Gyls' perspective "The Summons"

  Gyl knocked at Leos' chamber. "Are you awake? The sun is up."

A reply came quickly from beyond the door. " Come in."

The door swung wide "I'm taking the dog to the forest , would you like to walk with us?" Gyl asked.

Tealash pushed her head through the doorway and her elven owner further into the room. Leoendithas hopped toward the furry beast and patted her jowl.

" Do you need to go out? Yes , I'll take a walk. "

The two hunters moved toward the door of the guest house they were staying in. Gyl raised his voice "We're taking Teelash out!" he called to an empty common room.

  The trio stepped lightly along the great branch that supported the community they had been welcomed into the night before.

GYL: "I was just remembering the day that we arrived in Lankhmar."

LEO: "What an inspirational speech Eioin gave that day."

GYL: "Yes it was. He truly understands that Correllon Larethian embodies the highest ideals of Elvenkind. Even though I adhere more to the celebration of Skerrit I enjoyed his sermon immensely. I never could have guessed that our meeting that day would bring us before King Solath himself not a full moon later."

  The men paused for a moment , gazing northward over the Emerald Forest.

LEO: "What a view! I've never been this high off the forest floor. I think I can see the entire kingdom from up here."

A quiet bark from the anxious cooshee urges the duo to the staircase that spirals the giant trunk of Featherfall.

GYL: "Can you believe we were face to face with Blackout ? What a magnificent beast."

LEO: "Did you feel the wind beneath his wings ? It blew me to the floor."

GYL: "It nearly knocked us all over, and the awesome power of his talons ripping through the magical floor of the kings' court ,incredible. Speaking of that floor ,it is made from the most silent material I have ever seen. A piece of that would make excellent soles for my boots."

LEO: "The prince seemed familiar with the dragon , as was our king."

GYL: "Legends tell that Bart rescued Solath from certain doom in Blackouts clutches. They must have earned the dragons respect because he seems to be willing to help us now."

LEO: "Have you heard tales of this Hybornian battle master , Nogul?"

GYL: "No , I've not heard of him until yesterday. I knew that the Hybornian kingdom was to the west of The Emerald Forest but I have never had reason to travel there. From the kings description he sounds like a mighty warrior. I hope that our wizarding friends can muster some insight from his girdle."

  The group continued down the tree to the cargo lift and gathered at the center of the platform. The elves working that morning began to lower them to the ground. Gyllaenon marveled at the hoist system , simple block and tackle with a pulley system that allowed the two laborers to lift and lower the platform with relative ease. At last the floor came to rest softly on the forest floor.

GYL: "Go on girl , do your business."

Teelash began sniffing about , searching for the perfect spot. Gyl waved to a local, "Good day friend, is there a smithy in Featherfall?"he asked

ELF: "See up there?" He pointed into the branches. "The light colored house? Just beyond there is a merchant. Check with him."

GYL: "Thank you sir. You are going to need a sword Leo, before we head out on our quest."

Gyl whistles and his dog bounds from the woodline back to her masters side. The group once again assembles on the lift and the elven workers hoist them safely into the lowest branches of Featherfall. Walking past the light colored home the merchants cabin was easy to find. Gyl gestured to his canine companion, "Wait here Teelash." The obedient animal quickly sat near the doorway. Leo and Gyl entered the home and found an array of swords on a counter.

MERCHANT: "Good day friends , how may I help you today?"

LEO: "I'm looking for a sword, how much for this one?"

  Leoendithas held up a short sword with a wavy formed blade. Gyllaenon looked closely at the odd blade. It seemed well crafted and in good condition.

MERCHANT: " Oh my , that sword is a rare gem indeed. I feel obliged to tell you of its history. It is said that an assassin wielded this blade in an attempt to slay King Randal-El some 300 years ago. Its name is unknown and I know of no magical properties upon it. No one else has shown interest in it. I like you youngster, if you want the sword , I will give it to you."

GYL: "That is a good price."

MERCHANT: "Please , take it and never bring it back here."

GYL: "Wait a minute. Are you trying to unload a cursed blade on my friend?"

MERCHANT: "No , no , I would never do that. I just don't like the history related to it."

  Leo tested the swords weight in his hand. Practicing a parry and then a thrust.

LEO: "Well cursed or not , free is free , I'll take it."

MERCHANT: "Congratulations hunter , may it serve you well."

  The elves exit the merchants' home and continue their acsent up the staircase with Teelash following closely.

GYL: "The blade looks sturdy and if the seller is honest it has stood the test of time. Still , I'm a little uneasy. If you feel strange at all or sense anything odd please let me know."

LEO: "I like it , it's unique. So what do you make of our new travelling companions? Lodathal and Benethor?"

GYL: "I think King Solath is wise to send a healer with us and Lodi appears to be a capable warrior. Bennys frock seems bulging with herbs and salves. I hope he is as well stocked with remedies as he is with the sweet leaf for his pipe. As for Barthalanthas , I am not accustomed to the company of Mages. I must become more familiar with their routines so that we can work better as a team. We should get back , surely everyone is awake by now and wondering where we are off to."

They quickened their step back to the guest house.