> [slash]
> >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

  Balefire looked over from atop his mount and spoke.  "Aye, you can join us if you
like, although you may regret it later.  If you are what you say, you are welcome.
If you bear us ill intent, you are a singularly unlikely foe, I'll admit, and you
can always be dealt with later.  Twilight, if you'll be so good as to rearrange the
loads on the packhorses, we can offer him a mount, although we have no extra
saddle.  Best free one for Mea, as well; I have no doubt she's managed to lose her
horse somehow.  Meanwhile, Torgath, you can tell us all about this Asmoneas.
Forgive our ill-mannered response...if you are what and who you say.  Things have
not been going well for us."