From: Thorr-kan, the White Minotaur, and Horde Father-Confessor Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [Games][BDAY][MG] Aftermath Date: 20 Jun 1993 19:41:52 GMT Message-ID: <202ei0INNeb9@news.gac.edu> ADMIN: My apologies for horning into the MG thread. The "Digging Trenches " post provided to much inspiration to pass up. Thanks! -MCC Out of the eight who left to confront the Elders, only three remain. Roger has somehow made his way to an elven enclave, unbeknownst to his comrades. Traveler has returned without the memory of what occurred. And Thorr-kan... The White Minotaur strides into Generica from the west. For once, the gates are not barred to him, the Watch gives him no trouble. This is good, because Thorr-kan is not in a mood to deal with petty annoyances today. He passes through the common room and heads up the stairs. When the minotaur reaches the door to the roof, he deposits his weapons and pack beside it. Thorr-kan opens the trap-door and puls himself up. He drops it shut behind him, turning then to face the city. Over Generica, the sun has set. But, strangely, the people have not begun returning to their homes. Instead, music and laughter fill the air. It is a time for Genericans to celebrate and enjoy life. The few that look to the top of the Inn see a shadowy figure watching their revelries. They mutter prayers to their gods and return to Generica's Birthday Celebration. Surprisingly, none of the roving demons bothered those in the shadow's sight. For most of his adult life, Thorr-kan has followed Kiri-Jolith of his own free will. But the events of the last few weeks have left him wondering. Thorr-kan has turned his back on the teachings of his youth and all it has given him is grief. He is exiled from his homeland. Never is there a moment for a private life. His very mate has been denied to him. The minotaur code is might makes right. The weak must be disposed of to make room for the strong. Country first, family second, and last of all, self. These are the values that separate minotaurs from the rest of Krynn. They have a guide by which to live. No others can say that. But somehow, the code lost something. Thorr-kan believed it with all his heart, yet something made him question. His questions led the White Minotaur to the service of Kiri-Jolith. Since then he has come to believe in the value of the individual, he has learned that even the weak may have contributions to make. And there are other kinds of strength than simple might. Finally, here was something Thorr-kan could believe in. Events of the last few weeks, however, have eroded that certainty. *** Time passes. Fireworks burst over the city while the residents celebrate their luck at being Genericans. The night will go down in legend as a party to end all parties. On the roof of the Dragon's Inn, Thorr-kan wonders, Why do I continue to struggle? I have lost friends, family, any chance at a normal life! I suffer at the whim of powers beyond my understanding. I questioned the justice of my homeland. My troops and I were betrayed as an example. I died, only to be dragged back in servitude. Into service I entered. My people branded me coward, outlaw, and traitor. After much grief and suffering, I led forth those who agreed with me. Helping them, become established, I then retired to my well earned rest. But that was not to be. One finally time I was called to battle. This time, all of Krynn was at stake. I led my people forth for the final battle, only to be removed at the penultimate moment and told a greater threat faced the entire multiverse. Thorr-kan shakes his head. Grief is not my only product of life, he realizes. There have been good times as well. My betrayal led to my enlightenment. I gained many noble and honorable friends. The return to my homelands united me with Sar-ella. We would never have crossed paths is not for my rebellion. To find such fire in one so small and unassuming... If not for the rebellion, what of my people? Their descent into darkness would have continued unabated. Now, we have a chance to survive. With luck, we can seize it. And the my part in the Godswar was done when I disappeared. My presence no longer made a difference on Krynn. Here, if not for me, untold number would have fallen to the Elders. But I never asked for such things. Would it have been better if I had simply never questioned and blindly continued on my way? Time passes. *** Dawn has risen over Generica. In the Plaza of Glittering Steel, work-crews begin cleaning up the mess left by various revelries. A band was also setting up, the likes of which the White Minotaur had never before encountered. Turning from his musings for a bit, Thorr-kan listens to their warm-ups. A power was there, the likes of which the minotaur had never before witnessed. This music entered the heart and sang to the soul; it demanded that you give yourself over to it. In spite of this, Thorr-kan does not sense any malice. There is a sense of urgency instead, like the band is gathering power to hold against a coming storm. Thorr-kan smiles. A deep, bellowing laugh echoes across the Plaza. The White Minotaur has his answer; his service will continue. The minotaur code is wrong. It is not a matter of might making right; it is simply that with great power comes great responsibility. As a warrior of great prowess and strength, Thorr-kan has such a responsibility. A trust has been given to him, one he will not doubt again. This is not his battle. But a call for help has been issued. Thorr-kan would be remiss in his duties if he did not offer aid. Again he laughs, and then, Thorr-kan surrenders himself to the music. Come what may, I will persevere, he thinks. -Thorr-kan, the White Minotaur ****************************************************************************** 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! ******************************************************************************