Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
From: scott@athena.mit.edu (Scott D Bradburn)
Subject: Xenos:  Speaks his last, then departs.
Message-ID: <1992May21.031656.8508@athena.mit.edu>
Date: Thu, 21 May 1992 03:16:56 GMT

Xenos takes note of the young guard who walks in, requesting training in
sword combat.  "Listen carefully, boy, for I have something of importance
to say.  As many patrons have mentioned, the sword is not the answer to
any problems.  I, myself, am quite skilled with weapons, and know this for
a fact.  I have killed more people then you have seen in your life.  My power
is such that I can kill with a touch, yet I haven't killed in the last seven
years of my existance."

"Learn to use your sword only when you must.  In this world, those who cannot
fall to those who can, so you must learn to fight, and to kill.  The true masters
of the blade, however, are those who can defeat their opponent without drawing
their weapon."

"Bah!  Philosophy does not suit demonkind.  Behold my power, and contemplate
why Xenos does not kill!"  Saying that, Xenos stands up, and puts his hand on
the barstool he just vacated.  Instantly, it bursts into flames, and within
seconds it is a pile of ash.  Upon seeing Rowan's distressed look, Xenos reaches
into his cloak and pulls out a diamond the size of a fingertip and tosses it
to him.  "Someday you will also learn that gold and gems have no value in
themselves.  Only the value of what you receive in exchange for them.  Everyone
learns that lesson, the earlier in life they do, the better."

"I must go now.  My quest is far from complete, this night has proven it to me.
With luck, I shall return, and with more luck, perhaps my quest will be complete.
And you, Thorr-kan, perhaps, when I return, I will be able to accept your offer of
friendship.  For now, may your God guide you to the end to your quest, noble
minotaur."

"And as for doors, they make for more exciting entrances."  As Xenos says that,
he makes a gesture and a gust of wind blows through the Inn, opening the door
with a bang.  "But I don't need them."  Then Xenos starts laughing a wicked
laugh, as if to an old personal joke, and blinks out of sight with a soft
popping sound.

__________________

Scott

Xenos now makes his journey to the barren wastelands called "Kansas."