Date: Tuesday, 18 Aug 1992 16:44:15 EDT From: Message-ID: <92231.164415BANNON@MAINE.MAINE.EDU> Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [R] Hazy's perspective References: <1992Aug13.202744.25850@kakwa.ucs.ualberta.ca> Meanwhile back at the ranch... After a few minutes of leaning over the rail and watching Killian and Jenever frollick in the water, Hazy's attention had been suddenly diverted by the sound of Radan stumbling up the gangplank with Karl slung over his shoulder. Beyond them, on land, fires were burning all around the town and people could be seen dashing about with children, sacks of belongings and sometimes weapons, too. The captain, being the cautious sort when it came to his ship, had ordered the gangplank removed and the lines cast off as soon as the pair staggered aboard. A crowd of folks had immediately gathered around Karl and Radan to offer assistance. Radan, in his quiet, intense way had put them all quickly to work. He had one grinding ingredients, another fetching bags from below, another raising Karl's feet, another seeing about getting some boiling water from the galley,-- everyone had leapt to carry out their tasks. Killian and Jenever had climbed aboard at the first signs of departure, on deck they immediately offered their assistance to Radan. The Moorglade had pulled away from the dock very slowly. The sails popped and flapped in the weak breeze. The sun was below the horizon and the wind had nearly died out. Hazy had stood for a moment transfixed by the sudden turn of events. It was difficult to know how to be of help. She wasn't a healer. She wasn't a sailor. She didn't where they were headed yet, or why....still, she had pledged to help those in need and it suddenly occured to her then how she might help. Apparently, the group was in need of a speedy departure. She had then shifted from gray, to white, to a thin,fine mist and finally faded from view. In her transparent form she took to the air and set about stirring up some wind currents, rushing and swirling through the layers of air behind the ship at tremendous speeds. The sails had billowed out with the wind that she induced and the ship began to make headway. They had been underway for nearly a full day since the return of Radan and Karl. Karl was just coming around. Radan's ministrations had succeded in restoring him. While they sailed Hazy had learned something from her fellow passengers about the reason for the journey. Eventually, she had also realized the centaur was missing. Killian questioned Radan after Karl regained consciousness and was out of danger. Radan explained that a riot had broken out and Karl was felled by a poison dart. Helios, the centaur, had disappeared in the confusion. The people's relief at Karl's recovery was tempered by their concern for the wellfare of the centaur. There was no sense in turning back at the moment, though. For better or for worse, they were well on their way South again. Hazy hadn't had a chance to meet Radan. She moved toward his side and touched his arm gently. Surprised, he flinched a bit,-- and no wonder. Hazy had a touch like a cold, damp bit of seaweed or some, who were less than kind, had even compared her grasp to shaking hands with a clammy corpse. She dropped her hand quickly and said, "You have no small skill in the healing arts. Your friend is fortunate to know you. I would be honored to know you as well. My name is Hazy Drifter. Might I know yours, please?" Hazy