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From: ASG102@PSUVM.PSU.EDU (Dreamer)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [Death Choir]   Twas the Night Before Death Choir . . .
Date: 21 Dec 1995 18:12:33 GMT
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ADMIN: The following is copyright 1995 by The Dreamer.  All rights
       reserved except for one-time net distribution and archive
       for non-commercial purposes.  Jeff Simon is granted repost
       rights (within reason).



                    A PROWLER AT SHADEHAVEN



'Twas the night before Midwinter
And all through the tree
Not a human was stirring,
Nor an elf like me.

The wardings were cast
and hung in the air
In hopes that any prowler
they would ensnare.

The shade-dogs were loosened
From their home in the shed.
Any would-be thieves
Soon would be dead.

Serene in her night gown
And I in my robes
Were about to lay down
And dim the light globes.

When down in my garden
There came such a noise.
I thought it was a dog
Or maybe street boys.

I walked to the window
And opened the blind
To look for the cause
Of this noise I did mind.

The three moons of Nexus
Shined bright in the sky
Making it easier
To look down and spy.

I looked all around
and what did I see?
But a dark clothed man
Breaking into my tree!

With an athletic frame
So deadly and fast
I worried as I watched him
As he tried to creep past.

More quiet than feathers
He moved as he came.
I urged my dogs to him
Thinking 'attack' to each name.

'Go Brutus, go Duchess!
Go Princess and Baron!
Kill Shadow, kill Nightshade!
Kill Ogre and Aaron!

'Out onto the porch,
And over the wall
Sick 'em boy!  Sick 'em boy!
Sick 'em you all!'

I dropped my night robe
and grabbed my dark cape
I had to move quickly
Or else he'd escape

I woke fair Serene
And told her, "Beware,
A thief's in the house.
I'll meet him down there."

I pulled my cloak close
and left her behind.
I dashed down the ramp
Without safety in mind.

And when I arrived,
I was bothered to see,
The same foul thief
Staring right back at me.

He was dressed all in black
From his head to his foot,
To reduce visibility
He was darkened with soot.

He had proven his might,
Having bested each dog
But now he was captured
By Serene's husband-fog.

He was quite upset
He fought and he wriggled.
And then I heard Mista
She laughed and she giggled.

I told her "Go back!"
But she never obeyed
All she could say was
"Hey, dat's Jake Shade!"

I looked at the prowler
And saw it was true
I said, "Sorry Shade,
Didn't know it was you."

Upon my command,
The fog-arms uncurled
Jake was made dizzy
As he was whirled.

I knelt down to him,
Touched a bruise and he yelped
"Luthor I'm in trouble
And I need to be helped.

"My girlfriend is missing.
I don't know what to do.
My magic can't find her
So I came here to you."

I thought about this
And I paced across the floor.
I could probably find her
And perhaps a little more.

I took Mista back
to her room for a nap
Then walked to my study
and pulled out my map.

Above the map floated
A cloth of spider thread
Thin as a smoke wisp
And colored bright red

It bobbed up and down
With the currents of chance
Flowing over Nexus
In a magical dance

I asked many questions
And consulted my books.
I felt sorry for Jake
casting about dark looks.

Finally, I had the answers
That I had been seeking
So I turned to Shade,
Over my shoulder, peeking.

"She's a prisoner
Of some cruel Mages.
They're taking poor girls.
Holding them in cages.

"Your lass is unharmed,
But not for too long
She has been captured
To perform a death song.

"She's in a fortress
In a land laid waste.
You should get there.
Get going, make haste."

He said with a smile,
Without batting a lash,
"That's pretty simple.
I'll 'port in with a flash."

"But it's not that easy.
According to my notation,
You can't get there,
Through teleportation."

He looked concerned
But with his voice steady.
He said, "I'll get going
I guess I am ready.

"Thanks for your help
Luthor, dear friend.
I can never repay you
I'm yours to the end.

"Now I will leave.
You've shown me the way.
My blessings upon you
This cold winter's day."

Then, with a wink
He ran out the door.
And I was afraid
I would see him no more.

I called out to him
As he ran out of sight,
"Best Wishes Jake Shade.
Good luck with your fight!"




     Love and Peace and Inspiration,
              -The Dreamer-