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From: guido@rbg.informatik.th-darmstadt.de (guido roessling)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.archives
Subject: STORY: Qelrik 27
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Date: 2 May 1994 09:52:35 -0400
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***************************************************************************

This story is a collaboration of seven people: one German, two Canadians 
and four Americans. Comments about particular characters should be 
forwarded to their character's "owners":

Finn Ambrose  -  Sheryl Ann Galchutt* - fi48@sol.acs.unt.edu
Gernodt       -  Guido Roessling      - guido@rbg.informatik.th-darmstadt.de
Dahlarin      -  Brent Hughes         - bhughes@student.business.uwo.ca
Kyle          -  J.E. Mason           - jempci@borg.cis.rit.edu
Fox           -  Barbara French       - bcfrench@mailbox.syr.edu

Will appear in future chapters:

Gladrial      -  Jennifer Immel       - bhughes@julian.uwo.ca
Sir Percy     -  Bret Rudnick         - rudnick@cfatrw.harvard.edu

For missing chapters etc., send a mail to guido@rbg.informatik.th-darmstadt.de
***************************************************************************


			The Reading
			===========


She untied a small pouch at her side as Dahlarin and Gernodt both
leaned forward curiously.  Kyle watched her, but his thoughts were
not on the reading.  He tried to maintain a neutral outward
appearance, while inside his disappointment spun.  If only he were
older... or stronger, or smarter.  He glanced enviously at Gernodt
and Dahlarin.  She didn't question _their_ ability to take care of
themselves.  If only he could prove himself...

Glancing around the table at everyone's watchful gaze, Finn cast
her runes and examined them closely.  Her eyes widened a little and
she frowned.  There must be a mistake.  Perhaps Dahlarin and
Gernodt were influencing the reading.  She glanced at Dahlarin, who
was studying the runes intently.  She wondered briefly if he
understood them, but abandoned the thought as he looked
questioningly at her.

Dahlarin shrugged, "I recognize a couple of the symbols, but I
haven't a clue how to interpret them."

Finn hesitated.  Should she reroll them?  She decided against it. 
If it was just Kyle here, she could have done it, but both Gernodt
and Dahlarin had watched her reaction and knew she had seen
something.

"I don't know what to say.", she started lamely, "It is a rather
odd reading.  All I can think of is perhaps the reading was
influence by the rest of us here.  Perhaps the reading was meant
for Dahlarin or Gernodt..."  Finn looked to Gernodt.

Gernodt leaned back and crossed his arms, "That's all right with
me.  Let's hear it anyway.  Perhaps whoever it was meant for will
benefit."

Kyle was now intruiged and he looked at the meaningless runes
curiously.  Without meeting his gaze, Finn read the runes. 

"The runes indicate a strong link to destiny.  A common enough
reading for someone who will accomplish something in his life,
though not necessarily of earth-shattering consequence.  What is
puzzling is the reference to a key.  This indicates that not only
will there be a major occurrence, but that it will be centered
around that person.  This isn't just something that will happen
_to_ you, but will happen _because_ of you.  There is also a strong
sign of the influence of the gods in this... and of the night and
darkness."  Finn stared helplessly at the runes, trying to find
another interpretation.  Night and darkness.  It was an
unmistakable reference to her.  Not only that, but she was positive
that Dahlarin and Gernodt had no influence in the roll.  This was
definitely a prediction for Kyle.  Obviously, the meaning was not
lost on Dahlarin, who smiled and leaned back and crossed his arms,
unconsciously imitating Gernodt's move.

"Does it say anything about a boy convincing his parents to let him
go?", Dahlarin said with a smile.  "It looks like your runes are
voting for Kyle helping us."

Kyle's hopes lept upward and he stared at Dahlarin in excitement. 
Gernodt looked concerned.

"Look.  I agree with Finn.", Gernodt said sternly, "This is much
too dangerous to have a boy tagging along.  We will be lucky if we
live through this ourselves!  He doesn't stand a chance!"


*************************************************************************
Next Time:
What to do with Kyle?
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