Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
From: mgb@geo.geol.utas.edu.au (Michael G. Brown)
Subject: Tojar: In defence of another entry, via the side door...
Message-ID: <mgb.706037466@geo>
References: <1992May16.063433.12561@athena.mit.edu>
Date: Sat, 16 May 1992 17:31:06 GMT

jen@athena.mit.edu (Jennifer Hawthorne) writes:

>"I seek a boy," he announces in a voice accented with the East, " -- a
>thief; he has stolen something which rightfully belongs to my master,
>the Baron. When last seen, he was headed toward this Inn. He is a head
>and a half shorter than man-height, small of body, and quick.  His
>hair is the color of straw; his eyes, blue and grey like a winter's
>sky. He goes by the name of Max Smithson." His hand moves to a small
>pouch on his belt; he unties it and holds it up for all to see.  It
>clinks faintly.  "My lord will give ten gold pieces to one who can
>bring this boy to me."  He pauses, looking around the room, sweeping
>past the tables at the front of the room and alighting on the bar at
>the back.

Tojar Oridian stands, and as he does so his black cloak slips back,
revealing the previously un-noticed gold inlay on his armour. Those who
have travelled far may recognise it as the Suit of Strength, which
legend says will only be granted to the one true Champion of Heironeous.

Tojar fixes the Captain with an unwavering eye, and speaks commandingly,
thus:

  "Captain, for a mere thief to command such a BRIBE as ten gold pieces
for his betrayal from your master seems passing strange. I venture such
a valuable thief would not enter a den of traitors such as this, if he
knew what price was offered for his capture. I suggest you look
elsewhere, for on my honour, I declare I have seen no thief, this night.
Mark me, if you challenge my word, you will have to contend with Baron
Tojar Oridian, and his two most renowned knights."

  As he speaks, Oridian looses his twin long swords in their scabbards.
As he finishes his oratory, Andor Kell and Orriam Fairburn rise in
support of his words.

  "Captain, leave now, for I am sure that our gracious host would not
wish to see blood spilled in this tavern, and if you stay, you will be
manifesting a doubt of my word - which will be an insult to my honour."

--
Michael G. Brown                         | "And because, in all the Galaxy, they
Dept. of Treasury & Finance              | had found nothing more precious than
GPO Box 147B, Hobart                     | mind, they encouraged its dawning
Tasmania, 7001, AUSTRALIA                | everywhere" - Arthur C. Clarke, 2001
  e-mail: mgb@geo.geol.utas.edu.au phone: +61 02 33 2976 fax: +61 02 23 2755