Date:  Mon Feb 18, 2002  11:09
am


Xanthia cocked her head to the side as she watched and tried to 

listen to the conversation. There was something disturbingly familiar 

about this Snake. 



"Cor..." Xanthia mused. But she didn't have time to finish the name 

when her eyes flew open wide at the next sensation she felt.



"Oh goddess!" Xanthia cried out, "The ground is shaking!"



`Tonio sat down hard, the rumblings upsetting his balance.  The 

tremor lasted for only a few seconds, but it made the Knight 

nervous, "Any ideas?"



Latnem looked at Xanthia, then back at `Tonio, "Earthquake, but I 

think that would have lasted a bit longer, so I'm inclined to suggest 

an explosion of some type."



`Tonio nodded, "I would agree with you there.  There must be another 

cave in the area that they are blasting, possibly one with volcanic 

origins.  That may account for why they have large amounts of 

cinnabar."



`Tonio looked at Xanthia, "We must get you to safety, milady.  I will 

not risk having something happen to you."



"But….but," Xanthia began.



`Tonio shook his head, "No Xanthia.  You have a child to consider.  

That and we will need somebody to tell the warren where we are.  You 

will serve as our noble courier."



Xanthia's eyes widened, "Like in the stories?"



`Tonio nodded, "Yes, now be both swift and silent.  A courier is no 

good if they are caught."



In mere moment, Xanthia was off.  Latnem looked at `Tonio, "Are you 

sure that was wise?"



The Knight shook his head, "No, it was not.  It was a short-term 

solution though to reduce the risk to all involved."



"Hey! You two!  What are you doin?" came a rough voice from ahead.



`Tonio and Latnem rose.  `Tonio shuffled his feet and looked 

down, "Sorry dere, boss.  I's a just takin' a quick break from 

werkin' in that mine."



The man glowered at them, "Well, you'd better get back to work.  They 

just set off a charge, so there'll be plenty of stuff to cart out."



"Alright, guess we'll be gettin' a goin', boss," `Tonio responded, 

clapping a hand on Latnem as they walked past the man.



They continued walking when the man's voice shouted out, "Wrong way!  

Head down the path to the left!"



Latnem raised his hand and waved in acknowledgement as they changed 

course, "Guess we're going to find out first hand what they're doing."



`Tonio nodded, "Indeed."



<Tag!>



Submitted by

`Tonio

AKA

Chris Weeda



NRPG:  Hi Ho!  Hi Ho!  :-p