Saul
***

Saul watched the men around him partaking in various forms of debauchery
and indulging in intoxicants. None of his friends were ever as low as this
.. and he had what some would consider to be lowlifes for friends. Men who
sat around playing cards and drinking ale .. but this .. he tried not to
make his nose turn up too much.

Even as the skantily clad women tried to entice him with promises of
unforgettable delights, he found no pleasure in them.

"I can make your dreams come true .. only 20 gold peices to heaven,
handsome .." they offered.

"Maybe later .." he refused. They were looking for money .. that was one
thing Saul detested .. Whores. Women, he loved. But those who sold their
bodies was an entirely different story. They were no longer women ..

Further on, "The strongest drink for your money! Even makes them ladies
look purty." It was offered by an old gentlemen with a patch over one eye
and a wicked looking scar partially hidden there, "Maybe even look like the
woman of your dreams .. " He winked with his good eye, "And for a few extra
.." he wispered leaning close to the bearded man, "I can put something in
it to make your prick stand all night long."

Saul chuckled, "I don't need anything for that, old man."

"Bah!" The man cackled, "Bit full of yourself!"

And so the night went. Saul was more then happy to be pulled away from it
by Katla.

***

Saul watched, from a safe vantage, as one by one the prospective bidders
fell into one stupor or another.  He hoped they all be out before the kids
arrived .. he hated the thought of Ojean and Cill seeing any of this.

When Telven began to carry out the unconcious sots, Katla began laughing.
Saul looked over at her with a raised eyebrow, then chuckled slightly. It
would soon be over .. He just hoped they had the right kids. Not that it
wasn't worth it saving any kids from .. but he had to find Ojean for
Shawnee .. She couldn't take much more. He wasn't sure he could either.

Katla spoke to Telven for a moment, then moved back to where he sat, "I've
called Derry and N'lin to come in. It's almost time."

He nodded and stood to wait for the arrival of the other two dragonriders.

>Within a couple of minutes the other two riders came in.

>"Is this safe?"

>"Safe enough...  The other potential buyers are sleeping."

>"Sleeping?" N'lin blinked at her.  She grinned.

>"Telven was kind enough to see to it that the others stay out of the way
>for the rest of the night..."

>They could hear hoofbeats in the distance.

>"They're coming," said Saul.

>Without speaking, Derry and N'lin took up positions on either side of the
>door.  A knock came before the door burst and two men came in, dragging
>two semi-conscious children.  The door slammed shut behind them as Katla
>and Saul turned toward them.

"Hello..."  He heard Katla say, but his attention was on the innocent faces
of Ojean and Cill. It  was them!

He quickly turned his attention from the kids to their keepers, his rage
building at the slime he saw before him. What kind of men did that to
children!

>"What the hell --"  The face of the man on the right turned dark and ugly
>and he moved forward, swinging.  "You can't have those kids without paying
>for it."

Saul stepped forward. He was about to let the scumbag threaten Katla too.
He was practically growling as he stood facing the man.

Katla's voice continued behind him, "Then I suggest that you cut the price
out of Owlean's hide.  She cheated you...  those kids don't belong to her,
and those who care about them were more than willing to do whatever
necessary to get them back...  You think about that..."  Her last words
coincided with Saul's punch, which laid the man out flat.

Saul had quickly grown tired of looking at the ugly face of the man and
decked him. No one could talk to men like that anyway. Better to just get
it over with.

>Katla smiled approvingly and looked over at him.  "So why didn't you do
>that when K'leev came after you?"

"Shut up!" he replied as the second man seemed to come out of his shock.
Saul was ready for him and aimed his fist. The man dodged and Saul's punch
was deflected. Saul felt more then saw Derry come up beside him and help.
Between the two of them they were able to subdue the man, who must have
been going on pure adrenaline.

Saul and Derry bound the man while Katla moved to take the two kids to the
landing dragons who were already bugling happily. Ojean opened his blue
eyes looking around him. He spotted the bearded rider as Saul turned toward
him, "Saul?"

Saul grinned and held out his arms. The ran to him, "Saul .." he said
beginning to sob.

Saul hugged him close "Jean-o," his voice whispered, as his own tears
flowed. Finally releasing the boy, he grinned with glistening eyes,
"Gods... Let's go home... There are so many people who will want to see
you!"

***

The dragons roared the happy news to an already awake warren.

<This is a joyous day, Saul!> Fayloth said happily. <Your mate is ording
you home with her brother this minute!>

<What is she doing up. What is everyone doing up.>

<An eggs been laid! Isnt' it wonderful!>

<Another egg?? Cricket laid another egg?>

<No!> Fayloth sighed, <Lute!>

<What!>

<Lute laid an egg. Just one.. but then she's not a queen .. and I didn't
fly her.> Fayloth snorted.

<She didn't lay an egg when you *did* win her.>

Fayloth gave a draconic shrug and landed on the ledge of their apartment.
Shawnee and Fawna were both up and running toward the brilliant blue dragon
as he landed. Saul undid Ojean's strap and helped him down and into the
arms of his waiting sisters.

Regards ,
Saul and Fayloth

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       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
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