B'rand turned to face the small but growing crowd, a hand on his
dragon as if he could somehow protect Rook from all the disapproving looks.

        <I'm touched.>

        *Yes, you certainly are. Can you fly? We may need you to get looked
at.*

        Rook spread his wings experimentally, part of the onlookers moving
out of the way. <Yes, I can. The only thing that hurts is my leg.>

        *Yep, we definitely need to look after that. I'll handle this.*
B'rand turned as one of the crowd, a tall rider with brown hair, stepped
forward. 

        "Do you need help? Are you or your dragon hurt?" B'rand could see
how the man took in Rook's favored leg with a glance. Definitely a rider.

        "No, but thanks. Just a little shook up. Do you have someone who 
can look after this?" B'rand indicated Rook's leg.

        <Yes, please look at this prime specimen of dragon, notice how 
well he shines! Now, this leg->

        *Shut up.*

        "As a matter of fact, we do. I'm Dan'yar. Welcome to Cleft Warren,"
the man said as he extended his hand. "The same goes for, uh,"

        "Rook. His name is Rook. I'm B'rand, formerly of Falagand." 

        "You'll need to talk to the Warrenlady Cynthia when she has time.
And in the meantime, it might be a good idea to keep your dragon from 
pulling any more stunts like what just happened..."

        "Oh, I don't think he will."

        *Right, Rook?*

        <It depends, now, doesn't it?>

        *sigh*

        "I think my brother may need a day or two to deal with his dragon 
while Tergath is trying to come up with new ways to win the next mating
flight."

        "Your brother's dragon was the one we collided with? Is he all
right?"

        <He is. I have already sent apologies. I got the worst of it.>

        *No, I got the worst of it. The least you could do was not try to 
throw me.*

        <Sorry. I was not altogether conscious at the time.>

        Dan'yar led B'rand and the limping Rook to a huge hollowed-out 
cavern. Rook sighed as he settled on the warm sandy floor.

        <This sand feels wonderful. Can I stay here?>

        *If it will make you feel better, of course.*

        Dan'yar cleared his throat. "I better go get someone to see about
Rook's leg. I'll be back in a little bit."

        "Sure, thanks." Dan'yar left.

        *He's leaving to get a healer, I guess. I don't know much about
it.*

        <I know. It's okay. At least I can move it, I'll be catching 
herd beasts in no time.>

        *I need to find us someplace to stay, soon.*

        <What, now?> Rook's eyes rolled. <I didn't know you were so ashamed
of me. Try to find me a large burlap sack to put over my head, so you won't
have to stand the shame of being seen with me.>

        *Oh, very funny. Can't you see me laughing?*

        "Just what were you doing up there?" B'rand spun around, to see
a tallish dark-skinned woman with black hair. "Can't you control yourself
better than that? You could have both been killed!"

        B'rand felt his face grow hot. "Why don't you sit on a nail, 
sister," he snapped. "Until you strap yourself on several tons of rutting
dragon, what the hell gives you the right to chastise me?!?"

        Just then Dan'yar entered. "I found someone you needed to talk to,
B'rand," he said, indicating the woman. "This is Cynthia, our Warrenlady."

        B'rand felt his jaw drop. "Great," he said....


 Tag, Justin!

I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long, folks....but here I am! We can
get this puppy on the move! :)

         

                        Allen E. Veazey
                        wolf@dbtech.net
	     www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/3043

	         "The future ain't what it used to be."
				-Yogi Berra