Date:  Mon Mar 4, 2002  11:04
am


	The two continued pushing the cart, the sounds of the river growing steadily

louder.



	“It never ceased to amaze me the lengths that people will go to harm the

objects of their hate,” ‘Tonio commented.



	“Those of the warren usually evoke either strong responses of like or dislike.

 There aren’t too many the walk the middle ground,” Latnem said, pushing the

cart towards its eventual destination.



	Another pair walked past them, pushing a empty and giving them quick looks

before continuing on.  ‘Tonio waited until they were out of earshot, “I don’t

think that our ruse is going to hold for much longer.  This mining community is

very close.”



	“I agree.  I’m not sure that all these folks are fully aware of what they are

doing, though.  This could be a modified way of handling waste.  Perhaps they

were dumping it elsewhere, and then somebody told them to do it differently,”

Latnem mused.



	“I hadn’t considered that.  That may bear further investigation,” ‘Tonio said,

pausing for a moment.



	**’Tonio, I just received word from Talos that he and his rider, among others,

are planning on flying in to clean this matter up.**



	<Very well, DeMarco.  Let Talos’ rider know that not all these people are

aware of what they are doing.  Tell him to be careful in his dealings with

them.>



	**So we are not staying?**



	<No.  I do not wish to put either myself or Latnem at any further risk. 

Showing up during the accusation would generate further mistrust.  Better that

Tel’thar say he received an anonymous tip than we have people spying on you.>



	**Shall I come pick you up then?**



	<As soon as Talos and the others arrive, you may do so.  I would think that

the arrival of several dragons would draw attention.  We can escape then.>



	‘Tonio came out of his telepathic rapport to look at Latnem, “The cavalry

should be getting here very soon.”



	They continued pushing the cart for a few more minutes when they heard the

roar of a dragon come from behind them.  Latnem looked at ‘Tonio, “That was

dramatic.”



	The Knight grinned wryly, “The more attention that’s taken away from us, the

better.”



	The crimson form of DeMarco blinked a few hundred yards out from ‘Tonio’s

location, quickly settling to the ground.  Both men took off at a dash towards

the mount, hoping to make a clean escape.



<Tag, James – how ya gonna handle these folks?>



[..]



Day 8 <Afternoon>



	Having changed into better clothing, ‘Tonio took a stroll over to the hatching

cavern.  He had heard that the two queens were preparing to lay their eggs and

he was curious as to see how things were going.  The escape from the mines had

gone off without a hitch, and Tel’Thar was still there sorting things out.



	Arriving at the cavern, he spotted the two twins, “Ah, if it isn’t Daisy and

Rosie Wood.  I must apologize for the abrupt end to our tour yesterday.  The

life of a dragonrider is rather busy at times.  So, what brings you here to the

hatching cavern?”



<Tag, Kas!>



[..]



<Day 8 - Evening>



	The medical center wasn’t half as busy as it had been in recent times.  With

the discovery of what was ailing most of the people at Whiteriver, patients

were recovering quickly under the skilled care of the healers.  It had been too

late for a few, but a few was far more acceptable than what would have happened

if the cause had not been discovered.  Hopefully the cinnabar dumping would

cease and life would make a return back to normal.  The purpose of ‘Tonio’s

visit was to see if another would ever be able to fully recover from an ordeal

other than that of mercury poisoning.



	He walked into the room and sat in a chair, “Lorelei.  It is me, ‘Tonio.  I

came to see how you were doing.”



<Tag, Kat!>



<Late Evening>



	Merissa was poring over paperwork when ‘Tonio paid a visit, sitting down

heavily, “Good evening milady.  You look to be as busy as I have.  How fare you

this evening.”



	Merissa looked up and smiled wanly, “A little harried, thank you.  One of my

junior queenriders buckled under pressure and left, unable to handle the

responsibilities I was giving him.”



	‘Tonio’s ‘brows shot up, “Really?  That’s a terrible shame.  An extra body

around here certainly would help, especially with all the trouble we’ve been

having as of late.”



	“Don’t remind me.  At least the poisoning issue will be resolved, that will

help us considerably.  We’re very fortunate that there wasn’t an attack,”

Merissa said.



	The Knight nodded, “Agreed.  Given your current state of affairs, is there

anything more than I may do to help you.  A Warrenlady should be out amongst

her dragonriders for some of the day, not sequestered with paperwork.”



<Tag, Arle>



Submitted by

‘Tonio and DeMarco

AKA Chris Weeda





NRPG:  It’s a bit short, but it makes the rounds.  Let’s see some posts!