B'rand sat on the edge of his bed with a sigh. It had been a rather long and
tedious patrol, especially with Lonnie casting knowing glances and smirks
through most of it. His breath hissed with irritation; why, oh why had he 
never learned to use a sword? All this time the spear had just seemed to 
be more fun; you could throw a spear as well as wield one. Whatever, at 
least Lonnie had said that Farr'in would help. Although, if Lenna was as
good as her brother said she was, then there was little he would be able to 
do. Lenna wouldn't wait forever for him to take up the challenge.

His boot thumped to the floor. B'rand wiggled his toes; it felt wonderful.
A quick bath, then he could run down to the dining hall and grab a quick 
bite before he hit the sack. Preferably with Lenna in it. He was kind of 
tired and irritable, though, it had not been the best of days by anyone's
description.

<<B'rand, there's something going on!>>

*What?*

<<I don't know...there is much smoke coming from the nomad's encampment
where we got Tymor's rider.>>

*Aw, that's too bad. Some filthy savage tripped over his campfire, no doubt.
I'll try not to shed too many tears.*

<<More than a campfire, if we can see the smoke from here. There is much 
excitement at the new gate. Several riders are going. Shinner's rider is
among them.>>

*That big, huh? All right, I'm going.* B'rand began to struggle back into
his boot.

<<Blanchie's rider says she will meet you on the green before we all go 
there.>>

*And just how did Blanchie's rider find out?*

<<Well...>>

*You have a big mouth.*

Not long after, a small group of riders had assembled. As one, they rose
and at a signal from Dan'yar they blinked out.

At once, the air was full of smoke. B'rand coughed, his eyes tearing. 
*Did you have to teleport right into the smoke?*

<<Of course. Doesn't it smell glorious?>>

If the tribe had looked panicked before, the sudden arrival of dragons 
started a general pandemonium. Nomads scattered, screaming, running for 
their lives. B'rand could see that among the large burning marks on the
ground, a large tent was still buring brightly.

*Hey, wasn't that-*

<<Yes, it is the tent that I roared at.>>

*This isn't just a fire, dragons' breath caused this.*

As they soared above the carnage, B'rand could pick out more details, 
more scorch marks...and bodies. Here and there among the fleeing tribesmen
sat people who remained without hope, accepting whatever death awaited 
them. B'rand was stunned by what he viewed.

*Just who did this?!* 

======================

Just a short one to get everybody there :)
Tag for anyone who wants to go!

	Respectfully submitted by:
	Allen Veazey
	wolf@dbtech.net
	Warrenlady Phaedra and Melith (Geode); Gerald and Random (Daere)
	Ash'chenon  (Telnor); B'rand and Rook (Cleft)
	Orbus of Amber (Amber)
	Geode Warren Page: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/3043/crystal.html
	
     "Fortunately, ah keep mah feathers numbered for just such an emergency."
			--Foghorn Leghorn