<html> <body> And now for 8. Metamor Keep: Investigating Calamity By Charles Matthias March 17, 708 CR <x-tab>        </x-tab>The Caial brought them to a fortress in the midst of the city and marshalled them into separate cells with only a bit of hay for bedding.  There they were left throughout the night.  A healer visited each of them and tended their wounds while soldiers with spears stood ready to skewer any who thought to take the opportunity to escape.  None of the wounds they suffered would linger more than a week or so, even the magical bolt of energy that had struck Akaleth’s leg.  He would limp for a while but the muscles would heal in time. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Once the healer had left, Czestadt brooded, Kashin asked the healer to send word to Cardinal Bertu, and Akaleth laid down to sleep.  They never heard word from the two mages or the blind man.  The sun rose and grey light penetrated the gloom of their cells.  Akaleth woke and said his morning office, while Czestadt snored after having finally fallen asleep, and Kashin stretched and began his morning exercises. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Another hour later Bertu arrived with an escort of Caial.  They brought him to Kashin who stood to greet the cleric. “Good morning, your eminence.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Good morning, Kashin,” Bertu replied with a slow shake of his head.  The two Caial soldiers gave the Cardinal a little distance, but their eyes never left the Yeshuel. “I warned you this might happen.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“We are grateful that it did,” Kashin replied. “The was a mage behind Father Akaleth’s kidnapping who tried to kill us all.  If not for the Caial’s arrival, we might have died last night.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“So Captain Heyland tells me.  It seems one of the mages has confessed to masterminding the kidnapping.  I’m told you three will be released and free to leave the city soon.  Although I think they want to offer you a stern word of reproval at the very least for not alerting them immediately when you discovered Akaleth’s disappearance.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kashin nodded for a moment and then shook his head. “I could not take the chance that the Caial would be as hostile to us as the Mage Guild.  If they found Akaleth wandering by himself, they may have killed him before learning why he was there.”  The two soldiers scowled but said nothing. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“As you said last night.  Still,” Bertu smiled in sympathy, “I do not believe you give them enough credit.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“One tried to kill him before we even set foot in the city.  I do not think my fears were unjustified.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Bertu grimaced and spread his hands weakly. “Perhaps not.  But he has been kept safe and healed of his wounds as much as they are able.  The simple irony is that of all six involved in this nonsense, only he is going to escape without any punishment.  I imagine rumours of his masterminding the whole affair will spread if they haven’t already.  What a tale though, the only innocent in the whole affair is the dreaded Questioner!  Marigund’s citizenry will not be pleased.  I’m told the Mage Guild has a special anger prepared for Hugo and Diomedra.” The Cardinal sighed, shook his head, and lowered his eyes. “What a foolish waste.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Don’t let it be a waste.  Good will come out of this.  Even if only in their souls.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Bertu rubbed his chin for a moment and then began to nod. “I have said before that you do not understand our history.  I come to understand now that I do not understand yours, nor can I comprehend the sacrifices and suffering you’ve had to endure.  Your faith, Kashin, and that of your companions, is a true gift.  Thank you for sharing it with me.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kashin said nothing for several long seconds, his hand crossing his chest to clutch at the end of the sleeve covering his left stump. “I’m just a servant, your eminence.  If you can, please see Father Akaleth and Sir Czestadt and let them know the good news as well.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>And with that, Cardinal Bertu thanked Kashin one last time and was gone. ---------- <x-tab>         </x-tab>The blind man knew night from day by the sounds of birds announcing the dawn, and the warming air brought by a sun he had only heard described to him.  He had often attempted to imagine it as the hottest of fires spinning and spinning above him like a wagon wheel, but otherwise it meant little to him.  All it truly meant to him was warmth and that those blessed with sight would be about and from them he might beg some coin. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Not that he needed to beg.  His skills kept him well-fed, dressed, and housed by Demarest as one of his private troubleshooters.  Nor was this the first time he’d been inside the Caial prisons.  But this was the first time he’d ever been here when not under Demarest’s orders.  It was only a matter of time before his employer arrived. <x-tab>        </x-tab>And in that he was not disappointed.  A few hours after waking, he heard the familiar bootfalls, a chair scrape across stone, and then a heavy grunt as the man sat down outside his cell. “Well, Cornelius, you’ve helped create quite a stir.  You cannot leave this time without some punishment, I hope you know that.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>The blind man nodded and shifted on the bedding of hay until he was facing his employer. “I am aware of that.” <x-tab>        </x-tab> “Good.  Before I speak to any of the others, I wanted to speak with you.  Tell me exactly what happened.  Leave nothing out.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“We’re alone?” He hadn’t heard anyone else enter the dismal hall in which he’d been locked up. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Your ears should tell you that well enough, but yes.  I do have sway with the Caial in this regard.  Captain Heyland knows you are of mine.  Now go on.  What happened?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Cornelius licked his lips and flexed his fingers. “I received orders in the usual manner to wait in the Gauntlet for an enemy of Marigund to be left there.  I was to kill him and make it look as if he’d been fomenting religious strife.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“And you believed those orders?” There was venom in Demarest’s powerful voice. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“You have asked stranger things of me in the past.  The orders appeared genuine.  I had no reason to doubt them.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Demarest sat silently brooding for several seconds before telling him to continue.  Cornelius then relayed the instructions not to bring any metal swords and how he’d armed himself with glass daggers instead.  Demarest muttered under his breath but the blind man couldn’t quite make out what it was.  He then described waiting in the Gauntlet, the wagon’s arrival, chasing down the fleeing man, the fight that ensued, and then Hugo’s confession and the arrival of the Caial.  He ended with Diomedra’s attempt to escape, hitting her over the head with his cane, and surrendering to the Caial.  Demarest mostly stayed quiet during the recitation, but he knew his employer was smouldering with barely concealed rage. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Were any others implicated in Hugo’s confession?” He asked at length. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“No.  I was under the impression that Hugo didn’t want anyone else to take the blame but himself.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“That won’t happen,” Demarest growled.  And then he stretched and stood.  His voice, when it came again, was imperial in command and terror. “I must decide whether you have broken faith with me, Cornelius.  It seems as if you have not, but I will be the final judge of that.  I will ensure that your punishment by the Caial is light, but you will be under close scrutiny until I can be sure of your loyalty and trustworthiness.  If so, I will return you to your position in my employ.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“This trial period, how long will it last?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“As long as I deem it necessary.” The chair was dragged back against a far wall. “Good bye, Cornelius.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Good bye, Demarest.  Thank you for your kindness.” But the head of the mage guild stalked from the hall and a distant door clanged shut.  The blind man leaned back against the cool stone wall and sighed.  If it came to it, he could always spend his days begging again. ---------- <x-tab>         </x-tab>Hugo was grateful of one thing only, that after thoroughly interrogating him the Caial had let him keep Boots in his cell.  A magical ward prevented the rat from leaving the room either beneath the door, through the slot for food, or out the window.  Hugo cared not.  His heart, even after so many hours, was still aflame with the miracle of his healing.  A miracle wrought by a hated Questioner of the corrupt Ecclesia no less! <x-tab>        </x-tab>As the mage lay on the hay, Boots was curled up on his chest, nose to tail.  The day had dawned and grey light came in through the tiny window.  He ran one finger down Boot’s black back and smiled as the little eyes popped open and found him.  An array of whiskers twitched up and down as he uncurled himself to stretch forward and sniff at Hugo’s stubby chin hairs. <x-tab>        </x-tab>When that man touched you, Boots, what did you feel? <x-tab>        </x-tab>The man you don’t like?  I felt all the pain go away, Master.  I felt as alive as the day you first spoke to me. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The day he’d bound Boots to him as his familiar.  The day that Boots’s life had been linked to his own.  If neither suffered accident or fell to illness, they’d live a full man’s lifespan the both of them.  He’d still only been a boy who didn’t want to lose his only friend in the world.  Even now that he had risen in the guild ranks and made many other friends and thought he’d fallen in love, none was as close to him as this little rat who loved him without reserve. <x-tab>        </x-tab>I don’t hate him anymore, Boots. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Oh Master, thank you.  I hope we get out of here soon.  I don’t like this place. <x-tab>        </x-tab>I don’t like it either, Boots.  And I hope we get out soon too.  Just trust in me and we’ll do it. <x-tab>        </x-tab>I always have, Master. <x-tab>        </x-tab>I know, Boots.  I love you my little one. <x-tab>        </x-tab>And I you, Master!  Boots rubbed his little nose against Hugo’s cheek and the man laughed faintly. <x-tab>        </x-tab>But the laugh died when he heard the outer door to his hall screech open.  Somebody came through dragging a wooden stool across the stone hall.  When they stopped in front of his door, he could see through the little slit that it was Demarest.  He couldn’t see much more of him than his face, but that was enough to make Hugo’s blood run cold with fright. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Hugo,” Demarest began in a cold, lifeless tone, “I trusted you.  I entrusted you with helping me manage the many in my employ and even sponsored your entry into the Guild.  And this is how you return my trust?  You use my own resources for a personal mission to kill a Questioner.  Yes, he was insufferable, but he provided valuable information to us that we could not have obtained on our own.  Further, you’ve brought shame and embarrassment to the Guild.  The King is furious at this diplomatic breach.  Why did you do it?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Hugo lowered his eyes. “I hated him, Master.  The law is clear, or so I thought, no Questioner may enter Marigund on pain of death.  The Caial was not doing its job, so I took it upon myself.  I recruited Diomedra because I knew she hated them as much as I did.  I used Cornuelius to circumvent Akaleth’s light powers after hearing of his demonstration.  It was my plan and my intention that brought this shame upon us.  Let me suffer for it.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Demarest grunted, but his voice lost none of its venom. “That is not entirely up to me.  But, what I can assure you, Hugo, is that you will not be in my employ any longer.  I cannot trust you.  It agonizes me, because I loved you as a son.  You betrayed me, Hugo.  And for what?  To kill a man who’d done nothing; and you failed at that.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I’m glad I did,” Hugo said softly. <x-tab>        </x-tab>But the head of the Mage Guild heard him. “We all are.  If you had succeeded, we might have riots on our hands right now.  As it is, rumours and tales are spreading, but thankfully that is all.  This is being explained as an attempted murder, which it was.  But the King insists that those responsible be punished severely.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Hugo gently stroked Boots down his back. “Is there any hope that my life will be spared?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“You forfeited your life when you tried to kill the Questioner.  You should know that.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“It’s not for my sake that I ask.  I worry about Boots.  I don’t want him to die too.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Demarest rolled his eyes and stood up. “Your life is out of my hands, Hugo.  And no matter what the Caial decides to do, I expect you will be out of the Guild too.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>The guildmaster turned to leave.  Hugo felt tears come to his eyes.  “I’m sorry.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I know.” There was a long pause followed by a sigh. “And maybe that will be enough.  Good bye.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Hugo cradled Boots close as Demarest dragged the stool back out into the hall. ---------- <x-tab>         </x-tab>“Well, well,” a voice with authority said just outside Sir Czestadt’s cell. “So you’re the one who can manipulate swords.  I never expected to meet you like this.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Sir Czestadt lifted his head and stood, crossing his arms before him. “And who you are?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Captain Heyland.  We met briefly last night when I brought you in.  I’ve been left in charge of deciding how to proceed in your cases.  I must tell you that nobody is happy right now.  To bring complete satisfaction to the city, I ought behead all of you.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I’ve never before beheaded been,” Czestadt said through gritted teeth. “Just use a sword.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Heyland laughed, but not in a vicious sort of way. “And I’ve been told that you heal any sword wound inflicted on you.  It’s almost curious to see if you’d heal a beheading too.  But that is what I would do if I were to satisfy all of the crowds.  I don’t do that.  Justice and seeing that people are punished only for the crimes they committed.  And so far as I can tell, you have not committed any crimes worthy of death.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“That is reassuring.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“But you did fail to report the kidnapping and tried to circumvent the Caial.  That cannot be ignored.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Czestadt grunted and rolled his eyes. “Would anything you have done?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“My duty!” Heyland snapped with far less humour. “You may not believe it but some of us here in Marigund do believe in doing our duty.  We Caial must especially be neutral.  The man who tried to kill your charge ere you came into the city has been demoted to cleaning refuse from the slums.” When Czestadt made no reply, Heyland continued in his officer’s voice. “You are going to be sent from the city today and you will not be allowed to return.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>That suited him just fine.  He expected they knew that so made no objection. “And my charge, Father Akaleth?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“He committed no crime that we can determine.  Unless we learn otherwise, he will be free to go where he wills; within reason.  He will be strongly encouraged to leave Marigund, but I doubt that will bother overmuch.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Thank you,” Czestadt replied with a breath of relief. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Heyland turned to one side. “Now I have other duties.  I expect we’ll have this wrapped up by noon.  We’ll escort you from the city then.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Until noon.” Czestadt sat back down to wait.  Heyland lingered a moment longer before leaving the knight to his contemplations. ---------- <x-tab>         </x-tab>Diomedra’s head ached.  She wanted to wring that blind man’s neck but knew she was in far worse trouble.  She’d be lucky enough to save her own neck.  Everything had gone wrong in the worst possible way.  She’d decided, after finally waking up in a magically warded cell, to do as Hugo asked and lay the blame on his shoulders.  Advancement in the guild was out of the question now. Guild membership alone might have been squandered if they were angry enough at her.  Best to wait and see just how angry they really were. <x-tab>        </x-tab>The Caial captain had come not long after she’d woken and she’d emphasized her reluctance to take part in Hugo’s conspiracy, but that her affection for Hugo had overridden her better judgment.  But after she’d been left alone for what felt hours.  So when the door to her hall opened, she stood eagerly, rubbing her head to emphasize her pains, wondering who it was. <x-tab>        </x-tab> “Diomedra,” Demarest’s voice was even, neither angry nor glad. “How could you have done this to us?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I didn’t plan for any of this to come out like this.  I listened to Hugo who assured me that it was the right thing to do and that none would ever know.  I should have told you earlier.  I’m sorry.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Demarest shook his head and crossed his arms, grey eyes hardening. “Diomedra.  I know you’re lying to me.  I know Hugo is just trying to protect you because of his sense of guilt.  That I can respect, even if I can never trust him again.  But you... you were entrusted with many secrets and much authority.  And now you lie to me.  I’d hoped you’d be wiser than that.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I’m not lying!” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Demarest’s face went stone cold and he snapped like a whip. “Stop it.  I know it, Diomedra!  I know it.  You wanted this Questioner dead and were willing to break any law of Marigund in order to do it.  You’ve shamed the guild and me.  Had you told me the truth, I would have interceded for you.  Now... I’m going to let the Caial do whatever they wish.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Diomedra felt her blood run cold.  She dropped to her knees and trembled. “Please, Master!  Don’t let them kill me.  I was only trying to do what I thought was right!  I’m sorry!  Please!” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Good bye.” Demarest said by way of reply.  She continued to beg, crying out in fear, all the way untilh e shut the door behind him.  She screamed a vile epithet of rage, beat the cell door with her fists, and crumpled to the floor to weep in fury. ---------- <x-tab>         </x-tab>Father Akaleth spent most of his day in prayer.  The cell was actually bigger than what he’d lived in at the Questioner Temple in Yesulam and felt amused at the extravagance.  That morning he’d explained what he knew to the Caial Captain and since then had seen nobody.  From the way the light moved along the cell floor he judged it to be roughly noon by the time two pairs of steps came down the hall to his cell.  He glanced up when he heard a key fitted into the door.  It groaned as it swung inward. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Beyond stood Cardinal Bertu and the Captain Heyland.  The red-haired Cardinal was genuinely smiling, while the captain appeared somewhat relieved. “Well,” he stated, “we find you guilty of no crime, and so we release you into Cardinal Bertu’s care.  We strongly suggest you leave the city as soon as possible.  Both your companions Kashin and Czestadt will be escorted out of the city under armed guard, but you can rejoin them there.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Thank you, Captain.  And their things?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“You can bring them to them.  It has to at least look like we’ve inconvenienced them.” He shook his head. “I never thought I’d be letting a Questioner go free.  Did you really heal that mage’s rat?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Akaleth blushed somewhat and nodded. “Well, not so much I, but Eli choose to use me as His instrument of healing.  I did not understand until I saw the man confess.  His heart changed in that moment.  How often do hearts truly change, Captain?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>The question made Heyland frown. “I’ve seen a lot of people come in and out of these cells, Father.  I don’t often see them have a change of heart.  It’s rare.  Far too rare.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Akaleth rose to his feet and left the cell behind.  Bertu clasped him on the shoulder and guided him toward the end of the hall where freedom awaited.  Akaleth paused and turned back to the captain. “And what of him?  What are you going to do with him?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Heyland’s moue deepened. “Since he confessed, and it was judged attempted murder and not murder itself, we have decided to be lenient.  Flogging followed by exile.  Not permanently, but long enough that most will have forgotten his face by the time he returns.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Again, he wasn’t quite sure why, but the Questioner said, “If he is to be exiled, I would like him to be in my care.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Both Bertu and Heyland stammered in shock. “Your care?” the Captain managed. “He tried to kill you.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“And is sorry for it.  I forgive him.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“He is a committed Rebuilder and will not want to travel in the company of Followers,” Heyland pointed out.  Bertu just watched with a very curious expression. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Akaleth spread his hands wide. “Then we shall have some very interesting discussions during our travels together.  If it will appease your sense of justice, consider this a portion of his punishment.  I suggest cutting the number of strokes by half and replacing it with the condition that he is to be in my care during the term of his exile.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“It’s a three year exile!” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Then his skin will be quite browned by the time he returns.  That should keep him from being recognized.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Heyland opened his mouth to object, closed it and shook his head.  He turned to the Cardinal and asked, “What do you think, your eminence?” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Bertu shrugged his shoulders. “I have not always found Father Akaleth’s counsel to be wise.  But in my few days of knowing him, I know it is also fruitless to argue with him when he sets his mind on something.  I suggest you change your sentence.  If Eli worked a miracle through Akaleth to save the man’s rat, then perhaps there is no better friend he could have during his exile.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Heyland let out a long sigh and with a heavenward look surrendered. “So be it then!  He and his rat are yours, Father!  You’ll have to leave today.  The flogging is in an hour at the grand square.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Akaleth lifted an eyebrow. “The alacrity of your justice is rather frightening.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Heyland’s frown darkened. “It has to be.  It’s the only way to keep the city safe.  And once you and your friends are gone, things will return to normal and this nonsense will be behind us.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Akaleth opened his mouth to argue but closed it when Bertu gave him a very withering stare.  Together, the three of them left the cells behind and headed toward their unexpected fortunes. ---------- <x-tab>         </x-tab>A dozen soldiers with Captain Heyland at the command escorted Kashin and Czestadt toward the Dawn gate.  The choice to travel through the main Follower district had been an easy one, as was the decision not to shackle the two.  Not a one of the guards carried a sword.  Spear points were kept at their backs, though only a few of them were held tightly. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Along the street watched the city-folk, eyes wary and questions murmuring behind hands.  Several children ran into the street to say hello to Kashin.  Their parents called them back to no avail.  Kashin patted each on the head and bade them return with a warm smile and tender eye. <x-tab>        </x-tab>They met no resistance, and once out the massive gates, felt a warm breeze bending the grasses and racing over the hills.  The caravansary thronging the road was quiet.  At the far end a familiar carriage draped in brown canvas waited, a pair of horses readied, each held by in place by familiar faces. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kashin wasn’t sure what to think but did his best to smile. “Mistress Lumas, Sir Rivers, I see you’ve readied our carriage.  Thank you.” <x-tab>        </x-tab> Elizabeth’s expression was polite but sour. “As a parting gesture, and as our way of apologizing for Hugo and Diomedra’s treachery, we’ve also replenished your supplies.  You should have enough for two, three weeks if you manage it well enough.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“You have our gratitude,” Kashin replied with a slight bow and his sole hand pressed to his heart. “I do express my sorrow and apologies for the contentiousness of our visit.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Sir Rivers chuckled at that and shook his head.  The smile he bore did not appear sarcastic, but almost sympathetic.  Coming from the man who hadn’t even wanted to look at them when they’d first arrived discommoded them both. “Your visit has proved one of the most entertaining two days I can remember in many years.  I do so wish I could have discovered if your swords are as sharp as your tongues!” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Sir Czestadt lifted an eyebrow and Elizabeth glowered at her fellow mage.  In even tones, she reproved, “It was quite a bit more contentious than it should have been.  And you were no help at all, Alex, need I remind you.” She then held up her hands and closed her eyes. “But enough of that.  Let us leave in peace and leave it at that.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“I agree,” Kashin said with a warm smile. “I do hope that the information we brought was valuable to you.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Very much,” Sir Rivers crowed with delight. “More than you could imagine.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Kashin wasn’t sure if that was meant to be a barb or not.  He choose to ignore it. “Good.  Then no matter what else, our purpose here has been fulfilled.  When Father Akaleth joins us we will be off and not to return.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Back to Yesulam?” Elizabeth asked. <x-tab>        </x-tab>“By a circuitous route,” he replied with a gentle laugh. “We have one other duty to tend, but it is not for you to concern yourself with.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Her face was inscrutable for a moment but she eventually nodded politely. “Of course.  May your journeys be swift and safe and far from Marigund.” With that she started past them toward the soldiers still lurking behind the two foreigners. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Sir Rivers lingered a moment longer, his eyes glancing at the various detritus, farm implements, broken wheels, and other leavings that littered the grounds.  He grinned, eyes returning to Sir Czestadt.  He took a few steps, and gestured with one hand at his sword. “I do still wonder how you would have fared with that,” he raised his arms high and all bit of rusted metal and broken wood lifted into the air behind him, “against this.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>Elizabeth glanced over her shoulders and then rolled her eyes.  With a firm shake of her head and set of her shoulders she marched back to Marigund.  Kashin noted the floating debris with a lifted eyebrow as he continued on his way to the carriage.  One of the horses turned a head toward him eagerly and he gently stroked it across the face and ears. <x-tab>        </x-tab>Sir Czestadt, for whom the show was meant, crossed his arms and made a point of noting every one of the objects that Sir Rivers had lifted with his magic.  Then he returned his gaze to the mage and nodded in apparent surprise. “A close fight it would be.” <x-tab>        </x-tab>“Aye,” Sir Rivers said, frowning a bit.  All of the debris crashed to the ground and new splinters scattered about. “It would be.” He turned stiffly and marched after Elizabeth.  Czestadt smiled and joined his friend at their carriage.  Neither said a word. ---------- May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias !DSPAM:4c97e936230701804284693! </body> </html>