the Gray Guard

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 7832

The fort was nothing more than a motte and bailey. Its high walls of timber rose from the stoney earth and it wasn't until Fred and his sister were quite close that a shout from within bade them halt. "Who are ye? And what is yer business?"

Fred nearly laughed at how provincial the accent was, yet he held it back wondering how to respond. To call himself by his true title would cause a stir as the name Lord Frederigo D'Honaire was now the stuff of rumor, praise, and exaggeration. The most obvious problem, however, was that the world thought him dead. "We are travelers," said Fred. "And who might you be? I am not accustomed to speaking with invisible spirits!"

From above a small head peeked up from its wooden protection. Then a piece of lumber slid open along a section of the gate and two eyes were seen peeping from within. "By Rael's chin," said a voice. "May the spirits flee to where they may do nae harm. Tell us yer business an we'll see if'n we can help ye."

~~these men are scared!~~ realized Fred. "We are pilgrims on our way to the Great Kingdom. Have you news that may aid us?"

"Allaria, eh?" said the peeper at the gate. "Does the Faire hold so much attraction that ye wouldst pass the Tumbar with a Lady?"

Fred knew of no Faire, Rowena had said nothing except of local celebrations over the Dragon's death and somber processions over his own. Most disturbing, though, was the tone the gatekeeper took in speaking of the pass. "This Lady is my concern, good sir," said Fred. "Yet why do you pussyfoot about in speaking of the pass? What is the danger to which I shouldn't expose this Lady?"

The gate slit slid shut, then after a few moments a tall man in grey leather mail stood upon the parapet of the wall. He looked weary. "Ye truly must be outbounders to nae know the answer to such a fool's question! How do kidnappings sound? or better yet murder?! Haven't ye heard of the vagabonds and miscreants and the strange tracks left in the mud? Wolves and worse have been sighted round abouts, some say they come from the Goth, others from the Shreken. Some talk of dragon-spawn while others wail fer fear of shape-shifters. And not two nights ago some half- crazed beggar found his way to oure gates. He was screaming aboot giants made of stone and hairy beasts with claws that dragged upon the ground. We didn't believe him until he pulled out some wierd claw from his satchel. For the past day and today we've had a patrol going upwards and downwards looking fer the beasts. The guard in Khypre - the next fortress - are also on the look-out. Traveling is yer business, but I warn ye to nae tarry along the way, to nae speak a word with strangers, and keep far, far from the wolves. Ye might just stay alive long enough to reach Allaria."

Fred looked gravely at the gray guard. How much was truth? How much was hyperbole? Was this man only trying to scare them even as he had frightened Eliza? "Guard," said Fred. "How far is this Fortress Khypre? Can we reach it on horse by nightfall?"

"Aye."

"Then good day to you." And with that Fred and Rowena left that place, heading up the Road. Even as they went, Fred turned his head and yelled out, "Thanks for your hospitality!"

Along the way Fred looked at his sister and asked her, "Wen, why didn't you tell me earlier of the danger that lurks here?"

"Dearest Fred," she said with some trepidation in her voice. "When I traveled down this Road, there were only rumours of a few missing children. In the time since I passed southward and now, it seems a flood has swept this place. My mind was filled only with finding you, I did not stop or look about. Now, however, I am scared. What monsters hide in these hills and heights?"

"Do not over-worry, sister. I am with you now. We will go as fast as our steeds can carry us to this Fortress Khypre, and hopefully they shall afford us the kindness of a bed for the night."

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2/27/2000 9:45:58 PM

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