An Unexpected Ally
The Never Ending Quest - Episode 20538
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"Er, I know it's a little late, but I just wanted to buy some supplies,"
you say.
"Look, I've got some money," and you show him your gold coins. The
storekeeper peers at you intently,
as he holds up a lantern to illuminate you. He takes in how you are
dressed, your
short hair and the chains around your wrists. You prepare to run - if you
try to
fight, those in the inn are bound to hear the commotion. "You're a New
Amazon, aren't
you?" he says. Something in his expression and his tone of voice makes you
answer
him rather than just take to your heels. "Yes," you admit.
"My daughter joined the New Amazons," he says quietly. "About your age, she was. I heard about the big battle. She must have fought in that. They say every last one of the women was killed. What sort of bastards would massacre women?" He wipes a tear away from his eye. Then he goes on: "But I see that a few must have escaped after all." "Just me and two others," you say, not wanting to raise the man's hopes that his daughter might also have survived. "We are on our way out of the country, hoping to find safety." You think that is as close to the truth as you dare go. "Must be to Daria, then, if you've come this way. I'm not sure that you'll be any safer there, though. I've heard that Prince Samuel has seized control there, and he's a well-known woman-hater. Still, that's up to you. "It's still a couple of days to the pass. I'll gladly give you supplies for the journey, and I don't want paying. And you'll be needing warm clothes as well. Winter can come early, up in the hills. Most of my stock is meant for men, but I don't suppose that will bother you, of all people. Three of you, you say? Come in, and select what you want." You are surprised and touched to find a friend so unexpectedly. Perhaps the hatred of the New Amazons is not as universal as you were beginning to think. If enough men feel as this one does, perhaps the future for Zendara is not as bleak as you had feared. You depart with as much in the way of provisions and warm clothing as you can carry, stuffed into two large satchels. You sling one over each shoulder. You thank the man profusely, and he wishes you good luck.
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The Seeker
9/4/2002 9:36:38 PM
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