Submitted: 23 November 1999

Items of the Fallen

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 shakes the mans hand, "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 strange creatures have begun attacking folks on the Northern Road and generally wreaking havoc on anyone in there path. S'lai Screamers I believe they are called. They come in waves and are quite formidable. Many friends fell in combat to these wretched creatures and there was much bloodshed before the foes were vanquished."

"But that was not what I came to tell you this eve..", he adds.

Baresh silently refills the glass as Asden continues, "After the battle was complete, 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 signs of trouble, helping when I could, 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."

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. It seems that as soon as items touch the ground they are snapped up by the shadows. 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 member of my guild, a young fellow who I shall refer to as ‘Novice’, 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 ‘Novice’ in the acquisition and sale of the weapon to parties unknown."

Looking disgusted, he continues, "I watched, powerless, as Trille pleaded with ‘Novice’ to name the party he sold the weapon too. He even offered to pay ‘Novice’ 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, ‘Novice’ 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, ‘Novice’ further refused to cooperate and moments later the witness was coincidentally struck down. ‘Novice’, 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 the other fellows level. He should be congratulated for that if you should ever meet him. A man of principle, honor, and integrity. A hero in my eyes, indeed."

"I am afraid the story has no happy ending, friend Baresh. This ‘Novice’ 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 insulting to take by some others who were present. It was a most disheartening experience. The only bright spot was witnessing the unwavering manner in which Trille carried himself. I would ask my fellow citizens to be helpful if possible in returning items that are lost in times like these."

With a wink he adds, "Especially, a certain sword with a seven-ponted star..."

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 ‘Novice’ fellow should show his face around here...I would think twice before serving him...You won't have any problem picking him out, his actions will give away his identity I am sure…"

Asden grins at Baresh and strides out.