Date:  Mon Apr 8, 2002  11:09
am


Day 8 - afternoon



	`Tonio could hear the disappointment in Xanthia's voice, "It 

is important that Oberon here receive a good education.  You are 

doing us all a good service by taking him to class."



	Xanthia remained sullen, "I suppose."



	`Tonio smiled, "If you are up for it, I may have some time 

tomorrow to visit a certain stable."



	Xanthia perked up, "Laroxes?"



	"Yes, Xanthia.  We can go visit Laroxes.  However, you must 

make sure that any obligations you have here at Whiteriver will be 

taken care of.  I will not have you shirking your duties for this 

trip, even though it is a short one.  Do I make myself clear, 

Xanthia," `Tonio said sternly.



	"Oh yes, I'll be sure to make sure that everything is taken 

care of.  Thank you, `Tonio!" said Xanthia, grabbing Oberon's hand 

and whisking him off to the school.



	**So we're going to visit your horses tomorrow then, eh?**



	<Yes, right after morning patrol.>



	**I'm not so sure that you are handling this 

correctly, `Tonio.**



	<Well, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure either.  I haven't 

had much experience in dealing with people of Xanthia temperment.  

However, I do not see the harm of letting her see Laroxes.>



	**I said it before and I'll say it again, `Tonio.  Tread 

carefully.**



[..]



Day 9 – late morning



	`Tonio and DeMarco landed after patrol.  They had taken a 

sweep over where the cinnabar mining had been taking place.  The area 

had several groups send by the lords of the land shutting the mines 

down and cleaning up the mess so that no further poisoning would take 

place.  From the reports that he had heard, they had caught some of 

the lesser people responsible.  The major backers of the insidious 

plan were still at large, though.  However, with the mines being shut 

down, it was unlikely that the poisoning would start up again.



	The Knight was half tempted to see if the Gingles were tied 

into this mess, but given his recent encounters with the noble 

landbound, he did not want to press his luck.  He would have to make 

mention of it to Merissa, to see if there was anyone she could spare 

for the task.



	A gust of wind and a blast of dirt and dust billowed outward 

as Maxima settled to earth, her black form gleaming in the sunlight, 

the red stripes shining brightly as well.



	**Maxima wants me to inform you that Xanthia will be out 

shortly and if you would please wait.**



	<Inform her that I have until evening and that she does not 

need to rush.>



<Tag, Morgie!>



Submitted by

`Tonio and DeMarco

AKA Chris Weeda