Kendra continued with her duties as barmaid for the evening.  Two strangers
walked in and made themselves comfortable at an empty table in her area.
>From their appearance, the two had been travelling for some time.  She
glanced up, finished clearing the other table and walked over to them.

        "...and I hear there are in need of help at Cleft,"  one of the
strangers whispered.  He was a large man with friendly eyes.

        "Yes, a whole new beginning...I can't wait!"  The other exclaimed.
He was a thin man with a tiny scar on his face.  Kendra couldn't help but
wonder how he had gotten it.

Kendra approached the table, ready to take their order.  "What can I get
for you this evening."

        "Yes, opportunities will be very plentiful at Cleft..."  The large
man rambled on.

        "Excuse me, did you want to order something?"  Kendra interrupted.

        "Oh...I'm sorry, my dear.  Yes...we would love something.  We have
been travelling all night and are famished.  My name in Kalyan.  And yours
is??" The thin man held out his hand in a friendly gesture.  Surprised,
Kendra extened her hand to shake his.

        "Ummm...it's Kendra."  She spoke softly.  "Now, what can I get for you?"

        "Let's see...I think my friend, Dirk and I will have whatever the
specialty is...I'm sure whatever it is is better than what Dirk has been
cooking for us!"  Kalyan chuckled loudly refering to the campfire
concoctions Dirk called dinner, Dirk joined in the laughter.

        "Very true, Kalyan...very true.  Oh, and Kendra...two ciders would
really hit the spot."  Dirk smiled broadly.

Kendra was confused by their friendliness and was taken aback. She placed
their orders and straightened a table nearby.  She couldn't help but
overhear their conversation.

        "Kaylan...with all the new people at Cleft we should do very well,"
Dirk said.

        "I hope so, Dirk.  Everytime a new warren is built business picks
up,"  Kaylan replied.

        'A new warren?  What are those two talking about?' Kendra thought
to herself, she moved to a closer table and pretended to straighten it as
they huddled close in conversation.

        "Yes, Cleft will need supplies and we are just the ones to fill the
bill!  We must get some sleep tonight...stock up and make the rest of our
arrangements then head out to Cleft the very next morning.  Things happen
very fast and we can't stay here more than one night."  Dirk cautioned
moving closer to Kalyan working out the details of the rest of the trip.

Minutes later Dirk was glancing up to see Kendra placing the cider in front
of them.  "Why thank you, Kendra."  He held up the glass to her, smiled and
took a long sip.  "Just wonderful!"

        "I'm glad you like it...your food should be out shortly.
Ummm...did I hear you mention a new warren?  The two glanced at each other
with stunned expressions.  "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to overhear...it's
just that it sounds so exciting..I couldn't help be be intrigued.

        "Well, yes...we are heading to the new warren...it's called the
Cleft warren,"  Kaylan shared.

        "Really, what do you know about it?"  Kendra inquired...pulling up
a chair and making herself comfortable at their table.

***

The trio spoke for a time, Kendra only leaving the table to fetch their
food when it was ready.  They told her about all of the plans for the new
warren...how there was even a rumor of an upcoming hatching.  How could she
resist the excitment of something new.  An adventure...it was just what she
needed!  It was decided...she would leave with them the day after tomorrow.

She broke the news gently to her parents later that evening. Zen and his
wife were saddened, but also happy that Kendra was finally showing signs of
happiness.  Maybe this was the best thing for her.

***

The next morning she was overwhelmed...she had to gather her things, say
goodbye to her friends, and get supplies for the journey with Dirk and
Kalyan.

        "Okay...let's see...what to do first?"  She spoke out loud, pacing
up and down the hall above the tavern trying to figure out what to do
first.  She bearly got any sleep last night.  The thrill of actually
leaving this place was incredible.  She spun quickly to head downstairs
when she slammed right into Kehan as he ran up the stairs to his rented
room above the tavern.

        "Ouch!"  He steadied himself against the wall, rubbing his
forehead.  "Kendra...where are you going in such a hurry?  Were are still
on for 7 tonight right?  Here..."  He handed her a wildflower he picked
outside along the roadside.

        "Thanks," she muttered.  'Oh, no...dinner...I forgot about dinner!'
"Yes, dinner...I remember," She replied quickly taking the wildflower from
him.

        "Great!  So where are you going in such a rush?"  He asked his eyes
shining.

        "Actually...I'm going to say goodbye to my friends and get supplies
for a journey...I'm leaving for the New Warren tomorrow morning at first
light."

[Tag Kahn]