From alt.pub.dragons-inn Thu Dec 21 14:17:56 1995 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:8927 Path: netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!howland.reston.ans.net!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!chi-news.cic.net!nntp.coast.net!news2.acs.oakland.edu!newshub.gmr.com!news.ived.nec.gmeds.com!sun126!tzd0vb 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 Organization: General Motors Corporation Lines: 222 Distribution: world Message-ID: <4bc82h$3d5@mloeff01.ived.nec.gmeds.com> Reply-To: ASG102@PSUVM.PSU.EDU NNTP-Posting-Host: sun126.hqs.mid.gmeds.com 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-