>Her sonorous voice clashing oddly with her icy tone, Twilight looked over at the big black-mailed newcomer and demanded, "And just who, by Akatosh's Tail, might *you* be? I warn you that I grow weary of traps and mysteries, and I give you this advice for free: look around you and realize you are in the presence of enough angry and frustrated death-dealers that whatever you say had better sound very damned good, or someone is certain to ensure that you get to keep yon sunburned carrion company. And keep your hands well free of those katanas I see, unless you are *really* curious to learn how to eat with your feet. If I weren't occupied with my friend here, you'd probably already be wearing a couple of my daggers in your throat, and if you think your size means something, have a good look at Balefire over there -- yes, he's *that* Balefire. I figure he has an easy 70-pound weight advantage, and maybe six inches in reach, on you...and you don't know what "fast" means until you've seen him in action. And there's Elfiran, and Tabanallis, and that redguard is giving you a *very* evil look...so speak, stranger, but stay peaceful." Taken back a bit by the unfriendlyness of his reception, Torgath cleared his throat. "Be really careful," he thought, praying that the others would assume the sweat pouring down his face was from the desert heat. "One wrong move and they'll skewer you. You didn't come to the desert to die now, did you?" Torgath slowly extended his hands, palms up, in a gesture of peace. "I assure you I meant no insult," he began, "but my manners were never terribly good in the first place, and being in the desert for weeks hasn't helped much. On my word, I mean you no harm. I am Torgath the Reaver. I entered this desert six weeks ago on a quest for the head of Asmoneas." He looked around, and seeing no change in the others, took a deep breath and continued, getting more nervous in each passing moment. "You're the first people I've seen in ages, and your presence makes me gladder than my introduction probably would have had you believe. I apologize for any offense I have given you. I would appreciate the company, if you would have me." Jeff Cauwels cauwels@hnet.net