As Nelar arrived at the South Gate, she could see the smoke coming from
the Nomad encampment.  It looked pretty bad judging by the amount of
smoke that was rising.  

<Novara......> Nelar sent quietly.

<I see little one.>  Her dragon sent back.  

Scanning the crowd, Nelar saw Dan'yar, Brand and others getting ready to
mount and fly off towards the fire.  Looking around for J'errid, she
saw him surrounded by riders.  He was assigning patrols and groups and
then sending them on their way.  She headed quickly over to him to offer
what help she could.  At her approach her looked up from the map and
regarded her for a moment.

"Mount up with Dan'yar's group.  They're heading for the encampment."
He said and nodded towards the group.  "If the dragons are still around,
their might be a fight."

Nelar nodded and headed over.  She could see Novara was already there
and ready to go.

<Well little one, perhaps we will find a clue as to who is doing this
thing to the Nomads.>  

<I hope so Novara.....No one deserves that kind of treatment.  No one>
Nelar sent angrily as she looked towards the ever increasing smoke.

At a signal from Dan'yar, the group took the air and immediately
teleported to the encampment.  Smoke and fire greeted the group along
with people screaming and running for cover.  The scene was all too
familiar to Nelar.  It still sickened her to see what renegade riders
and their dragons were capable of.  Pulling her scarf from her pack,
Nelar tied it around her mouth and nose to help filter out the smoke.
Dan'yar signaled everyone to land next to the large blazing tent.  
Everyone quickly went to work to try and put out the fire.  As Nelar
grabbed the nearest thing that could carry water, she sent Novara back
to the sky to search the area surrounding the encampment.  Perhaps there
might be clues......

[NRPG: Any ideas for clues?]

An exhausting hour later saw the last fire extiinguished.  The smoke had
begun to clear and Nelar could see that the camp was all but destroyed.
The weary group just stood there for a minute to try and gain some
strength back.  Standing their dazedly, Nelar hadnt noticed the Nomads 
that had gathered near her.  She removed the scarf from her face and 
looked up.  They regarded her with eyes that said defeat.  A little
child walked over to Nelar and looked up to her.

"Didyoukillmymommy?" The little girl said sadly.

"I'm....sorry, I dont understand." Nelar replied helplessly.

A woman stepped forth from the crowd. "She ask....You kill her mother?"

Nelar was shocked.  "Oh no child.  Of course not.  We are here to help
you."  

The woman translated and the child just nodded slowly and then walked
away.  Dan'yar and the others had all come over by this time and Dan'yar
gently lay his arm on Nelar's shoulder.  Nelar nodded and stepped away.
She watched as Dan'yar, thru an interpreter, tried to find out what 
happened.......

<Little one!  We have found something!>  Novara suddenly sent excitedly.

<What is it dearest.>  Nelar replied.  She could tell by the expression
on 
the other riders' faces, they were receiving the same news.

<Dragons!> Novara sent in a whisper.....

[NRPG: Ok, Tag anyone.  If it's not ok to meet up with a few renegade 
Dragons...no prob.  But dont you feel it's time for a little aerial
combat?  ::grins::]

Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Bolles
(Nelar/Novara)