Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
From: thomson@m.cs.uiuc.edu (Michael Thomson)
Subject: Saraman: Return, Re:Kron Arrest
Message-ID: <1992Jun4.180949.19633@m.cs.uiuc.edu>
Keywords: Saraman
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1992 18:09:49 GMT

The door to the inn opens revealing what appears to be three very large mounds
of cotton candy.  The tallest pile speaks...

"Now don't go in yet, Cougar.  Shake off as much of this dreadful fluff as you
can."

Following a period of frantic shaking, stomping, brushing (& a little moderate
cursing) the travellers are revealed to be Saraman and his two children.  The
pile of pink dust heaped by the front door begins to melt into a goo which
gradually trickles through the floorboards.

The common room holds an unusual number of glum faces and whispered 
conversations.  "'Ods mercy!" exclaims Saraman, "I don't see nearly enough 
wounds to cause so much strife!  What cause could possibly lock all cheer from
as friendly an abode as the Dragon's Inn?"

Muttered replies come from around the room:  "... Kron...", "... blue ring...",
"... murder...", "... innocent...", "... wedding...", "... payment..."

A voice speaks directly into Saraman's mind, "We are being scried.  Be careful
what you say.  Most of the gloom results from an arrest earlier this day of a
hero believed innocent.  Please be careful."

Saraman nods gently to the assembly and shrugs, speaking to all, "Whatever your
worries, the kids and I wish you well.  Come Cassandra and Cougar, let's get
the last of this pink grime washed off.  Cougar, you may bathe first."

The trio mount the stairs while Cougar complains.  "But dad... I don't wanna
bath.  Lemme go play with Bob instead... I been good..."

.....

Two minutes later, Saraman returns to the common room, this time alone.

"Please act as though I am not here.  I have cast a spell that prevents magical
detection of my person, as I understand this room is observed by those who may
wish harm upon your jailed friend.  If any of you can give me more information
without being conspicuous, I will help in any way that does not endanger my
family."