Giga Games 1/Giga Games.iso/net/d_d/caltech/fluff/flash.flf

Text File | 1993-06-22 | 80.9 KB | 1,360 lines

========================================================================

                             FLASH

                        by Jerry Young


   I jumped from where I lay, surprising those nearest. For however long
my mind had been battling the left over power of the one who struck me.
Sensing the great powers flowing through the world, I managed to shake
the effects with a great heave of will. It appeared as if it was just in
time.
   I ran to the side of the ship, overlooking the battle below me. The
Company had broken through the walls of the Keep. What was the leftover
identity of Attilla stood below, wiping those of the Company away with
ease.  Like a child a pesty fly. There was no doubt that Attilla had lost
himself, intoxicated by the power he now possessed. He would defeat the
Crystal but also a lot of other places too. I did not know the extent but
I knew for sure that the area around this battle would perish; the people
as well as the land.
   Fellows from the Captain's ship were running to me, questions
sprouting from their mouths. The Captain's was the most audible.

   "What is going on, Flash? One minute ye are out cold and the next ye
are running around with enough energy for five men. What is happening?"
   "The final battle is ensuing. I know you do not like wizardry but now
is the only way to survive. I must be allowed to put down your ships
magic resistance or it will not be around for long. Please!" My eyes were
filled with sincere meaning and great need.
   "Ye know I am not fond and I think the battle will not bother us too
bad up here, I see no reason to use magic, lad." He replied
   "No reason? Look down below. See the forces of magic that are being
thrown around. The magical mayhem may not hurt the ship but the physical
mayhem caused by it will. I need to use magic!" Flash yelled over the
howling winds that had suddenly appeared.
   The Captain glanced over the railing, doubt in his eyes. Without
knowing why, he knew that what Flash said was true; as much as he hated
to admit it. Turning to Flash he said, "Fine, I will deactivate it but
only until you get us out of here. I do not like relying on magic or
mages that cast them."
   The Captain ordered the resistance to be brought down. As soon as I
felt the stiffling resistance drop, I gathered in the Mana that was
floating about. Channeling it into a mass area spell, I began to incant.
The words were carried away by the wind but they did their job.
   Blue forces of magic spread from my body, burning me with the force.
I had pumped a lot of Mana through this small body but I would suffice -
Barely!
   The magic spread, engulfing the ship, those on board, those within and
outside of the castle, finding each person and creature that had come to
fight against this menace. I finished incanting the spell and the magic
took control.
   There was a loud CRACK as the spell transported all those included
within the spell to the front doors of Elena's Academy. As the spell was
completed, my body began to burn. I had pumped too much magic through it.
I had destroyed my body.
   Time slowed as I watched the fuse of my life rush toward my being.
Summoning an inner strength of reserve, I performed one last psionic.
Just before the fuse was spent I severed it, letting my spirit drift
away.  I had become a being of total psionics. Looking down at my once
occupied body, I stared in fascination as it was consumed by the magic I
had summoned. When the magic was spent, all that was left was a burnt
husk of the person I had been.

   "By the gods, he killed himself with his foolish magic," The Captain
said. "But, his sacrifice was worth it I think. He has saved a lot of
people." Sadly, the Captain turned away, muttering about mages and their
foolish magic.  Members of the crew went to gather the remains for a
proper funeral.
   Seeing the Captain walking away, I floated over to him. I say float
because I don't know how else to say it. Once I neared him, I reached out
and touched his shoulder with a wispy hand.
   "Nay Captain, I am not dead, my body merely is. I will return in a
physical form soon."

   The Captain nearly jumped over the masts of his ship. His crew
looked over at him, hands moving to hilts. He calmed himself and muttered
about his imagination getting the better of him. He looked one last time
at the remains of my body then went to his cabin.
   I smiled - as best as I could in the state I was in - and drifted
off to Elena's Academy. I would find her and then find myself a body to
possess.
========================================================================

   She sat in a dark, unlit room. Noxious gasses and fumes permeated the
air, yet she did not seem bothered by them. She gazed intently into a
bowl filled with a murky black liquid. From the expressions moving across
her face, she was not happy. After a moment more of staring at the
visions, she looked away and snarled an oath.
   She glanced down to her side where the shard of the Crystal she had
taken rested. Softly she spoke to it as a mother would a loving child.
   "The large piece from where you came has been destroyed but do not
woryy, it is of little consequence. What I am going to make you, not even
the gods could hurt." She caressed the shard, maddness in her eyes.
   A thought occured to her then. She voiced it aloud, talking to the object
in her arms. "There is only one problem; Flash still lives. He has grown in
strength since the last time that we crossed paths. He knows that I have taken
you. I must terminate him before he can react and manage a puny little
resistance. Yes, I will terminate him."
   The maddness flared in her eyes and she laughed. She laughed a chilling,
ear-screaching cackle bereft of all sanity.
   "Yes, that is what I will do; I will kill him."
   She stood then and walked out of the room through a curtained door w  ay,
crazy laughter echoing through the room.


========================================================================

   I sat resting. Being a creature of pure psionics was more tiring than I
would have thought. It would be nice to be in a living body again.
   I sat meditating, refilling my inner strength. During this meditation a
memory came to me. It was fuzzy at first but it seemed important so, I turned
my mind to it.
   It had happened before the Captain had found me. Vague and yet clear. I
saw a person? A dark person, I cannot tell for sure. The being stood and took
aim at me with a nocked arrow. He let fly and the shaft hit me in the back of
my leg facing him. I groaned. The being laughed.
        I sent my mind to the being's searching for an identity. I had found
one. It was Malace. I began to grow sleepy and realized that the shaft was
poisoned. Malace had left already, leaving without a noise. I gritted my teeth
as I pulled the arrow clear of my leg. I was thankful that it was not barbed.
   My mind began to swim; the poison taking effect. With an effort that
sent me falling over the edge of consciousness, I cleared and neutralized the
poison. Then all was dark. The next thing I know, I am aboard the Captain's
ship.
   Back in my present state, I chuckled. It seems I have found my body. At
least for a bit. It would seem that I have found a punishment worth one of
Malace's nature.
   I rose and sought out after Malace. I knew he was still around. I could
sense his presense as a moth does light. In my state, I began to smile as best
as I could.

*************************************************************************

   She had spent the entire night setting up the circle that now lay drawn
at her feet. To her though, it had been only a short time. Her mind could not
comprehend the time it took to construct the circle any longer. It was gone.
Only insanity remained.
   "I will kill Flash," she mumbled to herself.
   She walked along the perimeter of the circle making sure all was as it
should be. She would attempt to summon a demon. One that should be sufficient
to destroy Flash forever.
   A low wail that was her way of laughing escaped her chapped lips.
   "I will kill Flash," she voiced over and over again, unaware that
she was speaking aloud.
   Satisfied that everything was as needs be, she positioned herself
within the protective circle ajoining the larger one. Then she began the
incantations that would bring the demon to do her biding.
   When she finished the incantation, she yelled the Power Words that
would activate the circle. Her voice echoed in the large stone chamber. The
echoes as cold as the person who created them. Once finished, she waited. It
would be a time before the demon would come. Then Flash would be destroyed.
   Harsh cackling spilled forth from her mouth with an inhuman glee. The
rats that were present scampered away in terror.

========================================================================

   I sought out Malace. He was easy to find. For one who has been so
elusive, he seemed to have a problem with it now. Perhaps it was because
he was new to the area. Something about the way he wandered around gave the
impression of a lost soul searching for oneself. So be it; it would be
that much easier to snare him.
   I thought back to the way that he had tortured the drake. Anger burned
deep and red when I looked back upon the act. I wanted to rid the world of
this nuissance once and for all. But, that would have to wait. He would serve
me first.
   Malace journeyed far that day. It was not until late in the evening
that he bedded down for the night. I had to give the guy some credit, he
knew how to hide. Perhaps that was because he had been doing just that since
I had heard of him.
   I watched as he crawled into a niche in a sheer rock face some miles
away from where he had shot me. It was a very defensible position. One man
would easily be able to hold off many. Yet, I knew once he went to sleep he
would have no defense against me.
   Time dragged on. Malace started a fire and made a bed out of gathered
pine needles near it. I waited patiently as he closed his eyes. Satisfied
that he was asleep, I floated forward.
   I reached out and incanted the spell that would allow me to possess
his body. Malace's eyes flew open as my essense flowed into his body. A
battle of wills pursued. Then, Malace began to laugh.
   "You are no match for me mentally, Malace. Stay calm and I will see
to your survival. Resist and you will become very well acquainted with Death."
   Malace's consciousness flinched away. He was not happy but he could
do nothing about it. He would have to ride this one out.
   Sensing his chargrin, I laughed. "It is not so fun being on the other
end, eh, friend?"
   With a mental heave, I sent his consciousness into sleep. It would
be awhile before he awoke. I stood and stretched the body I had usurped.
It wa not what I was used to but it would suffice.
   I sat back down and began to erect barriers between my consciousness
and Malace's. He would not be doing anything without me being alerted to it.
   I smiled and began to meditate.

*************************************************************************

   The time had come. She could sense it. Already a dark essense was
flowing into the summoning circle. Black and angry it was. That did not
matter to her. She had summoned Demon Lords before. Though this creature was
a Greater Demon, it did not come close to the power of a true Demon Lord.
She knew she would have no problem making it succumb to her will.
   She held her breath as the essense took shape. Slowly, it began to
take on a humanoid figure. Then its image clarified. Standing in the summoning
circle was a creature of the night; as black as the new moon.
   It was masculine in nature, standing roughly 5' 11".  Long chestnut-
brown hair fell just above sinewy shoulders. Green eyes peered out from
deep set sockets. His face glowed with an unhealthy palor from the light
of the candles. A simple made tunic dyed a midnight-blue tucked into
breches of the same color. Black, hard leather boots reached up to midcalf,
polished to a high sheen. His bearing was non-threatening and void of any
emotions.
   "Do you not wish to contest wills?" Anana asked, curious by the
creature's silence.
   Her only answer was her voice fading to nothingness. She had not
expected this kind of response. Still, he would serve her with or without the
contest of wills.
   "Fine," she began, "I want you to destroy an enemy of mine. His name is
Flash and he is currently wandering around a countryside on a different world.
If you have nothing to say," she trailed off, giving the creature a chance
to speak. To her surprise he did speak.
   "Go on," he said simply, his voice a low baritone.
   "I will send you to the world," she finished.
   "Why?" he asked. "You have assasins of your own world." his tone was
calm and unhurried.
   "Why does not concern you!" she snapped. "The only thing that matters
is that I am giving you a choice between serving me or serving Death. Take
you pick, creature!" her eyes glowed balefully.
   "The "why" is ultimately my concern. If you want one such as me to do
this job, then the foe must be unique." he responded, no inflection in his
voice.
   "If you are doing things on your own perhaps the "why" is your concern.
But in this case it is not. My foe - as you put it - is merely a nuissance
that I haven't the time to deal with personally. I will not discuss this
any longer. Do my bidding or meet death!" she had began to screech in her
unearthly voice.
   "You lie of course, but, for the taste of human blood again, very
well." he smiled cynically.
   "The blood is not human but elven. Bring back his dead body or his
head. I do not care which." she replied offhand.
   "What do I care? Mortal blood is mortal blood."
   Without wasting another moment, she began the spell that would send
her minion to do her job. Magical forces of energy crackled and enveloped
the creature. One moment he was here, the next gone. Anana began to laugh,
her maniacal glee dancing in her eyes.
        "I will kill Flash," she began to sing off key.
========================================================================

   After I had taken over Malace's body, I proceeded to head toward the
Academy.  A lot of time had passed while I rested and restored my
strength.  And then the journey back took close to a year.  I had decided
not to use any unnecessary magic or psionics as to not bring any unwanted
attention to myself.  As a result, Malace's body was now a little better
equipped to use as an extension of my skills.  For some reason, he did not
put up much of a fight after that first night.  I even sensed a certain
amount of interest on his part.  But there was always that underlying
feeling that he would strike at me if he could.  So, I never let up in
my vigilant stand against any sudden bursts of will from his part.
   During the year, I travelled to many places.  I posed simply as
a wandering performer.  Here and there I would ply my skills as an
acrobatic or gymnist.  I made enough to live by that way.  At other times, I
played the mercenary.  Most of the jobs I took always involved travel and
usually in the direction I wanted to go.  It was nice while it lasted but
I felt that I was needed again.
   Once I neared the Academy, I began to go more slowly.  Malace had
had a price placed on his head.  I didn't want to be killed again nor did
I want to damage anyone else in protecting myself.  I simply wanted to
reach the Academy and talk to my friends and loved ones once again.
   However, things do not always go as planned.  Two days south of
the Academy, I was recognized by a group of patrolmen.  I did not even
put up a fight.  It was not worth it.  Besides, I knew i could
have these gentlemen precipitate my advance toward my goal.
   The first thing they wanted to do was kill me on sight as was ordered.
I knew that trying to proclaim myself as Flash would end up getting
me killed without even a second thought.  Instead, I implanted a hypnotic
suggestion in their minds that they should take me to Elena themselves and
they would be greatly awarded.  The ploy worked on all but one.  He insisted
that I be killed here and now but the greed and selfishness of the others
won out.  The individual who had dissented mummbled and treated me
horribly all the way back.
   Much to their irritation, I didn't give them reason to harrass me
further.  I took their beatings quietly.  Malace however, vowed to kill them
if he ever got free.  He yelled at me for allowing such behaviour upon
his body.  I took all the banterings stoically.
   Two days later, tired and briused and battered, I was escorted to
Elena's room trused up like a celebration pig.  Inside stood Elena and my
daughter Polgara.  Their initial reaction was one that I expected.  Elena
turned a hot red and began to order about plans for an execution.  She said
she knew that I was coming and the preparations were almost done.  As I had
a gag in my mouth I could not talk back to her.
   However, it was Polgara that came to my rescue.  As I have said, her
reaction was what I expected but it did not last long.  The strange power
that I had felt was within her since her birth manefested itself.  I felt
her probing my mind, searching and looking.  Then her face lit up in a
mixture of relief and disbelief.  Shortly after, I was engulfed in the arms
of my daughter.
   Elena stood aghast as did the guards that were there.
   "What is the meaning of this, Polgara?"  Elena asked through clenched
teeth.
   "Elena, do you not recognize him..."  Before she could say more Elena
interrupted.
   "Yes, I do recognize him. He is the foul creature that mutillated and
murdered that poor drake.  Guards take him away!"  She snapped.
   Polgara had had enough.  She knew who this was and would not allow
her father to be taken away without first trying to prove his identity.
Without knowing what she was doing, she drew in her will.  The guards that were
closing in on her father flew backward into the wall and slumped to the ground.
Elena looked shocked.
   "You mean you have taken up with this nemesis?" Elena asked through
burning eyes.
   "No, check his aura, Elena.  And remember the Prophesy.  This is
Malace but my father, Flash is him.  'The embodiment of Evil'.  That is
what it said.  Check and you will see."
   Elena checked an released a sigh of relief and pleasant surprise.
   I was too dumbfounded to think anything.  As my daughter had thrown
the guards back mentally, my mind resounded with the noise it had caused.
I wonder if Elena had heard it.  The power was there and strong but as of
yet it was untrained.  Still, I could not help to be smitten by the potential
for power in her mind.  It was more than I had ever known.
   Elena came and unbound me.  She smiled uncertaintly.
   "I'm sorry, Flash.  I did not know."
   "It's okay. I understand. I will tell you all about this later and
how I came to be in my present position but I need rest and I must
talk with my daughter." I said as I levelled a gaze toward her.
   Elena then lead me to my chambers.  There I washed and put on clean
clothing.  A little big since I no longer had my own body but they would
suffice.  Then I sat down with Polgara and we had a long talk.

========================================================================

   After I had talked with my daughter, I wanted to get some sleep.  I
asked her permission to finish our chat on the morrow, and after she had left, I
stripped and quickly fell asleep.
   Although I was in a friendly and familiar place, I slept fitfully that
night.  I did not know why it was but I felt threatened in some way.  I had
pushed these feelings away as I turned my mind inward to meditate.  After an
hour of meditation, I slowly drifted off to a deep, dreamless sleep.
   The next day dawned bright and warm.  Outside my shuttered windows the
sun peaked its huge eye over the horizon, chasing away the last vestiges of the
previous night.  The sky turned from a dull grey to a dim red and then finally
to the bright blue of morning.  It was a breath-taking sight and the vision
brought a sense of piece to me; something I had missed during the night.
   I drew in a big breath and felt the tingling of cool air as it filled
my lungs.  It was just the beginning of autumn but already the taste of winter
was foreshadowed by the chill morning.  I smiled and decided it would be nice
to check how things were going at StoneGrip Keep.  I had not been there since
the ending of the Crystalline Wars.  I wanted to visit Attilla and meet the man
- Or Hobbit - that had saved a world and possibly many.
   I dressed then and was about to leave my room when a quiet knock
sounded at the door.
   "Come in," I said as I made the gesture that would unlock the door.
The door opened and Polgara swept into the room.  Her strength and grace
shinned about her.  I felt an uprising sense of pride.  She was not mine
biologically but I had reared her and she had become something special to me;
perhaps my favorite of the four children.
   "Father, I see that you have witnessed the coming of dawn.  Wasn't it
beautiful?" She asked as she stepped by me to look out the window I had just
closed.
   "Yes," I said to her back. "I found it refreshing and breath-taking.
It is nice to be back and I hope now that I will be able to spend some time
with you and the others.  How does your mother fare?"
   "Mother is excited that you are back.  After I talked with you, I went
to her chambers and told her of your return.  She cried for awhile but they
were tears of joy.  Afterwards, she held me like she has never done before.  I
felt close to her and I felt her love for you."
   She sighed and looked at me then.  I noticed that there appeared to be
a saddness in her eyes.  I walked over to her and drew her into an embrace
which she returned.
   "What is bothering you, my child?" I asked.
   "Have you been reading my mind, Father?" She chided, glancing up at me.
   "No, I have no need. I can see it in your eyes. There are some things
that can be done without the use of magic or psionics. You are my daughter and
I know you well, although for the last year I haven't been around. Now tell me,
why the long face?"
   Her eyes misted over and I saw a tear form in her eye.  I watched as it
grew in size and fell down her cheek.  I lifted my finger and brushed away the
tear and kissed her on the forehead.  "It's okay. No need to shed tears. What's
wrong?" I asked again.
   "You have just gotten back and I wanted to spend time with you. Our
whole family wanted to spend time with you. But, while you were gone, a woman
came to our door and left us with a prophesy. You were involved. It said that
you would return as the embodiment of evil. Well, not you. It said a Martyr.
But you fit the discription. I..."
   She didn't continue.  She burried her head into my chest and cried.
For some time she cried.  Then she looked up at me and tried to smile.  She
succeeded a little.
   "If you go, I want to come. I don't want to be away from you any more.
And don't give me that lecture of "But you should stay here to be safe". I will
be better protected with you than here and I can take care of myself."
   I smiled at her bravery.  I knew to try and give her that lecture would
only harden her resolve to come with me.  I smiled at her and nodded my head.
   "I would be honored to have you accompany me. We can get started today.
I have already made plans to visit StoneGrip Keep. Now, there seems to be
reason for me to go. I want to see what Attilla knows of this. That hobbit is
good at picking up rumors. It is a good bet that others have heard of this
Prophesy so, if I show up at Attilla's keep in the body of Malace, claiming
that I am Flash, I might start something that might screw it up. I think this
would be better dealt with in secrecy. Tell your mother that we are going. I
will talk to Elena and then we will go. Meet me in Elena's room in a few
minutes. Have what you need."
   She turned to go but at the door she looked over her shoulder at me and
mouthed, "Thank you."
   I sighed and followed her out.
   When I arrived at Elena's chambers, she was there and greeted me with a
smile as I walked in.
   "It seems my sight works on you again. That is nice to know. I know
what you are planning. Nothing need be said. Go and go with my blessing."
   "You are kind, Elena. I thank you with my heart." I reached out and
plucked a leaf from one of her plants.  I concentrated on it a moment and a
white glow spread out from my hand, enclosing hand and leaf.  When I had
completed the sculpting, I held it out for her to see.
   "In remembrance of the drake."
   She smiled a silly smile and took the sculptured drake from my hand.
It glittered in the light of the sun as it passed through the ray that entered
Elena's room through a window.  The perfectly formed eyes looked up at her and
she thought she detected the a tiny smile in its crystal face.
        "Crystal. You do the drake justice, Flash. I'm sure she would be
pleased to see this representation of her. Thank you."
   I smiled my response and Polgara came through the door.  She saw the
figure of the drake in Elena's hand and let out a little giggle of delight.
   "How pretty," she said as she looked at the statue. "My father has been
playing again, I see."
   She turned to me and kissed me on the cheek.  Somewhat embarrassed, I
turned away, blushing.  Both women laughed at my show of emotion which only
made me blush a deeper red.
   Somewhat more gruff than I had intended, I said, "We should get going."
   "I am only waiting for you," Polgara said as she had seen through      my
feignt at gruffness.
   "Okay, there is only one more thing to do." Before either woman could
ask what that was, I began the spell that would change my appearance.
   A blue glow spread outward from my center and engulfed my body.  I
imagined what I had looked like years past and my body started to change to fit
the discription I had formed in my mind.  The process was done as quickly as it
had been started.  I stood there in the room as I had a year ago.
   "Not bad," Elena remarked. "I even like the addition of a little more
hair and the rugged look. It should be convincing."
   My daughter just stared at me.  She shook her head and mumbled
something like, "I have *GOT* to learn how to do that," and then she was
out the door.
   I bade farewell to Elena and then followed my daughter out the door.

   As I walked with Polgara to the front gates, many of the citizens
stopped and stared in stunned silence.  It had been a year since I had walked
these corridors.  To many, I was assumed dead.  And dead I was, at least my
original body.  It had been consumed by the same forces which had sculted the
body I now appeared to be.
   Then the shouts of joy began and people greeted me with open hearted
enthusiasm.  It was such a good feeling.  Many touched me; I assumed it was
becuase they were assuring themselves that I wasn't a ghost that had returned
to haunt the living.  Through it all, Polgara just smiled.  I reached my mind
out to hers and heard her thinking, "Just like good ol' Pop."
   As I withdrew my mind, she turned toward me with a reproachful lo     ok on
her face.  But like I had been trying to do earlier, I knew this to be an act.
I smiled sheepishly at her before she turned around.
   When we had finally gotten to the gates, a great crowd had gathered.  I
sighed and knew what was expected.
   I whispered to my daughter, "With your permission?"
   She smiled and curtsied low, "Permission granted, my Lord."
   I cast a simple incantation and floated up into the air.  Choruses of
cheers greeted my ears.  Below, faces glowed with happiness and I rotated
slowly for all to see.  I cast one more incantation and spoke to those
gathered.
   "I am deeply touched by this reception." The crowd quieted as I began
to speak. "I have returned to live among you once again. Many thought that I
had died but I did not. I know not what the body was that was found but it was
not me as I am here."
   I smiled and paused for effect.
   "I now go to StoneGrip Keep to see how Attilla has fared. I will return
when I have finished there. I thank you once again."
   Cheers erupted anew as I slowly drifted down to were Polgara stood.
The cheering didn't stop until we had walked out of the gates and they had
closed behind us.  I felt giddy; like I was a boy again and had just mastered
my first archery lesson.
        "You're all smiles, Father. That's nice to see. But why did you
announce where you were going. I thought you wanted to keep this secret."
   "Polgara, there was no way that I could have left there without being
noticed. I was noticed coming in. I did this to draw any there to StoneGrip,
where I will be able to deal with them better. I think it will also make any
who are looking for me to make their move."
   She smiled knowingly then and I patted her on the back.
   "Well, of we go."
   "My turn," Polgara said.
   "By all means," I responded and mimiced her curtsy that she had given
earlier.  She smiled and then her face bunched up in concentration.  I heard a
strange noise as she performed her magic.  The noise began to hurt and there
was a tremendous flash of light.  Then, I felt a strange disorientated feeling.
This feeling lasted for but a moment and then another great flash erupted, that
seemed to cause the noise to scream louder, and then we were standing at the
base of StoneGrip.  In the distance I could hear the echoes of the thunderclap
that had erupted as when we arrived.
   I looked at Polgara and she seemed to be deep in thought.
   "You could have done that a little more quietly." I said.
   "Huh?" She asked, appearing to snap back to the here and now.
   "I said, 'You could have done that a little more quietly.' See, already
we have earned an audience."
   True it was.  Atop the Keep's walls soldiers had gathered to look down
at the spectacal that had so suddenly appeared.  Sargeants yelled orders to the
soldiers and activity erupted.  Soon, the gates began to open.
   "Well, Dear," I said to Polgara, "After you."
   I followed Polgara to the base of the gates.  When they were fully
opened, we walked through and into the inner area.  I heard a few shouts of
surprise and then the cheering began again.
   "Oh no, not again," I groaned.
   Polgara cast an evil smile over her shoulder.  "What? And I thoug     ht you
liked this!"
   I groaned once more and walked forward to meet the welcome of
StoneGrip.


========================================================================



   Attilla's stoic exterior was but a front, as Galrond could easily tell.
First the thunderclap, then the only slightly less intense cheering had
warned the pair.  Then the excited watch officer had plunged into th e
room, causing one of the door wardens to tackle him.  But amidst the     minor
confussion, the officer cried out his tidings, "Flash has returned, your
Majesty."
   For once, Attilla did not scowl at the title, his mind raced with the
news.  Galrond cast a quick spell.  "He speaks truely, Master, or at least
he thinks he does."
   Attilla called out for his body servants, "Go and tell the kitchens to
prepare a feast."
   Aticus Hodges, Attilla's Captain of the Guard, entered the room,
 answering the commotion.
   "Is all well, your Majesty?"  Attilla's habitual scowl was evident this
time.
  "Ah, Captain, good.  Would you be so kind as to go down and escort
Flash to my study?"
  "As my Majesty commands," the guard replied curtly and marched out     of
the room.  Those near noticed a little extra bounce in his stride.
  "Come, let us go to the study."  Attilla said, grabbing his cape on the
way out.
   As soon as they had arrived at the study and settled into the
comfortable chairs, I entered with the Captain and my daughter, Polgara.
   "Greetings, gentlmen.  May I present my daughter, the Lady
Polgara."
   Attilla nodded to the Polgara briefly and proceeded to pound me on the
back.  Meanwhile, the others made my daughter's aquaintence and I noticed
Galrond was amongst the foremost.  I smiled inwardly.
   After exchanging pleasantries with my daughter, Galrond turned to me and
made a passing motion with his hands. Attilla, observant to such things,
held his breath.
  "What news, Galrond."
  "He truely is Flash, but something's different.  His body has been
enchanted."  Galrond's eyes narrowed as he studied me.
   I looked at Attilla with more than a little respect.  He had his
reasons for being cautious.  I glanced at Polgara and saw her nod.  As I
continued to look at Attilla, I addressed the mage.
  "As Galrond has so nicely pointed out, there is something different
about my body.  If you will allow me," I trailed off, waiting for Attilla's
nod.  When he had nodded, I incanted a spell and my body was once again
engulfed in a blue glow.  When the glow subsided, I was looking at them
through the eyes of Malace.
   "As you can see, I have usurped Malace's body."  I did not wait long
before I got the reaction I had expected.
   After a moment, the clammor died down.  Finally, Attilla turned toward
the mage, "You are sure this is Flash?"
   From his tone of voice, it was hard to tell whether Attilla was asking
a question or issuing a command, but Galrond was wise to the ways of this
Hobbit, "I am sure, Oh Exaulted One."
   Attilla gave the mage a stern look, but Galrond was not discouraged.
I chuckled, not having realized how much I had missed their friendly
bickering.  This, more than anything, told me that Attilla had thrown
off his despair so evident during the War.
   While the others made themselves at home, Attilla sent a servant to
fetch some refreshments for his guests and to have rooms prepared,
"Normally, I would offer you the chance to rest and refresh yourselves, but
I can see that you are near to bursting with your tale.  So please, regale
us with your story."
   I smiled and joined the harmless banter.  "As you wish, Great
Attilla."
   The Hobbit studiously ignored my honorarium, intent on hearing of
my adventures.  Behind his back, Galrond and Polgara tried to
contain their mirth.  Attilla winked at me, "But perhaps we should
leave these two alone.  I believe the old spell-spinner is smitten with
her."  he said, his voice loud enough to carry to all in the room.
The remaining guards chuckled as did the serving girl.  Galrond shot a
quick glance at the serving girl, the guards would say nothing, but  this
one would spread word about the castle.  Attilla had scored on him again.
   My daughter looked down modestly while Galrond, Attilla was sure,
invoked a cantrip to cover his changing hue.  I leaned back in my
chair and covered my laughter with a fake cough.
   I began my tale and the others settled in to give me their full
attention.  I spoke of my 'death' and explained my need for a body.
My story continued with details of my search for Malice and my long,
arduous trek back to the Academy.  When I had ended my story, several hours
had passed.
   Silence reigned in the room for several moments as those present
digested the tale.  Finally, I broke the silence, "Now, would you care
to fill me in on your recent past?"
   Attilla complied, telling of his efforts to rebuild that which was lost
during the War, then he moved on to the recent problems surrounding the
Traveller.  My face hardened when Attilla spoke of banning Robert,
but I said nothing.  As Attilla drew his story to a close, I leaned
toward the Hobbit.  "I think you handled the situation with the Traveller
in the only possible way.  He will find his own path, as will we all."
   Attilla was glad to hear my words for he still felt a stab of guilt
when the Traveller was mentioned.  But he pushed aside such dismal
thoughts.
   A servant entered and whispered into Attilla's ear
briefly, then quickly left again.  Attilla rose and addressed those of us
that were here, "I've had a meal repared for you, if you would follow me."
   "Before we leave, Attilla," I began, "I think I should change back to
Flash."
   "By all means," he replied.  Once again, I incanted the shapechanging
spell.  My body was engulfed in the blue light and then I stood as Flash.
   Attilla strode out of the room with me at his side.  Behind us,
Galrond escorted my daughter.  As we passed through the halls,
we drew many eyes, for all had thought I was dead.  But, much to Attilla's
surprise, Galrond seemed to draw some measure of attention as well, until
he spied the serving girls giggling with some other young ladies.  Attilla
continued, putting forth a heroic effort to keep his face straight.
   As we turned a corner, I saw a huge banquet chamber filled with
many who I remembered from the War.  I sighed, thinking I would
never escape this attention.  Attilla, hearing my sigh, chuckled.
   "Right this way, Flash."
   I looked down at the Hobbit's smiling face, "Leave it to a Thief
to know just the right moment to strike."
   As we took our seats, the assembly sat down and gave the magnificant
feast their full attention.

   Later that night, after the feast had ended, I called for a secret
meeting between myself and Attilla and those on his advising staff that he
trusted his life with.  When we all had gathered, Attilla looked at me
Questioning, "Well, what is it Flash?"
   I breathed in deeply and spoke, "All is not well in the realm.  It
seems I am now part of a Prophesy.  I assume that will include all of
you."
   The only response was Galrond's intake of breath and his exclamation of,
"So, it is true!"

========================================================================

   During the year that Flash returned and Attilla rebuilt his lands and
keep, Captain Blackhand wandered about the world, looking for a new crew and
new loot.
   From Elena's doors on the continent isle of Dargon, Blackhand swung
his ship to the southeast and drifted out over the Everclear Sea.  His first
stop was the continent of Neusa, where he sought fresh bounty.  He travelled
over the northern part of the isle, Rute, before he reached Neusa.
   He continued inland, once again passing over StoneGrip Keep.  A d     ays
travel southeast of StoneGrip, he turned his craft north.  This new set of
directions proved wise for the captain.
   A day and a half north, ran them into the wake of a heavily ladened
caravan.  The captain stayed out of sight until nightfall, at which time he
brought the ship down out of the sky, plundering the unwary traveller's
goods.
   The silks and spices that he had taken bought him goods for his ship.
He traded these at the city to which the caravan had been travelling.
A year later, his attack on the caravan had become legend; Captain
Blackhand had forever made his mark upon the planet of Aatonia.
   From the city, he continued north and into the Gulf of Neusa.  There,
he stopped at the Elven populated island of Inlet.  Inlet was one of three
islands in the Gulf.  The other two were small and were populated by Drow
and other dark races.  Inlet was the biggest of the three and was home to the
great Kejerian trees.
   These giant, fire and magic resistant trees became the new planking
for Blackhand's ship.  He also built a magnificent mast from the white,
sparkling wood.  This mast soon became his new symbol; his sigil was a
white mast on an ocean background.
   The Elves of the island, outraged by the pillaging of their sacred
trees, formed a guard of Elven Hunters.  It was this new force that later
destroyed Drowish raiding party that had attempted to take Elven slaves.
   Blackhand travelled north, back into the Everclear Sea.  The sea
sparkled incandescently during the day.  The clear waters of the ocean
allowed for easy fishing, as Blackhand could find schools of fish on short
notice.
   To the east of the sea, Blackhand watched as the isle of Dalapnai
moved south.  Further east, and just barely in sight, was the continent isle
of Axis.  It too, slowly drifted south as Blackhand and his crew jouneyed
north.
   After a week's travel across the sea, Blackhand sighted the continent
of Taskoda.  This continent was the home of the Dwarven nations. Mountains
claimed most of the land with valleys skattered amidst them from time to
time.  These vales were woodland areas occupied by pine and birch trees.
   Further inland, Blackhand finally reached the mountain city of
Demlock'Na.  After a few delegate sorties to the gates of Demlock'Na,
Blackhand realized that these reclusive Dwarves were content to hammer
the adamantine, mithril, gold, and silver that their slaves dug from teh
mines.  It seemed this way of life would last forever so, Blackhand once
again brought the might of his ship to bear upon Aatonia.
   There was a loud knock at the gates of the city.  The Dwarves inside,
knowing that the doors could not be passed without their permission,
continued to mine and work, forgetting about the disturbance.  The gates
were stout indeed, but a cannon can knock mighty hard.
   A few more knocks and the doors to the city crumbled inward, surprising
even the steadfastest of Dwarves.  Cutlasses and cannons, added with a few
persuasive words from Blackhand, convinced the Dwarves that trade with him
was a very good idea.
   Blackhand got the crew he had been searching for, being reassured by
the Dwarvish delegates that the Dwarves given to his command would prove
loyal and trustworthy.  As a gesture of good faith, the Dwarvish smithies
made several cannonballs from adamantine to accompany Blackhand and his
new crew on his future adventures.
   The captain remained in Demlock'Na long enough to train his crew
recover from his journey there.  He also helped the Dwarves rebuild the
gates, adding his knowledge of the kind of support required to protect
the gates from further cannon fire.  During his stay, Blackhand made many
friends among the Dwarven nations; he even learned to speak a little of
their gutteral language.
   When he departed from the city, six months had passed.  The angleic
white beauty of winter met his gaze when he emerged from the mountain city.
Blackhand bade farewell to his friends, vowing to return one day, and turned
his craft east again in search of more wealth and adventure.
   He travelled over a straight between Taskoda and the island nation of
Irachne.  Further east, he cut across the northern boundary of Aes; an island
neighboring the eastern sea borders of Irachne and Axis.
   From there he travelled out into the Sea of Magics.  It was here that
he had to put his great ship into water as the sea somehow drained all
magical energy from that which came into its jurisdiction.  Blackhand did not
like this but he could do nothing about it.
   After another week's travel through this sea, Blackhand wound his way
up the great icy fiords of the isle of B'dar - as the inhabitants, a nomadic
type of people, called it.  He stayed among the natives, learning a little of
their tongue and custom before he wound his way back through the fiords and
out into the Sea of Magics again.
   He had learned in his dealings with the nomads that two other islands
lay a short distance to the north and east of B'dar.  It seemed that these
nomads - from the different islands - fought each other constantly.  Blackhand
gathered, after pieceing together the strange dialect, that this had beeen
going on for generations; it had originally been caused by a blood feud.  He
decided he would stay away from these islands for the time being.  Especially
since nothing aboard his ship worked.
   After a fortnight's travel south, Blackhand had left the Sea of Magics,
and his ship once again took to the air.  The captain felt relieved but a
deeper, underlying feeling began to nag at him.  After some introspection he
realized that he missed the realm from which he had been ripped from.  The
power that was released during the Crystaline Wars had generated a portal
into which he and his ship had been swept, bringing him to this world.
Blackhand knew he wanted to go home then.
   The captain set a new course for Neusa.  He decided that he would
visit Attilla at StoneGrip and check on how the hobbit and his friend mage
fared.  He also wanted to find out if the mage knew how he could return
from where he had come.
   "Perhaps," he thought to himself, "I will even pay my respects to that
fool wizard, Flash."
   Blackhand realized that the trip back would take some time so, he
settled into the life of a sailor.  What he didn't realize was the surprise
he would receive upon returning to the grounds of StoneGrip Keep.



                                                        Paul White
                                                     Captain Blackhand
========================================================================


     The morning dawned bright and clear.  However, Stephen took
little notice of the beautiful morning.  The celebration had
lasted until the wee hours and Stephen had drank much more than his fill.
Now, as he stood the first watch at the massive gate of
StoneGrip Keep, the sun stabbed at his eyes cruelly, causing his
vision to blur.
     He took a moment to clear his sight and jumped in surprise.
He spied an old crone, but she had not been there a moment before.
Stephen shook his head ruefully.  Never again would he touch the Dwarven ale.
The old woman approached the Guard slowly.
     "I seek entrance to the castle," she said in a piercing tone.
     "May I inquire as to what your purpose is?"  One thing the guard
disliked about the job was Attilla's insistence that all be
treated with respect.
     "I have dire warnings for Galrond.  Emperior has returned
and his minions are taking Agnast.  And his spies have
infiltrated StoneGrip."
     This one did have the look of a witch, but she must be
crazy.  "I shall go see if he is available.  Please wait here."
Stephen waved to one of his fellows, who moved up to fill the
position as Stephen ran off to find Galrond.

     Galrond sat in his room, casting his 'sight' about the land
with the aid of his crystal ball.  All was quiet except for a
darkness over Agnast.  Galrond began to focus on that area,
putting forth more effort.  Suddenly the scrying device fogged.
Galrond, caught by surprise, broke his concentration.  Slowly, an
image began to form in the ball.  The image was that of a
beautiful young woman.
     Words began to echo in Galrond's mind
     "Flash is going to run into some trouble from an old woman.
Just let the old woman say her piece and run her course.  Let no harm come to
any of them.  A full explanation shall follow.  Tell Attilla what I have told
you, but breathe not a word of it to Flash or Polgara."
     The face faded away with the fog, leaving a clear crystal orb on the table.
     Galrond leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with the
possibilities.  His musings were short-lived however, as someone
started to thump sturdily upon his door.  Galrond opened the door and
spied the young guard,  his eyes still blurry from the
celebrations.
     "What news?" Galrond asked.
     "An old hag wishes to see you, Lord mage.  She has the look
of a witch but she is ranting about dead Emperior.  She thinks he
has returned.  In fact,  she seems to think that his minions are
running amok in Agnast and that his spies abound, even here in
StoneGrip."  His expression told Galrond his opinion of the hag.
     Normally, Galrond would have given the matter little
thought.  But the image had spoken truly thus far.
     "Go and ask Attilla to meet me here, then escort the woman
to the gardens."
     Stephen saluted and ran off, sighing as he began his search for Attilla.
     "Why me?" He groaned.  Running with a hangover did nothing for the
headache that had begun to make itself known.

     Galrond's musings were interrupted again.  But this time,
Attilla was at fault.
     "I hope this is important, Galrond.  I was meeting with the QuarterMaster
when your young Guard barged in on us."
     "I have a puzzle here you may find interesting, Attilla." The mage
replied, ignoring Attilla's tone.
     Attilla knew that something serious was afoot, else Galrond
would have greeted him with some renowned epithet.  As Galrond told
his tale,  Attilla's irritation left him and he leaned forward to listen
intently.
     After he had heard the tale, Attilla said, "I have little
liking for this.  Let's talk with the woman, have her brought to
me in the commons so I can get some food in me."
     They both knew that the commons would be private at that time of day.

     The old woman sat across the table from Attilla, both of
their plates untouched.  Galrond stood behind Attilla, his gaze
intent on the womans' motions as she divulged her tale.  She spoke of the
Emperior's rebirth and his bid for power on Agnast.  She then mentioned his many
spies, some of which where in StoneGrip even now.  Attilla's eyes
grew cold and hard at the mention of Emperior.
     My daughter and I entered the commons as the old woman finished her
tale.  Thus, I did not expect that which sprang forth from her decrepit
mouth.
     The old woman jumped to her feet as she spied my entrance, "There," she
said as she leveled a gnarled finger at my chest, "There is one of the
Emperior's minions now!" She shouted.  Her voice rang clear in the room.  I
had no idea what she was talking about until her next vocal claimation.
     "How dare you pose as Flash - the Elven Hero who saved so many when the
dealings with the Crystal were at their worst."
     She turned to face Attilla, "My Lord," her voice carried to every corner
of the large room, "please don't let this traitor stay here.  He will
cause the destruction of StoneGrip and the death of the Traveller.  I overheard
Emperior's new plaything give orders to this spy before sending him to the
Academy.  After his arrival, he brought destruction to the Academy and he slew
the great Alex-Zander and his daughters.  Then he hypnotized this lovely, lovely
child," she motioned toward Polgara, "And placed a geas on her.  Let
me show you what my magic has shown me."
     She waved her arms and she began to speak in fluid tones,
incanting some spell.  A lifelike illusion began to show scenes,
one after the other.  Malace sat talking with a familiar young lady
from Agnast, Attilla thought her name was Alora, her words
instructed him to cast down the Academy and to infiltrate
StoneGrip Keep.  The scene then changed and showed Malace
enchanting the Polgara while Elena motioned to her guards, apparently
instructing them to arrest Malace.
     Galrond's eyes opened in amazement,  Elena was the image in his
crystal ball.  The scene continued as Polgara defended
Malace claiming him to be Flash and filling the requirements of part of the
Prophesy.  Elena would have nothing to do with it. As the guards approached
Malace, Polgara threw them back against the walls with an outburst of
psionic energy.
     So far, all had happened as was shown, but then, things started to
happen that had not.  I sensed some sort of underlying magic working and
set my senses to finding it.  After a moments concentration, while the
image played itself out, I had found, after bullying my way past some
individual's mind block.
     After Polgara had thrown the guards back, the image showed her and
Malace as they slew the others that remained in the room.  As they
conversed together a figure appeared in the illusion that Attilla knew by
reputation alone, Alex-Zander the Wanderer.  In the illusion, he
and his daughter, Esmerelda, entered the room and Malace, with the help of
Polgara, slew them as well.  The image started to fade as the walls in the
background crashed to the ground. Finally, the image of Malace showed with an
evil light as he changed to Flash, then the pair winked out and appeared at
the gate of StoneGrip Keep.
     The woman, trembling with the effort of her spell, suddenly
collapsed.  Attilla moved to her aid and she whispered to him,
"Please, I beseech you, don't let the evil one do to StoneGrip or
the Traveller what he did to the Academy and Alex-Zander."  She
strained to finish her sentence, then passed out.
     Every person in the room had turned to look at me.  Attilla motined to
the wall behind me and two guards moved up behind me warily. Galrond sent for
Father Dominic, Bishop of Tyr.  Together, they cast their arts.  Then
whispered in consultation and incanted yet more spells.  The others waited
impatiently. Finally, Galrond rose, his eyes slightly glazed with exhaustion,
"She does hail from Agnast, Attilla.  She is a lawful citizen of
Agnast and she spoke the truth as she knows it."
     The small crowd that had gathered grew quiet as they eyed me with
suspicious glares.  Attilla looked at me.  The look turned to puzzlement as
I returned his gaze with laughter.
     The crowd erupted, adding their voices to mine but in snarls and oaths
instead of the laughter I made.  Some guards, who had entered in response to
the old hag's shouts, added to the shouts and confusion.
     Attilla stood on a table and Galrond cast a harmless illusion of a loud
gong, capturing the attention of the others in the room.  "Guards and servants,
go about your business.  Father Dominic, please see to the care of the old
woman."  Attilla's voice was controlled but all of them had seen
that gleam in his eyes as he hefted the Crystal.  All obeyed
instantly.
     "Flash, Polgara, I would be honored if you would join
me for breakfast."  The hint of iron in his quiet voice belied
his friendly words.

     As the others slowly left the room, mutterings abounded covertly,
whisperings of "traitor" and "fake".  Attilla remained motionless, keeping a
wary eye upon me.  I had quit laughing when Galrond had rang the bell.
Now, once again, the focus of everyone was upon me.
     Galrond stood and sauntered over to stand beside his friend.  I
covered a smile as I noticed the sizeable difference of height between the
two friends.  But, I told myself, this is not the time for lighthearted
bantering.
     "Well," I said as I cleared my voice, "I think you were missing
something in that last, well said speech."
     I turned toward my daughter then, a reproachful look upon my face.
She caught the look and knew what I was upset about.  She ran her hands
over one another as she waited for me to say something to her, her eyes
downcast.  Finally, when I had said nothing, she looked up at me, pleading.
     "It was the only way I could convince her, Father."
     Attilla had grown tired of waiting.  Stepping down from the table and
losing even more height, he stepped forward, "Would you mind letting me in on
this little secret?"  The question was spoken like a statement.
     I turned back to the hobbit, my face taking on the beginning traces of a
scowl.
     "It seems, Attilla, that my friend," I spat the word, "Elena decided
that my word was not good and she had to 'test' me somehow.  Polgara was a
member of her conspiracy.  Thus, you have this rather complex ploy that has
been played out.  Only part of the vision you have seen is true.  The part
from where I and my daughter slew the others is all false.  I think it is
time I pay her a little visit."
     It was then that Father Dominic let out a startled exclaimation.
     "What in the name of gods..."
     We turned to see what had caused his outcry.  He stood up and revealed
what was no longer an old woman but Elena herself.  She looked guiltily at
me and smiled flirtatiously.
     "Before you all loose your tempers completely please allow
me to explain.  Yes, Galrond, I am the one you saw in the crystal
ball.  No, the Academy hasn't been destroyed.  My father, Alex-
Zander, and my sister, Esmerelda, are quite well.  What was shown
here was a ruse to an extent.  Alora has taken Agnast and
wants StoneGrip as well.  Flash hasn't killed anyone or anything
out side of one leaf from one of my plants so that he could make
this."
     Elena pulled the little crystal representation of the
Drake Malace slew from inside the folds of her dress.
     "This was but a test.  A test to prove that Flash is really Flash and not
someone like was shown by me, the old woman."  She turned to Father Dominic
and Galrond, "Destiny isn't the only one who can interfere with others' magic.
I am truly sorry Lord, Mage, and Father Cleric if I have angered you as that
wasn't my intention."
     Then she turned to Polgara, "To you, young Polgara, I
am sorry for the hurt I have caused, for you did not expect my
test to be as it was.  But with your leaving, you have angered
your brothers and sister.  Not to mention broken your mother and
real father's hearts."
     Polgara started to respond but I held up my hand and she withheld her
statement.  Elena then turned to address me with a slightly indifferent tone.
     "Dear Flash.  You of all people should have expected this."
Her voice tinged over with anger.  "You knew of my hate and
distrust for Malace yet, of all the weak and mindless people in
the multiverse, you had to pick Malace.  I was once tricked by a
drow who posed as you do now.  A deceased friend of mine come
back in a drows body.  And that ruse nearly cost me 2,000 of the
people under my rule!  Yet I gave you the benefit of the doubt."
     "My first intention was to come here and slay you, but Polgara
swore that you were truly Flash.  So I decided to test you
instead.  All my scrying and other talents, along with the
Heather, the High Priestess of Ishtar and my sister, said you were
Flash.  But I have just proven that magic can be interfered with,
even mine and yours Flash.  Through your actions you have proven
that you are a man of honor and not a mindless coward of a drow.
This however doesn't prove that you are indeed Flash."
     "So I ask that you take one last test.  Get me home to my room using the
only method that only Flash can do.  If you are Flash you know
what I mean. Then if you pass that test I will then know that you
are indeed Flash, my friend and I shall not trouble you with my
silly tests - as my sister puts it - again.  And at that time will
I owe you my deepest apologies."
     "Until that time the only thing that I shall claim about you is, that you
more than likely wouldn't destroy StoneGrip."  With that Elena stood there,
waiting and looking at me defiantly as if daring me to cause her harm.
     The words I spoke were tainted with hurt and anger.
     "Aye, but had I been Malace and not Flash, I would have tried to slay
you at the Academy.  Even now, I can feel his hatred for you.  To his mind,
your death would be worth a thousand of his.  As would mine or any other
standing here in this room."
     "I do not take kindly to 'friends' deceiving another.  If you had
doubts back at the Academy, you should have made them known then.  Such an
act as you have done fails to impress me and gains my disfavor.  If ever
you should use your friendship to manipulate me again, I will not act in
such a friendly manner then."
     Elena stared at me, scared as she realized that perhaps she had
overstepped her bounds.  But, she could not let that show.  Instead, she
reached within herself, pulling on resources to keep her feelings from
showing.
     I stepped forward and Elena took an involuntary step backward as my
face was a mask of controlled rage.  She steadied herself as I reached out
and grabbed her arm gently.  The tension she had felt flowed away when she
realized I had no violent intentions.
     "Acba-de-Inuzit!" I shouted.  Then a white flash enveloped us, and a
crack of thunder sounded as the teleportation portal shut behind our exit.
     The others in the room stared.  Unbelief showed on their faces.  This
introspection was interrupted as an old familiar figure came rushing into
the room with cutlass drawn and five sturdy Dwarves hot on his tail.
     "What's goin' on 'ere?" Captain Blackhand shouted, eagerly awaiting
the fight that had been rumored when he had landed.
     The others in the room exchanged glances and looked at the captain and
his band of Dwarves.  Then, one by one, they began to laugh.  Blackhand
looked on in confusion and scratched his head.

                                        Tana Ragsdale
                                        Elena

                                        Brad Samek
                                        Attilla

                                        Jerry Young
                                        Flash

                                        Paul White
                                        Captain Blackhand
========================================================================


   The laughter slowly died.  Polgara still stood dazed.  Galrond had
moved up beside Attilla when Blackhand had entered.  He knew that Attilla would
not be happy to see the pirate.  However, before Galrond could say anything to
his friend, Attilla had spoken out.
   "And what brings you here, Captain?" Attilla said, his voice betraying
his irritation.
   Blackhand was taken slightly aback by the change of tone.  First, they
had laughed when he had walked in, proclaiming his will to help.  And now,
Attilla was addressing him in a rather nasty tone.  The captain tried to flash
a friendly smile as he said, "Yer lookin' healthy there, Hobbit."
   Attilla, who liked the captain even less than he could hope to throw
him, would have no part of Blackhand's friendly chatter.  He got to the point.
   "No thanks to you, my fair weathered friend." Attilla faced the guards
and motioned to Blackhand, "Arrest him."
   Blackhand stepped back, astonished, "What be yer reasoning for that,
shorty?"
   Attilla gave him a look that had been known to make lesser men quail,
"The Charges are theft of royal goods, murder of the caravan team and
illegal entry to StoneGrip Keep.  You shouldn't have pillaged one of my royal
caravans, pirate."
   The guards stepped toward Blackhand in response to their lord's
command.  The Dwarves that had accompanied the captain, moved in front of him,
drawing cultasses and hammers.  The guards, in response, drew their own
longswords.  As Attilla's men advanced, the Dwarves formed a protective shell
around Blackhand, glaring at the guards.  Blackhand held his cutlass loosely
and confidently.  His gaze bore into Attilla, all traces of friendliness gone.
   "What do ye mean, 'pillaging of a royal caravan'?  I only pillaged one
caravan and the fat little merchant deserved it." Blackhand quickly glanced at
the now stationary guards and looked back at Attilla. "I would withdraw yer
men or I think ye will have a problem shortly." The captain lowered himself
into a ready position.
   "I don't think so," Attilla spat. "Guards, arrest all of them."
   The guards moved forward and metal clanged against metal, causing
sparks to fly.  Galrond had anticipated this and had cast a short spell
earlier, creating an invisible wall, cutting himself and Attilla off from the
fight.  As the melee continued, Galrond prepared another spell.
   The fight was short.  The Dwarves that Blackhand had acquired, as his
new crew, knew how to fight.  Although they were outnumbered by three, they held
their own.  The guards pushed in, downing two Dwarves before they could set up
a counter attack.  Attilla's men fought well, but the narrow confines of the
room served the Dwarves well and they soon pressed their advantage.
   Hammers smashed knees and weapon arms; cutlasses cut deep into
unarmored skin.  The Dwarves did not go for the kill, they simply crippled.
Within a span of a few heartbeats, the odds were evened; each group
having four combatants remaining.
   Blackhand flipped his blade out at a young guard.  The guard parried and
fell into the pirate's trap.  As the swords met, Blackhand swivelled his blade
around the guard's and sent his opponent's weapon flying.  It landed across the
room with a dull clank.  Blackhand then backed the guard up against the wall,
his blade scant inches from his victim's juggler.  The unlucky guard stared
down the length of glittering steel and gulped, his eyes growing wide.
   The Dwarves were still beating back the remaining guards when Attilla
cursed and yelled out, "Hold! Blackhand, withdraw your Dwarves."
   Attilla's men broke the melee and began to back away slowly.  One
turned to bolt through the door and was felled by a Dwarven hammer, his knee
shattered.
   "First tell ye lackeys to drop their weapons and move to yer side of
the room." Blackhand still held the young guard's gaze.
   Attilla motioned and the guards complied, slowly letting their weapons
fall to the ground as they walked to the other side of the room.  They
stopped short of the wall Galrond had erected, much to his relief.
   Attilla moved like lightning.  He dove to the side, unwittingly
clearing Galrond's protective wall.  His hand flew to his boot, pulled a
dagger and threw it in one motion.  The dagger somersaulted through
the air and struck true.  Blackhand yelped in pain, his swordhand
numbed by the blow.  A moment later, the blade clattered to the floor.
The guard moved, trying to join his fellows.
   Blackhand reacted quicker than Attilla would have believed of one his
size.  The captain grabbed the guard by the lapel, pulled him away from
the wall and stepped behind him.  By the time he had completed the
motion, his pistol was in his hand and aimed at Attilla.
   "That be yer last mistake, Hobbit."
   Attilla faced the strange weapon unflinchingly, "Ease off, pirate.
That knife could have found your head as easily as your hand."  Galrond, his
fear lending him strength, hauled Attilla back behind the dubious protection
of his spell.
   The guard took this as a chance to try and escape.  It was then that he
found out that Blackhand was as strong as he was audacious.  When the guard had
begun to struggle, the captain tightened his hold upon him and brought the
barrel of his pistol to rest against the guard's temple.
   "Now," he whispered through clenched teeth to the guard, "If you try
something like that again, I will take your head instead of your lord's." The
guard nodded, unsure of the nature of the weapon at his head but nontheless
acquiesent with Blackhand's wishes.  He had no desire to die.
   I had shown up shortly after the fight had ceased.  Of course, at the
time I didn't know that.  As I had begun to form in the room, I heard the
sounds of battle and incanted a short spell that rendered me invisible.  When I
had made the transition completely, I noticed who was doing the fighting -
Captain Blackhand and a group of Dwarves, apparently under his command, had
downed 5 Keep Guards and Blackhand had one held motionless in his arms with his
pistol pressed against the guard's head.  Two other Dwarves lay beside the
downed guards, great gashes running across thighs and bellies.
   When I saw Blackhand with his pistol out and standing behind one of
Attilla's men, I knew the captain might do something rash.  He was that kind of
man.  Very impulsive and emotional.  Closely akin to the Dwarves that had done
such a good job defending him.
   Galrond had walked in front of Attilla when Blackhand had turned his
attention to the guard.  He hoped the wall would prevent something like the
weapon Blackhand now held, and had weilded so well in the Crystaline Wars, from
penetrating it.  He did not have to hope.
   I walked in front of Galrond, protecting both mage and hobbit with my
body.  Then I began to draw upon the natural forces that were about the area.
I manipulated and bent them until they wrapped around me, creating a hard force
of Chi.  The force should be sufficient enough to withstand a gun shot - or so
I hoped.
   As I did this, Blackhand went on with his questions. "Now why would ye
be holdin' a grudge against good ol' Blackhand? Surely, 'tis not 'cause I took
a little of yer 'royal goods'." He sneered.
   "Because legions of the Company abounded and 'ol' Blackhand' was
nowhere to be found.  I can't fault you for that, as much as I'd like to, but
you should not have come here like a thief in the night, stained with the
blood of my subjects."  Attilla countered, reaching down and pulling forth
another dagger from his boot.  Galrond restrained his friend with a gentle
hand on Attilla's shoulder.
   "Now, I'm not yer lackey like these 'ere fellas, Hobbit." Blackhand
tapped his pistol against the guard's temple. "And yer men deserved what they
got, being that careless.  I fought me battles elsewhere,  I could do naught
against yon Company."  Blackhand waved the pistol north, "How is it that YOU
defeated it?"
   Galrond stepped forward again, blocking Attilla from further advancing,
much to the hobbit's frustration.  Galrond tried to speak in a dignified manner
but his words came out in a little bit of a rush.
   "Attilla defeated the Crystal in a battle of wills. He defeated the
Company by strength of mind alone."
   Attilla managed to squirm his way past the mage as he said, "And I hear
you've been exerting your will against the Elves and Dwarves, Pirate."
   One of the Dwarves stepped menacingly toward Attilla, growling
something in his gutteral language.  Attilla cocked his dagger, and the Dwarf
withdrew, remembering the Hobbits display.  Blackhand slowly drew back the
hammer on his gun and aimed at Attilla's head.
   "Drop it, Hobbit or I'll blow yer head off," Blackhand rumbled.  His
giant frame dwarfed the hobbit's but the captain knew Attilla was quicker.
   I decided this was a good time for me to show up.  I cancelled the
spell of invisibility and appeared.  The captain's mouth fell open and his gun
lowered a bit but it was back up almost immediately, this time pointed at me.
Blackhand's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
   "Come on, Blackhand," I said. "Drop the gun and let's talk this out.
There has been enough fighting and I won't allow anymore bloodshed. If you
follow my instructions, I'll help you all I can. If you refuse, I will take
that pigpoker away from you."
   Galrond and Attilla had jumped when I had appeared.  The Dwarves moved
in closer around Blackhand, cutting off any avenue from going straight at him.
The captain looked at me and then at Galrond.
   "Nice trick, Mage, but I won't fall fer any illusion. Least of all,
that of a dead Elf whom Attilla 'ere all but forgot." Blackhand pulled the
trigger and the gun fired.  The bullet hit me square in the chest and pushed me
backwards.  I hit a wall that Galrond must have constructed and that saved me
from falling.  But did that bullet hurt!
   I steadied myself and tried to regain my equilibrium.  I did, slowly,
and watched as Blackhand stared at me in disbelief.
   "You're right," I wheezed. "I'm not an illusion. Now, hand over your
weapon or I will take it from you." By the time I finished the sentence, I had
managed to get over the shock of being hit by the tiny projectile.  And I was
glad I had, as at that moment, the Dwarves decided to end all talk and
attacked.
   I sensed the attack even before the movement was made.  A hammer
arched toward my head and I easily ducked under it.  In response, I brought the
ball of my foot to the Dwarf's groin.  I felt a meaty impact as the Dwarf lost
his weapon and his stomache.  The second attack was a bit quicker than I had
judged.  Consequently, the edge of the cutlass cut into my shoulder.
   I could hear Attilla's thought as though a shout, 'Fool Mage is going
to get killed if he keeps getting between me and that pirate.'
        I turned with it, trying to lesson some of the damage.  I then
continued the motion and leapt into the air, spinning.  I snaked a foot out
and caught the Dwarf in the temple with my heel.  He crumpled.  I landed and
faced to remaining Dwarf who was eyeing me with second thoughts.
   "Back down," Blackhand finally said. "There is only one bein' that can
move that fast." Blackhand dropped lowered his gun, letting the dazed guard
slowly sink to the ground and sit in a puddle of his own urine.  Then Blackh
replaced his pistol in its holster.  He stepped aroung the guard toward me.
   "Why, I had thought ye dead!" Blackhand exclaimed, reaching out a hand
to pump mine vigorously.  I smiled inspite of myself.
   "Aye, a lot of people thought I was dead. Right, Attilla?" I asked,
looking back at the hobbit who was eyeing the wall I had hit and glancing at
Galrond.  The mage, however, wouldn't meet his liege's gaze.
        "Yeah, Flash," Attilla said. "But there's something else to take
care of here." He glanced at Blackhand and then his guards. "Like my guard's
health and the imprisonment of this pirate!" Attilla had taken a step forward
as Galrond cancelled his wall.  Blackhand's hand flew to his pistol, but I
grabbed it before it even got close its destination.
   "Not a good idea, Friend." I whispered through clenched teeth. "Let me
handle him."
   The captain sighed and let his hand fall.  I released it and turned
toward Attilla.  More guards began to file into the room, surrounding the last
standing Dwarf and moving toward Blackhand.  I noticed they were giving him
plenty of room, however.  A couple of clerics also entered and hurried about,
trying to help the wounded.
   "Attilla, don't arrest him yet. Let us talk first. Have him held here
until then. Take his weapons away if you have to, but don't start another
fight." I said placatingly.
   Attilla scowled and faced his guards, "Whatch him well, if he tries
anything, kill him.  I tire of his foolishness.'  Blackhand's weapons were
removed from the room as were the Dwarves'.  As more guards arrived to watch
the captives, I told Blackhand I would return shortly and not to cause any
trouble.  He beamed a gaptoothed smile at me.  Inspite of his exterior
continence, I knew the captain was not happy.  But, I also knew he was smart
enough to know when he was outclassed.
   Attilla and I left the room with Galrond and Polgara right behind us.
Polgara?  She had not been there a moment before.  I looked at her
questioningly.
   "Well, when I saw the gun in his holster, I thought it was best that I
disappear. As no one else noticed me, it seemed like the smart thing to do."
She said, grinning from ear to ear.
   "One of these days we are going to have to sit down and talk about
these 'powers' of yours."
   Polgara did not answer but managed to smile even wider.  She loved
surprising her father.
   Attilla did not pay much attention to the exchange.  He was too busy
brooding about the captain.  Galrond, however, did and decided he, too, would
have a talk with Polgara about her powers.
   After walking down a few corridors, we finally made it to Attilla's
study.  Here the hobbit turned and addressed me.
   "So, what are you waiting for?  Let's hear it."
   I smiled and began my pitch, appealing to Attilla's reason.  When I had
finished, Attilla returned his smile, "Not good enough, I want..."
   I sighed and settled in for a long session of haggling.



========================================================================

   I smiled at Attilla. "He could prove rather useful, Attilla. Would he
not serve you better as an ally rather than a captive?"
   "True," Attilla responded, his pose thoughtful as he looked at me. "A
trusted ally is more valuable than a captive. But, I just can't trust the
pirate." The hobbit shook his head slowly, his light-brown curls bouncing with
the swing.
   "He was outgunned. As he saw it, The Company was something that he and
his could not stand against. To do so would've meant putting his life on the
line for something he got swept into. He didn't ask to get involved. Surely,
you, of all people, can see the wisdom in that."
   "Flash, I really don't fault him for that. However, I do resent him
showing up like a long, lost friend. As you have pointed out, he was swept into
this. I barely talked to the man and when I did, he did not overly impress me.
And that's not even taking into consideration his other indiscretions."
   I began to worry.  Attilla was calm during our conversation but his eyes
held within them grim resolve and determination, seemingly as unmovable as
stone.
   "You can't just let this opportunity slip past you. That flying ship of
his could be very useful. Besides, if you don't take the opportunity, what's
stopping the next person from doing so?"
   Attilla's mouth bent into a mocking smirk. "Could you convince him to
pledge his allegiance to me?"
   I ignored the look and continued. "You know he won't go for that. He's
been his own man for too long. And we both agree that the only person that he
does serve is himself."
   The smirk remained playing at the corners of his mouth and I realized
he was up to something.  I was being led through conversation matter that the
hobbit had already played out in his mind.  Helplessly, I listened.  I began to
feel as if this were Attilla's idea and not mine.  The feeling did little to
encourage me.
   "You want me to ally myself with someone that may or may not serve
faithfully and who will, if things get thick, leave, leaving me to deal with
the problem?" Attilla stated the question matter-of-factly.
   The conversation was going nowhere.  I knew that I had to get past this
hump that the hobbit kept throwing up.  Subtlety would not work, perhaps a more
direct approach would.
   "Well, set that aside for now. Will you release him into my custody..."
   "Conditionally, yes."
   "So he won't..." I stopped and looked closely at Attilla.  His smirk had
turned to a grin, his eyes holding back something I could not fathom.
   "You will?" I asked, making sure I had heard him right.  He nodded and I
felt a hot shiver shoot up my spine.  The little thief-lord did indeed have
something in mind.  I worried my lower lip as he laid out the conditions.
   He listed them off, counting with his small, dextrous fingers. "He is
not to move around freely. Either yourself or two of my Elite Guardsmen will
accompany him at all times. He is not to have access to any weaponry. He will
not be permitted into any sensitive areas. And if he leaves the Keep, he must
petition me personally for readmittance."
   I sighed heavily. "That is basically house arrest, Attilla. He'll end
up plotting against you, most likely."
   Attilla waved the possibility away with his hand. "That would prove
to be interesting but I doubt that anyone here has the time to teach him the
finer points of intrigue."
   HE'S GOT A POINT THERE, I thought.  The captain was definitely not a man
of subtlety.
   "Okay," I sighed, "But drop the guard escort from your conditions and
I'll agree to it."
   Attilla glanced over at Galrond, who had remained silent during the
discussion.  At the mage's nod, he turned back to me. "Agreed. Galrond will keep
an 'eye' on him as well."
   With his agreement, I stood and was about to return to Blackhand when
Attilla motioned for me to retake my seat.  The look on his face suggested that
matters were not settled yet.  Silence filled the chamber and it was I who broke
the quiet by asking, "What remains to be discussed? He'll have limited access to
the Keep and I will be responsible for him."
   Attilla's eyes turned hard and he took a deep breath before speaking.
"What remains to be discussed is his little venture with pillaging one of my
caravans. He killed a score of my men and stole my goods. I want compensation
for my losses."
   "Attilla!" I exclaimed, exasperated. "You can't get money out of a
pirate!"
   The hobbit ignored my outburst and began twiddling his thumbs.  He
looked at the ceiling as he said, "Then, I'll just have to make him work it off.
Hard labor in the mines comes to mind. Besides, he seems to get along well with
his band of Dwarves."
   "Don't be unreasonable, Attilla. The goods are replaceable and the men
are gone. You have to deal with the present; not the actions of a man that
occured close to a year ago."
   Attilla looked back at me, eyes hard again. "Flash, this is a kingdom
of men. I can keep them in line as long as I have their respect, or, at least,
their fear. If I let Blackhand appear to get the better of me, my kingdom will
be in danger of falling apart because I didn't deal with one offense. Others
will try what he did. I can't allow that."
   "You know it's not that extreme. Most of them won't even know about this
altercation."
   "I won't chance it. I've worked too long and too hard to build what I
have."
   "What price do you place on the men and goods?" I asked, tired of this
maze of words, at which I was having a hard time escaping.
   "Well, as I remember, Blackhand came here to sell some cargo. A hold
full of cannons and ammunition. I want them."
   "I think I can talk him into giving you one or two and some ammuntion
for them. Are we agreed, finally?" This was growing wearisome.
   "You misunderstand me. For compensation I want the Keep outfitted with
several of his cannons, with enough ammunition to last for several months. I
also want instructions for making my own munnitions."
   I groaned inwardly and looked at Attilla with a dumbfounded expression
on my face.  He smiled back at me. "He won't go along with that." I said.
   "Then I think we're finished here. Galrond, please see that Blackhand
is taken to the dungeon. And just for safety, stick him in that enchanted cage.
It will allow for my piece of mind." Attilla might have been speaking to the
mage but his calculating gaze never wavered from me.
   Galrond stood and headed for the door. He tried to keep a straight face
but failed. The mage did not seem to like the course these proceedings had
taken.
   I stood and moved in front of the mage, blocking his exit. "Wait
Galrond." The mage stopped and I looked back at Attilla, searching for any sign
of softness in his bright, hazel eyes.  Finding none, I sighed.
   "You win, Friend," I said to the hobbit. "And may I never have to face
you across a debating table again."
   Attilla clapped his hands and jumped up, all traces of hostility gone.
"Let's go inform the captain of his fate."
   As I followed the hobbit out of the room, I said, "It's been a long time
since I have been bested in a battle of wits, Attilla."
   Attilla flashed me an impish smile. "But, I didn't Flash. You fought
well enough that the captain gets to keep his ship... and his life."
   I laughed with him but I didn't know just how much seriousnes lay
beneath his jest.  I kept thinking back to what my mentor had told me
during my training so long ago.
   "Taryal," he had told me, "Some of the truest things are said in jest."