absent-minded Didymus.
---med
     It was past midday and Sir Didymus was feeling quite
hungry.  They had left Montfort far behind them, and the
road was dry and dusty.  He turned in the direction of
Montfort, and saw that a storm was brewing in that direction
and headed their way.  He looked up to see Kaega soaring
overhead, and signalled to her to come down.  He then called
a stop, and Rorandair rode back up to see what was up.
     Once Kaega landed, she returned to her human form, and
everyone got together near the wagon.  "My friends, we
should stop for our midday meal.  Also, if you had not
noticed, there is quite a storm coming our way.  It will
overtake us long before we reach Rosehaven.  There is a
grove of trees over there, with a clear stream.  I suggest
we make for the grove, have our meal, and wait out the storm
there."
     The group agreed to wait out the storm.  As Liess drove
the wagon into the grove, followed by Rabancal & Rashna,
Rorandair pulled Didymus and Valkyr aside.  "I didn't want
to alarm the others yet, but I think we're being followed. 
I thought I saw someone behind us a couple of times, but
when I rode back for a better look, they'd disappear."
     Didymus thought for a moment.  "Hmm, this bodes ill."
     Suddenly, the three heard a scream coming from the
grove of trees.  It was the great Karaz-Gorm, screaming in
alarm.
---je
     Rorandair practically flew from the others.  His feet
left deeply chewed ground in their wake.  Grunting, he
ripped his massive broadsword from the sheath on his back
and crashed into the grove, scattering small trees
everywhere.  His eyes quickly scanned the scene, but there
was nothing of significance happening.
     Until he saw a sheepish young man inside the back of
the wagon.
     "Boy, what in Arlon are you doing here?"
---mp
     With a gulp the boy shrugged and stuttered, searching
for the right words to say to the powerful warrior who stood
over him.  "I-I...want-" Pen began to say before he was
interrupted abruptly by Tan.
     "The boy wishes to join us in our quest." Tan said
matter-of-factly.
     Pointing a finger at the tiny man, Pen nodded
frantically in an attempt to demonstrate that Tan was right
on, still unable to speak.
 ---ds
     Rorandair raised an eyebrow.
     "Boy, this journey will take more courage than just
answering me, and you can't even do that.  Why do you want
to come with us?  No!  Wait!  Let the others catch up and
you can tell your story then.  I have a feeling that it
better be good.  This quest is Sir Didymus' lifetime of
work, and I doubt he will want you along for the ride. 
Unless you do some really fast talking."
---mp
     Having explained Pen's presence to his own
satisfaction, if not Rorandair's, Tan strolled around to
Liess (and then quickly clambered up to her shoulder --
scaling people by taking unembarassing routes being another
skill at which taliessins are singularly adept).
     "Didja miss me?" he asked her, settling in at his usual
post.
     Liess shook her head.
     "Not even a little?"
     Liess shrugged.  Tan hung on easily.
     "Come on.  I know you knew I was there.  Otherwise, how
come you drove *through* every single hole in the road
instead of easing around them?"
     Liess pointed at the Great Wizard.
     "*He* slept through it?"
     Liess waved a hand, a gesture which, if Tan had had to
translate it, he would have said meant "One can but try."
 ---al
     Sir Didymus finished securing the tarp to the wagon and
the trees.  "Well, that's going to be about the best shelter
we're going to have."  He said to Valkyr, who was helping
him.  He looked up and saw that the storm was nearly on
them.  The wind was beginning to blow hard, and the tarp was
snapping and straining against the cords.
     Sir Didymus walked around the wagon to the back, to
address the problem he had been wrestling with since their
arrival at this grove.  The problem was sitting in the back
of the wagon, with a tin of hot soup held between his hands. 
Didymus walked over to pour himself some soup, but found the
kettle nearly empty, with a much sated Karaz-Gorm sitting
nearby with an enormous empty bowl.  Shaking his head,
Didymus was able to get half a tin out of the kettle. 
Scowling at the dwarven mage, he said, "I wouldn't hang
around here with that big empty bowl if I were you.  Valkyr
also has yet to eat, and he might take the loss of a meal
less affable than I".
     At first, Karaz flipped the bowl behind him, and acted
like it had never existed.  Under Didymus' scowl, the dwarf
finally nodded, and wandered off mumbling something about
'those that miss lunch are lucky to get anything at all'. 
Didymus returned to the back of the wagon.
     Didymus paused, trying to think of what to say.  He
looked up at Rorandair, who raised an eyebrow.  "Young Pen
here fancies on going with us."
     Didymus looked concerned.  "Why Pen? We are not out on
a lark.  This will be dangerous business.  Why would you
want to come?
---je
     Pen had prepared for the Knight's question during his
lunch, heeding Rorandair's earlier warning of coming up with
something good.
     Putting his bowl and spoon down neatly, the boy jumped
out of the wagon and stood solidly between the two warriors.
With pride and sincerity beaming from his eyes, he faced Sir
Didymus.
     Careful to use his best English, the Knight-want-to-be
spoke.  "Sir, I wish to become your squire!  In turn, I will
study hard to become a Knight as you are.  I will feed and
care for the horses.  I will clean and ready your weapons. I
will prepare and cook all your meals.  All this for the
opportunity to be your student."
     Shifting his weight in nervous anticipation, Pen
continued.  "I know this journey may bring along with it
some aspects of danger, but I am strong and eager to travel. 
I wish to be as you all are...adventurers."  He scanned the
camp, smoothly pointing a flipped hand at each member of the
company to demonstrate his  point. Then quite theatrically,
the boy knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
     "My future lies in your hands, Sir Didymus!" Pen
exclaimed, melodramatically.
---ds
     Valkyr, who had happened to accidentally overhear Pen's
statement (and the fact that, due to Karaz-Gorm, his stomach
would have to wait), walked up to the two.  He spoke to the
knight.
     "That is a well-spoken request, Sir Didymus.  As you
said, we need all the help we can get on this quest, and sir
Pen seems to want this honor dearly.  Also, we are not
really at Montfort's doors, so the return trip to get Pen
back to the Inn would be very time-consuming."
     "Of course, if you do not want a squire, turning to
Pen, I would be honored to accept the young sir here as
mine.  So, Pen, the choice is partly yours: do you want to
become a knight and serve your king, or become a paladin and
serve justice?  Both are rather demanding but very rewarding
careers..."
     Valkyr looked at Pen and Sir Didymus, awaiting an
answer or a statement from either of the two...
---yvc
     Didymus was much taken aback by Pen's plea.  A
squire?!?  He wishes to be my squire?  He had never really
had a squire, always choosing to journey alone.  It was his
getting on in years which caused him to seek assistance on
this, the last leg of his quest.  But a squire?
     Didymus remembered over half a century ago when he was
a squire, to a Sir....hmmmm....what *was* his name?  Anyway,
he remembered the proud day when he was presented to
King...uhmm...the king, and was told he had done everything
necessary, and would be knighted that very day.  Everyone
should know such pride.
     "Yes, Pen.  If that is your wish, I shall take it upon
myself to train you in the ways of chivalry and valour.  Now
stand, Pen.  You are now squire to Sir Didymus
of...ahhh...Karrantine..yes, that's it.
---je
     Obediently, the boy stood, thanking Didymus with a
broad smile and a few short words, "You won't regret this
sir!"
     Valkyr left the two to talk and headed for the tent.
---ds 
     As the group was having their little discussion, Valkyr
felt something.  A feeling he identified early in his
Paladin career, it was the uncanny ability to detect anyone
with a primarily evil soul.  This feeling, much like a small
throb in the head, grew more and more intense, until...
     "AAAAARGH!"
     Valkyr fell to the ground, holding his head with both
hands, obviously in deep pain...
     Something evil, very EVIL, was nearby...
     In the trees nearby, Fenro smiled to himself.  "Great,
another goody-two-shoes paladin on the run.  I guess giving
him a hard time can't hurt...Unless I get tired."  Laughing
bitterly, he disappeared in the shadows of the forest,
leaving nothing but a few broken twigs...
     The pureness of Fenro's evil had been a shock for
Valkyr, but its sudden absence was a greater one.  Without
warning, he uttered a final gasp before falling to the
ground again, into unconsciousness...
---yvc
     Didymus was explaining to Pen his first duties as a
squire (Taking care of horses, scrubbing the pots, etc.)
when the group heard a shouted "AAAAARGH!" coming from the
large tent Didymus and Valkyr had just set next to the
wagon.
     Everyone ran under the tarp to find Valkyr laying on
the ground unconcious.
---je
     Thinking him dead or seriously hurt, Pen rushed to the
still man's side and pressed his ear against his chest.
"He's alive!" he stated happily and looked around to see if
anyone would help.
---ds
   "Maybe he heard about the soup being gone!" said a
nervous Karaz-Gorm.
---je
     Pen gave the tiny dwarf a baffled look at hearing his
last statement then shook it off. "Well...is anyone going to
help?" asked the boy, still kneeling by Valkyr.
---ds
     Rorandair rushed to the tent to see Valkyr laying on
the ground unconscious.
     "I never thought being with all of you would lead to so
much mysterious screaming.  Does anyone have any healing
abilities?  Someone should tend to that man!"
---mp
     Liess, with Tan on board her shoulder, crawled in under
the tarp.  (How high did you say the ceiling in here was?) 
When Pen asked if anyone was going to help the paladin, Tan
hopped off Liess's shoulder and went over for a closer look.
     "Well, he's still breathing," the taliessin remarked,
beginning with the obvious.  "And I don't see any fresh
wounds topside.  (Nasty looking scar there -- wonder where
that blade stopped cutting?  'Nother time, perhaps.)  I
don't smell blood.  (Sweat, yes, but blood, no -- he would
have to fall unconscious in an enclosed space.)  Pen, could
you flip him over...thank you.  Right, no apparent wounds on
this side either."
     Leaning on Valkyr's skull, Tan summarized for the
others:  "We think Valkyr was the one that screamed (I don't
think I've heard one of his screams before, so I can't be
absolutely sure, but...).  We arrive and find him
unconscious but unmarked.  I think we can conclude that
whatever did whatever to him did it thaumaturgically, mind-
magically (some have called it psionicly because they love
pronouncing silent p's), or spiritually.
     "-- And let's not all go staring at the short wizard. 
He's just going to say that it wasn't his fault.
     "By the way, anyone know who's on Valkyr's enemies
list?
     "As for helping Valkyr, probably the best thing would
be to let him wake up in his own good time.  However, I have
some small skill in this regard and will use it to satisfy
myself that he *will* recover.  Unless there's a master
mind-mage amongst us, I'll proceed."
     Leaning against Valkyr, Tan put his skull against the
paladin's.  "Don't laugh," he said to the others. 
"Proximity helps."
     After a minute of silence (at least from Tan), he got
up again and said, "Yes, rest is what he needs.  I think I
headed off the headache his circulation was fixing to give
him.  And if he wants us to know what happened to him, he'll
tell us."  To Sir Didymus, he said, "You can move him if
he's in the way here."
---al
     The storm had arrived and sheets of rain came down,
drumming on the tarp of the makeshift tent.  Lightning was
flashing, accompanied by the boom of thunder soon
thereafter.
---je
     Kaega danced through the storm, lightning striking her
and outlining every scale in blue-white fire. Exhilerated,
she breathed lightning in return, prodding the storm on to
further furies.  Finally, she decided that she had better
check on the humans where they sheltered below.  She
spiraled downward to conclude the lightning-dance, wings
folded tightly against her, letting the current flow through
her instead of over her scales.  She unfolded her wings at
the last second, landing gently.  Quietly she stepped into
the grove, not bothering to change to human form.  As it
always did when she wished it to, her size altered to allow
her to pass freely - either that or the grove grew to match
her (she was never sure which).
     Entering the clearing, she found herself in an
interesting situation.  The stow-away which she had scented
but forgot to mention had been discovered and had apparently
joined the party, the paladin with the annoying sword was
passed out, and the dwarf had eaten all the supper. 
Suddenly she remembered that she had forgotten to hunt while
she was out.  She breathed a small puff of flame in
annoyance, narrowly missing the dwarf (more's the pity, she
thought sourly).  For a moment she considered eating the
dwarf, but discarded the notion, knowing from experience
that eating dwarves gave her heartburn, not to mention
indigestion.  With a regretful sigh, she paced past the
dwarf to where the paladin lay with Rorandair kneeling
beside him.  She said, "I have some healing skills, perhaps
I can help."
     As she waited for his response, she reflected that it
was probably a good thing that these frail humans (and
others) had a dragon along to watch out for them.
---at
     Pen was relieved to have yet another member of the
party able to provide care for those who were feeling under
the weather. He stood up and let Tan and Kaega discuss what
was best for the still unconscious Paladin.
---ds
     Karaz-Gorm was very nervous indeed.  While not
admitting it outwardly, he was sure that his over-ravenous
consumption of the lunch-time vittles had caused the early
demise of the great Paladin Valkyr.  He was in such a state
of shock that he didn't even notice the dragon that had
walked into the grove, nor the blast of dragonspit that
nearly singed his beard (which to a dwarf is an unpardonable
offense!), nor the fact that Kaega's voice was coming from
the dragon.  At least, not right away.
     Determined to mend the wrong he had committed (at
least, in his mind), he went over to the empty soup
container and stood before it.  He closed his eyes, began to
wave his little stick back and forth in front of the pot,
and began to murmur some apparently magical words.  The pot
began to tremble, and as it did so, it began to fill with
soup.  Suddenly, Karaz froze, his eyes bulging as wide as
they had ever been in a long time. His jaw dropped, and he
stood there for several moments (though, as everyone's
attention was fixed on the fallen Valkyr, no one seemed to
notice).  Then, he turned to the group and spoke.
     "A DRAGON??!  There is a DRAGON amongst us???  Where is
Sir Didymus!  I have an objection!!!  Where is Sir
Didymus!!"
     Karaz-Gorm's punctuality at the stables and the
earliness of the others (and their resultant conversations
and the announcement of Kaega's true form) had finally
caught up to the dwarf, and a looming crisis was now at
hand.  It appeared that the bearded one took issue with
serving aside the scaled one.
     And, to further complicate the matter, while Karaz-
Gorm's spell to begin creating soup had gone off without a
hitch (a rare event in and of itself), he had been
interrupted prior to casting a spell to cease the creation
of soup.  The pot was growing fuller and fuller, while the
"cook" (if he indeed could be called that...perhaps after
the others had sampled his fare) was off seeking a
resolution to some perceived problem of his.
---med
     When Didymus and Valkyr had strung up the tarp, it was
so that a fire could be built underneath, with the shape of
the tarp drawing the smoke to a small hole far from the fire
pit.  It was here (at the fire-pit) that Sir Didymus was
stacking wood for a warming fire, when his work was
interrupted by the indignant Karaz-Gorm. (Pardon me, the
'great' indignant Karaz-Gorm)
---je
     Karaz had finally come upon the group huddled about
Valkyr.  Singling out the Knight of the Purple.... (what was
he a Knight of the Purple of?), he said in a most indignant
tone of voice, "Sir Didymus.  I object to having THAT
DRAGON," and a pointed finger shot out from his robes at
Kaega who was tending the Paladin, "amongst us!  Further, I
am seriously offended for having never been told that she
was a DRAGON in the first place!"  Karaz-Gorm crossed his
arms before him and held his head up proudly, as if his
point was unrefutable.
     A loud crash from the back of the wagon indicated that
the overful pot had lost its battle with gravity and
succombed.  A large quantity of soup was now spreading
itself slowly across the ground, while still more was slowly
oozing from the overturned pot.
     Karaz turned his head back to Sir Didymus and did not
change the countenance of his face one iota.  He awaited a
reply.
---med
     Spotting the pot overflowing with soup, Rorandair did
the only thing a sensible man of his size could do.  He got
up from the group huddled around Valkyr and collected
himself.
     "Turn this off when you get the chance!" he called.
     With that , he walked over to the pot and allowed the
overflow to run into his mouth in great gulps.
---mp
     Watching the huge man gulp the surplus soup was all
poor Pen could take and he bugged out of the tent.  Reaching
the near by tree he let go and burst out into uncontrollable
laughter. 
     Once the rain and wind had cooled him off, he returned
to the tent.  
---ds
     Didymus looked at the dwarven mage, then to the rapidly
growing puddle of soup on the ground, than back to Karaz
again.
     "Well, I...ah....I.." Didymus stopped to think about
what to do about this.  He had to play on the dwarf's image
of self importance.  "You see, Kaega is a *friendly* dragon. 
And we all discussed her true nature, that of being a
dragon, at the important planning session that all of the
important members of this party attended.  Being that you
are a *very* important member of this party, you must have
been there, right?"
     Karaz thought about this for a moment.  "Well of course
I, the magnificent Karaz-Gorm was there.  I just must have
mis-heard what was said.  I thought she said...uhm...that
she would ride on the wagon.  Not that she was a dragon!"
---je
     Pen giggled lightly to himself at the cunning way his
mentor had manipulated the mage.  
---ds
     "Well, she *is* a dragon, and there's no use crying
over spilt soup.  Speaking of which, do you suppose..."
Didymus pointed at the overflowing kettle.
     "Ah, yes of course."  The dwarf closed his eyes, began
to wave his little stick back and forth at the pot, and once
again murmured some apparently magical words, stopping the
overflow.
     Didymus walked over, and using a thick cloth to protect
his hands, lifted the pot and brought it in out of the rain. 
"This soup does smell delicious, Karaz.  What kind is it?"
     Karaz motioned Didymus down closer.  Closer.  Closer
still.  When the knight's ear was next to his face, Karaz,
after making sure no one else could hear, whispered
conspiratorially, "Actually, it's black dragon gizzard with
beans. A favorite amongst my people."
---je
     "Hey, Karaz!" Rorandair called after the flow was
turned off, "isn't this black dragon gizzard with beans?  I
ate the black dragon this armor is made out of, and boy was
it a treat.  No offense, Kaega."
     With that, Rorandair finished what little was left and
strolled back to the others.
---mp

     As the storm raged on, Didymus was making good use of
the time by thinking about how he would approach this
dragon-mage Nicol Bolas and talk (or buy?) the secret of
penta-cillian from him.  How does one address a dragon-mage? 
And would Nicol Bolas be responsive to his plea?  Worst of
all, what would he do if Nicol Bolas said no?  How far was
he willing to go to bring the secret elixir back to the
world?  Would he, if necessary, endanger his comrades in
this quest.
     Seeing the sleeping form of his new squire, Pen, he
pushed such thoughts out of his head.  
     I will teach this boy everything I know.  Everything I
can remember, I should say.  Confound it!  What has been
happening to my memory of late?  I feel much older than my
years.
     Didymus stared back into the fire.  Tommorrow. 
Tommorrow I must ask Kaega and Rorandair their thoughts on
approaching a dragon-mage.  Perhaps even Valkyr may know
something on the subject.  Then there is that couple,
Rabancal & Rashna, always keeping to themselves, always so
silent.  As silent as Liess.  He thought, smiling at their
sleeping forms.
     Didymus decided it was time he joined the sleeping
group.  He roused Rorandair to take his turn at watch, and
layed down on his blanket, drifting off to the sound of the
competing snores of Tan and the great (and noisy) Karaz-
Gorm.
---je
     Rorandair woke without any cobwebs.  A positive side-
effect of being half immortal.  As Sir Didymus drifted off,
Rorandair considered him.  A man who seemed to be unsure of
himself at one time, and then a born leader another.  He was
a man with great inner conflict between the still-lingering
dedication and fire of youth, and the doubts and
insecurities of age.  He reflected that age was the worst
enemy of a warrior, robbing of him of strength and agility,
and then finally mental sharpness.  Few warriors carried
themselves as long as Sir Didymus without giving up their
ability to lead.  Rorandair had seen it happen many times in
his travels.  Many times it had been tough to see men and
women he had adventured with turn old and no longer have the
ability to keep up with him.
     For this reason, if for no other, Rorandair would do
everything he possibly could to help Sir Didymus on this
quest.  A man seemingly so worthy of respect should have the
chance to complete his life's quest.  Rorandair made a
mental note to ask Sir Didymus more about his past.
     Deciding that unless someone came along to relieve him,
he would take the remainder of the night's watch himself,
Rorandair settled down to wait out the night.
---mp
     Valkyr's eyes slowly opened, his whole body soaked with
sweat.  He had never, not even during the lycanthrope
uprising in Jord, sensed someone so evil.  Everyone had a
sparkle of good in them, even if but a dim light.  But there
was not even the smallest presence of good in Fenro.
     At this Valkyr came fully awake.  How did he know that? 
How could he have known the Dark Knight's name?  And the
fact that he *was* a Dark Knight, for that matter?  Falling
into total uncertainty, Valkyr caught a glimpse of Rorandair
as he kept watch.  Gathering his sword and scabbard, the
paladin walked up to the half-immortal man.
     "Good night, Sir Rorandair.  I see you are as restless
as I am, although I have taken a bit more sleep than I have
cared for...  What is the trouble tonight, honorable sir?  I
sense some worry in your soul..."
---yvc
     "I am glad you have returned, Valkyr.  No real troubles
to speak of.  I am just happy to be back on the road again,
and I have little need for sleep so I decided to keep a long
watch.  It is much better than being home right now. 
Running a dominion is nice enough for a while, but boring
and tedious if taken on for a long time.
     "What of you?  How are you feeling now?  Is there any
solution to the mystery of your illness, or is it as unknown
to you as it is to me?  I am certainly no healer."
---mp
     Valkyr sighed.  "I am sorry, but it is not something
you, or anyone else for that matter, can heal.  Since I have
become a paladin, my senses have become extremely accute,
and I can even sense the presence of evil in the vicinity. 
If a generally good person thinks an evil thought for just a
moment, or if someone mimicks an evil act, I won't sense it. 
But, if one with a seed of evil in his heart comes near, the
feeling comes like a small throb in the back of the head. 
For it to have knocked me out, it had to be evil incarnate!" 
He sighed, and continued.  "What I mean to say is, everyone,
including the evil at heart, have some light of good in
their soul.  What I sensed had not.  Not even the dimmest
glow...  Pure evil.  Completely.  I do not know anything
about who - or what - was there...  Just a name, that came
to me.  Fenro.  Dark Knight.  What that means is a complete
mystery to me, I must say..."
     "But, I ramble on.  Now, the feeling has passed
completely.  I've been affected like this, although to a
lesser extent, by evil, and I can tell you this: once this
happens, I become completely accustommed to the evil one's
pattern.  So, if this 'Fenro' comes by again, you can be
sure I won't black out again.  And you can be sure that the
Lightblade won't hesitate to be unsheathed.  It practically
jumped out of its scabbard when I was struck with that 'evil
aura'...  Sometimes that sword amazes me.  Even once, in my
sleep, I even dreamt it spoke to me..."
     "I suppose things are not always as they seem..."
     This said, Valkyr bade Rorandair a good night, and went
back to his sleeping bag.  He had just come back from a few
hours' coma, but he still needed his sleep...
---yvc
     A noise from the storm that raged above startled the
boy out of his dreams of adventure and fortune. Rubbing his
eyes, he noticed Rorandair sitting with his thoughts as he
took up the watch.
     Crawling from his bedding he moved slowly over to where
the giant man sat.
     Aware of the boys presence, Rorandair whispered, "Boy,
you should be asleep. Now be off to your bed!"
     "I-I...I can't sleep." Pen responded quietly, making
sure not to disturb the others.
     "Can I stand watch with you for awhile sir?" he asked.
     Seeing the wanting in the young boys eyes, Rorandair
found it more difficult to refuse his plea then it was to
wrestle dragons.
     "Yes..yes, but be silent and keep your eyes open." the
warrior said defeatedly.
     It wasn't long when Pen became bored and despite
Rorandair's request for silence, spoke. "You probably have
many grand stories of adventure and glory from your lifes'
experience."
     Rorandair shrugged giving the suggestion that this was
true.
     "Where are you from?" Pen finally asked, realizing
Rorandair had no intentions of giving up any tales without
some more prompting.
     The huge man looked around the tent and saw that all
who sheltered themselves under it were fast asleep and he
felt he could humour the boy without disturbing them. He
began by explaining his origin and his immortality
(remembering that Pen had not been privy to all the
discussions and introductions that took part inside the inn
the previous day). While he told his story, Pen would
occasionally interrupt him with a wow or neat.
     "That's incredible!" Pen finally declared at the end of
Rorandair's speech, a little louder then what comfort
provided.
     "Shhhh!"
     "Sorry. Can you tell me some stories about the
adventures you've lived?" Pen asked softly.
     Once again the warrior found it to difficult to refuse
the boy's simple request and once more he humoured Pen by
telling him of the many quests and ventures he had partaken
over the years.
 ---ds
     "Pen, first of all you must realize that I have been
alive for well over a hundred years.  And, I have lived in a
far off land.  Much of what I could tell you would be far
removed.  However, I will do my best to tell you a little of
what you might expect if you were to become the warrior I
think you wish to be.  Let me see.  There are many great
heroes I could tell you of, and perhaps one day they will
visit here.  Perhaps we will encounter them on our travels,
who knows?
     "I remember about fifty years ago, there was a great
tournament in Arlon (that's my home continent).  Warriors,
knights, and others came from all the surrounding lands to
compete in the contest.  I, however, could find no horse
able to carry me for the jousting contest.  So instead, I
picked up a lance and ran with it!  You should have seen the
faces on all the knights there.
     "That sort of thing was not so common, though.  I've
tried to do the right thing for the most part, but sometimes
it is hard to know who's on the right side.  That's another
reason why I like being on this quest so much.  I know Sir
Didymus is the good guy, although as for the others I have
not decided yet.  Remember when you set out that some people
will do anything to get you to fight for them, whether the
cause is just or not.  You must choose carefully.
     "When I first started out, I chose poorly.  I was only
looking for some way to avenge my mother's death, and I did
not care who got in the way.  As the rage and helplessness
wore off, I realized that nothing I could do in the present
could change what happened back then, so I got my life
together.
     "Is there anything specifically you would like to know,
young Pen, before you turn in again?"
---mp
     Pen nodded enthusiastically.  "Yes..yes, I would!" 
With an appetite for gruesome details (boys will be boys),
Pen begged to hear how the warrior had slain the dragons he
had mentioned earlier when talking  with Kaega.
 ---ds
     "Well, Pen, all right.  It was not so long ago as my
life goes, but it was long before you were born. I had
established myself as a trader and a sailor, captaining my
own ship across the seas and battling pirates."
     Pen's eyes lit up.
     "I know, I know.  We'll save it for another time, okay? 
Rumors started spreading throughout the lands of a terrible
duo of dragons who were together ripping up villages and
devouring people and livestock.  Many adventurers had tried
in big groups to kill the dragons, but they had been working
together for too long, and many men were lost to these
battles.  Having had quite a bit of experience with sea
dragons, and some limited experience with some others, I
decided to see if I could take them on myself.  It was
apparent right from the start that I would have to find some
way of separating them.
     "It was well known their lair was inside a formidable
mountain, which had been named Dragon Mountain because of
their presence.  There was a huge black dragon and...."
     Rorandair stopped as he saw Pen had already drifted off
into sleep.  Gently, Rorandair picked him up and placed him
back into his bedroll.  He could not help but smile as he
wandered back to his post.
---mp

     The first light of dawn streamed through the sky.  The
storm had gone on its way, and the air smelled sweetly of
rain.
     Didymus slowly stood and stretched.  Looking around, he
noticed Rorandair and Valkyr in conversation.  Didymus made
his way to the back of the wagon, and filled a pot with
water from the cask.  Into the water he tossed a packet of
coffee powder wrapped in gauze.  He then took the pot over
to the fire.  Stirring the coals, he soon had the fire going
again, and soon the coffee was boiling hot.
     Going back to the wagon again, he brought back three
tins, and filled each with his morning brew.  He went over
and sat beside Rorandair and Valkyr, offering each a cup.
     "Nothing like a hot tin of coffee after a rainy night!" 
He said, sipping the hot brew.
     The smell of the coffee permeated their camp, and soon
the others began to wake, and partake of the coffee.  All
except Karaz, who continued to lay there in a deep (loud
snoring) sleep.
---je
     As the roasted aroma wafted across the camp, Liess
stirred sooner rather than later.  She sat up and then, most
likely following her nose since all was still quiet and her
eyes were still mostly closed, she stumbled over toward the
coffee pot.  She poured out some of the precious dark brew
into another tin cup and sat down where she was, cradling
the hot potion, inhaling the delicious vapor, and blowing
out again to cool her overheating hands.
     And after enacting this ceremony a little while, she
actually began to drink the coffee.
     Tan, observing Liess's performance from under his
blanket, gained some small insight into why, beforehand,
they'd never started traveling very early in the day. 
(Coffee had been lacking.)
     "She never told me she wanted coffee," he said to
himself.  "She never tells me anything," he added, restating
the obvious.  Then he dug himself back under the covers to
get away from the smell he found so repulsive.
---al
     After Pen woke up, Didymus explained to him the making
of the coffee, how it was important to wrap the powder in
gauze, so as not to have free floating powder in the brew. 
Then he informed Pen that this was his first assigned duty
as his squire, to make coffee for the camp each morning.
---je
     Pen knew how to make coffee, actually he knew how to
make excellent coffee, tea and hot coco (when chocolate was
handy), but he nodded with an air of attentiveness as
Didymus patiently described the manner in which the morning
coffee should be brewed.
     "I can't believe I slept in.  I should of been first
up, had Sir Didymus's coffee ready and made the breakfast. 
Gosh darn it I hope he ain't mad at me."  Pen pondered while
the Knight spoke of coffee.  "I'll be ready next time.  I
shouldn't=C6ve stayed up so late with Rorandair."
     Grabbing the boys shoulder with a gentle grip, Didymus
asked, "So, now you understand how to make this black nectar
son!?!"
     "Yes sir!" the squire answered, snapping out of his
silent self-abuse.
     Determined to impress the knight, Pen set out
immediately to feeding, watering and readying the horses for
the day=C6s march, paying particular attention to Sir
Didymus's mount.  Quickly moving about the camp, while the
adults ate their first meal of the day, the squire soon had
accomplished his early morning tasks. Once the others were
finished with breakfast, Pen began his next chore, cleaning
the dishes and coffee tins.
     Once the eager-to-please young man packed the gear back
into the wagon, he proudly marched over to Sir Didymus.
     "Everythens packed and-" Pen began to say.
     "*Everything*...the word is '*everything*'.  A knight
must speak eloquently and with a gentleman's tongue at all
times," interrupted the old knight.
     Loosing most of his cocky pride, Pen simply responded
with a quick, yes Sir! and then reiterated his earlier
statement.  "Everything is packed and readied for travel,
Sir!"
     "Aye!" responded the knight with a reassuring smile
that lightened the boy's heart instantly.  Sir Didymus then
scoped the tiny glade they had used as their camp and began
to scratch the top of his head with an ever growing
perplexed expression crossing his brow.
     "Young squire...have you seen my helmet?"
     Pen thought about the question and soon realized with
intensified horror matched only by one who realizes he is in
a burning building.  "Oh dear, I've cleaned and packed my
knight's helmet along with the pots and pans," he thought
with a groan.
     "One moment, Sir."
     A few seconds later Pen returned holding the shiny
helmet in his hands, prepared to apologize for his
stupidity, but was pleasantly shocked when Didymus took it
and smiled.  "My...now that's a clean hat!" the old knight
said as he admired the sheen and placed the silver item on
his head. "Thank you young squire ...well done!"
---ds
     After a good breakfast, the group put away the night's
accoutrements, and made ready for the road.  Didymus checked
on Pen's work, and was very pleased with his new squire's
attention to detail.  Soon all the gear was put away, and
they were finally able to rouse Karaz-Gorm (*after* all the
work was done) from his deep sleep.
---je

     Lightning flashed, and the illustrious Karaz-Gorm could
see arrayed before him a long line of goblins, and driving
them forward was a huge dragon as black as pitch.  He could
hear the screams in terror of the dwarven females and young
behind him, but he shared none of their fear.  He stood
boldly at the peak of the ridge, calmly assessing the coming
battle.  The goblin line was approaching quickly, and Karaz
decided that it was time to act.  Casting his arms out to
either side, his robe suddenly loosed and flapping in the
headwind, Karaz was a magnificent sight.  His right hand
held a thick staff which was richly engraved with mithril
and platinum, and topped with a bright emerald.  The emerald
was glowing, and the light was increasing in intensity.
     The goblins were at the foot of the ridge and beginning
to climb.  Karaz unleashed the first volley.  Thrusting the
tip of the staff towards the onrushing horde, a flurry of
bright balls of greenish light lept from the tip and raced
towards the approaching foe.  Striking the goblin line
across its entire breadth, the balls split and shattered
into all the surrounding goblins.  In one quick stroke, the
great Karaz-Gorm had eliminated half of the onrushing
goblins.
     But that was the only good thing about goblins (if
anything good could be said about them): they were resilient
to casualties (perhaps "oblivious" was a better word).  End
result was that they were still running up the slope despite
losing half of their numbers.  Karaz's staff again began to
charge, and as they reached the crest, another blast killed
almost all of those who had survived the first blast.  But
not all.
     The handful of remaining goblins turned their attention
to the one man who was obviously the greatest threat to
them:  the magnifcent Karaz-Gorm.  The dwarven mage was
well-known throughout the lands for his amazing prowess at
the art of magic, but it was not his only skill.  He quickly
shouted words in the magic tongue, and his staff
transmorphed into a huge battle-axe of amazing dimension,
even to the oversized humans!  Karaz wielded the weapon with
aplomb (no, not a plum!), spinning the blade about his body
as if it weighed but a fraction of its true weight, showing
his obvious mastery of this discipline normally reserved for
the warrior caste.  He methodically dispatched the goblin
survivors, skillfully clefting their bodies in such a manner
that their body parts neatly piled up like cordwood.  All to
the cheers and gratitude of the many women and children
behind him.  They crowded about him with hugs, flowers, and
kisses, but Karaz had to push them back, for there was still
a problem to be resolved.
     That being the dragon.  Karaz-Gorm squared his feet
along the ridgeline, readying to engage the evil beast.  It
had taken to the air to observe the battle with the goblins,
and was intensely dissatisfied with its outcome.  It
determined to make Karaz-Gorm responsible for the loss, and
dove at the fearless dwarf.  Karaz correctly guessed that
the dragon would use its breath on its first pass, and began
to invoke a shielding spell.  A dull green light surrounded
the dwarf, emanating from his staff (now a staff), and the
light was growing again in intensity.  The dragon was
swooping faster and faster, and Karaz was concentrating
harder and harder on his enchantment.  Finally the dragon
let loose with its breath, and a fiery discharge enveloped
the figure on the ridge.  Karaz closed his eyes as he was
struck.  The force of the blow shook the dwarf, and while
the shield protected him from the flames, it did nothing for
the odor.  It was overpowering.
     Karaz finally opened his eyes and saw Sir Didymus
standing over him.  "Have you had a nice rest?  We are about
to leave.  I'm afraid you have missed breakfast, sir," he
said, as he failed to conceal the broad smile that crossed
his face with the last sentence.
     Karaz was certainly groggy (definitely wasn't a morning
person...never was, in fact), and his manners (if he had
any) were absent.  His first words to Sir Didymus were,
"What is that horrible stench coming from your mouth?"
     The Knight smiled again, replying, "Coffee!  Want
some?"
     "Uggh!!  Definitely not!"
     "Good!  It's already packed!"  Sir Didymus left the
dwarf, tending to other matters prior to their departure.
     Karaz climbed to his feet (make that "staggered to his
feet"), and glanced down at the small stick he always
carried in his right hand.  He sighed heavily.
     The next order of business was breakfast.  He stumbled
towards the wagon and climbed into the back, plopping
himself onto the edge with feet dangling.  He then searched
his robe for some unseen object, first checking the right
side, then the left, then back to the right.  Pen, who had
finished the tasks given him by Sir Didymus, was watching
the scene with curiosity.  The frantic search ended as he
finally pulled a rectangular box constructed of a heavy,
paper-like material.  Finding a bowl, Karaz began to pour
the contents into it, the contents being small flakes of
some form of corn- or wheat-meal.  Karaz dipped a spoon into
the bowl and brought it back to his mouth.  Pen saw the
expected flakes in the spoon, but was surprised to see milk
there as well!
     Karaz quickly finished the bowl, and poured himself
another.  And another.  And another!  Pen was amazed, for
the dimensions of the box certainly precluded that quantity
of stuff from residing in its confines.  "Excuse me, sir,"
he said to the dwarf.  "I was wondering how you could get so
much...stuff..from that tiny box of yours."
     Karaz was in much better spirits now that his belly was
full of food, and he cheerfully answered, "Why, boy, it's a
tool that no mage should be without while on the road.  I
call it an 'Everful Box of Cereal'."  Karaz was smiling
broadly.
     After a few moments of thoughtful contemplation, Pen
scampered away.  Didymus was calling, and he *was* the
Knight's squire.  Meanwhile, Karaz prepared for the next
day's journey.  He greeted Liess (who seemed to ignore
him...not that Karaz was unaccustomed to such treatment),
and then made himself as comfortable as possible amongst the
goods being stowed in the wagon.
---med
     They moved to the same positions as the day before, and
Didymus and Valkyr led the way out of the glade and back on
to the road to Rosehaven. 
     As the sun went higher into the sky, the travelers
began to feel the heat of the day sap at their strength.  At
midday they stopped only for a light meal, and continued on,
trying to make up lost time.
    When dusk began to approach, the road suddenly turned
into a densely forested area.  As the group rode into the
trees, Didymus was quite concerned by the lack of normal
forest sounds.  He mentioned his concern to Valkyr, who
nodded his agreement.  Didymus was about to ride back to
voice his concerns with the others, when he heard a voice
call out from the side of the road:
     "Stand and deliver, your money or your life!"
     Didymus turned towards the voice, and could just make
out the shapes of many men brandishing weapons.
---je
     Valkyr's eyes narrowed.  As he gripped the hilt of the
Lightblade, he could feel it was almost jumping out of the
scabbard out of its own accord.  Not only did the sword
unsheath when the cause to use it was right and just, but it
also got out of its scabbard if the wearer was to use it in
self-defense.
     Valkyr whispered to Sir Didymus.
     "Sir, I have no money on me, but I am sure that is not
the case with the rest of the group.  The choice is yours: I
am ready to lay down if we must, but the Lightblade is also
ready to unsheath."
     As the sword slipped an inch out of the golden-bound
leather scabbard, a small ray of light could be seen...
---yvc
     Taliessin and Taliessin looked at each other.  "Money?"
Tan said.  "Dash it!  I knew we forgot to pack something." 
Liess shrugged and stopped the wagon.
---al
     Rorandair bellowed his laughter as he strode up to
stand beside Sir Didymus.  Then, his enormous voice echoed
throughout the forest.
     "Your apologies, or your lives!"
     With an obvious movement, he reached behind his neck
and pulled forth his massive broadsword.  Then, he lept
fifteen feet straight up in the air and ripped down a large
overhanging branch.  For the other hand.
---mp
     Awe struck, Pen watched the large warrior land with an
earth-shaking thump, which seemed to drain the very life
blood from the road bandits=C6 drooping faces.  Pen was
impressed.
     "I'm sure glad he's on our side," he told Tan and
Liesse.
     A moment of pure tension now enveloped the unfolding
scene. The young squire knew how Rorandair was going to
handle the situation, but it was his master who was leader. 
What was Sir Didymus going to do about these obnoxious
villains who dared to rob us?  Pen watched intently as
adrenaline pumped through his veins.
     "I've never been held up before," he thought more
amused then alarmed.
---ds
     "Ah yes, the charm of the open road," Tan remarked to
Liess.  "Where life is cheap and the dialogue creative." 
Sister Liess, she said nothing.  She did however point at
Tan, point at the brave trio in front and raise an eyebrow.
     "Well, I thought I'd stay here and protect the wagon,"
Tan suggested.
     Liess pointed over her shoulder at the napping mage.
     "If I need his help, I'll ask for it," Tan assured her.
 ---al
     Didymus looked at Rorandair, and his readiness to
fight.   Valkyr had just ridden up on his left.  Didymus
scanned the side of the road, and counted nearly twenty men,
and he knew there were some behind him, on the other side of
the road.
     A voice called out at seeing Rorandair's massiveness. 
"Ah, our mistake, we thought you were someone else.  Sorry
for the inconvinience."
---je
     "The bandit's got brains," Tan said, in something
approaching amazement.  "I like him!"
---al
     Didymus called out.  "Normally, I would not waste my
time with one's such as you.  But you prey on those weaker
and less fortunate than you.  How unfortunate that you
should pick such a well-defended caravan.  You have chosen
unwisely, and will now suffer for your sins.  HAVE AT YOU!"
     That said, Sir Didymus pulled his claymore free, and
charged his mount off the side of the road, followed close
behind by Rorandair.  Valkyr, turned his mount and took to
the other side of the road.
---je
     Rorandair, quite astonished at the old knight's
enthusiasm, took off into the forest.  He laughed out loud
and bellowed to Valkyr, "No one has tried to rob me in
decades!!"
---mp
     As Rorandair literally turned his share of thugs into
mushy paste, and Sir. Didymus swung his claymore as if it
was an extention of his own hand, Valkyr rode his steed back
to the unprotected wagon, and dismounted between the rest of
the group, and the rest of the bandits...
     "Honorless!  You deserve to be put in your place!"
     Valkyr unsheathed the Lightblade.
     As the mighty sword slid out of its scabbard, it
illuminated the morning pathway with blinding light...
     As the light dimmed, the bandits' morale did the same. 
Around Valkyr danced small comets of light, each turning
into a glistening piece of blue-shaded armor as it struck
the paladin around his body...
     Then the light was no more.  Before the rest of the
bandits stood a shining figure, dressed in no less shining
blue-cyan-white armor.  As the paladin brought down the
front part of his helmet, his eyes narrowed and the
Lightblade sparkled.  It was time for battle.
     In a flash of pale blue light, Valkyr swung the sword,
blue fire trailing after it...  As the first two bandits'
burning corpses fell, the others quickly regained their
composure.  In an all-out m=8Al=89e of sparks and blue fire, of
cut leather and bent metal, bandits fell one after the
other...
     Valkyr had the power of Light on his side, but the
bandits' sheer numbers were soon proving to be poweful as
well.  The paladin could not last much longer, and wished
help would soon come...
---yvc
     After the first few highwaymen meet their fate at the
hands of the knights, the rest began to scatter.  This was
*not* the way things were supposed to be.  They were the
ones that were supposed to fill their victims with terror.
     Didymus was chasing a large group through the trees,
shouting, "Justice!  Justice for the weak!  Justice for the
oppressed.  Come back, you cowards!  I am Sir Didymus,
knight of the purple...grenadine!  And you shall face
justice on my ...." <whuump>
---je

     When Sir Didymus had started making his speech about
making the road safe for women and children, Liess sighed
and began loosing her right hand from the reins.
     Then when he and the other brave lads went to-ho-ing
into the forest after the wretches who'd erred so grossly in
disturbing his travel plans, Liess sighed and leaned back on
the buckboard.  They were likely to be waiting here some
little while for the lads to get their exercise.
---al
     Karaz was disturbed from his mid-afternoon nap by a
sudden stop of the wagon.  Grumbling some unniceties about
women drivers, he crawled to the edge and peered over to see
what was going on.
     He saw the same figures that Didymus did.
     An ear-piercing, shrill voice cried out.  "Bandits! 
We're being robbed!  Help!  Help!"  It was the magnificent
Karaz-Gorm in one of his not-so-magnificent moments.
---med
     The dwarf's screech went off right in Liess' ear.
     She whirled around to belt him one but had forgotten
about the arm (her left one) she still had entangled in the
wagon traces.  So instead, she tumbled off the wagon onto
the bandit who'd been passed by when the brave lads raced
into the forest.
     So she belted him instead (the bandit being a little
bit surprised by her unusual acrobatic maneuver). 
Unfortunately, the bandit was wearing a helmet since he had
expected that there could be trouble.  Liess's fist hit the
helmet.
     "Oooh, that's gotta hurt," Tan said unnecessarily. 
Liess tossed him a glare.
---al
     Pen watched the action with the realization that his
master, Rorandair, and Valkyr had all left the wagon to go
chasing after the cowarding bandits. The wagon and its
passengers were left quite alone to fend for themselves.
     So far the only member prepared to do anything about
the predicament that the wagoners were in, was Liess, and
she looked as if she was in trouble.
     The villain took some offense to Liess's attempt at
denting his helmet with her fist, and was about to return
the gesture with a free hand, when young Pen decided it was
time to imitate his knight's bravery. Lunging from his
perch, Pen grappled the unsuspecting assailant, causing the
man to miss his target by a  hair.
     In the course of being jumped on by a boy and throwing
a punch at the woman, the villain, needless to say, lost his
footing and fell, dropping his weapon from his right hand
and his helmet from his greasy head. All the while, a
stunned Karaz-Gorm and Tan sat inside the confines of the
wagon.
     "Ummmpphhh...Gormmm...arr, do somethen!" shouted the
boy as he tried to wrestle with the man who was near twice
his weight.
     Scrambling on the side of the road, the bandit reached
for his weapon, while Liess kicked at him in an attempt to
aid her young hero.
     "Ggggorm...."
  ---ds
     The sudden flurry of activity left the Magnificent
Karaz-Gorm mildly stunned and without a clue as to how to
respond.  When Pen had finally requested his assistance, he
promptly acted.
     He looked quickly at Tan, who still hadn't fully
recovered from the shock of the fast-developing situation
about him.  Tan looked back at him, and the dwarven mage
turned back to face the bandit, who was getting  up in
anticipation of thwacking the boy Pen hard for interrupted
his attack on Liess.
     "I, the Magnificent Karaz-Gorm, will render
assistance!" the bearded one announced.  And with that, he
shook his stick and shouted some words, then thrust the
point of the stick towards the bandit.  The man's belt
instantly came undone, and his pants dropped to his ankles,
thus tripping the assailant.  Karaz retracted his stick,
looking at it with a confused look upon his face.  That was
*definitely* not the spell he had intended to cast!  All the
same, the man was down, if only for the moment.
     Regaining his composure, he proudly announced, "I, the
Magnificent Karaz-Gorm, have rendered assistance!  Is there
anything else you require?"
---med
     "I knew I'd seen that kind of stick before!" Tan
exclaimed happily.  "It's a Stick of Schtick!  Oh,
Karaz-Gorm, we're going to have a magnificent time together! 
Now, what about a pie?  Don't you think it's an excellent
time for pie?"  Acting on his own suggestion, Tan began
rummaging through the contents of the wagon.  "Although, now
that I think about it, I don't remember seeing the bakery
wagon around here yet today..."
 ---al
     Karaz said a little indignantly to the busily-searching
little man, "Well, perhaps you have seen it by that name,
but I sure haven't!"  Then, digesting what he had said (so
to speak), "Actually, a pie sounds wonderful!  Do you
suppose that this is a good time for one?  Well, of course
it is!  Every time is a good time for pie!"  With that,
Karaz busied himself assisting Tan in search of the
delectable pastry, all the while singing to himself an old
dwarven song about...what else...pies.
---med
     As the stumbling man tried desperately to retrieve his
loose trousers and balance, Pen immediately took the
initiative and dove for the villain's sword which lay flatly
on the ground.
     Grabbing the weapon, the stable-boy-turned-squire held
it awkwardly between himself and the evil man who now had
his trousers back up around his waist.
     Turning around on his heels, holding up his pants with
one hand and outstretching his other towards the boy, he
commanded softly, but directly, "Give me that sword boy!  Ya
don't wan'na hurt any one with that thin' now do ya?!?"  He
moved a cautious step forward as the others watched in
desperation.
     "St-tand b-back or I-I swea-" Pen began to say shakily,
barely able to hold the heavy blade level.
     "YOU'LL WHAT?" taunted the angry man, moving another
step towards the frightened boy.
     Liess tried to attack him from the rear, but he simply
brushed her off, knocking her soundly onto her back side.
---ds
     "No way to treat a lady," Tan remarked, having glanced
up from his searching for a moment.  Liess, apparently
unbothered by her fall, glanced at Tan.  "And the situation
is always fraught with peril when you have long, sharp,
nasty, pointy things waving about," he added and winked at
her.  Liess frowned, but eased herself out of the way of the
combatants.
 ---al
     "Give me that weapon boy!" the bandit demanded once
more.
     Awkwardly, Pen rose the heavy sword above his head in
an attempt to slice the man in two if he so much as took
another step forward, and began to warn him so, but was
rudely interrupted by the villain's sudden escape down the
road in the opposite direction.
     "That's right...you better run!" Pen shouted after him,
beaming with pride as the weight of the sword finally became
to much and he dropped it at his feet with a clang.
---ds
     "Ooooh!"  Tan exclaimed.  "Count your toes, boy.  Make
sure they're all present and accounted for."
 ---al

     Didymus had just been knocked off his horse by a low
hanging branch, when he heard a girlish scream from the
wagon.
     "Good lord, I forgot to insure the protection of the
wagon!"  With that, Didymus remounted his horse, and left
the pursuit of the bandits to Rorandair (at least on this
side of the road), and quickly rode back to the wagon.
     "If anything has happened to my friends, I shall never
forgive myself!" he said to himself, riding hard.
---je
     Pen moved quickly to where a bruised Liess sat and
commenced to help her up, but could not help notice that she
was all the while looking over his shoulders.
     Turning to see what was up he saw what was bringing a
smile to her face. There only a few yards behind him was his
master, his claymore proudly displayed, his armour shining,
his war horse snorting fiercely.
---ds
     Tan was going to say something about the King's
Cavalry, but Karaz-Gorm was already glaring at him so he
thought better of it.
---al
     "Well done, lad!  I'm proud to see you've had things
well in hand."  Didymus placed his hand on Pen's shoulder. 
"I must go again, for it sounds as if Valkyr could use my
help.  I think Rorandair is not far behind me, so hold
things together here while I am gone."
     With that, Sir Didymus remounted his horse and charged
back into the woods (this time on the side where Valkyr was
fighting).
     The magnificent Karaz-Gorm was glum.  "He didn't even
mention my contribution!  Why, if it wasn't for me, this
battle would have been lost!  But does he say 'thank you'? 
Oh no!  That would be asking too much!"
     Tan began chuckling at the dwarf's words.  Liess just
scowled.
---je
     Bandits scattered from Rorandair's path as he cleaved
them in two before they could react.  One archer hit him in
the cheek with a lucky arrow.  Grunting, he ripped it out
and bowled through a small tree on his way to punching the
man thirty feet into the air.  Then, looking around, he
noticed that he was pretty much alone in the battle.  Not
doubting for a second his companions could take care of
themselves, he started to walk back to the road.  Until he
remembered Pen, and then he picked up his pace a little. 
That boy was bound to get into trouble.  He returned to the
clearing just as the wound in his cheek was returning to its
natural state.
---mp
     Fenro looked at Valkyr, who was in over his head in
bandits.
     "All too perfect.  If that Nephross guy was still here
I'd have bet for the bandits.  Of course, Valkyr there
*does* have the power of good behind him...  Heck, I'd've
bet my blade he'd get chopped to pieces. That's what you get
when you think of others before yourself..."
     Fenro smiled, not noticing Rorandair walking back to
the wagon, which was just on the other side of the dark
knight...
---yvc
     Rorandair rounded the wagon to see how Valkyr was
doing, and found a strange man in black armor standing,
watching the battle.  Shrugging, Rorandair decided a direct
approach.
     "Looking for something?"
---mp
     Without turning around, Fenro replied,
     "No, just watching the destruc-"
     He turned around and came face-to-chest with a tower. 
Rearing up, he brang his trident blade around...
     "None of your business, pal."
---yvc

     Didymus looked at the bodies of the dead highwaymen and
shook his head sadly.  What a waste of humanity.  He found
that anymore, when he had to kill someone in his sworn duty
to fight for the right, he would think about what the
villain must have been like as a child.  So full of hope,
promise, love?  What turns the beauty of a child into the
villainy of adults.
     Before he got too maudlin, he told himself *that* was
why he did what he did.  So more of those bright beautiful
children could go down the path of good, have families, and
live to old age.  The more he could keep off the dark path,
the better.  How did he do this?  By weeding out the
villains and hurtful ones, and giving the good room to grow
in peace.
     The party had just finished licking its wounds, as it
were.  By the grace of the holies, no one in the party was
really hurt.  Just a few bumps and bruises to mark the
battle.  The knights, along with Pen, quickly dug graves off
the side of the road for the fallen (even though the great
Karaz-Gorm said the bodies should be left for the crows).
     When this was done, the party readied themselves, and
continued on their road.
---je
     Soon they were passing farms on the outskirts of
Rosehaven.  As they rode, they came upon what looked like a
gathering of farmers listening to one of their fellows speak
on a platform.  "...and the Redeemer *will* come.  He will
come and set things to rights.  He will come and reward the
faithful.  It is those who try to gain unfair advantage by
making pacts with demons and devils that must now fear!"
     The farmer paused as the party rode past.  Didymus put
on his best smile and nodded toward the farmer, who
pretended not to see and continued on.  "In Montfort,
Proctor John has already begun to gather the faithful.  In
Turnmoor, Proctor Marcus has already built a church.  I have
met with these holy men, seen the true light of the Redeemer
through them.  All that I ask is that you come with me and
hear..."
     The party was soon out of hearing range of the farmer. 
Didymus was concerned for this land, for he had seen this
kind of thing before.  He had heard of many dieties in his
travels throughout the world, but this was the first time he
had heard of this 'Redeemer'.  But he couldn't let that
worry him now.  He had a quest to complete.  If he was
successful, well, many more children would live to have the
chance to achieve their hopes and dreams.
---je
     Pen rode in his now customary location (at the back of
the wagon) and was busily musing over the past battle and
how his master was so proud of his show of courage.
     "So what if it wasn't really me that scared off that
highway man, I probably could=C6ve handled him on my own
anyway." he thought aloud.
     "Pardon me!" Gorm exclaimed, startling the boy.
     "Did I say that aloud?"
     "I am a most powerful and great mage, but performing
the task of reading your trivial young and often confusing
mind is not of any doing of mine." Karaz-Gorm sighed
indignantly.
     "YES...of course you said it aloud!" Karaz-Gorm said
haughtily to the boy.
     "Sorry!" Pen replied softly, "I was just thinking about
what happened back there with those awful bandits."
     "Yes, yes, of course you were."
     With a sigh, Pen removed his attentions from the dwarf
and focused his sights on the surrounding scenery. He
watched as they passed a group of peasants surrounding a
figure who stood a top a stump, preaching something about a
new order...
     Pen felt a shiver, although the day was turning out to
be quite a hot one.
---ds
     As the caravan passed the proctor, Valkyr snapped back
to the real world.  He had fallen during that clash with the
brigands, only to be saved by Sir Didymus who came in the
nick of time.  The paladin was a good fighter, but odds of
twelve to one were not good odds to fight against.  Valkyr's
right arm was healing quickly, due to his natural healing
powers.  Too bad paladin's powers, like priests' powers,
didn't work as well if used one oneself.
     Valkyr spoke to Pen as he stared blankly in
reminescence...
     "Listen to me well, Pen.  Never believe a preacher who
needs to preach openly.  I may serve Draconis, the Paladin-
God, but I do not use persuasion or force to make others do
the same.  If you ever want to serve a divinity, my friend,
serve one whose beliefs and goals match your own, or all you
will know for the rest of your life will be pain of the mind
and suffering of the soul."
---yvc
     Pen simply nodded his affirmation wide-eyed.
---ds
     "But, I have a question for you, young squire.  You
wish so much to be a knight, the pride and honor of every
lord, but do you think you will be able to commit the
ultimate sacrifice?  Will you be able to thrust your weapon
through the heart of your first enemy?  Will you be able to
kill?"
---yvc
     Initially the question did not disturb the boy in the
least, but he saw how intently Valkyr was staring at him,
waiting for a serious answer to a very serious question.
     "I-I..." Pen began to stammer, but stopped short to
clear his throat and organize his thoughts properly. "Yes, I
would definitely be able to kill if the cause was just!" he
finally said, straightening his back and putting on his best
poker face, a game he had never played.
     Valkyr eyed the young boy for a moment or two longer,
then, pleased by the boys show of mettle, he marched his
horse forward and joined the other men up ahead.
     Pen let out a breath once Valkyr was out of hearing
range and then slumped in his seat.  "Could I really do it?"
he questioned himself as the memory of the highway man who
had confronted him returned to haunt him.  "Could I really
kill another person?  Would I have truly been capable of
bringing that sword down on that horrible man's head if he
had taken another step towards me instead of running off at
the sight of Sir Didymus?"
     Pen spent most of his time before they reached
Rosehaven mulling over Valkyr's question.  Doubts of his
abilities to ever become a true knight filled his heart.  He
was troubled.
---ds
     The group had finally made it to Rosehaven.  They asked
around and found a stable with a good reputation, where they
left their wagons and horses.  They all went to a nearby
tavern called The Dancing Jester, and walked in and sat at
a large table inside.  Didymus handed the waitress a handful
of silver, and instructed her to bring food and to keep the
drinks coming.
     Once they had their drinks, Didymus addressed his
friends.  "I was somewhat disturbed by things I have heard
on the road, as well as here in town.  It seems this new
church in Turnmoor is raising quite a ruckus there, and I
would prefer not to get dragged into that mess.  I found out
from the stablemaster that there is a cargo ferrier which
leaves here and travels down the river all the way to Varna. 
It leaves every two weeks, and the next scheduled trip is
tommorrow.
     "By taking this ferry, we should be able to cut much
time off our travel, as well as avoid any other
unpleasantries on the road.  Once we get to Varna, we'll get
a ship and then it=C6s off to the Dragons Isle.  That is, if
we are all in agreement?"  He looked around the table at the
faces of his companions:  Rorandair, the Taliessins, Kaega,
Rabancal & Rashna, the magnificent Karaz-Gorm, Valkyr
Paladinson, and his squire Pen.  All nodded in turn to his
question (except Karaz-Gorm, who was making his mug do
tricks on the table).
     Didymus became quite serious.  "Fine, that will be our
course of action.  I realize that this journey may not have
turned out as everyone should expect.  If some of you are
not at here at dawn tommorrow, I fully understand.  Pen,
come with me, for we have some arrangements to make.  Giving
everyone a farewell nod, Didymus and Pen made their
departure, leaving the party alone to discuss their future.
---je
     Pen quickly followed Didymus out of the tavern. The
pair moved down the street and met with a little privacy
under a moonlit sky.
     Didymus grabbed his squire gently by the shoulders and
spoke, "Pen...(a short sigh), we have merely just taken the
smallest step in our great journey, and already, harm has
befallen us."
     Pen stared back and nodded moderately in agreement to
what his master was saying.
     "The truth of the matter, my young squire, is this:..."
Didymus broke his gaze upon Pen's face and looked up at the
star filled sky and began to search desperately for the
right words (failing miserably), "...I feel that perhaps it
was a mistake to take one so young as yourself along on such
a perilous journey that will reap danger."
     Pen's heart sank.
     "You must believe me when I say: I truly regret having
to let you go. I believe it to be in your best interest to
go back to Monfort."
     Pen was opening his mouth to object, but the knight
interrupted, "I will be hiring someone of good trust, to
transport you back-"
     This time it was Pen who interrupted.  Shrugging his
shoulders violently he escaped Didymus's grasp.
     "I-I...I won't go back.  I can take care of myself. 
I'm no child," the boy blurted angrily.
     "Pen," Didymus responded sympathetically.
     Hostility overcoming the boy=C6s immense respect for the
knight, Pen barked haughtily, "I could=C6ve taken care of that
highway man, I-I would=C6ve killed him if I had to (was it a
lie?)...I would=C6ve!", as he took a few steps back.
     "Please...Pen," the knight pleaded, "please under-"
     "No!  I am worthy enough to be your squire, if not
yours, someone else=C6s.  I have chosen my destiny and I
believe with all my heart that I have chosen wisely."
     Sir Didymus weighed the boy's last statement for a
moment or two in silence.  "Destiny...wasn't that the key
that drove his very being."
     "Perhaps I am turning into an old mother hen, he
finally said with a resigned chuckle.  "Maybe I have let the
day=C6s events distort my judgement of you a little.  It took
courage for someone of your inexperience to stand up to that
bandit today."  His mind=C6s eye returned to distant memories
of battles where men twice Pen's size, armed and protected
with the strongest of steel, fled at the sight of spilt
blood.  "I believe you, Pen.  You'll make an excellent
squire."  Then extending his right hand towards the boy he
asked, "I hope you'll stay on as mine."
     Pen took the hand eagerly, smiled a big, broad, tooth-
filled smile and responded happily, "You bet, Sir!", as he
shook it emphatically.
---ds

     Didymus was at the Rosehaven river docks.  He shook his
head at the state of the river here.  Murky, bubbling foam
seemed to float on the water everywhere he looked.  And the
smell was none too pleasant.
     He had just booked passage for the group on the cargo
ferry to Varna.  Pen had gone back to the stable to get his
horse and gear.  Everything seemed to be going along fine,
yet something troubled him.  He felt disturbed, but he
didn't know why.
     He was brought out of his troubling thoughts by the
approach of Rashna and Rabancal.  "Sir Didymus, we are
heartsore to have to tell you that we will no longer be
accompanying you.  There is urgent business which calls us
out to the north."
     "I thought perhaps your minds were on other troubles. 
Please, go with my blessing.  I thank you for the help you
have given us thus far."
     With a final kiss to his cheeck, the two were off to
adventures unknown.  Didymus felt his eyes water at their
departure, then steeled himself.  Gods, was he feeling so
old...
     Pen had just arrived with Rorandair and Valkyr in tow. 
Pen and Valkyr continued past, nodding to Didymus, and began
loading their equipment on to the ferry.  Rorandair stopped
to speak with Didymus.  "I am glad we are taking to water,
though I must admit, I have never seen water so foul!"
     Didymus nodded.  "Yes, 'tis indeed bad.  The ferry
captain says it clears up down past the bend.  Says this
foam does strange things to the fish here.  Three eyes and
such.  I'm glad I did not have the fish special back at the
inn, though I believe Karaz did."
     As if on cue, the great Karaz-Gorm stumbled onto the
dock holding his belly with one hand, and covering his mouth
with the other.  He stumbled between the two knights, and
began adding his lunch to the slimy froth in the river. 
When he was done emptying his stomach, he turned to Didymus. 
"A..Ah, yes.  Sir Didymus.  I feel I must warn you that
someone has attempted to poison me.  Probably <belch>,
because they wish to hinder our quest and, <burrp>, knowing
I am the most powerful of our <belch> band...."
     Rorandair shook his head and boarded the ferry. 
Didymus assisted Karaz up the gang plank, and deposited him
on some sacks of grain.  "Oooooohhhhh, my thanks, Sir
Didymus.  Perhaps you could send your squire to attend my
needs while I am ill?"
     Didymus turned without answering and continued waiting
by the gang plank.
     Only Kaega and the Taliessans were unaccounted for. 
There was little time before the ferry captain said he had
to cast off.  Didymus hoped they would hurry.
---je

     Taliessin Minor (Tan) shuddered.  It had been a series
of mistakes.
     The first mistake was oversleeping again, due to
another mixup as to who was supposed to awaken whom.
     The second mistake they made after finally waking up
and realizing that they were late.  The pair had raced to
get up and out of the inn.  Once out in the street, they had
erred in thinking that the maze of alleys and back lanes
that lay directly between them and and the docks where the
barge was could be navigated by strangers who were fresh
from out of town.  Such navigation, it turned out, was only
for the experienced, preferably those who also liked teasing
out the knots in large tangles of yarn.
     And the third mistake was running into a trio of
prosyletizers for this new Redeemer Church.
     So early in the day, Tan would have thought, was not
the prime time for seeking out converts, but actually, from
the clubs the three men were carrying (along with the rope,
the tinder and sparking stones), it occurred to Tan that
conversion of the soul might not be what these men were
looking for.  It might instead be conversion of the bodies
into char and ashes.
     "Witch..." one of the men breathed softly.  Tan
considered the possibility that a mute woman carrying a
taliessin (who bore a regretable first-approximation
resemblance to an imp) on her shoulder might be mistaken for
a witch.  He found it uncomfortably plausible.  He also
considered his prospects at convincing the nice gentlemen
that they were making a mistake to be dim.
     "Run!" he urged Liess.
     With a brief hopeless gesture backward, Liess reminded
Tan that running back the other way was not a good idea. 
They'd already discovered it to be a blind alley and had
been coming back when they encountered these people.
     "I know that," Tan said impatiently.  The ruffians
strolled forward.  "That way anyway!"
     Liess glanced doubtfully at Tan, but only for a moment. 
She didn't care to try anything with these louts either. 
Obediently, she turned and bolted.
     There was a chuckle behind her.  The men evidently knew
the layout of the area.  They gave chase, but without
urgency.
     Liess rounded the corner -- the only corner there was
before the end of the alley.  The dead-end wall hadn't
changed since the last time she looked at it.  No doors had
appeared in it since before, either.
     "Keep going," Tan urged.
     Liess kept going.
     The pursuers came around the corner and saw the woman
running toward the wall.  As she reached it, she naturally
started to slow up --
     "Keep going," Tan told her again.
     -- then sped up again and disappeared through the wall. 
The knapsack she'd been wearing, however, hit the wall and
dropped to the ground.
     "Damn!" Tan said, on the other side of the wall.  Then,
seeing the dog noticing them, he said to Liess, "Keep
going."
     Grim-faced, Liess ran across the yard toward another
wall as the dog began barking and ran to intercept her.  She
and Tan disappeared through another wall before the dog
could reach her.  Merely disappointed, the dog sniffed where
she'd last been.
     On the other side of that wall, in another alley, Liess
finally slowed to a fast walk.  They were still late.
     "Sorry about the knapsack," Tan said.
     Liess waved an arm in her "Oh, well" gesture.  (She had
learned not to shrug when he was on her shoulder.)
     The two, now watchful for brethren of the Church of the
Redeemer as well as the correct way through the warren, made
their way down to the docks.  They saw the barge, not yet
departed but many yards up along the quay.  At the same
time, they heard a shout behind them.  Not stopping to see
what, exactly, the shouting was about, Liess ran.
     Tan looked back and saw five men chasing them.  Two he
thought had blocked them in the alley.  He leaned over to
Liess's ear and said yet again, "Keep going."
     Liess kept going.  Deciding that explanations could
wait, she raced to the barge, passed the somewhat surprised
Didymus, and ran up the gangplank onto the boat.  As she
scrambled up, Tan looked back and saw the pursuit breaking
off and melting into the throngs along the shore.
     "We really have to get up more promptly," he decided.
---al
     Pen helped the panting woman aboard with a sheepish
smile.  "Welcome aboard!"
     "Well that makes perty much everybody except for the
two elves that left this morning to the north," Pen thought,
knowing he would miss the presence of such a lovely woman
regardless of the fact that she was attached.
     "Now all that remains is Kaega-" he began to say, but
caught her beautiful essence far off on the mainland. It
seamed as though she was having a bit of a struggle with
some seedy characters (most of the men along the docks fit
that description), who prevented her passage.  Pen quickly
pointed her out to Sir Didymus, who strained his vision in
the direction of Pen=C6s finger, but failed to see her.
     Grabbing his elbow gently, Pen tried to lead him back
down the plank, "I think she's in some trouble!"
---ds
     As the two made their way down the gang plank, they
were quickly followed by Valkyr and Rorandair.  Upon
reaching the dock, they were met by the ferry captain. 
"It's time, Mr. Didymus.  We'll have to shove off now."
     "We cannot leave as yet!  One of our companions seems
to be having difficulties and we are going into the city to
help her here."
     The ferry captain shook his head, "I'm sorry, but I
have a timetable to keep.  I've pushed it as it is."
     Didymus did not have time for this.  He looked to
Rorandair, who nodded and said, "Not to worry, Sir Didymus. 
We shan't be leaving without you.  Right, friend?!"  So
saying, Rorandair let one of his big beefy arms drape around
the captain's shoulders.
     The captain smiled nervously, "W..Why no!  W..We
wouldn't dream of leaving without you."
     Didymus nodded to Rorandair, who stayed behind with the
ferry captain.  Didymus, Pen and Valkyr quickly made their
way to where the crowd had gathered around Kaega.
     ".....she *is* a demon, I tells ya!  I seen her
transform meself.  We must take her ta Montfort or Turnmoor
ta be judged!"
     "Naw!  We don't need ta take her anywheres.  That's for
witches ta be judged.  Demons can be kilt anywheres."
     "Burn her....Burn her!"
     Didymus didn't like this at all.  He briefly wondered
why Kaega hadn't simply transformed back into a dragon and
given these people all kinds of hell. Then he spied the rune
inscripted manacles around her wrists, and quickly began to
understand.  Somehow, these manacles stopped her from
turning back into her natural form.  He looked into her
face, and there was a definate look of panic there.  Her
eyes wildly scanned the crowd, and finally rested on
Didymus.  He gave her his best everything will be all
right look, and she seemed to calm down somewhat.  He
whispered to Valkyr, "Get me some room."
     Valkyr began to push the crowd aside until they reached
the men holding Kaega.  Didymus drew the broadsword from his
back, and astonishingly to Pen and Kaega, layed the sword on
Kaega's shoulder.  Didymus called out to the crowd.  "I am
Sir Did..gar.  I am a Paladin of the church, and have come
to take this demon in.  Turn her over to me, so that she may
recieve the justice of the church!"
     Didymus had no idea which church he was supposed to be
a Paladin of, but knew that this was an extremely explosive
situation.  He glared at the men holding Kaega, who began to
back away.  All except for one.
     "NOOOO!  We burns her!  Here!  We found her and she's
ours!"  Didymus could tell by the wild look in the man's
eyes and the froth he spat out when he talked that he was
dealing with a hard-core zealot.
     He turned to the man and gave him his best glower, "You
*DARE*!  I am a Paladin of the church!  What is your name,
so that I may have you denounced and excommunicated
properly?!"  He turned to the crowd.  "Seize this heretic! 
He raves against the will of the church!"  Sure enough,
other zealots in the crowd took up the chant, "Heretic! 
Heretic!"
     The man's face changed from one full of rage to one
full of fear.  He was grabbed by his fellows, and presented
to Didymus. One of the men holding the man addressed
Didymus.  "Please, Sir Didgar.  We of Rosehaven seek only
amity with the church.  What should we do with this
heretic?"
     Didymus quickly thought up a suitable 'church-like'
punishment.  "Stake him in the center of town for the
evening.  He must spend the night thinking of his crimes
against the church.  At dawn, throw him into the river so
that he may purge himself of his sin."
     The men thanked Didymus for his wise punishment, and
led the man away.  Sir Didgar took charge of his prisoner,
and led her to the waiting ferry to take her to her
punishment.  As he saw that some of the zealots in the crowd
were about to pelt Kaega with rotting fruits and vegetables,
he called out.  "No!  this demoness is now my prisoner, and
shall come to no harm until I get her to be judged. 
Disperse immediately!"   At his stern words, the crowd began
to disperse, and normalcy (if you can call it that) soon
returned to the streets of Rosehaven.
     As they boarded the ferry, Kaega threw her manacled
wrists over Didymus' head and hugged him.  "Thank you so
much.  I thought I was done for."  Didymus smiled at her,
and led her to the once again sleeping Karaz-Gorm.  Waking
the dwarven mage, Didymus inquired as to whether the great
Karaz-Gorm could open the enchanted manacles.
---je
     Kaega sat not-so-patiently as Karaz-Gorm worked on the
rune-inscribed manacles around her wrists.  "Next time I see
religious fanatics," she snarled, "I'll eat them first and
ask questions later.  By the way, sir dwarf, try not to
damage them too much. I would very much like to examine
them."  She hoped he could get the things off soon, or she
might be tempted to take her staff to them, and she wasn't
sure what the results of that would be.  She waited,
trickles of opalescent blood coming from her tightly
clenched fists.
---at
     As the ferry pulled away from the dock, the magnificent
Karaz-Gorm began to work on the manacles.
---je
     Karaz was mumbling something under his breath about
letting geniouses get their much needed sleep as he stepped
over to Kaega.  When he saw who was shackled, his eyes went
wide.  He stepped back, and a broad smile crossed his face.
     "Well, well, well!  Look who needs the assistance of
the magnificent Karaz-Gorm!"  The dwarf began to pace a
semi-circle a safe distance from Kaega, back and forth,
while he taunted her.  "If it isn't the little dragonlady? 
What's the matter, *dragon*," he sneered, "Can't get out of
the dragon trap?"
     Kaega's eyes flashed brightly with fierce anger, but
she recognized the situation she was in.  Let him have his
day...his just desserts would be coming shortly!
     "Please, sir...unbind my hands.  Surely the great
Karaz-Gorm can find the kindness in his heart to set me
free?" she said with mock meekness.
     Karaz snapped back, "Flattery will get you nowhere,
missee..."  He then leaned back and placed his finger to his
chin and his eyes to the sky.  He muttered, "Then again,
maybe it will...But never mind that!  If I do unlock these
manacles, I want it to go on record that you owe me one!"
     "Of course, your greatness," Kaega replied with the
same mock meekness.
     "Sir Didymus!  Sir Didymus!  You heard that, didn't
you?!  She said she owes me one!"  shouted the dwarf.
     Sir Didymus turned at the call of his name, and seeing
that it was only Karaz-Gorm, waved his hand and returned to
his business.  That was sufficient for the great mage.
     "There!  As Sir Didymus as my witness, you owe me one!"
he finally said victoriously.
     Kaega merely rolled her eyes, and held out her hands.
     Karaz inched his way closer, wary that she might change
into her dragon form at any moment and roast him alive. 
When finally close enough, he began to inspect the shackles. 
More of his characteristic "Mmm hmm!  Mmm hmm!  Ooo, yes! 
Yep!  Yep!" could be heard emanating from his mouth. 
Finally he said, "Stand back, young lady, and I'll..."  Then
realizing that it would be impossible for Kaega to stand any
farther back from her hands than she already was, he added,
"Well ...uh...just get ready."
     A wave of his stick...and nothing happened.
     Tan, who was watching the entire scene from Liess'
shoulder, commented, "You should've expected that."
     Karaz glared at him, realizing he was well out of range
for a dwarf's swinging fist.  Turning his attention back to
Kaega, more waves.
     Kaega screeched, "They're burning my wrists!  Oww! 
They're burning me!!"
     Indeed, the manacles were now glowing orange, smoke was
rising up from beneath them, and a seering noise could be
heard.
     Karaz was startled with this outcome, and quickly tried
again, his eyes incredibly wide and sweat forming on his
forehead.  The manacles cooled instantly.  Unfortunately,
they also began to shrink.
     Kaega commented, "Uh, Karaz, while I thank you for
cooling them off, they seem to be getting smaller."
     "How do I know you're not just getting larger?" Karaz
snapped back skeptically.
     As they clamped down harder, Kaega squealed, "Uh,
Karaz!  They're really starting to hurt now!"
     "I still think you're just getting larger.  Why don't
you quit trying to make me look bad, *dragonlady*?!"
     Tan turned around and called, "Uh, Sir Didymus?" and
pointed to the scene.
     Kaega screamed, "Karaz, you fool!  They're cutting off
my hands!"
     "Oh, now I'm, a 'fool', eh?  Well, I guess you wouldn't
want any help from a 'fool', would you?  I mean, a 'fool'
might really foul things up, and then where would you be? 
No, I guess this =E6fool=C6 will ju....."
     "KARAZ-GORM!!  RELEASE KAEGA FROM THOSE MANACLES NOW!!"
bellowed Sir Didymus, his patience expired.
     The command of the Knight's voice jerked Karaz into
action, as if the man had taken control of the dwarf's body
directly.  Karaz thrust the point of his stick towards the
manacles, and they opened and fell to the floor of the
barge.  Kaega, the relief of being freed from the pain
overcoming her intense desire for dwarf flambeau, caressed
her wrists in her hands.
     Karaz-Gorm stammered uneasily, "Well, if you had wanted
out of those, why didn't you just say so?"
     Tan chuckled to himself at the expense of the great
Karaz-Gorm.
---med
     Kaega snarled inwardly, massaging her burnt wrists. 
With a sigh, she realized that she would have to switch back
to dragon form to heal herself.  She did so, making sure to
stay small enough to not sink the ship.  She closed her eyes
and let the healing magic flow to her wrists, easing the
pain and burns.  She considered that she did not have to eat
the dwarf to put him out of her misery.  She could breathe a
death of lightning upon him, listening to his screams as the
flesh melted from his bones.  Then she sighed, knowing that
a few thousand years ago she might have done that, but not
now.  Even if the dwarf was nearly intolerable (not to
mention the smell) he just might be useful.  Besides, her
questbrothers might not like it. 
---at
     Karaz watched as Kaega turned into a dragon.  He was
mildly concerned with being so close to such a dispicable
lizard when he noticed the look in her eyes.  They were
fixed on his greatness, and they glowed with a light like a
cat thinking that the mouse in front of her was dinner.  His
concern elevated to several levels above mild.  Suddenly,
the other side of the river boat became incredibly
interesting to the mage.
---med
     Kaega stalked over to Sir Didymus, trying to speak
coherently.  "I believe that from now on, I will travel in
dragon form, with an illusion of humanity when it is
neccessary.  The next people to attack me will wish by all
the gods that they had never been born.  Also, I will never
be made a prisoner in this way again, and never at the mercy
of a thrice-be-damned DWARF!!!"  The last was said in a full
dragon roar, one which even the mighty Karaz-Gorm cringed
at.  She then launched herself from the deck, and flew off
to find some sky-demons to roast. 
---at
     Karaz-Gorm thought to himself, "And that's the thanks I
get.  I set this dragon free, and not even a feeble display
of gratitude!  Hmmph!!  That's what you get when you deal
with *dragons*!!"  The last word he sneered contemptuously.
---med
     As usual, Pen was quite impressed by how his master had
handled the situation back at the docks of Rosehaven.  He
made a mental note that a knight's recourse is not always to
use violence to sequester violent men.  Pen's heart was
truly developing a fondness for the aging knight, surpassed
only by that of his mother.  That day, Pen followed Sir
Didymus everywhere he went, much like a young pup follows
its' father.
---ds