Pellgar at Dusk

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 86119

Pellgar was the closest major city to the Shreken that had not been abandoned as a result of Minestus' recent rampage. As the vile wyrm had spread destruction across the countryside, The city had become a haven for many refugees fleeing his wrath. Its high walls and battlements offered, if nothing else, the illusion of secuirty - an illusion which had been shattered in last few years as Minestus broadened the range of his attacks.

Still, Pellgar was (or at least, had been) too populous and in too strategic a location, astride the Rayne river, for the kingdom to abandon. So the residents and garrison had hunkered down, fortifying the place to the best of their abilities, offering what meagar resistance they could when the dragon came, and clearing and rebuilding what they could in his wake.

The sun had already disappeared behind the horizon as Fred and company made their way to the massive wooden gate. A tired-looking soldier bearing a halberd commanded them to stop.

"State your business, travellers." the guard said flatly

"I am Lord Frederigo D'Honaire, of Suffex. My companions and I seek shelter, and an audience with the lord of this city as soon as it can be arranged." <P"For what purpose, sir knight?" the guard asked, eying the quartet warily.

"I bring news of great import for all Allaria." Fred didn't want to imply anything until they met with the city's administrator. He'd heard stories of a phony knight a couple years back, who proclaimed in streets of Pellgar to have killed the dragon. It caused momentary jubilation and gained him a few days of being lauded, having banquets thrown in his honor, drunken carousing, and having his way with the local women. When his claims were proven false, he was dragged to the town square and lynched.

The guard sighed. "Very well, you may enter. I cannot grant you an audience with Lord Markham tonight, though. He has already retired for the evening. You'll have to wait until morning."

Luc spoke up. "One of our company needs medical attention." he said, gesturing to the still unconscious Matthias.

"Follow me, I'll show you to the inn, then summon a cleric who can attend to your injured man."

Fred frowned as he rode through the nearly empty streets. He had visited once before, years ago, with his tutor Master Crom during his childhood. In those days the city had been lively and colorful. Now, it seemed to be steeped in grey. Part of that had to do with the hour. But rather more, he suspected, was due to the general gloom of the place. These people had suffered much hardship.

Exotica had begun to awaken as they had conversed with the guard, but was too groggy to add anything. As she started to gain her bearings, Fred whispered to her "It's best that we not reveal your lineage quite yet. News of your capture probably hasn't reached here, and these guards seem suspicious. Say nothing of Minestus, either." Exotica nodded mutely.

The inn itself was a fairly standard affair. There was a place to stable the horses, and the tavern was still open so they could have a hot meal later. First though, they retired to their rooms to rest for a spell, and to get Matthias the attention of a trained healer. Exotica had a room to herself, while Fred and Luc would share an adjacent room. Luc had remained with Matthias downstairs to await the healer's arrival.

Fred had just settled into a chair for a well deserved rest when he heard a muffled cry for help from the princess' room. Grabbing his sword, he bounded across the hallway and burst through the door. Fred's breath came back to him as he realized she was unharmed and not in any danger. She was struggling gamely with her armor, but so far had managed to shed only her boots, gauntlets and greaves. "How do you knights manage to get out of this cumbersome claptrap?" she said, crossing her arms.

Fred chuckled and walked over to her. "Practice, mostly. Though inexperienced knights often need the help of a squire."

Exotica laughed. "Will you serve as my squire then, my brave Lord Fred? Or shall I summon Luc to assist me?"

"No, no...of course...I will help you. It's just..." Fred swallowed hard. His thoughts drifted back to the moments they had shared in the caves. [85010, 85076] He doubted his ability to maintain his virtue while carrying out this request. "If I do this, we might not get out of here for a while." He said. Exotica offered a crooked grin in response. Fred approached his task as though unwrapping a present.

  1. A knock on the door interrupts Fred and Exotica. It's Luc, who says "Lord Fred? Your Highness? Are you there? Matthais has awakened."
  2. A clanging of alarm bells interrupts Fred and Exotica. From outside, Fred can hear the voices of the town guardsmen "The dragon appraoches!, Make ready!" How could this be!?, Was Elaine lying about the dragon being dead?
  3. Meanwhile, Adele attemts to escape from the Nexus while her father's spirit struggles with Orphyn
  4. Euaristus and Elaine appear in the Nexus chamber.
  5. Elsewhere...
  6. Meanwhile Luc was on a shopping expedition.

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Xavier

7/19/2009 9:40:57 AM

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