[Mkguild] Two for the Price of One. Part 1 of 4

[Kit]

I like the premise of this story, and I'm actually kind of surprised that
more people don't do what you've done to avoid the curse. My only real
complaint is that for a rookie mage, this guy seems a lot more powerful than
he should be. However this is something just about every person with a mage
character is prone to and believe me, I've seen MUCH worse. As such I will
only point out the one thing that bothered me most. His barter spell... how
does that work? Because the way I understand it, it would require an insane
amount of inputted information to know the current going price of any given
commodity not to mention any variables to account for condition, quality,
and local rates. In order to input that information you'd essentially need
to know it anyway and your character is professed to be a better merchant
than mage. Why don't you just have him more price savy instead of relying on
such a complicated spell? Not only is this less ridiculous and unbelievable,
but it seems to fit in more with his character as well.

Kit

On Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 3:44 PM, Chris <chrisokane at verizon.net> wrote:

> Nice story! :) I like it. All he wants to do is make a profit and he
> keeps getting in deeper into trouble!
>
>
>   Chris
>   The Lurking fox
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mkguild-bounces at lists.integral.org
> [mailto:mkguild-bounces at lists.integral.org] On Behalf Of Kamau
> Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 7:45 AM
> To: Metamor Keep
> Subject: [Mkguild] Two for the Price of One. Part 1 of 4
> Two for the price of One
>
> Even though Rorlyn had visited here many times he continued to be amazed
>
> at the variety of creatures that walked the street.  As he looked up
> from his wagon he could see a bear and goat morph busily engaged in
> bartering while in the shop across the way a badger argued with a cat
> over the price of some herbs.
>
> "Oh that's not going well," he mumbled while he listened in on the
> conversation. "If that badger isn't careful he'll end up paying twice
> what that's really worth."
>
> He finished tying down the last of his goods and stepped out from behind
>
> the wagon.  An antelope morph leaped clear across the street nearly
> toppling into a sheep.
>
> "Watch where you're going!" the angry Keeper called out. "You could
> scare a person to death doing that."
>
> "Doing what, walking to my wagon?" Rorlyn responded. "I think you had
> best get control of your instincts before they get the better of you."
>
> The anger blazed in the ruminant's eyes but Rorlyn only smiled.  The
> anger vanished from the antelope's expression as quickly as a candle's
> flame in a strong wind.  He spun about and darted down the street as
> fast as his hooves could carry him.
>
> "That wasn't very nice," a voice said to Rorlyn's side. "The curse only
> claimed him a couple months ago and he's been having a hard time
> overcoming his animal nature."
>
> Turning to see where the voice came from he saw the bear that had been
> bartering with the goat a few moments before.
>
> "I suppose not," he replied moving forward and checking his horse's
> harness. "Maybe I need to practice not smiling so broadly."
>
> "It wouldn't be amiss," the bear told him as Rorlyn mounted his wagon.
> "Besides we don't see many lions in the Keep.  Were you recently cursed
> as well?"
>
> The leonine merchant shook his head and picked up the reigns.
>
> "No I've been this way for some time," he said looking down at the brown
>
> furred Keeper. "But I kept to myself in the beginning."
>
> "Perhaps that's why I haven't seen you before," the Ursus replied eyeing
>
> the feline.
>
> "Perhaps," the lion said with a shrug. "Excuse me but I've got to be on
> my way."
>
> With that he gently urged his horse into motion and moments later was
> heading for the main gate.  Rorlyn reflected on what he had done and
> counseled himself that in the future he should use a bit more
> restraint.  After all unlike himself the Keepers all struggled with
> their animal side and it wasn't fair to taunt them.  Still it was great
> sport using this form in that way.
>
> As he moved past Euper he reflected on how successful this trip had
> been.  Once he reached Midtown he would reap a sizeable sum of money for
>
> his efforts over the last ten days.  This was his longest stay yet in
> the keep and both his plan and his spell were working perfectly.
> Perhaps it was time to stay longer but how would he transport the
> additional goods?  If he involved others in his business his secret
> would likely be discovered.  If he got a larger wagon it would require
> more horses and it had taken forever to find even one that didn't spook
> at the sight of him.
>
> Several hours later he cleared the south end of the valley and he pulled
>
> off onto a small trail.  Once he was out of sight of the road he
> carefully check the area using all his feline senses.  It was one of the
>
> great advantages of this body.  He could smell and hear most anything
> that was a threat well before they would see him.  Satisfied that he was
>
> alone he stepped off the wagon and began reciting words from a long dead
>
> language as he moved his hands through a series of gestures.  Shortly he
>
> felt the tingle that told him the spell was unraveling.  He could feel
> his limbs start to alter, an occasional twinge of discomfort
> accompanying their change.  His robes seemed to grow but he knew the
> truth was his body was shrinking back to its human size.  Moments later
> he was back to his true form.  Reaching under the seat he drew out a
> robe better suited for his human frame and changed into it.
>
> As he stepped back into the wagon he became aware that his warding spell
>
> had been tripped.  Tapping a flat medallion on his chest he flicked the
> reigns and began down the trail that he knew would soon join the main
> road.  Rorlyn heard more then saw the arrow that struck him.  Letting
> out a cry he doubled over and fell across the seat.  From an outcropping
>
> of rocks ahead a small green figure emerged and began running toward the
>
> horse.  Seeing the man prostrate across the seat he shouldered his bow
> and drew a bronze sword that hung at his side.  Grinning the Lutin ran
> up the road but his expression changed to one of shock as Rorlyn stood
> up, the shattered remains of the arrow falling from his lap.  With a cry
>
> of anger the archer raised his sword and charged.
>
> "Pyrosphero crematius," Rorlyn shouted, extending his hand toward his
> attacker.
>
> The five marble sized spheres that shot from his fingers flew faster
> than an arrow at the Lutin, their red and orange hue glowing like the
> sun.  The spheres flew past him and the archer counted himself lucky his
>
> victim had such poor aim.  His luck was not what he believed however as
> the spheres reappeared, circling about from the other side now trailing
> tails of fire.  He screamed in pain as he slid to a stop passing through
>
> their burning trail but this was only the beginning.  The balls of fire
> continued their circuit about him, moving ever more rapidly until the
> tails formed a fiery net about the mage's attacker.  Moments later they
> joined into a solid sphere and began to shrink inward.  A single scream
> echoed forth and then fell silent as the burning globe dwindled to the
> size of a man's fist and vanished.  Upon the road, where the Lutin had
> stood, was a darkened circle and a streak of molten bronze but nothing
> else.
>
> With a sigh Rorlyn brushed the remnants of the arrow from the wagon and
> took up the reigns to resume his course south.  Joining the main road he
>
> continued on until he reached the inn that he had now made his standard
> stop for the night.  Once inside he warned them of the Lutin threat he
> had encountered so that they might be on their guard and send word to
> the Keep.  By the next afternoon he was at Midtown and made quick work
> of converting his goods into cash.
>
> After a good meal and a night's rest he began to seek out what he would
> need for his next journey to the Keep.  Most of the caravans that made
> the same trip would stay many days beyond the valley before returning
> for fear of the curse.  In his conversations with the Keepers he had
> learned that there was no need to delay that long.  While he was
> becoming a very wealthy man, he was tired by the frequency of his
> travels through the valley and this trip's encounter with the Lutin
> underscored the danger each trip brought.
>
> For some time he had considered whether he should buy a house and some
> land in Midtown.  Certainly he had the money to do so and perhaps he
> could return to the full time practice of magic, his true love.  The
> problem was that he was not even a journeyman as this was something his
> Master had said would have to wait until after he returned from his
> business to the south.  Without that status he would never be able to
> practice freely.  For now he had to continue to play the part of a
> merchant and hope his Master would still return.
>
> To do this successfully and reduce his number of trips what he needed
> was a larger wagon.  This also meant a new team of horses and a team
> that would not spook when he was in his lion form.  That night he
> started awake, the answer as plain as day.  The Keep had many good draft
>
> horses that were use to the varied forms found there.  And while they
> did not trade such beasts readily with visitors, to another Keeper he
> was sure they would sell a team.
>
> Early the next morning he loaded the carefully selected goods he
> intended to trade and began for Metamor once again.  Ever since the
> Winter Assault the Keepers had become more cautious about mentioning
> certain needs they had.  In his lion form they assumed him to be one of
> their own and freely admitted to him what they lacked.  This gave him an
>
> edge over the other merchants and greatly increased his profits.
> Inwardly he complimented himself on his skill at knowing exactly what
> the Keep needed and on the spell that gave him the edge in both buying
> and selling.
>
> "You young fool," one of the teamsters chided him as he left. "You can't
>
> have been out of the valley more than two days."
>
> "What of it," the youthful mage-merchant shouted back. "Are you jealous
> that I'm making profits while you dawdle here for days?"
>
> "What good will your profits be when the curse takes you?" the man
> shouted as Rorlyn passed out of the inn's yard.
>
> "What a fool," the young man mused, now urging his horse a bit more.
> "Not only does the time protect me but being magically transformed into
> a lion makes it such that the curse can not take me."
>
> In two days he reentered the Keep having resumed his leonine appearance
> as he entered the valley.  For the next few days he bartered with the
> various Keep merchants all the while keeping an eye and ear open for
> where he might find the horses he desired.  After he had completed his
> business he set about in earnest to find himself a team.  He had learned
>
> that the best horses were found in Euper just below the Keep.  He was
> told to seek out a man by the name of Howles.  Early the next day he
> made his way to the place where the horse trader kept his herd.  As he
> approached he saw a donkey Keeper brushing down a fine mare.
>
> "Good day," Rorlyn called out while still at a distance.
>
> "Greetings," the equine Keeper replied. "How can I help you today?"
>
> "I'm looking for a man named Howles," the lion told him. "I'm in need of
>
> a good pair of draft horses."
>
> "Well you've come to the right place," he answered, motioning to the
> feline to come nearer. "You will find no finer horses in all the Metamor
>
> valley."
>
> "If this is any example I would certainly believe it," the maned cat
> said examining the mare.
>
> "Aye, she's a beauty," the donkey admitted finishing with one final
> sweep of the brush. "You'll find all my animals are of the highest
> quality be they mounts or draft."
>
> "You're Howles then?" Rorlyn asked, surprised that an equine Keeper
> would trade in horses.
>
> "Indeed I am," he replied. "Now what manner of wagon do you intend for
> them to pull?"
>
> "Very near the one that sets there," the young merchant answered
> gesturing to a wagon across the way. "Perhaps a bit smaller but not
> greatly so."
>
> "Ah, you are in luck as I've just acquired a new team that would be well
>
> suited to such," Howles told him.
>
> "When can I see them?" the feline asked, pleased this was going so
> quickly.
>
> "They are not here as yet," the donkey morph explained. "They are coming
>
> from the north and should be here in a few days."
>
> "Are these as fine as the mare here?"
>
> "Did I not tell you all my horses are?" the horse trader replied. "They
> are as fine a team of Shires as you can come by.  A well matched pair,
> docile and many good years left in them."
>
> "And what might you be asking for such a team?" Rorlyn asked getting to
> the meat of the matter.
>
> "You are quick about this business," remarked the donkey. "Each is worth
>
> forty five Garrets but I'll let the pair go for eighty five."
>
> For a moment Rorlyn remained silent as if considering the offer, however
>
> the barter spell he had devised long ago had already revealed that this
> was far too high.
>
> "They would have to be a powerful team to deserve that price," the lion
> morph answered. "As I've been told a good team can be had for sixty
> five."
>
> "Hah, a broken down farm team, perhaps," Howles told him almost
> laughing. "But you appear an honest man, I'll take another five off the
> price."
>
> "Oh I doubt that the man I spoke with had a farm animal in mind," Rorlyn
>
> countered. "Still I know he does exaggerate at times thus I shall offer
> you sixty eight Garrets for them."
>
> "That's a good ten Garrets below their worth," Howles said with a frown.
>
> "I am in the business of selling horses not giving them away sir."
>
> Rorlyn knew the man could still give but he dared not push too greatly
> as he needed these animals.
>
> "Very well, if they are as good as you say I shall offer you seventy,"
> he offered the donkey.
>
> The Keeper's ears fell back and his brow furled at the offer.  He held
> firm for a moment and then his continence reformed closer to his former
> appearance.
>
> "Seventy two and not a bronze less," he stated flatly.
>
> "Done," the lion said content that he was near as honest a price as he
> dared get.
>
> "You drive a hard bargain for a man I judge not to be familiar with
> horses sir," Howles told him.
>
> "Perhaps but this deal is not done until I look upon them myself," he
> said. "When shall I be able to view them?"
>
> "If all goes well they should be here by the end of the week," the
> Keeper told him. "I'll send word to you as soon as they're in and
> properly groomed."
>
> Rorlyn did some quick math and realized that this could make it nearly a
>
> fortnight he would be in the valley.  He had confidence in his spell for
>
> he knew of others that had been cursed in less time then he had spent in
>
> the valley before.  This did not prevent him from feeling uneasy about
> it.
>
> "Very well," he said hiding his concern. "Send word and I will come to
> inspect them."
>
> Rorlyn spent the remainder of the day in the marketplace finding out
> what other goods the Keep seemed in need of so as better to equip
> himself for his next trip.
>
> That evening, after taking his meal, the mage-merchant decided to engage
>
> in a game of cards with some of the other travelers at the inn.  All
> went well and as usual his discernment spell allowed him to take in a
> sizable amount of money.  Suddenly his luck turned bad not by way of the
>
> cards but by way of human nature.  One of the caravan leaders accused
> him of cheating after he lost a particularly large sum.
>
> "Sir, you have very unusual luck this night," the man slurred under the
> effects of his ale. "and I for one believe it not as much luck as
> deception."
>
> "I prefer to see it as skill my good sir," Rorlyn replied as the man
> began to stand.
>
> "Skill," the teamster shouted drawing the attention of all in the room.
> "yes, but the skill of a cheat in hiding or marking the cards."
>
> "My good man," the lion replied standing to his full height hoping to
> dissuade his accuser of any violence by his size alone. "There is no
> need for unpleasantries here."
>
> "No?" the drunken traveler barked. "then explain why each king has a
> hole in the corner.  A hole easily made with a claw."
>
> Rorlyn's eyes darted quickly to the cards still upon the table.  Indeed
> two of the visible kings did have small holes in their corners.
>
> "Sir, it was not I who placed those holes," the feline replied with eyes
>
> fixed firmly on his accuser.
>
> "Liar!" screamed the man, his hand reaching for his dagger.
>
> Rorlyn raised a paw to his chest only to find his protective medallion
> was not about his neck.  Silently he cursed at having been so careless
> this night as to have left it in his room.  Still he was across the
> table from this man and he saw the inn keeper already en route to subdue
>
> his unruly patron.  This small comfort quickly faded however as the man
> flipped the blade over in his hand and prepared to throw it.
>
> While his cat like reflexes might allow him to dodge the weapon the
> young mage was not willing to risk it.  Throwing his arm forward he
> formed a phrase 'Fortya sphaira' in his mind.  It was a very familiar
> spell taught to him on one of his early journeys with his master and
> well suited for this situation.
>
> As Rorlyn's arm reached full extension he opened his hand and a small
> silvery sphere flashed across the table striking the man in the chest.
> The sound of ribs cracking filled the silence that had fallen on the
> room.  The man was lifted off his feet and flew over the nearby tables
> slamming into the wall.  As the inn keeper and others reached him the
> man was gasping for breath, blood running from his nose and ear.
>
> "Quickly, a healer," someone shouted as the man began to spasm and his
> breath become more ragged.
>
> "Gentlemen, if you would be so kind as to remain here," a deep voice
> said firmly from behind Rorlyn. "We will need to sort this out."
>
> Turning about the lion saw a jackal standing only a short distance from
> him.
>
> "Clearly you don't need all of us to stay," one of the others at the
> table replied. "This was between the lion and that man."
>
> "No it was not," the jackal Keeper said moving to the table and
> examining the cards carefully. "Someone did indeed mark this deck and
> that act has resulted in the injury of that man.  If nothing else it has
>
> caused a disturbance of the peace and perhaps a higher crime."
>
> "Who are you to command us in this way?" a man in a russet doublet
> demanded.
>
> "I am known as George the patrol master," the doglike Keeper replied
> with a growl now present in his voice. "Now I suggest you all be seated
> until the watch arrives and we can get to the truth of this."
>
> "Oh come," said a lanky fellow in a doe colored vest and fine shirt.
> "Surely you can't believe one of us marked those cards."
>
> "Someone did," George said holding one up so all could clearly see the
> small hole in the opposite corner of the card.
>
> Rorlyn, having recovered from his encounter began to mentally reach out
> as each man spoke trying to discern who was truthful and who was not.
> He knew well that he was innocent but the real culprit would have to be
> found to clear him.  Shortly the watch showed up and the group was taken
>
> into another part of the inn.  One by one they were taken into a room
> where they were questioned by the watch, Rorlyn being the first to be
> questioned.
>
> "That was a powerful piece of mage craft," a short fat traveler said to
> him after the lion returned.
>
> "Something my Master taught me while I was an apprentice," he replied
> honestly. "When your trade involves traveling it is good to know one or
> two spells to defend yourself."
>
> "So you are not a mage?" a finely dressed gentleman asked.
>
> "No, I have some aptitude for magic," he told the man not wishing to
> disclose his true abilities. "but not great enough for more than what
> you saw.  In truth I fear I used too much force in my ill handled
> casting."
>
> In this Rorlyn was being overly truthful.  In his haste to release the
> spell he had been careless in the amount of force he applied to it.
>
> "Yes," the lanky fellow agreed. "I dare say that even an armored man
> would not have withstood what you threw at him.  Still you did act in
> self defense."
>
> Just then the watch called this man in and the fat little merchant
> returned.
>
> "How did it go?" the traveler in the russet doublet asked.
>
> "Well enough," he answered. "I doubt that we'll be free to go until they
>
> know who marked the cards however."
>
> "Clearly only one of us has the tools to do such," the man who had asked
>
> replied eyeing the feline.
>
> "Sir, as I told the fellow who challenged me I did not mark the cards,"
> Rorlyn restated. "Besides the tools you speak of are not fit for such
> delicate work."
>
> With that he held his leonine hand out palm up and spread his claws.
> Two of the men gasped at the massive weapons which the lion retracted
> after the short display
>
> "But certainly those are sharp enough to pierce a card," the gentleman
> said.
>
> "Sharp enough, yes," the mage answered. "but they would leave a much
> larger hole and one that was not uniform nor easily overlooked."
>
> "How do you propose that the hole was made then?" the fat little fellow
> asked.
>
> "I would say a concealed pin," Rorlyn stated flatly.
>
> "Ah, and how would one do such as that?" the gentleman questioned in
> return. "Surely it would be noticed if one drew out a pin."
>
> "Would it?" the lion asked. "Do you not use pins to keep your lace cuffs
>
> in good order?"
>
> "Yes, there are pins there," the man of gentle birth admitted displaying
>
> the finery at his wrists. "But to draw them out would be too obvious and
>
> would loose the lace as well."
>
> "Difficult but not impossible to do," stated the other who also wore a
> doublet. "As I have but plain cuffs I have need of no pins."
>
> "Ah but you still would have the means of hiding them," noted the fat
> merchant whose shirt would offer little hiding place.
>
> "Have you an items such as a pin on you?" asked the gentlemen examining
> the other man.
>
> "Certainly not," he retorted. "my cuffs are simply tied and folded
> back."
>
> Rorlyn noted that there was a falsehood in this statement that had not
> been present in the gentleman's reply regarding his pins.
>
> "Oh the device would not need to be a pin," the feline mage stated
> hoping to press for even more of a reaction. "It would only need to be
> pin like."
>
> "Are you accusing me of hiding something?" the man replied glaring at
> the cat. "What is to say the cards were not marked before the game?"
>
> It did not take his spell to see that his question had gotten a warmer
> response then needed.  Indeed the lion could see the man stiffen at the
> suggestion.
>
> "You are the only one of us who is of this place," the russet clad man
> now countered. "Perhaps you and the inn keeper conspired to cheat us of
> our money."
>
> In his time as a merchant Rorlyn had become good at watching people's
> eyes and hands while negotiating with them.  He noted that this man not
> only kept is one hand hid under the other but seemed to glance uneasily
> to his hands now.  The lion was quite certain he had seen a ring on the
> hidden hand.
>
> "A conspiracy then," the gentleman suggested. "It is a way that the task
>
> could be accomplished."
>
> "Yes, you Keepers could be working together," the man pressed pointing
> at the lion and revealing his ring clad hand. "The inn keep marks the
> cards and you win the hands then divide the spoils."
>
> Rorlyn could not deny being a Keeper without giving himself away but
> knew a counter that should turn the tables completely.
>
> "Yes or a man with a sharp setting on their ring could pierce the cards
> as well," the lion countered.
>
> To the lion's eye the man notably paled at this but he stood his ground.
>
> "You will see that my ring is a simple band," he said with a firm but
> strained voice. "There is no stone or setting."
>
> "Thus there would be no way to make the hole," the gentleman replied.
>
> "Is that correct?" Rorlyn asked knowing that if the man answered in his
> current state he would give himself away to the lion's discernment
> spell.
>
> "Of course that's correct," the fellow almost shouted but the spell told
>
> the feline of the falsehood. "how could a smooth single band do that?"
>
> "Then you will not object to me examining it?" Rorlyn asked.
>
> "I most certainly do," he snapped drawing his hand to his side.
>
> "Then allow me to do so," George broke in, stepping forward from where
> he had been watching the exchange.
>
> For a moment the man hesitated but then held out his hand for the jackal
>
> morph to examine.
>
> "Please be kind enough to remove it," George said calmly holding out his
>
> hand.
>
> Despite the man's best efforts his expression showed this was the final
> blow and he handed over the ring.  George rolled it over in his palm and
>
> then held it up to the light of a near by lantern.  Holding it between
> his fingers he ran a claw about the inside of the ring and a small
> sliver of metal slid out the side.
>
> "A very nice piece of workmanship," the old bandit commented. "Too bad
> you won't have a use for it any longer."
>
> But as he spoke these words the fellow darted for the open door at the
> end of the hall only to fall flat on his face as he passed the
> gentleman.  George grabbed the back of his doublet and yanked him to his
>
> feet.
>
> "Nicely done sir," the patrol master said to the gentleman who was
> reseating his sword scabbard on his belt.
>
> "Thank you," the gentleman replied with a smile. "From our youth we are
> taught how to keep a sword from entangling others.  Still there are
> times that training must be ignored."
>
> The noise of the incident had brought the rest of the watch out into the
>
> hall and the jackal handed the fellow over to them to be taken to the
> jail.  As the others left George turned to Rorlyn.
>
> "That was also a nice piece of magic you used," he commented. "Though a
> bit stronger than needed."
>
> "As I told the others I am a much better merchant then a mage," the lion
>
> replied.
>
> "On the contrary," the jackal continued. "I've seen many spells in my
> life and that was not the work of an amateur.  It was far too compact
> and controlled.  I know most of the mages in the Keep, how is it that I
> don't know your name?"
>
> Rorlyn's tail twitched in discomfort at the question and pondered how
> best to respond.
>
> "I don't know," he finally answered. "I tend to keep a very low
> profile.  Perhaps that's why."
>
> "When was your last time out on patrol?" he asked the feline.
>
> "I don't recall," the mage answered fearing what might be coming next.
>
> "Then it's been too long," the patrol master said. "I want you at the
> gates before they open tomorrow.  Bring supplies and equipment for a
> week's duty."
>
> "But I'm not a mage!" Rorlyn stammered.
>
> "No buts about it," George said sternly. "I need a mage for a patrol
> starting tomorrow and as a Keeper it's your duty to be part of that
> patrol."
>
> "I have a business appointment in just a few days," the lion objected.
>
> "Send word to them that you've been called up," the jackal replied
> walking away. "Be at the gate before sunrise or I'll be forced to do
> some lion hunting."
>
> Rorlyn stood there too stunned to object further.  This was the last
> thing he needed on this trip.  As he walked into the common room the inn
>
> keeper motioned him to the bar.
>
> "Here are your coins from the game," he said placing a sizable pile of
> golds, silvers and bronze before him. "I assure you all that you won is
> there."
>
> "Thank you," Rorlyn said with drooping whiskers as he picked up the
> coins.
>
> "For someone who just avoided going to jail and pocketed a goodly sum of
>
> money you don't seem very happy," the big man commented.
>
> "I just found out I've got to go out on a week's patrol starting
> tomorrow," the lion said, his ears joining his whiskers in displaying
> his dismay.
>
> "I see," the inn keeper replied. "That's a bit more then the average
> patrol.  How did you draw that?"
>
> "I don't know," Rorlyn sighed.
>
> "Have you been mostly on short ones before?" the man asked picking up a
> tankard and wiping the bar.
>
> "I've never even been on one before," the lion morph growled as his
> frustration got the better of him.
>
> "What?  Never been on patrol," the inn keeper gasped unable to restrain
> his surprise. "I thought you had been cursed for some time."
>
> "Be that as it may," Rorlyn said having recovered enough of his wit not
> to admit his lie. "I've never put in any military service outside the
> walls.  For that matter I don't even know what to bring with me."
>
> "Never beyond the walls you say?" the great bearded man replied. "Well,
> I've had my share of both standing a watch and longer patrols so I can
> help you there.  First you'll need something much less fine then what
> you're currently wearing."
>
> "That I can manage," the feline answered the man thinking of his travel
> clothing.
>
> "You'll also need a pack, bedroll, a good knife and sword," he
> continued. "For you food stuffs shouldn't be a problem as some good
> jerky will serve."
>
> "Where in the Keep can I pick all of that up before dawn?" Rorlyn
> exclaimed.
>
> "Other then the sword and knife I can provide you with most of it," the
> inn keeper told him. "Stop by here tomorrow before you leave and I'll
> have what you need waiting."
>
> "But I have to be at the gate before dawn," the lion morph told him.
>
> "Darion will be here overseeing breakfast long before that," the large
> man explained. "He'll see to it that it's waiting for you."
>
> "Very well," Rorlyn replied, his tail drooped in dismay. "Thank you."
>
> With that he turned and retired to his room and his bed.
>
> The next morning the lion was awakened by a pounding on his door and a
> young voice calling out.
>
> "Just a moment," the feline said throwing back the covers.
>
> "Master Rorlyn," the youthful voice called back. "I've all your supplies
>
> but you'll need to hurry to reach the gate before the dawn."
>
> Glancing at his window the merchant saw that the sky was already
> lightening.  Quickly throwing on his travel tunic he belted his knife
> about his waist and opened the door.  There stood the lad he knew was
> the inn keeper's husband.  Though now a lad of only twelve he held out a
>
> good size pack with a blanket tied beneath.
>
> "Jami said you would need this," he explained. "There's enough jerky for
>
> a week as well as a few other things that might come in handy."
>
> "Thank you," the lion said tossing the lad several coins. "I hope that
> will cover the cost."
>
> "And somewhat more," the lad added. "We'll see that the over payment is
> credited to your room bill."
>
> Shouldering the pack the feline darted out the door and down to the
> gate.  To his surprise he did not see the jackal from the previous night
>
> there but a large horned goat stepped forward as he approached.
>
> "You're late," he gruffly said to the feline mage. "And where is your
> weapon."
>
> "I don't have one," Rorlyn answered somewhat out of breath.
>
> "He's our mage," a cat said. "perhaps he doesn't carry one."
>
> "Everyone carries a weapon in my squad," the goat snapped and stepped
> into the tower next to them.
>
> Moments later a staff came flying out the door which the lion by pure
> reflex caught.  Stomping out of the door the goat commander gave the
> lion an angry stare.
>
> "You'll carry a staff," he said pointing a hoof like finger at him. "I
> hope you know how to use it."
>
> Rorlyn opened his mouth to reply but the goat was already starting to
> address the rest of the group.  Besides the goat and the cat the party
> consisted of a rabbit, small bear, a vixen, deer, a boy of about twelve
> and a woman armed with a bow and two swords.
>
> "We're going out to the north," the goat began. "We've had reports of
> several bands of Lutins between the signal tower and the Giant Dike.
> Lord Avery will handle those to the west so our mission is to head east
> toward the area between Mycransburg and the Haunted woods."
>
> "Wade, any word on how many we're likely to face?" the deer asked.
>
> "Best the scouts can give us is the bands range between ten and thirty
> each," the goat replied. "George said that they may have a total
> strength of just under two hundred."
>
> "Wade, I don't mind a target rich environment," the woman commented.
> "but that's more then one patrol should be handling.  Will we have
> reinforcements?"
>
> "If they were together I'd agree, but they're not," the horned Keeper
> told her. "It looks more like several groups who got the same idea at
> the same time rather then an organized company."
>
> "So we pick the bands off one at a time," the bear said running his paw
> over his ax.
>
> "That's the plan Ed," the commander answered. "They should all be small
> chewable bites in our teeth.  Any other questions before we leave?"
>
> "Who's the fuzzy feline over here?" the rabbit asked rubbing his scarred
>
> ear.
>
> "This is Rorlyn," the goat replied. "George assigned him as our mage for
>
> this patrol."
>
> "I don't recall seeing him on any patrols before," the vixen said eyeing
>
> the lion up and down. "Is he a combat mage?"
>
> Rorlyn felt all eyes of the patrol fall firmly on him and he wondered if
>
> he should cling to his story of being a merchant and knowing only some
> simple spells or admitting to being a mage.
>
> "No but George assigned him to us," Wade told the fox. "and seeing there
>
> are no other mages available just now he's all we got.  So like it or
> not Maggie he goes with us."
>
> The vixen let out a low growl as she continued to study the feline.
> Rorlyn felt as if she'd bore through to his very soul with the intensity
>
> of her stare.
>
> "Why do we need a mage anyway?" the rabbit asked, his gaze as strong as
> the vixen's
>
> "Because I don't want to risk you losing your other ear Cal," the goat
> replied sternly. "There have also been at least two humans traveling
> with the bands.  George is concerned that one or both might be a mage."
>
> At this response Rorlyn's ears went fully erect and his whiskers flashed
>
> stiffly forward.
>
> "That worries you mage?" Maggie asked sharply.
>
> "Ah, yes, a bit," the lion stammered, his tail twitching nervously.
>
> "Wade, you can't be serious about taking him with us?" Cal rumbled.
> "Look at him.  He's a mess."
>
> "He goes with you," a voice boomed from the gatehouse. "And if I don't
> hear feet heading for the gate rather then talk I'll personally help you
>
> there."
>
> "Yes sir," the goat replied at the sound of George's voice. "We're on
> our way."
>
> The goat spun on his hooves and gave the rabbit a stern look then eyeing
>
> the others shouted.
>
> "Now people, move it!"
>
> If they had moved any faster the group would have run out of the gate.
> Rorlyn wasn't sure if he should be thankful or sorry that George had
> ordered and end to the discussion.  Had the others got their way he
> might have been spared having to go but then he would have had to face
> George all the same.
>
> The patrol headed north in the pre dawn light setting a good pace even
> after they were out of view of the Keep.  While on the road the others
> chatted among themselves while Rorlyn kept thinking about the
> possibility of doing battle with another mage.  His master had taught
> him certain fundamentals about such combat but he'd never had to fight
> someone skilled in the art.
>
> "Mage!" someone shouted breaking him out of his reflection. "What types
> of spell are you proficient at?"
>
> "Fire," he replied trying to find the speaker.
>
> "Great, so we got a candle lighter," Cal quipped. "Anything else?"
>
> "Sure he can make wick lights so they can find us at night," Maggie
> chimed in.
>
> "Say maybe he can make his coat green like Pascal," Ed added.
>
> "All right you two, that's enough," Wade ordered as they moved up the
> road. "Rorlyn, what type of fire spells do you have?"
>
> "Several different ones," the lion replied trying to keep his voice firm
>
> and confident. "Most are targeted but a couple are area spells."
>
> "Anything else besides fire?" the goat commander continued.
>
> "Light," he started but was cut off.
>
> "See, just what a patrol needs," Maggie laughed.
>
> Suddenly a pearl size sphere darted in front of her muzzle.  She was
> about to swat it away when it grew larger than a watermelon.  In an
> instant it flooded the entire company in blinding white light forcing
> them to stop.
>
> "A bit more then a wick light wouldn't you say," Rorlyn growled snapping
>
> the sphere out of existence. "I dare say you'd have a bit of trouble
> fighting with one of those in your face."
>
> "Really," the rabbit said lowering his glave and charging the feline.
> "Not everyone is unfamiliar with such tricks."
>
> The lion had had more then enough of the taunting and the lupine's
> threat now only strengthened his resolve to show his skill.  He thrust
> his fist forward and as his arm reached full extension he snapped his
> fingers open crying out.
>
> "Scield energeyc"
>
> A white disk erupted from his palm and moved toward the charging lapin.
>
> Cal closed one eye, preparing for another blinding light but instead the
>
> disk expanded into thousands of jagged flashing fingers radiating from a
>
> central point.  As soon as the first finger touched the weapon's tip it
> raced down the shaft and onto the rabbit's arm.  Cal let out one long
> agonizing scream and fell to the ground, his entire body twitching
> uncontrollably.
>
> "Cal!" Sam cried out as she stumbled to his side.
>
> But as soon as she touched the Keeper she was flung away from him.
>
> "Rorlyn, Enough!" Wade called out. "Release them."
>
> "There is nothing to release," the lion said calmly. "It shall pass in a
>
> moment."
>
> "What did you do to him?" Ed asked stepping near to the still trembling
> hare but not touching his body.
>
> "Far less then I could have," the mage replied in smooth even tones.
>
> "Answer the question," the goat commander ordered as he helped the deer
> to her feet.
>
> "A small taste of lightening is all," Rorlyn answered as the thrill of
> battle wore off and he began to feel the cost of his spell. "A mere
> fraction of what a weather mage could produce but still potent."
>
> "But, but why was I shocked?" Sam asked, her cervine legs still
> trembling.
>
> "The charge had yet to dissipate when you touched him," he explained
> moving to the rabbit's side and setting him up. "As you can see he is
> safe now."
>
> "Safe but look at him," Wade scolded, watching the hare's head hang
> limply on his chest his eyes fluttering open. "I doubt if he can take
> another step."
>
> "Perhaps he should have considered that before he attacked me," the
> feline replied.
>
> "And perhaps you should have considered the results before you cast your
>
> spell," rebuked the long horned goat Keeper. "Maggie, steady Cal.
> Rorlyn, drop your pack."
>
> As the vulpine took over supporting the injured man Rorlyn stood up and
> dropped his pack beside him.  Immediately Wade grabbed the pack and
> untied the lower ends of the straps, placing it against the lion's
> chest.
>
> "Hold it there," the commander ordered.
>
> He then threw the first strap over the lion's shoulder and then the
> other. Crossing them behind the feline's back so that the pack was now
> secure on his front.
>
> "Now, you carry him until he is well enough to walk himself," commanded
> the goat.
>
> "What?" the feline questioned.
>
> "By the gods have you forgotten all your training?" growled the angry
> leader. "Like this."
>
> The goat grabbed one of Cal's arms swung it over his shoulder, then with
>
> the hare resting on his back he took the other arm and brought it
> forward and across his other shoulder to serve as a second support.
>
> "Now carry him!" the horned commander ordered.
>
> The feline stepped forward and awkwardly placed the rabbit on his back
> following the goat's example.  At first the lion did not consider the
> burden too great seeing that the rabbit was nearly the same weight as
> his pack but as minutes grew into hours he began to feel it take its
> toll.  Near midmorning Wade call a halt and the patrol took a break.
> Rorlyn gently eased Cal to the ground and lay back beside him not even
> bothering to remove his own pack.
>
> Maggie came over to Cal with some water.  The lupine warrior was awake
> but still groggy.
>
> "How do you feel?" she asked her friend.
>
> "Like someone has clad me in lead," he replied. "My body feels like I've
>
> worked a week straight.  I'm feeling muscles I never knew I had.  What
> hit us anyway?"
>
> "Don't you remember?" the vixen asked. "you attacked the mage and he
> gave us a little demonstration of his power to stop you."
>
> "He did what!" the hare cried, eyes bursting wide open and ears going
> erect.
>
> Sitting up he saw the feline lying next to him.  Before Maggie could say
>
> a word the rabbit had pounced onto the lion's chest, his hands sunk
> deeply into his mane and grabbed him by the throat.  Rorlyn opened his
> eyes and looked at the hare rocking back and forth.
>
> "What are you doing?" he asked in a tired voice.
>
> "Choking the life out of you!" he screamed into the lion's face still
> pressing in with all the force he could muster.
>
> "Oh I see," he said, waited a moment then continued. "Has it ever
> crossed your mind why lion's have such thick manes?"
>
> The rabbit slowly stopped rocking as the words and who was saying them
> sank into his still foggy brain.  The others who had gathered at first
> to pull him off all started laughing.  Slowly he withdrew his hands from
>
> Rorlyn's mane and sat just staring at the feline.
>
> "No," he said in a flat tone. "No, I never had."
>
> "Well now you know," the lion said smiling but being careful to keep his
>
> teeth concealed. "You'd have had to push deeper then that to reach my
> throat."
>
> The rabbit warrior's ears drooped to the side as he looked down at his
> intended victim.  Slowly he stood and with Maggie's help stepped off the
>
> lion's chest.
>
> "I think you owe him an apology," Wade said repressing a grin at Cal's
> failed attack.
>
> "For what?" Cal snapped, his anger relighting.
>
> "He has no need to apologize," the big cat said rising to one elbow.
> "But I do hope he has learned that I can hold my own in combat."
>
> The hare balled his hands in anger but said nothing.
>
> "You've got to admit he stopped you cold in your tracks," Ed commented a
>
> slight grin still creasing the ursine's features.
>
> Cal made no reply but threw up his hands and stormed off into the woods.
>
> "Well that was a mistake," Rorlyn said following the rabbit with his
> eyes.
>
> "What was," Sam asked with a twitch of her ears.
>
> "Just about everything I've done to him," the lion answered.
>
> "Oh don't worry about him," the female warrior said. "He'll get over
> it.  He's just sore because someone bettered him in combat.  You should
> see him in practice if I get the better of him."
>
> The feline looked the woman up and down trying to imagine her taking out
>
> the small but apparently skilled rabbit.
>
> "Yes, but he usually buys you an ale at the Mule that evening," Maggie
> said looking in the direction her companion had walked.
>
> "He's as good a fighter now as he was as a man," the child in the group
> added. "Just overly sensitive to what he has become even after all this
> time."
>
> "Maggie, go get him will you," Wade said shouldering his pack. "We've
> got a ways to travel before we reach our jump off point."
>
> The vixen trotted off into the woods while the others gathered their
> equipment.  Once back with the party the rabbit shouldered his pack
> despite the objections of his companions.  In no uncertain words the
> lupine warrior assured them that he could continue the journey unaided.
>
> The party continued until the sun was past its zenith finally stopping
> where a trail branched off the road to the east.  Here the goat
> commander called a halt for lunch.  Opening his pack Rorlyn drew out
> some of the jerky and began to chew on it looking about.  As he quietly
> cast a warding spell the woman set down her quiver and bow next to him.
>
> "May I have a seat?" she asked opening the bag at her side.
>
> "Help yourself," the lion said.
>
> "I'm Katelyn," she said drawing out a small round bread. "But just call
> me Kate."
>
> "I guess you know I'm Rorlyn," the feline said then swallowed his bite
> of meat.
>
> "Where do you come from?" Kate asked biting into the crust and reveling
> in its filling.
>
> "The south," the feline replied.
>
> "How far south?" she pressed. "You don't sound like you're from the
> Midlands or Flatlands."
>
> "No," the lion simply replied.
>
> "Sathmore?" she questioned further.
>
> "I'll make a deal with you," he said realizing she would not stop until
> she had an answer. "If you tell me a bit about yourself and the others
> I'll tell you where I'm from."
>
> "And how you came under the curse?" she asked.
>
> Rorlyn paused for a moment but reasoned he could devise some story and
> so nodded.
>
> "Yes, but you first," he said.
>
> "About half of us here have lived in Metamor all our lives," she began.
> "Wade, Tricia, Ed and Maggie were all in the Keep at the battle of Three
>
> Gates."
>
> "Who's Tricia?" he asked.
>
> "That's Tricia," Kate said pointing to the gray shorthaired feline
> sitting next to Sam. "Sam came to the Keep a couple years ago with her
> dying father.  The curse took both of them and saved his life."
>
> "I've heard of several people who came here for that reason," the lion
> commented.
>
> "Yes, for some it's a choice to come as the curse will cure most illness
>
> or injury," Kate explained, some pain showing in her face. "but for
> some, like Cal and Dan, it wasn't by choice."
>
> "Oh?  How is that?" Rorlyn said looking at the child and rabbit.
>
> "Both Cal and Dan were cursed while they were being held in prison," she
>
> continued. "They were part of a group sent by Nasoj to take the north of
>
> the valley.  They were injured and captured.  In under two weeks they
> became what you see."
>
> "But if they were enemies of Metamor how is it that they're fighting for
>
> it now?" the feline questioned.
>
> "They, like a number of the northerners, didn't join Nasoj's cause of
> their own free will," the female warrior explained. "He has many mages
> who enslave people using spells or by making threats against their
> village or family.  That's one of the reasons Cal has such hatred for
> mages.  Once freed from the spell they willingly joined us in our fight
> against Nasoj."
>
> "So Cal thinks all mages enslave people?" Rorlyn asked.
>
> "No, he knows better then that," she answered. "But until he knows a
> mage he is extremely defensive.  I think that light spell you threw was
> very close in appearance to what was used on him and Dan to enslave
> them."
>
> "So that made him think I was doing the same." the maned cat said.
>
> "That's my guess," she replied eating a bit more of her meal. "All I
> know is he doesn't usually try to kill one of our own mages."
>
> "He sure seemed set on doing it today," Rorlyn agreed looking at the
> long eared warrior. "Do you think I can trust him?"
>
> "I think you earned a bit of respect today," Kate told him. "and I'm
> sure Wade gave him a good talk down.  You should be fine so long as you
> don't use any spells on us again."
>
> "I already cast one," the lion said with a bit of a grin.
>
> "You did what?" she exclaimed.
>
> "Just a warding spell," he said. "It's my standard precaution whenever I
>
> stop.  I don't like people sneaking up on me."
>
> "That's different," she replied with a smile. "and very wise."
>
> So what about you?" Rorlyn asked. "How did you come to Metamor?"
>
> "Some overly helpful friends brought me here after I'd lost a leg in
> combat," she said with an expression of anger crossing her face. "I was
> unable to leave on my own and so ended up as you see now."
>
> "You were a man?" the feline gasped looking at the buxom woman but then
> recanted. "No, of course you were.  It's just I've never talked to
> anyone who was a warrior before being changed into a woman."
>
> "I think it's one of the cruelest changes the curse can bestow," she
> told him with a sigh.
>
> "Being this way is not easy either," Rorlyn said trying to imagine what
> it would really be like to be stuck in an animal body.
>
> "Oh I understand the trouble you have with instincts," she agreed. "But
> the damn desires that the curse imbeds in people like me, well, if you
> don't fight them constantly you're just going to turn into a whore.
> Shit, even though you're an animal I find you attractive and would bed
> you in a moment."
>
> Rorlyn's mouth dropped open at this statement and he reflexively leaned
> away from her.
>
> "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," Kate said hanging her head. "I
>
> fight it but the feelings are still there.  That's what makes it so
> hard."
>
> "It's alright," the lion finally said gaining some composure. "I've just
>
> never had a woman say that to me."
>
> "Call you an animal?" she asked in surprise.
>
> "No, say I was attractive," he told her.
>
> "Well you are an attractive lion," she replied trying not to make it
> sound like an advance.
>
> "Oh, thank you," the feline said feeling a blush run through his ears.
>
> "So now how about you," she asked. "How did you become cursed?"
>
> Rorlyn swallowed hard as he had never explained in any detail his
> supposed change.  He hoped the story he had devised and now expanded
> upon would be convincing.
>
> "My master sent me to the Keep to get some scrolls from one of the mages
>
> here," he began. "The mage was away so I had to wait at the Keep for his
>
> return."
>
> "And you waited until you were changed?" the woman said in shock.
>
> "No, I knew enough to leave before then," the lion told her. "Once I had
>
> the scrolls I headed out of the valley with a caravan.  Unfortunately we
>
> got attacked by Lutins and had to hold up until help arrived.  That
> delayed my leaving the valley long enough that I changed."
>
> "What did your master do?" Kate asked.
>
> Before he could reply he felt his warding spell activate.
>
> "Someone's near," he said quietly to Kate.
>
> "Can you tell where?" she asked slowly looking about.
>
> "No, my spell only warns me that someone's approaching," the mage
> explained.
>
> Kate made a gesture to Wade who gave a nod and said something to Cal and
>
> Maggie who sat next to him.  Both of them stood up and moved off into
> the woods.  Shortly Tricia and Ed did the same in the opposite
> direction.
>
> "Come with me," Kate said moving to where the others were seated.
>
> "What did you feel?" Wade asked Rorlyn as soon as he was near.
>
> "My spell only tells me that someone has entered the area," he replied.
>
> "Nothing else?" the goat questioned. "Numbers, direction, anything
> else?"
>
> "Not exact numbers, more like size," the lion told him. "but I'd guess
> no more than one or two."
>
> Their conversation was interrupted by a shout and someone crashing
> through the brush.  Moments later there was the sounds of combat not far
>
> from the clearing they were in.  Suddenly a small green figure carrying
> a short sword burst out into the open.
>
> "Take him," Wade ordered. "I want him alive if you can."
>
> Both Sam and Dan bolted off in the direction of the Lutin.  The small
> creature was surprisingly nimble however and darted off in a different
> direction that put him between them and the rest of the party.  Kate
> nocked an arrow and took aim at the fleeing enemy.
>
> "Wait," Rorlyn called out raising his hand.
>
> The same small silvery sphere that he had used in the tavern flew forth
> from his hand again but this time it expanded to the size of a melon
> before it hit the green figure.  The effect was no less impressive.  The
>
> Lutin was knocked to the ground and rolled several times before coming
> to a stop.  Members of the patrol were upon him in seconds and bound the
>
> dazed creature's arms behind him.  The Lutin's recovery was surprisingly
>
> fast and soon he became a squirming biting machine attempting to sink
> his teeth into anyone who neared him.
>
> Watching the struggle for a moment Rorlyn walked around behind him and
> in a quick movement, his claws unsheaved, palmed their enemy's head in
> his large hand.  He made one more attempt to snap at Ed but the lion's
> strength and claws quickly dissuaded him from moving.  Seeing the Lutin
> restrained Wade stepped forward.
>
> "Now you will tell me what I want to know," the goat said in a
> commanding voice. "or I will have my friend crush your pathetic little
> skull."
>
> Rorlyn doubted he actually had the strength for such as that but there
> was no way the creature could know.
>
> "Are you alone?" the goat demanded.
>
> "No tell," the creature hissed baring his teeth at the goat.
>
> "That is not an answer," Wade said nodding to the lion who tightened his
>
> grip and mumbled something as he did so.
>
> "No tell," came the answer again his face skewed in pain. "they kill."
>
> "So there are others?" the commander pressed.
>
> "No, Master kill," he cried.
>
> "He lies," Rorlyn said in a low tone.
>
> Wade and the others looked at the feline mage but kept their thoughts to
>
> themselves.
>
> "The truth!" Wade ordered.
>
> "Yes, others," the small creature said as blood started running from the
>
> lion's tightening claws.
>
> "Are they near?" the commander demanded.
>
> "Some near, others far," the green figure said.
>
> "How many?" the goat demanded.
>
> "Two," the Lutin replied but Rorlyn shook his head.
>
> "I don't believe you," the horned leader said. "You have one more chance
>
> before you die.  Now how many in your party?"
>
> "Not sure, no count," the creature hissed and the lion nodded.
>
> "Is your party larger then ours?" Wade pressed.
>
> "Yes," came the answer the mage agreeing.
>
> "Many more?"
>
> "Yes," the Lutin growled but quickly corrected as the lion's claws bit
> in deeper. "No, only few more."
>
> "Where are they?  What direction?"
>
> The Lutin's eyes darted about the land for a moment and then he replied.
>
> "They north."
>
> How far away?" Cal demanded.
>
> Wade briefly shot him a glare but returned his gaze to the Lutin.
>
> "Hour, two, no more," the prisoner replied.
>
> Just then Ed and Tricia rejoined the group.
>
> "We took out two others," the bear said still cleaning his axe.
>
> "Were there any others besides those two?" Wade then asked.
>
> "No," the creature replied, the feline mage confirming this to be true.
>
> "Cal, Dan, get him out of here," the goat ordered.
>
> Rorlyn released his hold and the rabbit and boy quickly dragged the
> Lutin to the edge of the clearing.
>
> "They're deeper into the area then the scouts reported," Wade said once
> the prisoner was out of earshot. "We'll need to intercept them.  Rorlyn,
>
> do you have any spells that could help us find them?"
>
> "None that I've memorized," he told him. "but my warding spell will
> activate if we get near them."
>
> "But you can't give us a direction from that," Tricia said.
>
> "No, I've never refined it to that degree," the lion replied.
>
> "You might want to work on that when you get back," Ed suggested. "On
> patrol it's best to know where the enemy is not just that he's around."
>
> The lion mage nodded but said nothing.
>
> "Right then," Wade said looking at Maggie. "How good are you at picking
> up scents today?"
>
> "I should be able to back track them," the vixen told him. "In two hours
>
> Lutin scent isn't going to have become that weak."
>
> "What about the prisoner?" Rorlyn asked.
>
> "Taken care of," Cal's voice said from behind him.
>
> Turning about the lion saw the rabbit resheaving his knife with Dan not
> far behind.
>
> "What do you mean?" the feline questioned.
>
> "Huh, you really are a rookie," Dan commented shaking his head. "He'll
> be feeding the wolves in a few hours."
>
> "He's what?" the mage questioned still not grasping his meaning.
>
> "He's dead," Cal snarled looking at the mage. "I cut his throat."
>
> The lion's jaw dropped open in shock and his stomach churned.
>
> "Look if you're going to lose your lunch, go over there," the warrior
> hare said sternly. "But get use to it.  That's the way it is out here.
> You can't take prisoners on a patrol like this.  Make a clean kill and
> just be done with it.  Do it to them before they do it to you."
>
> "But to kill them in cold blood," Rorlyn began but was cut off.
>
> "You've killed them before," Sam said her ears flicking in agitation.
> "I've heard you say so at the Mule or did you make that up."
>
> The lion knew that he had in conversation mentioned having to kill
> Lutins on some of his journeys.
>
> "But that was in self defense," he said. "Not in cold blood."
>
> "We don't have time to argue about this," Wade broke in looking at them
> all. "We're moving out.  Maggie, take point and keep a sharp eye out for
>
> the Lutins.  Kate, keep an eye on the rookie when we engage."
> --
> End Part
>
>
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