Kalyth looked up from the notebook she was gloating over to see Saul 
standing in front of her.  Her good mood remained even while he asked
her about her trip to her parents.

"Nothing unusual, really.  I grabbed some things that I wanted while
my parents tried to get something THEY wanted from Ophar and Jael,"
Kalyth scratched her arm thoughtfully, then added, "I DID suggest that 
they go away and come back to pick me up later."

"Yes, Jael is always courteous," said Saul in a dry tone of voice, "but what 
did they DO to him?"

"They drugged him," Kalyth said matter of factly.  Seeing the look
on Saul's face, she added, "they're alchemists, its the easiest way for
them to manipulate others."

"No wonder why you're happy to be here.  You don't have to worry about
being manipulated any more."

Kalyth smiles.  "I won't have to worry that being manipulated will kill 
me here," she corrects softly.

*Kalyth! I won't let anyone do that to you*  Aurum cries indignantly.

Saul returns to the matter at hand, "Why did they want Ophar's blood?" he 
asks curiously.

Kalyth is mildly surprized by the question, "Dragons are magical?"  
Seeing that Saul wants a better explanation, she adds, "do you know what 
alchemists do?"

"They try to turn lead into gold?" Saul smiles.

Kalyth glances at Aurum and winces at the comment.

"Do you know WHY they want to do this?  I mean, other than to ruin the 
local economy?"

"No, I thought that having all the gold you wanted was reason enough."

Kalyth sighs, and takes several deep breaths.  "The idea behind alchemy is 
that all things, both living and not are trying to attain a state of 
perfection.  An acorn goes from being an insignificant seed to the majestic 
oak.  As we going through cycles of living and dying, we all try to work 
closer to attaining a perfect state.  If we can figure out the way to achieve 
that state in one lifetime, then we reach paradise.  So, if an alchemist can 
figure out how to turn the dross that is lead into gold, he can use that 
analogy to learn how to change our imperfect lives into perfect ones.  
Since dragons are magical, they probably thought that dragon blood might 
serve as a component in the process."

"They seem far from being perfect,"  seeing Kalyth nod of agreement, he 
continues, "so, is there an antidote to this drug they used on Jael?"

"Not to my knowledge.  I think it will probably wear off in a few days, 
but I'm not sure."

Saul stands thoughtfully for a minute, then asks, "why weren't you 
affected?"
 
Kalyth says nothing.  After a few moments, Saul realizes that she is 
covered with a rash and is having minor problems breathing.  He suddenly 
remembers Kalyth's comment about manipulation not killing her here.

*Kalyth, TELL him*

"Oh.  Come on, we need to get you to a Healer."

*See? Saul agrees with me.  I've been telling you to go all afternoon.  
NOW will you go?*

"No," Kalyth states quietly, but firmly.

*Kalyth, you ARE going to go to the healers.  You are forcing me to take 
drastic measures.* with that, Aurum begins to sing loudly, piercingly, and 
persistently.  One disadvantate of mental singing is that you don't need 
to stop for air, Kalyth noted.

"Why not, they'll make you feel better."  After a moment of silence, 
"Look, not everyone is like your parents.  The healers here won't do 
anything but help you."

Kalyth clutches her head in her hands, in pain.  Saul, concerned, tries 
to pick her up, but realizes between her position and height, he can't 
manage it.  Looking over at a tall, newly joined rider with long black 
hair, and green eyes, he asks Hugh for help.

"No, I'm fine, its just the 'Fish," Kalyth says, weakly.

[NRPG: Kalyth is basically covered in hives and having the equivalent of 
a minor asthma attack and does NOT want to go to the doctors.  Have fun with
her!  =)  What does Hugh make of her?
Oh, before I forget, Jael is handsome and well mannered,
but that's about it as far as redeeming values is concerned.  He has
absolutely NONE of Saul's charm and warmth of character.  He also has
none of Saul's luck (ok, skill) with the ladies. ]

June