Side-line Conversations while still at the Glen.
Tara to Rollvag.
"I didn't have much time--but I've got the banner sewn together. When do you want to display it?"
Elkin to Rollvag.
Elkin responded to your questions in a stern manner. (The Drog are a sore subject with him, but he means no ill will.)
"Who opposes the Drog? Do you not remember who I said are the forces of good? Think on them: The Plains People of the North are grappled with the Onti Raiders! The mighty ships of Toridar are held captive in the Bay of Mirrors by the Dorfus! The Toridar people are unaware of the danger! Only the desert keeps the fierce Nori from being surrounded! The Kindar have their eyes turned toward the Ingbad! The others are not unified! But fear NOT, the Eyes of the Lords see afar off!"
Also:
"The inspirations of the Drog?" said Elkin angrily. Elkin counted out the fingers on his outstretched hands: "One: To keep and hold `bahdah'or personal honor. Two: To accept all challenges with out losing `bahdah.' Three: To be a man of strength--because only the strongest are the leaders. Four: To be a Man of Arms. In duels, they do not use shields; preferring to be cut and bashed rather than to lose `bahdah.' Five: To faithfully fight until death--which usually comes early by another's hand. Six: To have as many wives as they are able to win. Seven: To have as many servants and as many of someone else's goods as they are able to win. Need I go on?"
And also:
"Customs? Did you say: Customs?? When a Drog awakes, he will ceremoniously wash his face to prepare himself for the day's battle. When the duel or `Tahyah' comes, he and his opponent will argue for hours over the terms while others watch, urge them on, and scream at them. They do not worship God--preferring to worship strength in battle and the prizes of their lives that can be captured thereof. A drog will scoff at any one who insists upon some divine guidance in the way of life. They do not marry--preferring to use consorts; often for only one night. Jealousy will drive a Drog to challenge an opponent that is ten times his equal! They sharpen their knives! They even dream of what evil they can bring to fruition..."
Kip to Rollvag.
"Except for isolated individuals, no tribe but mine, Kanoli--can you count on." Kip said sorrowfully in the Arvetan tongue. "The Ard are very powerful and influential. Physically, they are very large and strongly built, but are not very quick or skilled. They mostly push you over in a fight. They are the biggest tribe, occupying Central Baldor around Ontare. They also have the most drive to conquer. The Systai often carry a group of Ard aboard ship as a landing party. Finally, they fight among themselves constantly."
"They captured Kanoli by diversion. They sent an emissary bearing a peace offering to the castle only hours before their occupation force overwhelmed it. They brought hooks and ladders and a group of Yuccah Archers with them. They captured the walls before we even knew what hit us..."
"I have drawn a map, in the short time we have had in the glen."
"Thank you for your interest and concern, and again for rescuing me. My hopes are dim now that the archers have crossed into Toridar, but WHEN we fight I shall not hesitate."
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© Copyright 1999 by Abram Paradies.
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