Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn From: jpesonen@viikki.Helsinki.FI (JORMA JUHANI PESONEN (EKT)) Subject: [ST] More news from the Tent Message-ID: Keywords: Disturbance, death, strange creatures Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1993 11:23:54 GMT Night is falling into the city of Generica, the city of Fountains. Lovely prple haze of twilight is dimmed by dark clouds rising from the west, the clouds, which the elders claim to carry snow from the Sleet Steppes far north. The harbor is silent, as is the sea. Only a light breeze is seen, and a grey sailed ship is carried by it towards the docks. The ship doesn't carry any noticeable features: it is plain strong looking merchant vessel from some island to the west, made by people, who have been sailing for centuries, and know the sea. The ship comes into halt just before hitting the dock. Not a sound comes as the ship is tied into the dock and the plank is lowered. It is the time to unload the cargo. The poor come to offer their services, and only the strongest are permitted to work carrying crates, boxes and cages out of the ship. Out of the ship and into the warehouses. Out come spices and herbs, rare perfumes and scents. As well as strange creatures: Domodeac lizards with their razorsharp tongues, Alocassar birds with their rainbow colored feathers, Marrain dogs, Tasre rats. You name it! The ship, Kinunir Z'tem, is quickly unloaded. The captain signs the documents and starts towards the town. "Sir, Where might I find the Market Square?" he asks the harbour master. "Oh, it's just a few blocks from here. Just walk along this ally and turn left. Cannot miss it." "Thank you." The captain starts to walk and three of his men follow. The men are carrying heavy looking crates with such an ease, that one knows better not to interfere with them. The Market square is empty and silent. The darkness has spread over it like a veil, a heavy curtain of black velvet. The only light that can be seen come from a half a dozen torches set around the red-and-white-striped tent. The que, which is waiting around the tent is silent, asleep, and so it doesn't notice the captain and his men entering the tent with a hooded person. After a while the captain comes out. "Pleasure doing business with you, sir" "Fare thee well, captain Kilonen. The merchandise will be delivered within three days." They shake hands and the captain departs. All is silent in the Market Square. Kinunir Z'tem leaves the dock as soon as the captain has returned. It is anchored into the harbour, all done in complete silence. The night is cold. It begins to rain snow... JPESONEN@viikki.helsinki.fi /// /// "Is all that we see or seem, There are realities /// But a Dream within a Dream?" Within realities, but /// Edgar Allan Poe THERE ARE NO ABSOLUTES