From alt.pub.dragons-inn Wed Dec 14 08:15:37 1994 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:7964 Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Path: netcom.com!skye From: skye@netcom.com (Alexandra Knepper) Subject: [DRAGON'S INN] A'in Message-ID: Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest) Date: Wed, 14 Dec 1994 08:59:57 GMT Lines: 73 >That done, Halgorn Ereyiel whistled softly, turning the stem of his >wine glass gently with his tapered fingers. "So, you knew him under >the name Sildrif?" the ranger asked. > >"Indeed," grunted Ciaran. "Not his real name," the dwarf grunted, >providing both a question and an answer in his laconic reply. > >"No, it is not. For the moment, that is irrelevant. I must find him, >whatever his name. If you will help me, you shall be paid handsomely >in gold and gems, as well," Halborn told him, leaning closer, "the >House of Ereyiel shall be in your debt. Not lightly do the high elven >make such a promise." > >The half-elf showed pulled back the folds of his cloak, displaying an >intricately carved platinum brooch, with ivory inlay, set in the >center with an emerald. Ciaran of Flotsam was well aware of its >value, as jewelry alone. However, as a badge of office, it meant even >more. > >The man before him was indeed royal. Was his brother also? That >added a new perspective on the events he had witnessed. This was an >offer he'd have to consider carefully. There was another who knew that device, and its 'value.' Ahaliyn's crystal-blue eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the one called Halgorn speak. A half-breed of the royal house of Ereyiel, he thought, desperately seeking his beloved brother. A cold, bitter smile touched thin lips. The ties of blood, how they do bind. His goblet was empty. A gesture, and one of the maids hastened to refill it. Her hand trembled. Fear, he thought with clinical detachment, sipping ... savoring the bite of the absinthe. It spun a web of frost across the void within him, and flames of emotion danced along the strands. It was his sole indulgence, loosening the tight rein, allowing himself, now and again, to *feel*. Even if it was only rage and pain, it was better than nothing. He was on his feet and several steps on his way before he realized he had stood. And then it was too late. The part-elven lordling had noted his approach and looked up, meeting his gaze with an eyebrow arched in query. Ahaliyn stopped, feeling his cloak swirl forward and curl in around his body, like the the black wings that seemed to be beating at his thoughts, distracting and blinding him. The web was drawing tighter, pulling him inward away from his skin. Ereyiel was looking at him strangely. Were his eyes glowing green? They felt like it from this side. "I am ... A'in," he heard his voice say. "If you would venture the Blood Sea, then you will need my magics at your side. If you mean to venture it ... and live." He was marginally aware that the dwarf was nodding, but his attention was focused on Halgorn, who was studying him intently. What do you see, highborn? he asked silently. Night-black hair, woven through with silver and colored crystal? Pale skin, with features sharp enough to draw blood? A gaunt stranger, clad in furs of hoarfox and sable? What mask am I wearing tonight? Halgorn's gaze wandered from the dwarf, to the emerald-and-ivory bauble, then back to him. "And your price, sorceror?" "The acknowledged debt of the House of Ereyiel." -- *********************************************************************** * Alexandra Knepper skye@netcom.com * * * * LtCmdr. Cass Karras - USS Quasar USS Olympic - LtCmdr. Xia Chiang * * * * Capt. Jonathan Kyle Winterbourne - USS Damascus * * * * LtCmdr. Jerusalem St. John - USS Herodotus * * * ***********************************************************************