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      Copyright (c) 1992, 1993 Charles Tryon / All Rights Reserved
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            T h e   T o w e r s

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10:  A Time for Rest

   GreyEagle awoke the next morning to a loud knock on the door.
"Breakfast awaits you.  Your presence is requested immediately."  In spite
of the rude awakening, she felt strangely refreshed, as if a thunder storm
had passed during the night, leaving the air cleansed and renewed.
Suddenly, the memory of the previous night flooded over her.  What a storm
it had been!
   She looked down at her hand to discover that she was still clutching a
note.  She quickly opened it up and read:


       Sleep well, my love, you deserve the rest.  I must go but I
    will return tomorrow night to continue our discussion.  It will be
    late again, but to come to you any earlier could put you into
    unnecessary danger as well as cause resentment on the part of
    others in the group.

                                           Till I see you again.

                                           Yours,
                                            Schimray


   A deep quietness filled her being.  The forces of the world whirled
around her in a mad vortex, but she stood at peace at its center.  She
carefully refolded the note and placed it into the small pouch which still
hid the first note which she had received from Schimray, by now worn from
the number of times which she had read it over and again.
   A basin and pitcher stood on the small table by the window.  She poured
out some of the cold water into the basin and splashed it over her face to
wash away the sleepiness.  As she quickly dressed, she could hear the
others walking down the hall outside her door, muttering as they went.
She didn't care.  This was a new day, and she was glad to face it.
   She paused a moment as she combed out her hair, remembering the events
over supper the night before.  Had it really been only yesterday she asked
herself, slowly shaking her head.  Schimray had not been pleased with the
group when she had spoken with him last night, and she wondered what he
would say to them, or if he might have even spoken to some already.  She
hurriedly braided her hair and dashed out of her door, stopping just long
enough to lock it behind her.
   As she came down into the commons room of the inn, her eyes opened wide
at the sight of the immense breakfast which had been set out for them.
The largest table in the inn was completely taken up with food.  There
were pitchers filled both with cold water and a clear light wine.
Schimray sat at the head of the table, with his back turned towards her as
she approached the table.  Most of the others, including Recuahc, were
already seated there, but there was still a chair next to Schimray, and
she paused a moment before taking it.  What would the others think?  She
had an idea about the rumors which they were already spreading about her
relationship with Schimray.  Oh well.  No bother!  She felt ready for
anything right now.  Let them think what they will, she thought as she sat
herself next to Schimray.
   She looked hesitantly into his face, almost expecting to see him back
as his old appearance.  However, he looked the same now as he had appeared
to her last night.  It was somehow comforting to not have him changing
back and forth, but yet, she was just a bit disappointed.  Last night, it
was as if his change had been something just for her, a special secret not
to be shared with the others.  She shrugged.  There were other things to
be concerned with at the moment, and her stomach would not let her ignore
them.  She looked at Recuahc sitting across from her, and smiled as she
lifted her glass of wine to him.  He returned the gesture and smiled
broadly.  He seemed like a pleasant fellow.
   Some time after all the others were seated and eating, Sucaba came down
from his room.  As she watched him approach, GreyEagle thought he looked
troubled.  He quietly moved to take the chair on the other side of
Schimray.
   The others began to ask questions of Schimray, both about what had
happened to him since they had seen him last night and about their next
task, but he would say nothing.  Instead, he just waved towards the food
and continued to eat.  There was plenty enough food there to satisfy even
a dwarf, GreyEagle thought with a smile as she looked over at Ormec, who
was happily stuffing food into his mouth.  Silence prevailed for a long
time as they enjoyed the meal set before them.  After a while though, they
all began to excitedly talk about the coming journey and what they
expected to find.  All, that is, except GreyEagle.  She ate in a peaceful
silence, enjoying this chance to be next to Schimray.
   At last, Schimray finished his meal and drained the last of his mug.
"No better way to make a fresh start than on a full stomach," he said,
motioning for a refill.  He drained the mug once again and let out a
contented sigh as he leaned back in his chair.  After a moment, he slowly
pushed back his chair and stood to his feet.  However, his face had become
stern as granite now as he cleared his throat loudly.  The chatter at the
table suddenly dropped to a hushed silence as each looked up to see what
Schimray would say.
   "First, I believe that there is some business we need to clear up," he
said stiffly.  "Your childish behavior of last night has deeply
disappointed me.  I expect better of you."  GreyEagle shrank deeper into
her chair as he spoke and her ears started to burn.  "It is unfortunate
that greed has a way of bringing out the worst in people.  However, I tell
you now that I expect to never again be embarrassed by you in this inn."
He paused, and his gaze slowly circled the table.  Each in turn wilted
under its intensity.  Only the silent mage seemed un-phased, coolly
returning Schimray's gaze as if nothing had happened.  After a time
Schimray continued.  "It took some fast talking and not a few coins to
prevent all of you from being thrown out last night."
   "Allow me to clarify a few points for you.  The dragon Horton is no
longer merely a flying steed for Sucaba.  He is in fact a full-blooded
dragon, with ties of friendship to Sucaba.  He desires to gain enough
treasure to attract a mate and start a lair.  He will be allowed to speak
for himself later though, and you all will be able to decide if he will
make a useful member.  If you should refuse him, however, I doubt he will
stay to assist you, though I am sure he will continue his friendship with
Sucaba."
   GreyEagle looked down at her plate and poked nervously at the food
there.  The embarrassment burned in her cheeks and ears.  She glanced up
at Sucaba to find that he too was squirming under the pressure of
Schimray's words, and had turned his eyes away from those at the table in
an effort to hide his fierce anger.
   "The rat friend of the silent one caused more than his share of trouble
last night," Schimray added, looking directly at the silent mage.  "If it
cannot remain unseen and unheard in the inn, then it will be disposed of.
Rats, even talking ones, are not looked on kindly by the inspectors, and
just the rumor of one will scare off paying customers.  In case you are
wondering, dragons are not welcomed inside either, which is why Horton has
remained outside."
   "I believe that you have already met Recuahc.  I have invited him here
to join you in your quest.  He has skills which I think you will find
useful.  I have made him the same offer which I made to all of you, and I
expect you to allow him accompany you on your next task to prove his
worth."  Schimray's voice became a low rumble.  "Including anyone or
anything else is up to you, but there will be an end to this bickering, or
I will find others to carry through these tasks.  In the past, perhaps you
could allow your petty prejudices to interfere with your work, but no
longer.  If you cannot live with this, then you are free to leave --
now."  Schimray paused, looking at each face, and an oppressive silence
hung over the table.
   When no one spoke up, he continued.  "I gather by your response that
you all understand me now and are in agreement."  Schimray's voice dropped
almost to a whisper.  "Remember that my master sees and hears much that
you do not know of, and he has not been pleased.  You will learn to put
your greed aside for the time, or suffer the consequences." With this,
Schimray sat down.
   The table was quiet for a long moment.  Finally, Sucaba cleared his
throat.  "I feel I have failed you, Schimray," he began.  "You asked me to
lead this group.  Apparently, I have not been forceful enough in my
leadership.  I ask you now, am I indeed leader of this group?  If not, let
us name one."
   Schimray considered Sucaba carefully for a long moment.  "Yes, Sucaba,"
he said finally, "I asked you to lead this group and I will not change
that decision now.  I believe you have the greatest experience in this
area and I am sure of your desire to succeed.  You will remain in this
position for the duration of your quest."
   Sucaba breathed a deep sigh and a change seemed to come over him.  He
stood and faced the group.  "You have heard that Schimray has affirmed his
choice of me as leader of this group, and I will not fail him again by
letting group concerns get out of control."  He glanced briefly back at
Schimray before continuing.  "I have made some decisions.  Horton will
receive one full share of any treasure which we find.  If Raal will prove
himself as being more than a simple braggart, then he too will be awarded
a share.  The amount of his share, be it full or paltry, will be based on
his contributions.  I still do not believe him to be worthy, but I make
this concession for the sake of the mission.  Recuahc will be accepted as
a full member of the group.  None of us had a proving period, thus neither
shall he."
   GreyEagle cringed in her chair, and she wished for something to hide
behind.  She knew that the others would not receive Sucaba's new attitude
well, but it might be that the change was necessary.  She watched the
silent mage carefully for his reaction.  His careless smirk turned into a
dark frown as he looked around at the others at the table, but when no one
else objected to Sucaba's pronouncements, he leaned back in his chair and
slowly nodded his head.  Sucaba sat back down and Schimray gave him a
nod.
   "I have no further questions," Trouble said as he pushed back his
chair.  He stood to his feet and headed for the bar where the innkeeper
stood.  The conversation slowly began to pick up at the table again.
Recuahc took the opportunity to walk around the table to try and become
acquainted with the others there.
   Schimray leaned back in his chair and waved to a pretty serving girl.
"A refill if you please, my dear," he asked her, "and refills for the
others as well if they so desire."  He pressed something into her hand and
she smiled broadly at him and nodded.
   "Right away, good sir," she said breathlessly.  "Anything else?"
Schimray hesitated a moment as he looked into her eyes, but then he shook
his head and the girl hurried off to do his bidding.  A quick flush of
jealousy caused GreyEagle's face to turn red for just a moment, but she
looked away to regain control of herself.  Looking back at him quickly,
GreyEagle noticed a quick, sly grin, and she realized that he was playing
games with her.  She knew that she could not let her heart make her into a
blind fool, she thought as she bit her lip.  She should not try to imagine
that Schimray was something different from what he was.  She tried to push
the incident out of her mind, but the sting remained.
   Trouble returned to the table when he saw Recuahc introducing himself
to the others.  "In what skills have you been trained, stranger?" he
asked.  "It should be plain for you to see that I am a mage, though not of
the variety which depends upon animals to do my work," he added with a
smirk.
   "I find ways of making myself useful," he replied with a smirk.  "I
know a little of how to handle a sword, but I have found that there are
often other ways to reach one's goal."
   "Well, hello Recuahc," Conrad said, his face sour.  "Since boss-man has
told me what is ok, I suppose that you're a regular member of the party."
He looked up at the tall young man and the keen sparkle quickly returned
to his eyes.  "It is good to see another tall fellow around.  It helps to
keep me obscured."  He pushed back from the table.  "Well, gotta run.  I
need to get some practice in with the new bow I bought.  I'm sure that
with our three new fellows we will be more than adequately prepared to
handle any sticky situation we find ourselves in."
   GreyEagle was amused at Conrad's sarcasm.  "Where would we be without
Conrad?"  With a smile, she lifted her glass to toast him as he scurried
out the door of the inn.  She turned to Recuahc.  "Pray forgive me for my
impoliteness last night in not speaking to you," she said, blushing.  "My
heart was heavy with the weight of many burdens, some of which have just
now been lifted.  I look forward to speaking with you more."
   "Do not let it trouble you," he said, waving aside her excuses.  "I am
only glad to be of service to you."  He looked carefully at her sword.
"It is not often that I have an opportunity to meet a woman who bears a
sword."
   GreyEagle smiled.  "I am sure that you will have opportunity to test
its mettle as we travel.  Do not be hasty to judge a package by its
exterior."  Recuahc backed up a step, but when he caught the sparkle in
GreyEagle's eye, he smiled back.
   "Oh, I am sure of it," he said, still a little hesitant.  "In fact, I
look forward to it.  I too know that things are not always as they
appear." With a nod, he continued on around the table, chatting and
getting to know the others in the group.
   As the others were finishing their breakfast and preparing to leave for
their various activities of the day, Ormec quietly approached GreyEagle.
"My lady, may I speak with you for a moment please."  She looked up at the
dwarf, and saw a troubled look in his eyes.  She wondered what could be on
his mind that would concern her, but she quickly nodded her head and rose
to follow him a short distance from the others.
   When they are out of earshot, he turned to her.  "I am becoming
suspicious of several in our group but I believe I can trust you."
   "I thank you for your confidence," she replied with a smile.  She
appreciated Ormec.  He was not surrounded by such a cloak of secrecy as
some of the others, and his openness was refreshing at times.  At this
moment though, Ormec's face was dark with concern.
   "At first when Sucaba proposed his Dragon's status in our group be
elevated to equal ours, I was hesitant," he said thoughtfully, "but I
thought that, if the creature would talk to us directly, I would be able
to see what was in its heart.  After the incident with the rat however, I
started to think a little deeper about the situation.  I know little of
dragonkind and what I have heard has not been at all good.  What are we
getting ourselves into?  What do you know of dragons?"
   GreyEagle sighed.  "Unfortunately, very little, other than what I have
seen of Horton," she told him.  "The silent mage spoke of them with great
scorn, though I am hesitant to believe anything he says, or rather what
that cursed rat says."  She shuddered.  "I do not trust Sucaba and the
dragon, yet I truly fear the silent mage.  I think I would rather have the
dragon than the rat."
   Ormec's face turned red.  "I will not abide the rat being treated as a
party member under any circumstance," he said emphatically.  "But I am
afraid that if we take the dragon, we must also take the rat."
   "I fear we are caught between a rock and a hard place," GreyEagle
scowled.  "We cannot go on without the mages, in spite of your great
skills in battle.  We fighters alone are no match for the powers which I
fear we will face.  I would rather loose out on a few treasures than loose
my life.  I have but one of those."
   Ormec pulled on his beard thoughtfully.  "We would be in sore trouble
were the dragon to suddenly decide to turn on us."
   GreyEagle sighed.  "I am afraid I have no good answers, Ormec."
   "In any case, I need to know more about dragons.  Surely in a city this
size many people must have answers to my questions."  He considered a
moment.  "I will spend the day seeking someone with reliable knowledge in
this area."  He glanced back at the others still at the table.  "Do not
tell anyone of my plans," he added quickly.  "If they ask, tell them I did
not let you know what I would be doing today.  If anyone wants to know
what we've been talking about, tell them that I am upset about how little
regard the others had for the welfare of the ones we saved at the tower.
This much at least is true."
   GreyEagle nodded.  "You may trust me."
   Ormec turned to leave, but then turned back to her and said in a much
louder whisper, "Thank you.  I'm sure we did the right thing taking them
along."  He glanced back at the others, and then turned again to leave.
Pausing at the door, he looked back once before he hurried off.
   That afternoon, GreyEagle went out for a walk through the streets of
the city.  She was concerned about Sucaba's new attitude, and the way he
now was asserting his authority over the group.  She was still surprised
that Schimray had made no move to hold him back, but then Schimray seemed
to know more than he was letting on.  He had said to her before that he
trusted Sucaba to lead the group, but then he did not have to deal with
him on a day to day basis as she did.  Sucaba had said at dinner that the
decision to bring along the prisoners had been a group one, but at the
time she had not been convinced of his support.  Too, she was confused by
the turn in the relationship between the mage and the dragon, and wondered
what Sucaba might still be hiding from them.
   At that moment, she turned a corner around a building and noticed
Sucaba up ahead of her, walking down the street by himself.  She picked up
her pace and caught up with him.
   "Sucaba, may I talk with you a moment?" she asked when she had come up
along side of him.  Sucaba slowed his pace only slightly, and continued to
look straight forward.
   "Yes," he said impatiently.  "What is it that you want?"
   GreyEagle hesitated for a moment, nervous about speaking to Sucaba
without the presence of the others to back her up.  "Sucaba, I want to
thank you for sticking up for me last night.  Sometimes I feel terribly
alone in the group in the midst of powerful and often conflicting forces."
   Sucaba nodded as he walked.  "The silent one does not seek to serve
Schimray," he said angrily.  "We must not allow him to foil our mission."
He looked straight ahead, deep in his own thoughts.
   GreyEagle suddenly stepped in front of Sucaba and turned so that he
almost ran into her.  She looked him squarely in the eyes.  "Sucaba," she
said fiercely, "I tell you now that I do not trust you, yet somehow there
is a bond between you and I.  We each have our own motivations, both very
different, but I sense that somehow it is you and I who are most strongly
committed to serving Schimray's interests.  It troubles me that I have no
idea of the character of Schimray's master, or who he is, but I trust
Schimray."  She paused a heartbeat.  Did she really trust Schimray?  She
had no time now to consider that thought, so she went on.  "Conrad and
Ormec are brave fighters, true, and the party has need of them, but it
still seems that they serve their own interests first.  It is they who
wanted to hold on to the star, though it meant nothing to them other than
a measly pile of gold pieces.  You, who might even have been able to
unlock its power by your arts, you were willing to give it up.  The silent
mage is clearly hungry to control the group, and sometimes I am afraid to
even turn my back to him."  Sucaba stared at her impassively as she
spoke.  She went on.
   "I do not claim to be your equal Sucaba, for your powers are beyond my
understanding, but we must be honest with each other.  If there is to be
dissent in the group, then we may have to stand with each other.  I
suspect that the silent one will continue to try to draw the allegiances
of the others to himself, in order to accomplish his own ends.  Schimray
is powerful, to be sure, and is not afraid of the silent mage, but he will
need us to be his eyes and ears."
   Sucaba nodded.  "We are indeed Schimray's eyes and ears.  If we do what
is required, and keep Schimray informed, our destinies will be fulfilled."
   They began to walk again.  "I think that it is important to include
your dragon in dividing the shares of treasure," GreyEagle said.  "He is
an important member of the group, and will become more so as we face more
powerful foes in the towers yet to come.  I am concerned though about his
nature, as things between you and he seem to have changed." She watched
Sucaba carefully to see if his face betrayed any emotion, but he said
nothing, and continued to look straight ahead.  "I would be sorely
disappointed if you were to leave the group over this argument, Sucaba."
   They walked in silence for a while through the streets, each absorbed
in his or her own thoughts.  Finally, GreyEagle turned to Sucaba again.
"I do not know what will become of this.  You and I are as different as
oil and water.  Yet I had this on my heart to tell you.  We may be glad of
it some time in the future."  With that, she turned from him and walked
away.


   GreyEagle continued to walk through the city.  When she had come here
more than a month ago, she had not had an opportunity to look around much,
as she had been preoccupied looking for work.  Now however, she needed to
clear her mind, so she wandered.  Arabel was a mid-sized, fortified
merchant city, with businesses packed into every crack and crevice.
GreyEagle walked by the government buildings there, as well as many of the
small guard houses built into the city walls.  As she stood at one point
on the wall, she could see the trading posts of many merchant companies
just outside the city walls.  Probably placed there to avoid paying city
taxes, she thought with a smile.
   It was early summer, and the sun beat on the streets, pushing up waves
of heat which reminded GreyEagle uncomfortably of the heat of the
Anauroch.  She wanted to find her way out of the city quickly, to walk in
the cool of the woods and fields.  She followed along the wall until she
found the main gate and passed through to the fields outside the city.
   As she walked, the incident with Schimray and the serving girl would
not leave her mind.  It was just being silly, she thought, getting upset
over a meaningless word, look, smile.  Yet her heart still skipped a beat
when she thought about it.  Could she trust Schimray while she was gone
far away, searching out distant towers?  When it came to the towers and
their mission to find and clear them out, she trusted Schimray completely,
but in her relationship with him, she was still unsure.  It had all
happened so fast, and to be honest, with a rather rude beginning.  Her
mind and emotions were still spinning from the suddenness of it all.
   Words are so cheap, she thought angrily!  Anyone can whisper sweet
words in your ear.  What had Schimray actually done to prove his love for
her?  Probably more than she knew about, she thought with a sigh.  In a
sense, that was an indication of his love.  She still suspected he had
used some magic to protect her against that spear thrown by the kobold,
perhaps enchanting her armor, or through the amulet.  With the extent of
his powers, she knew nothing of how much that magic had cost him, but to
do it without boasting or show, that was a cost.  Had he done it merely to
impress her, he would have surely made a great deal over it, with great
fireworks to dazzle her eyes.  His silence spoke far more than any of his
words had, as sweet and kind as they had been.
   GreyEagle sighed as she walked.  She could still feel the strength of
his arms around her, and it made her giddy.  She closed her eyes, holding
on to the memory in her mind -- and almost walked into a tree.  As she
stumbled, she laughed at her own foolishness, and it struck her how long
it had been since she had really been able to laugh like that -- free and
easy.  What had made her bare her soul to Schimray last night?  The dark
secret had hidden deep within her soul for so long.  So well had it been
wrapped in its cloak of fear and darkness that it had eluded even her own
consciousness.  She thought back to her first evening with Schimray.  Even
then the dark secret had struck out at her, throwing her from Schimray's
grasp and dashing her emotions to the ground so that they had shattered
like a fragile glass ornament.  Even then she had not recognized its
source.  Well, she thought, spinning around in circles in the sun soaked
grass, never again will it haunt me!  I have given the demon to Schimray,
and he has destroyed it!
   She tumbled to the ground, dizzy from her dancing, and lay on her back
looking up into the sky as it continued to spin around her.  She shut her
eyes tightly, resting until the world around her slowly coasted to a
standstill.  Rolling over onto her stomach, she saw an anthill near by,
and she watched as its inhabitants scurried in and out of the ground.  Oh
little ants, she thought, you are so busy at building your little world.
You know nothing of demons and ogres and dragons -- and magical talking
rats.  Sometimes I wish I could be like you.  I once was, you know.  She
thought back to her days of tending sheep.  She had laid in the grass
then, just as she did now, watching the flocks from the top of a hill.
There had been nothing more dangerous in her world then than a bear or
wolf, or perhaps a thug or two, come to steal from the flock.  Life was
different now, and those days would never return.  She sighed as she stood
slowly to her feet.
   What should she do with Schimray?  That was still the question.  She
walked on for a while, the emotions tossing her heart back and forth.  She
saw how the others in the group slept with the wenches at the inn.  It was
entertainment for then.  Schimray had probably slept with some of those
same wenches too, perhaps the same girl she had seen this morning, and the
thought stung her heart deeply.  Would she be able to be different from
the ladies of the inn?
   Suddenly, her mind was made up.  She stood looking back at the city and
its protecting walls.  This was how Schimray would prove his love for
her.  If he could love her without taking her to bed, if his heart didn't
grow cold for lack of patience, then and only then she would be his, mind,
body and soul.
   Somehow the decision brought strength and clarity to her sight.  She
was risking loosing Schimray she knew, and she had to bite her lip to
fight down the fear of the loss, but it was the only way that she could
know if she was more than just an amusing entertainment to him, a
plaything to be tossed aside when some other newer and brighter plaything
came along.  She would show him her love in other ways she thought, but
the line had been drawn.  The memory of that dark night years ago, while
lacking its cloak of fear and dread, still stood as a warning to her.
   She went on with her walk, able to enjoy the grass and trees around her
now that her mind was clear.  It will mean waiting, but now she had
something to look forward to.  She knew that she could not tell Schimray,
or he would think it was nothing more than a game of cat and mouse which
she played.  But when next she would return to this city, if he still
waited for her, then he would have her.
   That is, if I return.
   GreyEagle looked forward with great anticipation to Schimray's visit
that evening.  It was late in the evening when the soft knock finally came
at the door, and she cautiously grabbed her dagger before answering it.
She carefully opened the door just a crack to look through.  Seeing that
it was Schimray, she quickly opened the door the rest of the way to let
him in, laying the dagger down on a chest near the door.
   She had dressed again in the same light gown which she had worn the
evening before, but this time she had let her hair down and carefully
brushed it out.  It shone as it fell around her face, framing her dark
eyes and delicate features as she looked up into Schimray's eyes.  She
sighed and stepped towards him, wanting him to hold her close, and burying
her face in his chest.  As Schimray smelled her hair, a sweet fragrance
filled his nostrils.  She hesitated a heartbeat, and then swiftly reached
up to kiss him.  She did not let go for a long time.
   Releasing him, she pulled him towards the chair.  A bottle of wine
stood on the small table there, carefully selected for its smoothness, and
a pair of fine glasses.  She poured the wine and handed one glass to him.
"To our times together," she said as she lifted her glass to him.
   "And to your beauty," he replied.
   "You flatter me too much, I think," she said, blushing.
   Schimray looked hurt.  "You do not believe me?"
   "Forgive me.  I do not mean..." she hesitated.
   "You have a beauty that is rare beyond your imagination.  Do not
struggle so to hide it."
   She was not sure how to take his statement, so she just accepted it.
There were so many questions to ask, she thought as she sat down next to
him, but for now, she would be content with looking into his eyes.
   As they talked into the night, GreyEagle began to relax.  She told him
of the sky and the sun and the trees she had seen on her walk outside of
the town.  She was glad for his warmth, both of body and soul.  As the
night flew away though, her eyes became heavy, and her head began to
drop.  Once again, she fell asleep cradled in the security of his arms.
The look on her face as she slept was more that of a small child than a
hardened fighter.
   The next day, GreyEagle was sitting in the commons room of the inn
relaxing and listening to the tales of some of the other travelers who
were staying there when she saw Ormec come in, looking for Sucaba.  He
found him sitting in a darkened corner of the commons room of the inn with
his feet up on the table, deep in thought.  GreyEagle perked up her ears
as she saw the look on Ormec's face, remembering their discussion from the
day before.  Recuahc too had just wandered down from his room looking for
something to eat.  There was a light, almost comical spring in his step,
which contrasted oddly with the serious look on Ormec's face as he stood
opposite Sucaba.
   "Sucaba, I have been learning about dragons today," Ormec said, his
hands defiantly on his hips, "and what I found out troubles me deeply.
They are known for their evil natures, and are rarely to be trusted.  It
seems to me that the only reason there hasn't been trouble so far is that
your dragon has been under your command, but now you want it to be free to
do what it pleases.  I don't think so!  You will have to go a long way to
convince me that this is a good idea!"
   "Enough!"  Sucaba cried, throwing his hands in the air.  "As appointed
group leader I have made the decision on Horton and Raal's status.  This
discussion is over.  If you wish to continue on this mission, accept it
and move on."  Sucaba's features loosened some as he sat back, and his
voice sweetened.  "Ormec, you are a valuable asset to this mission.  Let
this issue be, and we will see how our two companions serve us.  I have
already told you that I have mislead you in the past, to humor my ego.
Horton has always been under his own control, ever since we first set
out.  It is only now that I have stepped forward as he no longer allows me
to maintain the deception.  His pride is as strong as mine, and will not
allow him to continue under the status of a simple mount.  I will not
revoke my decision now.  If, in the future, Horton proves unworthy, we can
discuss this issue again.  Schimray approves of my decision.  Let us not
incur his wrath again with this argument."
   Ormec frowned as he looked Sucaba in the eye.  "I am not asking you to
revoke your decision to include your dragon," he replied.  "Just convince
me that what I've learned is wrong.  You say simply that I should trust
you.  Well, that is not good enough for me!  Now as far as the rat is
concerned," he said, looking around to be sure that the silent mage was
not there, "I don't have to seek out the advice of a sage to know I don't
want to be partners with something so obviously deceitful.  I won't be in
a party where a talking rat who hides for weeks, unknown to us all, is
suddenly given equal status and put in a position of trust."
   "Is it not your place to judge Horton, or even Raal for that matter,"
Sucaba said soothingly, "at least not on this mission.  Each of us has
been chosen by Schimray to accomplish a task.  Our racial and social
backgrounds have no bearing on this.  If you question Horton's nature now,
why did you not question it when we began?  Mount or no mount, his nature
has not changed.  He has proven himself.  He has shown no ill will to the
party.  He serves Schimray, as we all do."
   Ormec fidgeted nervously as he looked around at the others there.  "I
do not like the way things are happening lately.  It makes me wonder if
everything is the way it seems."  He backed up a step, and then suddenly
turned and walked to the bar where he ordered a strong drink.  Sucaba rose
from his seat and followed Ormec, and for a while, the two spoke together
in hushed tones.  After a few moments of conversation, GreyEagle guessed
that they had come to some sort of agreement, as Sucaba offered a
handshake to the dwarf, who finally smiled and accepted it.  Whatever had
transpired between the two remained a mystery though, as Ormec quickly
turned and left the inn, and Sucaba would only smirk at her.
   "With all the hubbub about this dragon," Recuahc said, "I can't wait to
get a look at him."
   Sucaba walked over to him.  "You mentioned the dragon, Horton.  Would
you like to meet him?"  Recuahc's eyebrows raised in curiosity.  With a
quick smile in GreyEagle's direction, he rose and followed Sucaba out the
door.  GreyEagle almost rose to follow them, but then decided not to.
   That night, the knock came again at GreyEagle's door, and she opened it
quickly to let Schimray in.  She enjoyed these times with him as they
spoke together.  When he has there with her, she felt like she could
finally let down her guard.  With the others, she was always watching her
back, wondering what they might be whispering about or scheming.  Still,
there was one thing which troubled her, and she hung her head.
   "I know the others are jealous of my relationship with you.  They do
not speak of it to me directly, but I can tell it in the undertones of
their voices, and their looks when we are together.  I do not wish for our
love to serve as a wedge between myself and the others in the group."
Suddenly, she became angry.  "But why should they care, or why should I
worry about what they say?  Let them think what they will -- that I am a
common slut, or trying to get special favors out of you.  They know
nothing!"
   "Come now," Schimray said softly, "your words are brave, but your tears
tell me otherwise.  What they think of you is not important."  He
laughed.  "Can you imagine what they think of me?"  He became serious
again.  "If the truth be told, I believe that your own carefully
considered opinion of the others is less near to the truth that you would
like to imagine.  So what do you do?"
   "I don't know."
   "You have a task before you, do you not?  Is it more important than
what the others think?"
   GreyEagle shrugged.  "Yes, so I go on then, I guess."
   Schimray smiled and held out his hands to her.  "Is that such a
difficult lesson?"
   "Sometimes, yes."
   "No doubt, but one which comes with time."
   "But we have so little time," she sighed.
   "But you are a fast learner."
   "You make it sound so easy," she frowned.
   Schimray laughed again.  "Do not pout so, for it hides your lovely
smile, and that is what I have come to see, not your frowns.  I see enough
of long faces during the rest of the day."
   GreyEagle sighed and leaned her head on Schimray's shoulder.  She
longed to spend more time with him during the day.  Her walks brought such
peace to her, and she was sure that they would be able to soothe the
troubles in Schimray's soul, troubles which seemed to hang over him no
matter how hard he tried to conceal them.
   "Schimray, can you come with me during the day?  Oh, how I long for you
to walk with me, to share with you the joy of wood and field and
sunlight.  To meet with you during the night brings great joy and comfort,
but the secrecy brings with it an edge of darkness and fear always.  I
want to see you in the light of day, to drive away the darkness."
   Schimray shook his head.  "No, my dear, that is quite out of the
question.  I am not as concerned over the feelings of your group, although
I do not wish them to think badly of you.  No, it is for other reasons
that we can not be seen together.  I have powerful enemies who would think
nothing of destroying you if they thought you were important to me, and I
will not allow that.  In addition, I have much business to attend to
during the day, for while you are resting, I must prepare for you to leave
on your next task.  Sadly, I have no time for walks in the woods."  For a
moment, GreyEagle saw again in Schimray the hard, cynical man, but then he
caught her troubled look and smiled.  "You must take my walks for me my
love, and tell me about them at night."
   GreyEagle looked away.  "Schimray," she asked quietly, "why did you
fall in love with me?  Tell me honestly, for you know that my face cannot
rival those of the other women here.  Why do you give your love to me when
you know that there is such a risk?"
   Schimray gently turned her face around so that she was once again
looking into his eyes.  "Beauty that is only skin deep holds no interest
for me my dear," he said.  "I have had my share of pretty faces and empty
heads.  I seek a woman with whom I can talk, and who holds her own opinion
of things.  You are all those things and more.  What of the risk?  Nothing
in life comes easy.  I have found that the more I have to fight for
something the greater its personal worth.  Is that not true for you as
well?"  Schimray stroked her hair.  Then he sighed deeply, and fell silent
for a time.  GreyEagle thought though that there was more behind his
answer than he was ready to tell her just yet.
   They continued to talk together, but Schimray seemed distracted.  "I
have run into some problems elsewhere." he told her after a while.  "I
will be leaving Arabel shortly after you do in order to take care of
them."
   "Are they serious?  Will you be long?"
   Schimray smiled.  "Nothing which you need to fret yourself over, my
love.  I expect to be back long before you are."
   "Where do we go next?"
   Schimray gazed into her eyes for a time.  "The journey ahead of you is
long and difficult.  I will do what I can to make it pass quickly, but I
have my limits."  He smiled suddenly as he saw GreyEagle's look of
disappointment.  "Do not fear, for I will see you again soon."  With that
he stooped over and kissed her forehead.  He stepped quietly to the door
and looked carefully both directions down the hall before he slipped out
and was gone.
   GreyEagle lay back on the bed and thought about the evening.  Schimray
had appeared to be listening to her, but as she thought back, she felt
that he had actually heard very little of what she had said.  His body had
been there with her in the room, but his thoughts had been far away.


 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Greetings all!

  If you are just picking up here for the first time, you should be able
  to find back chapters (via. ftp) in the directory /pub/frp/stories/towers
  on ftp.cs.pdx.edu.  I will also honor Email requests for back chapters.
  Please make sure you include a valid Internet address, and I will try to
  get back to you within a day or two.

  If anyone is interested, I've scanned in some B&W illustrations I've
  done for the story.  Pictures are at the same ftp site, or send me Email
  and I can send them to you.

  As always, I welcome any comments on the story.  I hope you enjoy
  reading this half as much as I have enjoyed writing it!


--
Chuck Tryon
    work: bilbo@kodak.com                                Your Servant,
    home: bilbo@Bah.Rochester.NY.US                      B. Baggins
 ______________________________________________________________________
   Experience is what you get when you were expecting something else.