Ish'Kha'Bul
The Never Ending Quest - Episode 32948
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The Hope Diamond had done as it promised, and sent Fred and the now-human
Velus many miles to the north, to the land simply known to Fred as the
Frozen Wastes. They had appeared during one of the the Frozen Waste's many
blizzards, and Fred knew that neither of them would last long. That was
when Fred felt a slight tug at his leg. Looking down, he could make an
indistinct shape. He thought he heard a voice shout "follow me!", though
much was lost to the wind. The figure started to move off, and Fred,
pulling Velus along with him, felt it prudent to follow. They were led a short distance, and Fred notice something black had appeared against the snow. The figure had obviously opened a door of some kind. Fred and Velus had no real option other than to follow down, Fred closing the trapdoor behind him. Going down a number of steps, they eventually found themselves in a well lit room, with a fire blazing away. Their rescuer had disappeared into a side room, and came back with what looked like two bowls of soup, which he gave to Fred and Velus. Though wary at first, the pair realised that again, they had no option but to trust their rescuer, whom, after taking off his thick furs, appeared to be a cheerful looking gnome. "Looks like I got to you just in time. Drink up!" The two of them gladly obeyed and then huddled around the fire. "So," the gnome asked, "what were two inappropriately dressed lads like you doing out there?" He held up a hand. "Don't tell me, it's usually the Dragon, some grumpy old mage who probably got out of bed the wrong side, or the Hope Diamond. Do you know why it was called the Hope Diamond?" He continued without giving them a chance to answer. "It was because those who held it would hope that it didn't send them anywhere unpleasant. How do I know this? I've got a network of secret associates." The gnome was eventually quiet, finally giving Fred the chance to ask, while being careful how it sounded: "Who are you, and why did you help us?" "Sorry, I should have introduced myself. Get a bit carried away sometimes, you see. Anyway, my name is Erik. I helped you, because that is part of the unwritten code for us gnomes here in Ish'Kha'Bul." "Ish'Kha'Bul?" Fred asked. "That's our name for this place," Erik replied. "Roughly translated, it means 'The Big Freeze'." The sound of snoring filled the room. Fred and Erik looked over towards Velus, who had been lulled to sleep by the warmth of the fire. Now that seems like a good idea," Fred said. "I agree," said Erik. "And in the morning I'll contact some friends who'll help you get back home." As promised, Erik had contacted some of his friends, who brought with them furs for Fred and Velus to wear. Properly kitted out this time, the duo and two gnomes head south towards Allaria. They still had the Chul Suz and the lethal Calamari Desert to cross, but their guides it seemed had come prepared for anything.
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9/20/2003 2:45:59 AM
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