Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
From: tomscud@ruf.rice.edu (Thomas Reid Scudder)
Subject: Edward [R]: preparing for the trip.
Message-ID: <1992Aug4.035236.19594@rice.edu>
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1992 03:52:36 GMT

"The _Moorglade_, eh?  I'll make myself ready."  said Edward.  Bowing to the
other occupants of the table, he stood and went upstairs to his room,
stopping to negotiate with Littlefair on the purchase of shipboard rations.
A suitable substitute for hardtack was found, and he took the package under
his arm as he ascended the stairs to the rooms above.

About half an hour later he returned, wearing a large pack and carrying a
smaller handbag, in addition to his partially-carved staff.  He paid Littlefair
with gold from his small bag, and gave him something else as well.

Presenting a strange, flimsy-looking banner, he said, "Here, take this as a
gift.  It was given to me by a mage I worked for once as part of my fee.  It
is supposed to be a sure protection against fire for any building in which it
hangs.  I have no use for it, being a travelling man, and this is surely the
friendliest and most unique inn I have stopped in in many months."

Then he walked over to his table and said, "Would anyone like to accompany me
on a trip over to our vessel?"