From: andsol@arcadien.owlnet.rice.edu (Andrew J. Solberg) Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: Sgt. Kron [inn]: Old Buddy Karl Message-ID: <1992May24.215129.3751@rice.edu> Date: 24 May 92 21:51:29 GMT References: <1992May22.233850.4123@rice.edu> <1992May24.010310.9065@midway.uchicago.edu> Characters: Sgt. Kron, Tvarne, Karl Tvarne congratulates Kron on his story as the small crowd nearby returns to their previous discussions. He makes good on his promise and purchases Kron a meal and a good drink -- "You earned it!" he says. Kron smiles and chows down -- he hasn't eaten for over twelve hours, and hard work and wet clothing has sharpened his appetite to a fine point. Kron makes short work of his roast and fries. He is just sitting back to enjoy another mulled wine, when he is greeted by a familiar voice and a slap on the back: "At last! A familiar face!" It is his old friend and fellow civil servant Karl, the Quartermaster of Glorshanned Keep. Many years ago a much younger junior sergeant met a grim, hardened adventurer, still recovering from a near-fatal wounding. Impressed by the one-legged man's sense of order and integrity, young Kron got his friend Karl an interview with the Keep Castellain; now Karl holds one of the most important and influential posts in all of Generica. Time may not quite heal ALL wounds, but it certainly does bring changes! "Karl! Are YOU a regular in this tavern? I feel like a peasant in a circus! What are you....." But gregarious Karl will not let him complete his greeting. Already he is being half-dragged through the crowd by his close friend toward another section of the bar, this end close the the roaring fire. Still gripping Kron's arm firmly, Karl presents him to a smallish knot of curious persons. "Ladies, gentlemen, and others," bellows Karl, "Let me introduce you to one of the greatest men I have ever known. It was this man who got me my job with Melwic!" There is a general greeting and nods of acceptance from the nearby patrons; they seem unconcerned that a member of the Watch is drinking amongst them, unlike the typical tavern patron. Karl finds Kron a seat and pours more wine into his flagon. "So, my friend," he asks in a quieter tone, "what brings you to this seedy section of town, eh?" "Just got off my patrol circuit," replies Kron. "This looked like a good place to get out of the rain and bag a bite to eat before bedtime. Quite a joint you've found here, Karl! Your old associates, eh? Oh....." Kron trails off, realising he may be reopening old wounds. He attempts to change the subject: "So now you're a big-shot around town! Congratulations! Didn't I hear you accepted an apprentice or something?" -- Andrew Solberg |"Moving faster than a speeding bullet isn't andsol@owlnet.rice.edu | much use if you and it are headed straight Phone:713-529-8627 | for each other." John Brunner bridge-sleep-eat-sex-bridge-sleep-eat-sex-bridge-sleep-I'M STUCK!!!!