From alt.pub.dragons-inn Tue May 16 08:40:00 1995 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:8437 Path: netcom.com!csus.edu!news.starnet.net!wupost!howland.reston.ans.net!newsjunkie.ans.net!interaccess!nb-dyna6.interaccess.com!bstripp From: bstripp@interaccess.com (Bill Stripp) Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [Intro] Gabriel Chapter 3 Date: Thu, 11 May 1995 22:18:39 Organization: InterAccess,Chicagoland's Full Service Internet Provider Lines: 371 Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: nb-dyna6.interaccess.com X-Newsreader: Trumpet for Windows [Version 1.0 Rev B final beta #4] [Chapter 3: Leaving Heaven] Things moved fast over the next day or so. Everyone took part in the preparations. The serene compound became a bustle of activity as the acolytes wrapped food, and packed goods. A rickety cart was assembled on the grounds and two tired plow horses tethered up to pull it. While the faithful gathered supplies, Gabriel had to make his own preparations. The Illianites were peace loving and there was little in the way of weapons. A long search revealed the only sword at the temple. Unfortunately, it had been used for years as a tomato post. The sun and rain had done their best to ruin the blade. While it seemed sturdy and held an edge, the rust and grime resisted his best efforts to remove it. They had a few bows laying around for hunting game, which he helped himself to. A thick staff of oak too complemented his meager equipment. He now at least felt moderately ready. While the faithful held their conferences, Gabriel tried to finish some of the pottery he had been shaping. He had just placed a piece in the kiln when Anna bursts in. "They have finally decided Gabriel! There will be four of us going to Generica!" She started speaking even faster which Gabriel found impossible to follow. Grabbing her by the shoulders he said, "Whoa! Slow down a moment. Tell me now what has been decided." "We leave at first light! Sisters Martha, Laura, and brother Dave are all coming. Oh there was a terrible argument over who would be going. Donnegan had to put his foot down and commune with Illiana. This is so exciting, nothing like this has happened here before!" "Wait! You said there would be four. You only told me three... who else is coming?" "Oh did I forget to say? I'm coming as well! You need someone to look after you." With that she leapt across the room and embraced him. She stood up on the tips of her toes and gave him an exuberant kiss. Moving back and away she twirled, flowing her robe out in a playful fashion. "I've always wanted to go to Generica! I hear there are all manners of stores and entertainment there. Oh I know that there will be all sorts of work to be done, electing a new high priestess and all, but do promise me you will take me out to the city!" Caught up in her enthusiasm, Gabriel was smiling from ear to ear. He walked slowly over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "I promise. We'll get out to the city. I'll show you entertainers and sights you have never dreamed of. It's been a long time since I was there, but I still remember some spots!" They walked outside into the star filled night, hand in hand. Sitting down onto the plush grass they leaned back against a tall oak and sat, neither speaking, for some time. The wind played a sweet melody with the crickets and the night birds sang to the couple. Returning from yet another meeting Donnegan sighed, there was so much to be done. Sensing something he turned and saw the two sitting against the oak, Bethany's head resting on Gabriel's shoulder, their hands intertwined. He smiled at the sight. Yes the Earth mother always provided what was needed. Morning came quickly, the little troupe gathered all of their belongings and set them on the now straining cart. All of the faithful had turned out to see the delegation depart. A small celebration was held, with singing and prayers for a safe journey. When the celebration ended, they said a few teary eyed goodbyes and set off. Gabriel and Bethany lead on foot followed by Dave, Laura, and Martha who rode in the cart. Dave was a husky fellow who had both soft features and a light voice. Laura was a beautiful young woman with long braided blonde hair. She looked more like an elf than a human, but the round ears and her height dispelled that thought. Finally Martha, she was an older lady who had placed more than a few pounds on her frame in her years. While it was slightly overcast, it was cool and a slight breeze refreshed the traveling companions. Their spirits were high and they chatted amongst each other as they walked. The day passed quickly as did the old Oak forest they had been traveling through. Gabriel knew from his previous journey to Generica that they had several days march across the plains. They would reach the coast and follow it down to Generica. He figured that they could make it in about two weeks. The first day passed quickly. The troupe walked through the comforting confines of the forest. Its soft damp ground cushioned their feet, giving them extra energy. The mood was light and progress was swift. That night they lit a campfire and huddled up for warmth. It was obvious that summer was ending and fall beginning. The crisp air had a damp earthy smell that often signaled the coming of autumn. "Well I think we made good time today. How is everyone holding up?", Gabriel asked. "I think that I'll be jostled to a pulp by the time we reach the coast. These nags keep dragging the cart over every bump in the path. By Illiana I'd think the Earth Mother is making me do penance!", Margrett complained, smiling and drawing laughter from the companions. They laughed and joked for an hour or so before Gabriel finally told them, "It's getting late, we have a long day ahead of us and we want to be fresh for the journey." He laid down to his bedroll and quickly fell asleep. Sometime in the middle of the night he awoke and realized that he was not alone. Curled up in a ball next to him was Bethany. The chill had involuntarily caused her to roll over and snuggle up to him. She was still shivering slightly when he moved closer and shared his blankets. It felt good to be near someone again, he thought drifting back to the comforting realm of sleep. Morning came too quickly, the sun bathed the plains in its golden light. Gabriel nudged Bethany who slowly woke up. Not quite conscious she rolled over slightly and looked at Gabriel, smiling. Awareness dawned on her as she abruptly jumped up, alarm crossing her face. "I'm sorry! I don't think I knew what I was doing... I mean I ... we... well it shouldn't...," She stammered. "I was sitting over there... and... oh Gabriel!" "Really it's ok. It was nice, having someone close for a change." "But I didn't... I wouldn't..." They were interrupted by a loud chuckling. Margrett, who had been awake all along and already had a small cooking fire started was laughing at the developing scene. "Oh you two. Come over here and have some breakfast," she chuckled a bit more quietly. From a small copse of trees Dave stepped back into the camp. "Ah I see our love birds have awakened. Good morning sister and good morning to you as well Gabriel." Bethany who was still fiercly blushing had moved over to the fire and was recieveing the food that Margrett had cooked up. A wonderful smell came from the cook fire. Gabriel was walking over to the fire when Laura came back into camp. "There's a wonderful stream over the rise there. There must be a hot spring nearby as the water was divine. Good morning everyone." She smiled slyly at both Gabriel and Bethany. "What have you cooked up Margrett? It smells wonderful!" "Ah, it's my specialty. It's an egg, honey and mushroom mix. Try some dear." The group quickly ate and broke camp. There were several more sly comments and jokes, but those faded back into the light banter of the day before. After an hour of travel the forest thinned out as they entered the wide plains. On this sea of grass they moved quickly, making excellent time. Gabriel was confident that they'd reach the coast in another day or two of good travel. Anna walked up beside him, "Gabriel, I'm sorry for last night... I know how you feel and I don't want to hurt you. I'm not sure what happened, I honestly don't remember moving." She did look pretty miserable and Gabriel felt for her. "It was no problem, really," he responded. She walked along with him in silence, looking up occasionally. "It's just that..." she said softly. "Just what?" he replied, knowing what she meant. "Well I... I mean I wanted to... well I really needed to," her halting speech was interrupted by Dave's shout. "Horsemen on the horizon!" Turning quickly Gabriel saw the two mounted men that Dave had seen. The two had wheeled their powerful steeds and were bearing down on the companions. Gabriel watched them approach, he saw the weapons that they carried at the ready and the armor that they wore. Most likely bandits he thought. The two heavily armed riders halted their large mounts in front of the group. "Well what is this Dugar? It looks like a pilgrimage," said the large one. "Huh! It looks more like churls who have run from their masters to me. I think we should send them back," the smaller one replied. Gabriel stepped up to the front, "Please, we mean you no harm. We are from the temple of Illiana and are making a trek to Gennerica." "Well you are right, you are no harm!" the large one spoke again. "However there is the matter of you using our plains." He spoke, laughing gutturally. "What will you pay us for your safe passage? There are men who would take advantage of a group like yourselves." "Bah, who will protect us from dogs like you!" Margrett spat. "You there, Shepard," said the large one pointing to Gabriel, "tell your washing woman to still her tongue lest she loses it!" "Gentlemen, we are traveling on pilgrimage. We carry no gold or jewels. I have scant few silvers, to which you are welcome if you leave us. I can offer you nothing more than food and drink." Gabriel replied holding the anger from his voice. "Well then, you have no riches, then we will have to find something else." He stabbed a finger at Laura, "that tart will do as well as that one," he finished pointing at Bethany. "We will take them and you can continue your blessed journey with our graces." Gabriel's face clouded over. "As I said, we have a few silvers and food and drink. You may have them, nothing else." "Look here churl, you do not tell us what we may take. We take what we please. Dugar, get the blonde tart. I will take this one and we will leave this Shepard lucky to have his washing woman left." With that he drew a short curved sword and rode up to Gabriel. "The tart or your life Shepard." Gabriel stood before the mounted bandit leaning slightly on his staff. He glared at the bandit whose smile had all of the warmth of his cold steel sword. The bandit started to reach out for Bethany who had been standing in stark terror when Gabriel swung his staff in a vicious arc. The blow caught the Bandit unaware and landed with a solid thud on the man's nose. Blood splattered, bone crunched and with a shout he toppled backwards from his horse and landed with a resounding crash. The other bandit grabbing for Laura, wheeled his horse around and bore down on Gabriel. He stepped up in his stirrups and swung his saber in a wicked arc at Gabriel's head. Gabriel was no trained warrior, however he had fought bandits before in several skirmishes. Ducking under the stroke, he drew his own blade. The rust and grime glinted dully in the morning sun, a sharp contrast to the bandits gleaming steel. The bandit, seeing the corroded blade, let out a long laugh. Spurring his mount he charged in, the horses' hooves tearing great chunks of turf as it galloped in. Gabriel threw Bethany to the side and met the bandit's blade steel to steel. There was a loud clang and a crack as the blades met. He was thrown back by the force of the blow, staggering to regain his footing he saw the bandits' plight and smiled. Cursing and shouting the bandit tossed his now broken blade to the ground. The tomato pole had prevailed! The bandit pulled out a long knife and came at Gabriel again, with the intention of running him to the ground under the wicked hooves of the warhorse. Gabriel stepped out of the way and slashed with the blade. With satisfaction he felt the blade bite, part leather and draw blood. It was a good stroke and the bandit toppled backwards, held in the stirrups by leather thongs. The warhorse, oblivious to its master's plight continued its charge across the plains. Gabriel smiled, luck had favored them today. He watched the horse ride off and was starting to put his blade away when Bethany shouted, "Behind you Gabriel!" Gabriel turned and saw the blood speckled countenance of the first bandit. His nose was twisted at a sharp angle and a trickle of blood dripped off his chin. The bandit was a large man, his leather armor bore many marks of previous battles. This was no cub, but a seasoned veteran. "Shepard, you could have lived. Now I'll gut you and leave you for the vultures," he spat blood on the ground and advanced, saber held at the ready. Stepping into a crouch himself, Gabriel moved to engage the bandit. Swords swung and clashed. Parry and strike. Seconds later they broke. Gabriel knew that he was in trouble. The man was a far better swordsman and would get the better of him. "Bethany! Get the horses and flee!" When he saw her still standing, he shouted, "Now!" Lunging into the attack, Gabriel pressed with all of his might and skill. He hoped to overpower the man with a surprise flurry of blows. All he received for his efforts was a long shallow cut on his arm. The bandit grinned at him and pressed his own attack. Gabriel valiantly defended, but he was being pressed back steadily. His arms were burning as they tried to keep the bandit's deadly steel away from him. The tide of the fight was evident as the bandit had scored several times on Gabriel. With each swing Gabriel was getting weaker, his blood spilling on the arid plains. He knew that he had one last chance, with a ragged shout he lunged at the bandit. The bandit read the lunge and neatly sidestepped. Gabriel fell to the ground as the bandit's boot found the back of his knees. He felt hot pain as a sword pierced his side. "Good bye Shepard, you've been a pleasure!". Wrenching the sword free he raised it above Gabriel. His shout of triumph turned into a cry of pain as Dave smashed Gabriel's Oak staff into the bandit's face. The bandit staggered back clutching his face. With a cry of victory Dave leaps forward to strike the bandit again. The bandit recovered impossibly fast from the strike. As Dave moved in to incapacitate the bandit he was struck from the bandit's sword several times. Falling in a bloody heap Dave lies still, the oak staff still clutched in his hands. Victorious the bandit staggered over to Bethany blood streaming from his ruined nose. "Well it looks like the tart is mine after all! Don't worry, none of my mates has lasted very long." Bethany screamed as the bandit roughly grabbed her, placing the sword at her throat. The bandit roughly cuffed her in the face, staggering and dropping her to her knees. "Quiet wench. You'll have to learn obedience. Well, washing woman, I think my lady and," his voice quickly turned into a scream of pain as Gabriel's sword crashed into his legs, hamstringing him. The bandit fell, howling in agony, clutching the ruined leg. Bethany looked over to Gabriel. She saw the bloody trail in the dirt where he had crawled over to her. His blade was still grasped in his hand, the blood crusting with the ever present grime and rust. After swinging the sword, Gabriel had seen the bandit fall. He watched Bethany move over to him. The world was slowly turning black, while the ground was spinning. She was speaking, to him from a great distance. He wanted to hear, wanted to speak, but the effort was too great. The darkness wraps around him like a blanket, warming him and soothing his pain. He falls into it gratefully.