From alt.pub.dragons-inn Wed Mar 9 10:06:21 1994 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:7096 Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!pacbell.com!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.umbc.edu!eff!news.kei.com!news.byu.edu!cwis.isu.edu!cwis.isu.edu!not-for-mail From: bingchar@cwis.isu.edu (BINGHAM_CHARLES_D) Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: Awakening Date: 8 Mar 1994 17:42:22 -0700 Organization: Idaho State University, Pocatello Lines: 92 Message-ID: <2lj61e$oag@cwis.isu.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: localhost.isu.edu The haze in his mind slowly begins to lift and he is once again in the fortress of Ivringorn. Battles erupted around him as elven soldiers poured through the breached walls. Approaching quickly from the crumbling battlements, Kono said, "It is time sir." Pulling carefully on a pouch, he continued on into the tower. Glancing one last time at the battle raging below him, Aleirin turned and followed his friend into the tower. "Sir, I must protest this action. It is not honorable to run whil our brothers die." The bearded dwarf, though voicing his displeasure in thier activity, was in his assigned place. Looking towards the dwarf's companion, Aleirin said, "What about you Morgan, do you agree with Obidiah's conclusion?" Morgan's weak reply could barely be heard over the rapidly approaching battle. "Sir, you are in command here. I am your friend, as well as a soldier and I trust in your wisdom." "Very well." Nodding to Kono, "You may begin when you are ready." Tossing some dust from his pouch into the air, Kono began a faint chant, which his waving handss kept time to. The magical energy quickly grew and dust soon sparkled from the minor discharges. Just outside the tower enterance the guards were battling for time. They were quickly overwhelmed and the elven warriors rushed into the tower. The spell's energy peaked and Obidiah and Morgan vanished with a loud pop as the air rushed to fill the void. Aleirin watched as two elves moved to attak Kono. Being in the midst of spellcasting, he was unable to defend himself. "No!!" Drawing his dwarven blade, Ronddor, he tried to move to his friends defense. The spells firm grip held him in place as the elven swords tore into his friend. Aleirin felt a sharp pain in his side as the spell effects grasped him and his friend faded from site. "NO!!" He jumped from the bed, reaching for his sword. There were three others in the room, a gnome and two woodsmen. They seemed shocked at his reaction and quickly prepared to defend themselves. Still grasping for his sword, he stopped, looked at the empty scabbard and then back at the others in the room. "Thieves, what have you done with my sword!" He shouted, his dry throat giving it a raspy hiss. Moving towards the gnome, he collapsed. The three rushed to his side, and helped him back to the bed. Only now did he calm down, soothed by the powerful magic of the Inn. "Wh...Who are you?" he gasped. The gnome checked his side and said, "I am Grundle and this is Deadeye." Pointing to the third person, "and this is Keernan. He is responsible for the healing of your wound." Tightening the wrappings, he muttered, "It looks like there was more to this wound than a sword stroke." "I had a magical link with a wizard. He was killed by an enchanted weapon." "Well, we've done all we can for it then, only time will heal that damage." He finished tending the wound and sat back on a stool that Deadeye had placed near the bed. Stepping to the bedside, Keernan said, "Your know who we are, but about you we only have the dreams of a gnome and the mutterings of an old man." "Yes, forgive me, I awoke a bit bewildered. I am Aleirin, Keeper of Ivringorn and vassal of House Aelin." He carefully worked his way into a sitting position so that he could speak to the others. "Well Aleirin, I have never heard of these places, but these two think you are important. What is your tale, maybe it will shed more light on the subject." Keernan pulled up a stool and sat down. "As I told you I am Keeper of Ivringorn, a fortress in the northern borderlands of the Empire of the Eight Cities. I was commander of the 400 dwarves that defended it against the elven armies of Vanaus Tal Kano. We were to fight a holding action, so that the dwarven general Durgaur could organize his army." Violent coughs interrupted him and Grundle quickly got him a cup of water. "Thank you. The main army of Vanaus attacked us before the general could fully organize and reinforce us. Within the day, the walls of Ivringorn had fallen and the battle was lost. Kono," His voice caught on the name, "suggested that three messengers be teleported to Dorvingil, House Aelin's seat, to warn the general. Myself and two fellow adventurers were selected." Taking a sip from his cup, he continued. "When the elves moved to attack the tower, Kono began the spell. Morgan and Obidiah left cleanly, I can only hope they made it to the city. Kono was attacked while sending me, thus the link and the source of my wound. His death must have caused a surge in the spell, which sent me here." Pausing and looking around, he asked. "Where is here anyway?" Deadeye, having been silent the entire time, spoke up. "Friend, you are in the Dragon's Inn, you are safe here." Nodding at the empty scabbard lying at Aleirin's side, "I couldn't help noticing that your hand never let go of the scabbard, that must have been some sword." Looking down at his hand clutching the scabbard, "Yes, it was a gift from Durgaur's father, clan leader of House Aelin." Letting go of the scabbard and placing his hand on his lap, he said. "I fear that Dorvingil is beyond my help, and quite possibly all help. The sword may be all that remains to remind people of the glory of House Aelin. I know that you do not know me well, but I ask that you help me retrieve it." The weariness caused by his still healing wound slowly consumed him and he collapsed back into unconciousness. -- The One Who Watches | "This is a good place, bingchar@cwis.isu.edu | There is a lot of liquor here." | Hemingway