The Gnomic Challenge of the Necklace

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 45855

Astra C., as the last referee who could rule on the contest, gathered the confused audience together.

"I have had to disqualify Astra T. from the Challenge, and as a referee. Belboz will go through to the next round. The leaves us with two problems. I do not know why Astra T. did what she did. She has apparently been so scarred by the dragon that she is subject to spells of madness. We cannot be diverted from our task, so I shall have to ask that Astra T. be bound for both her own safety and that of everyone else. Once our task is complete, then we shall take her to Aqualaria, and let her people decide what is right. In order to make sure that time does not hang heavy upon her, Jarlath will try to lull her into a dreamless sleep."

Astra C. remembered the talk that she had with her twin from this world. Talk was a loose term for the exchange. She talked, and Astra T. either nodded or shook her head. Lucidity seemed to return to her twin. She was resigned to the prospect of her being bound, and was surprisingly willing to have Jarlath attempt to work magic on her. There had to have been some sort of feud with Belboz. Her body stiffened, and her face scowled at the mention of his name.

Astra C. felt the loss of her twin as a participant in the expedition keenly. She felt that she was her one link to this world, with this world's other creatures, Fred, Belboz, and Checkers, posing unanticipated problems.

Astra C. continued, "I shall need to appoint a second referee. I choose Lueoth, who, in different circumstances, has competed in the Challenge of the Necklace, and is best qualified to judge."

"Is that up to you to decide?" asked Fred. "I would feel more comfortable, if I had to challenge you, to be judged by someone who is not from your clique - perhaps Checkers or Belboz."

"Are you casting doubt on my fairness?" asked Lueoth.

"Look at it from my point of view for a minute. Your group has come in to the caves, claiming that you are here to help us kill the dragon. However, Belboz and Checkers have been hurt in this Challenge, and Astra T. has been disqualified. All of these matches have been fought under peculiar circumstances. I would feel better if there were someone that was not best friends of my opponent judging."

Artizza piped up, "How dare you make conditions? We wish to defeat the same evil as you, and we have a greater stake in its defeat than you and your silly little ego ..."

"Artizza, that is quite enough!" cut in Astra C. The Challenge was filling its role in exposing the weaknesses of the memebers party too well. Astra T. had been weeded out, and she had questions about all the natives of this planet. Still, to cast them off now might not only be unjust, but it might even hamper their quest. One or two of them might have knowledge particular to this world that the Champions might need.

Astra C. continued. "We are all on edge. I accept Fred's point. Would you all accept drawing a referee for any match in which I am involved by lot?"

  1. Astra C's proposal is accepted by all present.
  2. A counterproposal is made.

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9/29/2004 12:08:18 AM

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