From: mcutter@gacvx2.gac.edu
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [G]  In Memorium...
Message-ID: <1993Mar4.185945.3143@gacvx2.gac.edu>
Date: 5 Mar 93 00:59:45 GMT

ADMIN:  For all intents and purposes, it appear that Glysten's Quest is
        dead.  We, the survivors, have decided to leave the title intact as 
        a memorial to our fallen comrades.  But stick around,  maybe we
        will be able to keep you entertained with a story or two of
        adventure and sacrifice.  -Matt C. (Thorr-kan and Gleep)


In the middle of a pub in Generica, a very motley foursome are readying
themselves for a dangerous voyage.  They do this for neither fame nor riches.
Instead, they do so for friendship.  One of their number is gravely
wounded and must be returned home soon if he is to survive.

First is the Jolly Roger, earnestly explaining to his comrades what he
has just learned.  Roger is a small man, but when he moves, it is with
the grace and strength of one very familiar with caring for himself. 
There is a feeling of power in the air about him.

Across the table from Roger sits a man in black and ivory leather. 
Hands caressing his staff, Traveler absorbs the new information.  At
first glance, he appears a fighter of some sort, yet he has something of a
mage's aura.  His gear looks as if it could tell a hundred tales.

To Traveler's right is the group's cause for concern, the man known only 
as Wanderer.  Even close examination cannot reveal whether is conscious
or not.  His armor matches Traveler's but is far more battered. 
Wanderer looks supported soley by will and... something else.

The fourth member of the party took his leave after Roger finished his
explanations.  A seven-six minotaur shook himself and headed for the
stairs leading to the roof.

Thorr-kan is solemn, a rare mood for the White Minotaur.  His life has
been one of trial and testing, but he has never complained.  These
things are a minotaur's lot in life, the things that separate them from
the common rabble.

However, a being can only give so much.  In his lifetime, Thorr-kan has
traveled the breadth of his world and beyond.  Destiny lead him from
denouncement as a traitor through exile to the forging of a new nation. 
Gods have crossed his path, singling him out to do their bidding or
rising to threaten destruction.  Friends, enemies, and allies have come 
and passed on, with others rising in their place.  Through it all, from 
crisis to crisis, the White Minotaur has persevered and even triumphed. 

But the price has been great.  He no longer has a place he can call
home.  His betrothed, his mate-to-be, is separated from him by
unimagineable gulfs.  Worst of all, he is exhausted, old before
his time.  All of this, and the White Minotaur has yet to see his 30
birthday.

Once Thorr-kan reaches the roof, Generica's time-shifts work in his
favor for once.  Off to the west, the sun is just beginning to set,
leaving a truly magnificent lightshow.  Thorr-kan reaches to his back
and removes the Horn of Justice, his halberd.  Gripping it firmly, he
thrusts it blade-down into the roof.

Nothing happens.

A faint rumble escapes Thorr-kan, a minotaur chuckle.  "I had forgotten
of the enchantments protecting the Inn.  Fortunately, the magic seems to
understand the difference between hostile intent and misplaced
frustrations."  The minotaur looks about him, then takes a length of
rope and lashes his blade to a corner.  Then he stands before it at
parade rest.

"Kiri-Jolith!"  roars the White Minotaur, "I stand before you on behalf
of the ghosts that travel with me!  For them, I intervene!  With them, I
grieve!  For them I beg:  do not delay those passing beyond and extend
you blessing to those remaining!"

Thorr-kan's voice drops severely.  "I name them now, those that have
passed.  Let not their sacrifices be forgotten."

"Glysten, leader and comrade.  I knew you barely at all.  May you be
watched over, and one day find that which you sought.

"Bran Pathseeker, warrior and comrade.  I knew you not.  May the hand
that snatched you from our midst guide you safely to peace.

"Kordane, thief and comrade.  Of us, you were the least prepared for
death.  May you never want again, someplace beyond malevonence's reach.

"Galland, healer and comrade.  I was proud to serve by your side.  May
the Healing Lady guide you and help you to your final rest."

Thorr-kan shifts slightly as the wind begins to pick up.  "To those who
have crossed my path and moved on, I offer your blessing.

"Xenos the Red.  In you I found a kindred spirit.  May you pass beyond
the darkness into light and eventually find the trustworthy friend you
would not let me be.

"Polar Bear.  My first companion at the Inn.  May your stories always be
grand and your tales enthralling.  I owe you for your unasking
acceptance of me.

"Serrin Thyme.  To you my Irda friend I wish good fortune.  I have left
you a trust.  Fulfill it to the best of your ablities.  Your wisdom and
cunning will be crucial in the days ahead.

"Athos Sea-son.  To you I give the Grey Company.  Lead them well and do
not let our people drift into darkness ever again.  Do you minotaur
heritage proud."

The sun has almost set.  Thorr-kan is silent for several minutes.  When
he begins again, his eyes are moist.

"Finally, one last person do I mention.  But from her, I ask forgiveness."

"Sar-ella, princess and enchantress.  I know of the endless grief my
servitude and wanderings have caused thee.  Be comforted with the
knowledge that I will return when I am able.  Know always that I love
thee and will never stray.  One day, beloved, we will walk the face of
Krynn together again.  I pledge my life to this."

Tears are running freely over silver fur now.  With both hands, the
White Minotaur grasps his blade.  He pulls hard once and raises it high
over his head.  "Kiri-Jolith, all this I ask!  May I be rid of these
ghosts and guilt forever!"

A blindng flash of white is answered by a yellow glow as the sun slips
beneath the horizon.  When it has faded, Thorr-kan nods slowly to
himself and makes his way to the stairs, intent on finding his
companions.

He does not notice the faces forming in the twilight behind him.  Nor
does he hear the whisper of the wind as a horned head appears in the
aurora borealis:  {You have done well, my son.  Rest assured that you 
will one day have the happiness you seek....}


-Thorr-kan, the White Minotaur

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Peace through strength!                            Victory through annihilation!
Matt Cutter, e-mail to mcutter@nic.gac.edu OR mcutter@vax2.gac.edu
Gustavus couldn't afford my opinions if they wanted them!
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