From alt.pub.dragons-inn Tue May 16 08:40:02 1995 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:8435 Path: netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news-e1a.megaweb.com!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsjunkie.ans.net!interaccess!nb-dyna64.interaccess.com!bstripp From: bstripp@233 (Bill Stripp) Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [Intro] Gabriel Chapter 4 Date: Mon, 15 May 1995 09:54:13 Organization: InterAccess,Chicagoland's Full Service Internet Provider Lines: 456 Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: nb-dyna64.interaccess.com X-Newsreader: Trumpet for Windows [Version 1.0 Rev B final beta #4] [Chapter 4: Journeys' end] Gabriel was drifting slowly in a sea of blackness. The dark wrapped around him like a thick shroud and held him tightly. He had the sensation of slowing falling, heading toward a distant light. Never had he been so tired, wishing nothing more than to continue his slow warm fall. A searing light suddenly cut across the blackness. Gabriel tried to turn away from the piercing light, annoyed that something had disturbed his peaceful descent. Looking around he saw a lady walking toward him. While small of stature, power radiated from her. The most striking thing about her was the light green tint to her skin. On anyone else, Gabriel was sure that green skin would have been repulsive, however on this woman it looked... natural. Her hair, which was not quite hair, but more of a beautiful arrangement of leaves and flowers, hung unbound to her waist. Her figure was flawless and the more Gabriel watched, the more he was captivated by this woman's beauty. Watching with rapt attention, Gabriel saw this woman walk up to him. As she approached the darkness abated, blown back by the aura of this woman. She smiled kindly to him, a protective motherly smile. "Who are you?" Gabriel asked in wonder. "I am Illiana." She replied in the most acheingly beautiful voice he had ever heard. It resounded with the sounds of a soft summer breeze, or a playful brook. "Why are you here?" "Bethany has summoned me to heal your wounds. I am answering her request." The summer voice answered. "Am I dead?" "No. If you wish to live, all you have to do is follow me." Gabriel was tired beyond belief. He started to protest when she reached out a delicate green hand and touched his brow. Instantly his fatigue washed away, filling him with the vigor of a spring storm. She smiled at him and held out her hand to him. Together they exited the darkness. Gabriel opened his eyes. The midday sun was trying its best to reduce the plains to a cindered heap. Blinded by the sun he started to sit. "Bethany, he awakes!" came the familiar soft voice of Margaret. He was sitting upright, in a pool of his own blood, on the dusty plains. Near him lay the bandit he had struck, trussed up with heavy ropes, his leg bandaged tightly. His corroded blade lay where it fell a few feet from him. It glinted dully in the sunlight. Looking down at himself, he saw his shirt pierced in several spots, marred with red splotches. His lower torso was covered in his own life blood. Yet, there were none of the offending wounds which had caused this mess. "Gabriel!" Bethany cried running over to him and grabbing him tightly. "I thought we were going to lose you! Thank Illiana for her blessing!" Gabriel held her for a long while, drawing strength from her. He finally let go and stood up. Staggering slightly as he rose he quickly got his balance back. She stood with him, holding his arm, supporting him as always. "I saw your God... Illiana came to me," he told her. "I know. Margaret tried using healing herbs, however she thought that there was little she'd be able to do. There was so much blood. When your face started to relax, I prayed for her blessing and beseeched her to aid you. I don't remember much of what happened after that, but the next thing I know was that your wounds closed and you started sleeping normally." Gabriel looked at her. There was something different about her, although he couldn't place it. She looked the same, beautiful, even with the dust of a days travel. There was an air about her that he had never seen before. Margaret spoke up, "It was the most amazing thing, Gabriel. She started praying to Illiana and things got really quiet. The winds died and even the bugs were silent. She then walked over to you and Dave and touched both of you lightly. There was a radiance about her and a fire to her eyes, you can be sure that Illiana was right here with us." Dave walked over to the three of them and Gabriel was relieved to see the stocky priest walking about. "Brother Dave, I owe you my life and my thanks. You served us well!" Gabriel said, clapping him on the shoulder. Beaming at the compliment Dave replied, "Well I couldn't let him just skewer us all. Besides, we have a code against killing... fighting is another matter." "Well then keep the staff, it seems to fit you well!" Gabriel laughed. Margaret and Dave walked back over to the horses to tether them back up while Laura approached him. She leaned over and lightly kissed his cheek. "Thank you Gabriel." She simply said. Before he could reply she had turned away and moved to join the other two. "You would have given your life for us," Bethany quietly said more of a statement then a question. "Yes." He simply replied. She started to speak again, but stopped. Looking at him she paused. "I've never been sure how to say this... I was afraid I'd hurt you. But now... I want to make sure I get the chance." Her eyes were tearing slightly, making the blues shine out even more. He felt her tense as she continued to speak. "You know I love you Gabriel. I knew from the day you came to us. I'm not sure why, I just knew right then. I just want to tell you, make sure you hear... I love you." A mix of emotions clashes within him, sorrow, fear. But mostly he feels the love for someone who has been his companion for nearly two years. They embraced and kissed passionately holding each other for a long time. "Excuse me..." Margaret interrupted, "I believe we have a journey to complete." Like children caught taking cookies, they jumped back, each grinning sheepishly. They all shared a laugh before starting back across the plains. Days passed quickly as the small group made its way over the vast plains. They settled into a routine of sorts. Gabriel would wake them at dawn and Margaret would fix a small breakfast. After the brief meal, they would break camp and start walking. Stopping only for water and the occasional game, they would continue until the sun was low in the sky. Camp would be set up and dinner made. Finally a small fire would be lit and the companions would fall to sleep. Even though the trip was physically draining, Gabriel had not been this happy since he left the mountain. Bethany and he had drawn closer over the trip, their feelings open known to each other. However, something had changed about her. She was more assured, more capable. The blissful naivete had disappeared and in its place was the demeanor of a capable woman. He was not sure what caused the change, just aware of its effects. Still, she was the same Bethany, always lending a hand, fun loving, life giving. One week into the trip the terrain started to change again. Gabriel noticed the salt tang of the air and the heavy damp breeze that now seemed ever present. The scrub grass and shrubs gave way to small bushes and large fern like plants. They were getting close to the ocean. That afternoon they halted on the edge of a long sloping hill. The roar of the ocean greeted them as they looked upon its vast blue expanse. The surf was crashing into the beach below and the spray sent the salty smell of the ocean waters to the companions. "We've made it to the ocean!" cried Bethany, laughing and jumping. "Oh it's wonderful," exclaimed Laura. "Nothing like the stories, that's for certain." Margaret added. With a playful giggle Bethany proclaimed, "Come on let's go!" With that, she started running down the sandy hill, laughing the whole way. Caught in her exuberance the group raced after her dashing down the hill, rolling in the golden sand. They soon reached the ocean, just behind Bethany who had plunged into the foaming surf. Dropping his sword on the beach and stripping off his shirt, Gabriel dashed in as well. He was followed by Dave and Laura, while Margaret watched from the beach, a wide smile crossing her soft face. They played in the surf for some time, letting the waters strip away the dirt and grime of the plains. The water was cool and refreshing and the long miles of travel were soon forgotten. After a playful time Gabriel and Bethany left the ocean surf. Margaret came over to the water soaked couple. "Ahhh, in my younger days I might have joined you. It looks like we have made it." "Yes we have, I think that Generica should be no more than a days march from here." Gabriel replied. "It is so beautiful!" Bethany spoke. Indeed she was right. Gabriel looked about. They were on a small sand beach, surrounded by tall rock cliffs. The sandy hill that they had tumbled down was a thin golden finger that ambled its way up the cliffs. The beach had deep golden sand and small clumps of grass clung to the fringes, fleeing the water. When the surf came in it crashed on the rocks with a resounding roar and the spray caught the light in miniature rainbows. "The water was wonderful!" Laura said, emerging from the ocean. Dave laughed and smiled following behind her. "I think she must be part fish the way she swims. Ah, to have such grace." Laura beamed at him and replied, "Well, I'll just have to show you more sometime." Gabriel smiled. There was something developing between Laura and Dave, that was for certain. He had been so wrapped up with Bethany and the journey that he had failed to notice the unmistakable signs. Good for them! "I think we can camp here. If we get up early and march hard, we can make Generica by evening tomorrow." Gabriel said. No one argued with him, glad to stay in the beach cove. Camp was quickly set up and a driftwood fire built. Margaret, started to cook with their remaining provisions. "It's a good thing that we're nearly there. We're running low on food." She said matter of factly. Dinner was made and quickly eaten. Clothes were washed and cleaned and chores taken care of. They finished cleaning and fixing things in time for the sun to fall below the horizon. It did not part without a gift, leaving a brilliant trail of reds and purples blazing across the sky, reflecting on the endless blue ocean. That night the companions lay on the beach, in front of their fire. They watched the stars and listened to the powerful rhythm of the ocean late into the night. One by one they fell into a peaceful content sleep. Gabriel was awakened with a gentle nudging. Opening his eyes slowly revealed the dark of night. He was being gently shaken by Bethany, who had been sleeping next to him. "Gabriel, I can't sleep. Would you walk with me..." she whispered quietly into his ear. He shook the last cobwebs of sleep from his consciousness. Stretching his arms he nodded his head yes. They quietly rose and walked along the peaceful beach. "I'm sorry for waking you. I just needed some company..." she explained. "It's all right. I wasn't really sleeping anyway," he lied. She drew close to him and wrapped his arm around her. For some time they walked in silence. He knew there was something bothering her, but not quite sure what it was. Finally she spoke, "Gabriel, I am scarred." He stopped, concerned, "What is it my love?" "I'm not sure... something is happening to me. Something wonderful, yet terrifying." His mind was racing, fully awake now. He had noticed something about her but had never brought it up, assuming it was his imagination. "When you were dying on the plains... I called upon Illiana to heal you." She spoke barely above a whisper, "she came down to me... I saw her! She asked what I would do for her, in exchange for your life. I said I would give anything..." Her voice trailed as she paused for a moment. "She asked me if I would exchange my life for yours. I was so scared, seeing you bleeding, knowing you were dying for me, that I agreed. I expected to die there... but I didn't. Now something is happening to me. I can feel it, but I don't know what it is." She was shaking with fear. Their roles reversed, it was his turn to comfort her. He was to be her staff. "Bethany, it will be fine. I'm sure it was nothing more than a test." His words rung hollow in his own ears. He had noticed changes about her. Never anything obvious, just something different. He grabbed her and held her close. "I just..." she started. Gabriel quieted her, "It's all right. Everything will be fine once we reach Generica." They stayed there for hours, holding one another close. The ocean spoke to them in comforting tones, the sea breeze wrapped around them protectively, and in time the sun rose to greet them with warmth and light. They walked back to camp in time to greet the others as they rose from sleep. The mornings are routine by now, and camp is broken efficiently. Gabriel can tell the others are excited, it is written in their looks and actions. Bethany, however, is quiet, but gradually catches the excited mood from the group. Gabriel is concerned, but there is nothing he can do now. It is a beautiful day, the breeze of the ocean is cool and light, lifting the spirits of the companions higher. They soon find the main coastal road and begin the last leg of their journey. Miles are quickly eaten up as the group almost races down the coast. As they walk along the road, they start to meet other travelers. There are caravans, loaded with food and goods, priests and warriors. All moving steadily toward the city in a never ending procession. The day passes quickly as spend most of it alongside a grain caravan. The caravan master is a good man and shares stories of his travels with them. Conversation is light and free, speeding the journey. Before the companions realized it, Generica is before them. Seated on the coast it is a glorious sight! The walls of the city stand strong and protectively around its edges. The brick and plaster buildings within follow the pattern of a madman, mazes of streets defying any orderly pattern. From here they can see the tall sails of ships, flags and colors flapping in the wind. "It is amazing!" Dave sputtered. "By Illiana I never thought it would be so big!" The caravan master was amused by their astonished expressions and dove into a series of stories about Generica. He had just finished telling one of his tales when they reached the gates. The sparse crowd of the road was replaced by a thick throng of people wanting to enter or exit the city. All of them passed through a few overworked guards who tried to maintain order. "Names and business?" An uninterested guard asked Gabriel. "We are from the temple of Illiana," he started. "I don't want your life story. Just names and business!" the guard interjected. "I'm sorry," Gabriel said and quickly gave the names of the companions and their reason for visiting the temple. He got the impression that guard could really care less as he scribbled down the information. They were in! The group looked around in amazement at the teeming crowds and colorful stores. They stood on Dragon's lane for some time, getting their bearings and watching the chaotic nature of the city wrap around them. All manners of people could be seen here, beggars and stately Knights wandered down the cobblestone boulevards. They followed Donnegan's directions through the crowded streets. Merchants hawked their wares from stores or small booths lining the streets. The smell of thousands of people mixed with the aromatic meats and food cooking from any of a number of street side stalls. It was both a grand and terrifying trip through Generica for the group. The sun was setting as they finally emerged from the crowded main streets into a small side lane. There, in front of them, stood the temple of Illiana. It was a low plaster building that was meticulously cared for. Wide and broad it seemed to take up most of one side of the lane. Margaret stepped up to the wide double wooden doors. She was about to knock when they abruptly opened. Six light green individuals stood before them in the temple doorway. They smiled at the group and ushered them inside. "Illiana was kind enough to let us know of your arrival." A slender man explained to them, noticing the groups surprised reaction. They passed through a narrow hallway and the building opened up into a large courtyard. Several priests and acolytes moved about tending to the lush vegetation that was contained here. One of the guides turned to them. "You have made it just in time. Tonight, we will choose the next high priest. We will meet here in two hours hence. In the mean time let me show you to your quarters where you can cleanse yourselves." "Thank you," Laura replied. Gabriel looked over to Bethany. She was very distant, lost deep in thought. Since they had arrived in the city, she had been acting very strange again. Strange enough that Dave had asked him if there was anything wrong. She had seemed distant, yet very aware of her surroundings and supremely confident. While Gabriel had to force his way through many a crowd, they seemed to part before her as she walked. Something was certainly amiss. Their guide showed them to a few tiny, but comfortable, rooms. Hot water was brought in as well as a small quantity of precious soap. They bathed, a luxury after their long trek, the sweet smell of the soap replacing the stink of sweat and dirt. Fresh clothes and robes were brought in. Gabriel thought that he once again felt fit for the company of other humans. After they had dressed, the guide came back. "The council is ready to start. Please follow me." They shuffled out of the room after the thin acolyte. Turning back to the group, he spotted Gabriel. "Illiana thanks you for guiding our brethren to Generica. However, you must wait here until we have finished. I am sorry." Gabriel shrugged, he didn't care for meetings anyway. He grabbed Bethany's hand and squeezed it. She barely noticed his grasp and slowly turned to smile at him. Damn it! He wanted to shake her and snap her out of whatever had come over her. Instead he let go, returning her smile. The little procession moved through the halls away form him. He watched them until the walls concealed their movements from his view. He stepped back into the small chamber and climbed up onto a bed. It was stuffed with some material softer than Gabriel had ever laid on. While he wanted to wait awake for Bethany's return, he fell into a deep sleep. His dreams were light and peaceful. He was at the beach, walking along the surf. Then back on the mountain, breathing the sharp winter air. He smelled the sweet hay at the stables and felt the cool wet smooth of clay as he worked it. It was a good dream, and as all good dreams, it ended too quickly.