Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn From: andsol@arcadien.owlnet.rice.edu (Andrew J. Solberg) Subject: Sgt. Kron:[chasing Dougl]:A Pit of Vipers Message-ID: <1992May25.235829.8963@rice.edu> Keywords: Karl, Kron, Dougl, slavers Date: Mon, 25 May 1992 23:58:29 GMT Cast of Characters: Kron, Karl, ...sage Kron and Karl make their way slowly down the Arcade of Unforgotten Heroes. One hundred years ago, this avenue would have been elegant, rivalling the Arcade of Fountains to the north in beauty and opulence. Now, however, the marble statues are pitted and defaced, and the buildings show increasing signs of decay. Kron shakes his head at the fate that has befallen this portion of the City of Fountains. Karl seems increasingly distracted and agitated. And with good reason -- his young ward kidnapped, perhaps awaiting death, or worse..... Kron knows, however, that now is the time for action, for only a quick intervention with save the boy from doo. The sergeant curses inwardly, for he wishes he could stalk the kidnappers AND call for back-up; sadly, only one of the two is possible. Or is it? As if on cue, up ahead three junior Watchmen are taking a meal at a stand-up sausage counter! Kron rushes to their side and begins barking orders: "You there! Lunch is over -- we have an emergency! A press-gang of Rameshanders has kidnapped a young man! You -- run to the Harbormaster and seal off the port! RUN, boy!! Now, you -- what's your name?" The young man, still half-way in the middle of a bite, stutters, "Yunmir, sir! Er, what can we do?" "Backtrack two blocks and make for the docks. You're looking for men dressed in long grey cloaks. If you spot them, try and apprehend them, but IN NO EVENT should you enter the Low City. Do you understand? Good, now MOVE!" The two remaining guardsmen depart. Kron turns to Karl and says, "Do not worry, my friend. The Watch does not fail." He is lying, and he knows Karl knows it, but somehow failing to say it would be even worse. The pair continue down the street. The Arcade becomes progressively more choked and warren-like. Unpleasant faces peer from every doorway and window. Finally, Kron stops at an alley. Overhead, a tattered banner stretches between the buildings. Painted on the banner is a simple stylized picture of a snake. "The Low City, Karl. If they are headed here, we will find them. The question is, will anything find US first?" He turns to Karl, then cries out and draws his sword. Behind his crippled friend is a shimmering field, the tell-tale sign of an invisible creature; only the daylight betrayed it. It moves to touch Karl. Kron makes as to strike at it, but it whispers words that Kron can just barely make out....... "I am the servant of ...sage. He has seen it fit that I should assist you. I am a construct of magic, a force. I will accompany you." Karl makes a nervous face, but does not flinch as it takes his arm. Kron laughs from sheer relief: "Jumping at shadows! Or rather, Unseen Servants. This is an unexpected benison, for if that creature is as solid as it appears, you should be able to use it as a crutch to enable us to move faster. And we will need the mobility, believe me. Well, times a-wasting. Shall we?" Kron, Karl, and the gift of a friendly mage move cautiously into the maw of what those in the know call The Low City....... -- 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!!!!