Submitted: 16 November 1999

Death Was Just The Beginning

by Asden Allrex

Rubbing his eyes, he calls out, "Baresh, I need a drink."

"Barons Mark please, a tall one...", he says somewhat haggardly.

Baresh gets a glass from beneath the bar and with an ease that belies his practice, produces a flagon of brandy and gently fills the glass. Setting it on the bar, he glances at the stranger.

He is young, yet his eyes seem somewhat older than his years. Subtle lines of fatigue ring his crystal blue gaze as if he has been awake for many hours. Although clad in heavy armor and various other gear, when he moves there is no discernible sound.

He produces several silver coins and places them on the smooth wood of the bar. He holds out his hand to Baresh and there is purpose behind his gaze as he begins to speak.

"Baresh, I am Asden Allrex and I have a story to tell, if you have the time."

Baresh nods and replies, "Of course, Asden."

Asden takes a long draw on his glass and sets it aside, empty. Taking another look around the bar he fixes his gaze on Baresh and sighs.

"My friend, I have been witness to some things in my days but today has affected me like no other."

"First, these damnable Slai Screamers come blowing into town thinking they can destroy the place and generally wreak havoc on all in there path. Many friends fell in combat to these wretched creatures and there was much bloodshed before the foes were vanquished."

"But that was not the worst..", he adds.

Baresh silently refills the glass as Asden continues, "After the battle was complete and my friends bodies were dragged to safety, I began to walk through the aftermath. There were Empaths and Clerics busily tending to the wounded and the dead alike. I made several quick circuits of the area, watching for more signs of trouble and listening to others for information."

Asden runs a finger around the rim of his glass as he says, "The battlefield can be a confusing place with everyone trying to engage the enemy. Unfortunately, many brave souls fall in these engagements and when they do so does their gear. Weapons, shields, and items all get dropped on the field. Some are returned to their owners and some are not. Such is life."

Asdens face grows dark and his eyes flash angrily for a moment. After taking another pull on his drink, he composes himself to continue.

"I listened as people called out descriptions of items and pleas for their return. My heart fell as I heard the same ones over and over. I knew that these were not likely to be seen again by their respective owners. Sadly, I sheathed my own blade and headed through the gates toward my guild."

The anger drains away from Asdens face for a moment and he looks at Baresh with a grim smile, "This, my friend, is the part I came to tell you about..."

"Upon reaching the guild I winessed events that infuriated me. It seems that a novice in my guild, a young fellow by the name of Unpure, had embroiled himself in a very distateful situation."

"A gentleman named Trille had evidently given his friend a rather valuable sword that was lost when he fell during the invasion. A broadsword with a seven-pointed star I believe. This 'novice', apparently had some knowledge of the whereabouts of the missing weapon. A witness came forward and by his words, implicated Unpure in the acquisition and sale of the weapon to parties unknown."

Looking disgusted, he continues, "I watched, powerless, as Trille pleaded with Unpure to name the party he sold the weapon too. He even offered to pay Unpure a very sizeable sum of money for the information. He would not cooperate."

Asden shakes his head.

"Instead of pronouncing his innocence in the whole affair, Unpure demanded the witness come forward and be known by all. He abused Trille physically and verbally. He spit on the floor and generally laughed in Trilles face. This went on for hours."

Asden pauses and takes a deep breath.

"Faced with the witness, Unpure further refused to cooperate and moments later the witness was coincidentally struck down. Unpure, who was out of the room when the witness fell, soon returned and stated that the case was now closed because the witness was dead."

"Now Trille, in my eyes, had a perfect right to deal with this person as he saw fit. Yet, he showed a remarkable amount of restraint and did not lower himself to Unpures level. He should be congratulated for that if you should ever meet him. A fine example of a fellow, indeed."

"I am afraid the story has no happy ending, friend Baresh. This Unpure is still in my guild, a dark cloud hanging over his soul to be sure. But, no action was taken against him save to quiet him down when he became too repulsive to take by some who were present. It was a most disheartening experience overall."

Asden stands abrubtly, placing a few more coins on the bar.

"Friend Baresh, I appreciate you listening to my tale. I feel much better for the telling of it."

If you should see Trille, buy him a drink from me, please?"

He flips a gold kronar to Baresh who catches it easily.

"Oh, and if this Unpure fellow should show his face around here...I would think twice before serving him..."

Asden grins at Baresh and strides out.

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