From: mgb@geo.geol.utas.edu.au (Michael G. Brown)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: Re: Max: Max replies to Tojar (with nods to others)
Message-ID: <mgb.706196474@geo>
Date: 18 May 92 13:41:14 GMT
References: <1992May17.213309.20378@athena.mit.edu>

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

[Storyline omitted]

>"I dunnow what it is ye have in yer box, noble sir, but it must be
>powerful magic, to put the willies into Cap'n Georgas so smartly."  

[Drax replies]

>The boy tears his eyes away from the chest with difficulty, returning
>to address Tojar again.  "Beggin' yer pardon, sir.  I'm called Max,
>sir, Max Smithson, be that m'father were the blacksmith in our town.
>Gods witness my words, but I've not stolen from either the Cap'n, nor
>from his lord, and powerful sorry I am that I near brought blood t'
>this place. I only wanted t'sup. I been long on t'road.  Truth be
>told, I dunnow why 'tis the Baron wants me so bad." Although the
>quaver in the lad's voice might be taken that he does not speak
>entirely true on this, the puzzled dismay on his face seems real
>enough.  

>Hearing no immediate reply from Tojar, he licks his lips again and
>says, "Please, sir, meanin' no disrespect, but where is it ye've sent
>yer men off to?"

  Tojar's brow furrows in intense concentration as he stares into the
boy's face, as if he is trying to look into the very soul behind the
young eyes. After a time, he shakes his head, almost imperceptibly, and
a look of deepfelt sadness seems to overflow his noble bearing.

  "Well, Master Smithson," he speaks at last, as the shadow of a grin
eases his expression again, "if you have wronged no one you have
nothing to fear from my men. Indeed, they go on an errand that may
serve you well should this Georgas indicate to his master that your
likely whereabouts are here. Though I venture the good Captain will not
return here again, himself."

Oridian pauses, and bows his head towards Drax, who is dragging an extra table to where the Shrouded Ones sit.

  "Thanks in no small way to your friend Drax," he continues. "But,
young Max, sit with me and entreat me of your tale, for now I am
without company ... and without wine."

  Oridian sits, and motions to the youngster to do likewise. He calls
for wine, and invites the onlookers to Georgas' visitation to join him.
As the landlord's Son brings the wine, his eyes wander to a woman in a
fur coat, who is making herself known at he bar. His shoulders sag a
little, and his face takes on the sadder look of before.

--
Michael G. Brown            | Baron Tojar Oridian, Lord of the Farreach, Mortal
Dept. of Treasury & Finance | Champion of Heironeous.
GPO Box 147B, Hobart        | An honourable Cavalier, defender of the innocent,
Tasmania, 7001, AUSTRALIA   | not opposed to being flattered.
  e-mail: mgb@geo.geol.utas.edu.au phone: +61 02 33 2976 fax: +61 02 23 2755