From alt.pub.dragons-inn Mon Sep 19 10:09:47 1994 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:7689 Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!swiss.ans.net!malgudi.oar.net!sun!vax.cns.muskingum.edu!hsexauer From: hsexauer@muskingum.edu (Rapunzel) Subject: [JOI] Coltren d'eman Lyorn Message-ID: <1994Sep15.105458.1@muskingum.edu> Lines: 69 Sender: root@sun.cns.muskingum.edu (Operator) Organization: Muskingum College Date: Thu, 15 Sep 1994 14:54:58 GMT It was nearly dawn by the time Coltren and Kyar had entered one of the many temples of Varhamir, relinquishing Alarond to their sure care. While several junior priestesses took Alarond out of sight, their senior remained to address the two warriors. "Your friend is grieviously injured. But with patience and a little time he can easily be set on the road to healing. Do you wish to remain while we prepare?" the priestess asked, clearly expecting a negative answer as so many others had surely done. "How long will it take to get him well enough to travel cautiously again," Coltren asked her without hesitation. She started a bit in surprise, but kept her face impassive. "A matter of a few days, but he will be fragile until time heals him completely," she answered. "In that case," Coltren replied with a side glance for Kyar's assent, "we will gladly remain. I think perhaps we have that much time available." Kyar said nothing, only kept an eye on the Lyorn's face. Coltren could feel the other hadn't entirely ceased probing, but neither was he actively trying to batter down the Lyorn's defenses. The Lyorn could have blocked such an assault, but with some difficulty and he'd rather it not come to that. He had come to consider the Phadran his friend and desired to redeem himself in the Phadran's eyes. "I will show you where you may stay while you are here. I ask only that you do not interfere with our members, and to not wander around the temple," the priestess warned. So saying she turned on her heel and led the two down a corridor to a small private chamber, away from the rest of the temple and offices. She left them there, saying that she would send word to them on the sprite's condition later. The oaken door closed with a solid thud. Coltren sighed, and started organizing his thoughts to explain to Kyar. He unbuckled his sword belt and let it slide off his shoulder, dropping the blade and sheath onto a nearby pallet, showing he intended no harm. Facing the Phadran squarely, he straightened his shoulders which made him seem even taller, and spread his hands in a peaceful gesture. "Kyar, I said I would explain, and I plan to. I figured that it would be best to do so away from the others and in relative privacy," the Lyorn began. "This is why I agreed to remain here with Alarond. I will tell you everything, and should you choose to leave and reveal this to the group that will be your choice. Although, the matter is probably academic, as I believe I will be needed elsewhere soon and will have to leave anyway." Kyar nodded carefully. "I'm willing to listen, but I warn you that you've given me little reason to trust you so far. You have to admit, masqerading as a trusted friend to gain my confidence was not the best way to do so." "Granted, and had there been another way at the time I probably would have done so. Under the circumstances, that was not possible," Coltren said. "So perhaps the best way to begin is to introduce myself. I am the duan of the Lyorn clans, descended of the Hawk. My name is Coltren d'eman Lyorn..." -- hsexauer@muskingum.edu Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. -- H.L. Mencken