From: starride@magna.ksu.ksu.edu (David Chase)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [Kal & Co] Words, Weapons & Water [Corrected version]
Date: 9 Mar 1993 16:53:48 -0600
Message-ID: <1nj75tINNdi1@magna.ksu.ksu.edu>
References: <1993Mar9.100809.15937@walter.cray.com>


    E'Karam's words had a devastating impact on Kalendraf.  The creature's
 insight and wisdom struck home in words of warning about accepting
 gifts from strangers.  It was absolutely true.  Kal would likely still be
 back home on his throne in Southport if he hadn't offered to wind that
 horn for the Tritons.  And it's likely that these other people in the
 wagon wouldn't be on the run with him.  Putting companions in jeopardy
 was one of the parts of adventuring that he truly loathed.  Perhaps that's
 why he had given it up and accepted the rulership of Uncis Isle.

    As he looked back at E'Karam, he now realized he should be thankful
 to have the mischievous creature on his side.  It's childish behavior
 was obviously just a cover for a much more cunning wit.  Kal was sorry
 that he had misjudged E'Karam.

    Suddenly, the horse came to a halt.  Denner hollered at the animal to
 keep moving, but could not persuade the beast to continue.  'Something's
 wrong', Kal thought to himself, and he quickly surveyed surrounding
 landscape.  Finally, a single rider emerged from the trees, with three
 horses following behind. 

    Scott Gillig, the man who they had bought the horse from before their 
 escape from Generica, rode forth on a war horse. Even without speaking it 
 was apparent that he intended to swap a large draft horse for the one that 
 pulled the wagon. As they exchanged horses, Scott told his story of the 
 ambushing orcs back at where they had stopped. Scott also warned everyone
 to be more careful. 

    Kalendraf looked over the supplies that Scott had brought, wonder how he 
 had obtain them on such short notice. Among them were some of the items that
 Kal had requested. Kal pulled a sword out and tested it. While he had 
 seen and used better, it was still a good blade. Although he didn't intend  
 to show off, Kalendraf may have appeared to do so as he practiced a few
 swings with the sword.  He was happy he had kept up his training.  It was
 one of the few forms of exercise he had time for while he was ruling over
 the Island.  After sheathing the weapon, he took a dagger and placed in
 his belt.  Now he felt a little more secure. Looking at the group Scott
 approached Kal for a few words. "Ill let you have use of the weapons for now.
 But if you intend on keeping them that will be 50 gold." Scott smiled, "I 
 am a mercenary after all."

     Scott went over to the pack horse and pulled to bundles from the harness.
 Grining broadly, Scott tossed one at Kevin and the other at Kal. "Here you 
 two might have some need for these. Kevin untied the bundle and found a strange
 suit of clothing made of leathers. While Kal cautiously untied the bundle
 at his feet he found a suit of chain mail; shirt, pants, mittens and coif.
 The group looked at Scott. "I have many talents, weaponsmith and armouror 
 are just a few.  Now let us put some more distance between us and Generica." 

    After a few minutes, they resumed their drive toward the wizard Ivy's
 keep.  Still those warning words came back to Kalendraf.  'What of the
 Hag, and her gift?'  As he felt the necklace on his neck, he thought about
 its abilities.  If the hag was telling the truth, then it would prevent
 his blackouts, and the group had already discovered that its magic allowed
 them to speak to one another.  'What were it's dangers?  Was it worth
 removing it to prevent some unknown curse from manifesting.  Perhaps it
 was already too late for that.'
    
    After riding in the wagon for a while longer, Kalendraf began to feel
 extremely thirsty, but he didn't blackout.  The witch's words must have
 been true, which meant some of the other things she said probably were
 as well.  Without much warning, Kalendraf jumped over the side of the wagon,
 and rushed back down the path.  Denner brought the cart to an abrupt stop,
 and Scott turned his horse around to pursue him.  He finally caught up, but
 not before Kal arrived at his destination.  He slid down a frozen ditch,
 landing in a small running section of a stream.  Quickly, he forced both of
 his arms and a portion of his chest into the icy waters, and held them there
 for a few minutes.  Eventually, he lifted them up and turned around to face
 the others who had followed.  His arms and chest were completely dry,
 and behind him the lowered level of the stream began rising to refill the
 absorbed water.

    "I had to know.  It appears the witch spoke the truth as far as providing
 the horn with the water it seeks.  Would there happen to be an empty barrel
 we can fill?  I have a feeling I'm going to have to do this again from time
 to time."

     Smiling once again Scott pointed back at his pack horses. Looking at where
 Scott pointed Kal could see several casks tied down on the pack harness. He must
 have missed seeing them, when he took sword and dagger. This Scott Gillig was
 begining to look like a good deal after all.

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