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Tirlanolir/D'nemy's Tales of Turgos: The Heroes of Goldfire Glen (UPDATE 7/26)
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<blockquote data-quote="Canaan" data-source="post: 2820259" data-attributes="member: 40239"><p><strong>Chapter 8: Balian</strong></p><p></p><p>Lilian, Gabriel and I stood motionless under the darkness of the threshold to Balian’s Tower for an interminably long time. When she recalled this moment, Lilian admitted with deep humility and regret that she allowed fear to seize her. If, she told me, a little darkness and the eccentricities of an old man filled her with such a paralyzing dread, how would she fare against a genuine threat? She told me she had felt cowardly. I reassured her that courage is not the absence of fear, but the subjugation of fear. </p><p></p><p>The moment we stepped into the foyer, our fears were duly caged.</p><p></p><p>Lit candles held in brass sconces the shape of writhing serpents illuminated a rug strewn stone staircase. I heard a labored scraping coming from the archway that yawned just beyond the landing at the top of the stairs. </p><p></p><p>Gabriel strode ahead of us, bounding up the stairs. </p><p></p><p>“Jordan?” He called. “Is everything alright?” </p><p></p><p>Lilian sprang up next to her brother and I followed behind. Gabriel stopped just shy of the landing as a small, hunched over figure emerged from the shadows behind the archway. </p><p></p><p>It was unlike any creature I had ever seen. Its head was as round as a pumpkin. A bloated nose grew from its pinched, jowly face like an egg-shaped boil. Its eyes were all but submerged under loose draperies of grey skin. The mouth hung in a permanent frown, weighed down by waves of heavy flesh. </p><p></p><p>Its hands dragged along the stone floor, rendering the knuckles into splintering mounds of white calluses. </p><p></p><p>A bulbous belly sank over stout, dumpy legs. </p><p></p><p>All told, it stood maybe three feet tall. Dressed in blue and purple fineries as fitted its station as the tower’s yeoman, it greeted us with a sigh and an exhausted, simple… “Welcome to the Tower of Balian, the Everwatchful. I am Orolde, the Master’s Caretaker. I have been instructed to show you to your rooms.” </p><p></p><p>“That is not necessary.” Gabriel said. “Where is Jordan?” </p><p></p><p>One of Orolde’s eyes popped out from under the folds of skin. It gazed at Gabriel, confused. </p><p></p><p>“The Acolyte Hu Li.” Lilian corrected for Gabriel. </p><p></p><p>“Ah.” The servant answered with a sigh. “He is with the Master, performing his apprentice duties. They must not be disturbed. Please, follow me.” </p><p></p><p>Gabriel stepped up to the little creature, clearly in a mind to bully, but I took hold of his shoulder. </p><p></p><p>“Gabriel, please.” I whispered. “I too am far from comfortable here. But this is the man’s home. We must not be rude.”</p><p></p><p>Gabriel gave me a sidelong glance. His features did not soften a wisp, but after a moment, he silently nodded and allowed the little creature to lead us down the corridor. </p><p></p><p>The ceiling was arched, like a cathedral’s. Great candelabras hung from invisible hooks above us, lighting our way. The air was stale and smelled of wax, but it was warm and free from the biting winds we had endured for the past week. </p><p></p><p>“What manner of being are you?” I heard Lilian ask Orolde. Her voice echoed, bouncing about the austere hallway. </p><p></p><p>“What?” Answered Orolde, betraying an insult. “I am a gnome! You mean to say that you have never seen a gnome before?”</p><p></p><p>“I am afraid not.” Humbly retorted Lilian. “I meant no insult. I was merely curious.”</p><p></p><p>Orolde said no more. He led us up a steep set of stairs and passed another yawning archway. The short hall was lit with a single candle at the far end. The tiny flame gave off enough light to brighten the whole alcove. Two black iron reinforced wooden doors stood on either wall. </p><p></p><p>Curious of the candle, I stepped up to it. I put my hand over the flame. </p><p></p><p>“Stop!” commanded Orolde. “Touch nothing!”</p><p></p><p>“Amazing.” I said. No heat emanated from the flame. It was as warm as the rest of the halls. I turned back to the others, a smile smeared on my face. I wiped it away when I met Gabriel, Lilian and Orolde’s shocked glares. </p><p></p><p>“Forgive me.” I muttered and, eyes cast to the floor, rejoined them. </p><p></p><p>“These are your rooms. The Master cares not which ones you choose. Dinner will be served in the main hall in two hours. Please, do not be late.” </p><p></p><p>With that, the gnome turned and wobbled back down the staircase. Lilian called out to him. </p><p></p><p>“We do not intend to stay long.” She said. </p><p></p><p>“The extent of your stay is solely at the discretion of the Master.” Answered Orolde, as if by rote. </p><p></p><p>“We are prisoners then?” Fumed Gabriel.</p><p></p><p>“You are guests of the Master.” Said Orolde, flatly.</p><p></p><p>I turned to Gabriel. </p><p></p><p>“Calm yourself, Gabriel.” I told him. “This Balian is strange, to be sure, but I sense no evil intent.”</p><p></p><p>“Neither do I.” Lilian added. “I do not believe we are in any danger here.” </p><p></p><p>“Fine.” Bit Gabriel. “But I refuse to stay a moment longer than needed. We endure the counsel of this… madman, and then we’re off.” </p><p></p><p>Two hours later, we had gathered in the great hall for dinner. A solitary long rectangular table, festooned with an ivory white cloth and sparkling silverware, awaited us. Large golden discs, smothered in succulent meats, piles of fruit and steaming breads covered the table. Jewel laden lead goblets were filled with honey wine. A high back, cushioned bronze chair, encrusted with elegant, colorful jewels was placed at the head of the table. </p><p></p><p>Orolde scampered around the table as we entered, straightening the place settings and measuring the height of the piles of fruit. </p><p></p><p>“Can’t be too high.” We heard him muttering to himself. “Master says all it takes is a quarter of an inch to go from glorious to garish.” </p><p></p><p>Upon seeing us, Orolde bowed low, his bulbous head scratching across the floor with a stony scrape and he left without a word.</p><p></p><p>The three of us sat down and a moment later a tall, narrow door at the far end of the hall swung open. Hu Li emerged, gave us all a quick nod and cursory look, and hastily sat down at a chair closest to the far end.</p><p></p><p>The tall door remained open. All eyes were turned to it. We sat transfixed, staring that the heavy shadows that loomed beyond the narrow threshold.</p><p></p><p>“Hello.” </p><p></p><p>The sharp voice snapped us out of our trance and we all jumped. It came from the door we entered. We all turned to see an eerily gaunt, towering figure, drowned in layered gray robes standing under the archway. He stood easily a head and shoulder above even Hu Li. His flesh was almost chalky in complexion and pulled tight against his skull and hands, the only parts of his body that escaped from under his attire. </p><p></p><p>He stood at the door way, leaning on a twisted staff, giving us what I can only assume was a welcoming smile. His thin lips were pulled to the side of one cheek, curled into rivulets that appeared almost painful. </p><p></p><p>“You, of course, know who I am. So, I need not introduce myself. I, on the other hand, have no clue as to who any of you are.”</p><p></p><p>His eyes first landed on Lilian’s fair frame. </p><p></p><p>She stood and bowed. </p><p></p><p>“I am Lilian Evenshire. Champion of Canaan in service to Goldfire Glen.”</p><p></p><p>“Canaan!” Balian said, his smile broadening. “Good! Right jolly fellow, if you ask me. Quite agreeable when you get Him in the right mood, as far as deities go. His followers can be another breed of beast entirely, though.” </p><p></p><p>All eyes went to me. Hu Li stifled a laugh. </p><p></p><p>Balian slowly crept over to the end of the table. Gabriel introduced himself, but Balian ignored him. </p><p></p><p>As he passed, I swallowed an urge to gasp. I saw that his heavy robes did not entirely cover everything after all. His back was exposed. Eight ghastly round wounds that perpetually leaked yellow and dead green viscous broke his powdery flesh. The wizard must have sensed my reaction, for he turned his head back, glaring at me. </p><p></p><p>“And who are you?” He spat. I sputtered out some incomprehensible reply. </p><p></p><p>Strange, I thought, after counseling Lilian and Gabriel on their behavior, that I should be so affected by this man’s presence. Strange, too, that I never felt flustered or at a loss for dignity when I faced down those stern, impassive glares of the Curia. </p><p></p><p>Balian’s affect on me was instantaneous. I tremble as I write these words, for they border on blasphemy, but I cannot bring myself to water down any truths. </p><p></p><p>Had he asked me, I would have worshipped this man. </p><p></p><p>His eyes lowered to the Canaan Cross I bore. </p><p></p><p>“Ah, forgive me, Priest. I did not realize my apprentice brought in one of Canaan’s earthly denizens.” </p><p></p><p>“No offense taken.” I answered. “Master Balian, believe me, I understand from where you speak.”</p><p></p><p>His eyes narrowed, but not with displeasure. In that moment it was as if he considered who and what I was, and was satisfied that he needed to learn no more. He sat at the tall back chair at the head of the table. </p><p></p><p>“I could help you with those sores, Master Balian.” I said. </p><p></p><p>Hu Li’s eyes widened. Lilian and Gabriel gave each other a quick glance, suppressing smiles. </p><p></p><p>“Help me?” Balian retorted. “You mean heal them? Why on Turgos would I want you to heal them? They are mine!” </p><p></p><p>I looked away from Balian, my face flushing. I had offended him. I had offended my Master, I heard myself thinking. What had come over me? Did I indeed intend to be tutored by this shriveled husk of a man? What had he instilled in me in this initial, informal meeting? I began to silently, internally pray to Canaan for guidance and succor. </p><p></p><p>So distracted, I missed most of the conversation over the meal. </p><p></p><p>Hu Li had finally divulged what was written on the sarcophagus under the stature of Graz’zt: </p><p></p><p>“Here lies the condemned diabolist Kharas’Vhoories. His crimes are as innumerable as the stars. Let no one disturb this place under the penalty of death and eternal suffering in the world beyond.” </p><p></p><p>Kharas’Vhorries, Balian explained to us, was a powerful devil worshipping wizard who Balian was instrumental in defeating a century ago. </p><p></p><p>Something did not add up for me. Above the tomb was a statue of Graz’zt, a Demon Lord. Demons and Devils, as I learned in the nights I indulged such forbidden knowledge, are bitter, eternal rivals. They never commingled in a theosophical sense. </p><p></p><p>“Yes.” Slithered Balian when I brought up the anomaly. “I placed that statue there.” He said with a slight, unnerving laugh in his voice. “As a joke. Do you like?”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, most clever, Master.” Hu Li sycophantically bloated. </p><p></p><p>Lilian, myself and Gabriel were at a loss.</p><p></p><p>“I am not following you.” Lilian said.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, well, you see, Kharas’Vhoories was in all appearances a worshipper of Orcus. But he only gave lip service to the Demon Lord of the Undead. His true allegiance was with the Devil Princes of Hell. They granted him his immortal servant, the detestable imp, Veshra.” </p><p></p><p>“Veshra?” Lilian asked. “What is Veshra?”</p><p></p><p>“The imp!” Balian said, with a growing irritation. “On the pillar, held by the circle of silver powder. I am sure it tried to lure you into releasing it. Appeared as a little girl in tatters, begging for your mercy. Bah!” </p><p></p><p>“The circle had been disturbed.” I said. “It was broken. There was no imp. It was released before we arrived.” </p><p></p><p>“WHAT?!” Thundered Balian. His glare daggered into Hu Li who sunk into his chair. “AND YOU DID NOT FEEL THE NEED TO TELL ME THIS, APPRENTICE?”</p><p></p><p>“I was getting around to it, Master.” Hu Li squealed.</p><p></p><p>“Well, this changes everything!” The wizard said. “Eat your dinner and be off. You must return to the Wildlands and find Veshra. You must destroy its mortal coil and send its soul back to the Nine Hells from which it came.”</p><p></p><p>“We dare not go back into the Wildlands without Shale. He was our guide.” Gabriel protested. </p><p></p><p>“Where is this Shale now?” Balian impatiently demanded. </p><p></p><p>“Recovering in Goldfire Glen, from a poisoned dart, shot by a goblin.” Lilian said. </p><p></p><p>“You have no choice but to go without him. The four of you will have to suffice. Time is of the essence. Stick to the path this Shale forged for you. Find Veshra and destroy her. Apprentice!” Balian grabbed Hu Li by the shoulder. </p><p></p><p>“You are to come with me. You need to be disciplined.” </p><p></p><p>“Of course, Master.” Hu Li sputtered. </p><p></p><p>“I shall return him to you in an hour. Then, you must be off!” Balian ordered as he dragged Hu Li out past the tall narrow door at the far side of the hall. </p><p></p><p>Gabriel stood and took a step to follow, but Lilian came about the table and blocked him. </p><p></p><p>“I cannot just stand by and let this… thing… torment my friend like that.” Gabriel spouted.</p><p></p><p>“What we need to worry ourselves with now is that there is a powerful fiend on the loose in our land. Have faith, brother. Canaan has brought us to this juncture for a reason…”</p><p></p><p>“Do not preach at me, sister!” Spat Gabriel. “How do we even know Balian is telling us the truth? What if he just wants us to march off to our deaths as some sick joke?”</p><p></p><p>“We have no choice but to believe him. I sense no evil in him.” </p><p></p><p>“So. Now, only the evil can lie?” Gabriel said. </p><p></p><p>“Sit, Gabriel.” She answered soothingly. “Eat. We will all be in need of your strength for this.”</p><p></p><p>Gabriel looked across the table covered as it was with such opulence. He scowled.</p><p></p><p>“I have lost my appetite.” </p><p></p><p>With that he stormed off.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Canaan, post: 2820259, member: 40239"] [b]Chapter 8: Balian[/b] Lilian, Gabriel and I stood motionless under the darkness of the threshold to Balian’s Tower for an interminably long time. When she recalled this moment, Lilian admitted with deep humility and regret that she allowed fear to seize her. If, she told me, a little darkness and the eccentricities of an old man filled her with such a paralyzing dread, how would she fare against a genuine threat? She told me she had felt cowardly. I reassured her that courage is not the absence of fear, but the subjugation of fear. The moment we stepped into the foyer, our fears were duly caged. Lit candles held in brass sconces the shape of writhing serpents illuminated a rug strewn stone staircase. I heard a labored scraping coming from the archway that yawned just beyond the landing at the top of the stairs. Gabriel strode ahead of us, bounding up the stairs. “Jordan?” He called. “Is everything alright?” Lilian sprang up next to her brother and I followed behind. Gabriel stopped just shy of the landing as a small, hunched over figure emerged from the shadows behind the archway. It was unlike any creature I had ever seen. Its head was as round as a pumpkin. A bloated nose grew from its pinched, jowly face like an egg-shaped boil. Its eyes were all but submerged under loose draperies of grey skin. The mouth hung in a permanent frown, weighed down by waves of heavy flesh. Its hands dragged along the stone floor, rendering the knuckles into splintering mounds of white calluses. A bulbous belly sank over stout, dumpy legs. All told, it stood maybe three feet tall. Dressed in blue and purple fineries as fitted its station as the tower’s yeoman, it greeted us with a sigh and an exhausted, simple… “Welcome to the Tower of Balian, the Everwatchful. I am Orolde, the Master’s Caretaker. I have been instructed to show you to your rooms.” “That is not necessary.” Gabriel said. “Where is Jordan?” One of Orolde’s eyes popped out from under the folds of skin. It gazed at Gabriel, confused. “The Acolyte Hu Li.” Lilian corrected for Gabriel. “Ah.” The servant answered with a sigh. “He is with the Master, performing his apprentice duties. They must not be disturbed. Please, follow me.” Gabriel stepped up to the little creature, clearly in a mind to bully, but I took hold of his shoulder. “Gabriel, please.” I whispered. “I too am far from comfortable here. But this is the man’s home. We must not be rude.” Gabriel gave me a sidelong glance. His features did not soften a wisp, but after a moment, he silently nodded and allowed the little creature to lead us down the corridor. The ceiling was arched, like a cathedral’s. Great candelabras hung from invisible hooks above us, lighting our way. The air was stale and smelled of wax, but it was warm and free from the biting winds we had endured for the past week. “What manner of being are you?” I heard Lilian ask Orolde. Her voice echoed, bouncing about the austere hallway. “What?” Answered Orolde, betraying an insult. “I am a gnome! You mean to say that you have never seen a gnome before?” “I am afraid not.” Humbly retorted Lilian. “I meant no insult. I was merely curious.” Orolde said no more. He led us up a steep set of stairs and passed another yawning archway. The short hall was lit with a single candle at the far end. The tiny flame gave off enough light to brighten the whole alcove. Two black iron reinforced wooden doors stood on either wall. Curious of the candle, I stepped up to it. I put my hand over the flame. “Stop!” commanded Orolde. “Touch nothing!” “Amazing.” I said. No heat emanated from the flame. It was as warm as the rest of the halls. I turned back to the others, a smile smeared on my face. I wiped it away when I met Gabriel, Lilian and Orolde’s shocked glares. “Forgive me.” I muttered and, eyes cast to the floor, rejoined them. “These are your rooms. The Master cares not which ones you choose. Dinner will be served in the main hall in two hours. Please, do not be late.” With that, the gnome turned and wobbled back down the staircase. Lilian called out to him. “We do not intend to stay long.” She said. “The extent of your stay is solely at the discretion of the Master.” Answered Orolde, as if by rote. “We are prisoners then?” Fumed Gabriel. “You are guests of the Master.” Said Orolde, flatly. I turned to Gabriel. “Calm yourself, Gabriel.” I told him. “This Balian is strange, to be sure, but I sense no evil intent.” “Neither do I.” Lilian added. “I do not believe we are in any danger here.” “Fine.” Bit Gabriel. “But I refuse to stay a moment longer than needed. We endure the counsel of this… madman, and then we’re off.” Two hours later, we had gathered in the great hall for dinner. A solitary long rectangular table, festooned with an ivory white cloth and sparkling silverware, awaited us. Large golden discs, smothered in succulent meats, piles of fruit and steaming breads covered the table. Jewel laden lead goblets were filled with honey wine. A high back, cushioned bronze chair, encrusted with elegant, colorful jewels was placed at the head of the table. Orolde scampered around the table as we entered, straightening the place settings and measuring the height of the piles of fruit. “Can’t be too high.” We heard him muttering to himself. “Master says all it takes is a quarter of an inch to go from glorious to garish.” Upon seeing us, Orolde bowed low, his bulbous head scratching across the floor with a stony scrape and he left without a word. The three of us sat down and a moment later a tall, narrow door at the far end of the hall swung open. Hu Li emerged, gave us all a quick nod and cursory look, and hastily sat down at a chair closest to the far end. The tall door remained open. All eyes were turned to it. We sat transfixed, staring that the heavy shadows that loomed beyond the narrow threshold. “Hello.” The sharp voice snapped us out of our trance and we all jumped. It came from the door we entered. We all turned to see an eerily gaunt, towering figure, drowned in layered gray robes standing under the archway. He stood easily a head and shoulder above even Hu Li. His flesh was almost chalky in complexion and pulled tight against his skull and hands, the only parts of his body that escaped from under his attire. He stood at the door way, leaning on a twisted staff, giving us what I can only assume was a welcoming smile. His thin lips were pulled to the side of one cheek, curled into rivulets that appeared almost painful. “You, of course, know who I am. So, I need not introduce myself. I, on the other hand, have no clue as to who any of you are.” His eyes first landed on Lilian’s fair frame. She stood and bowed. “I am Lilian Evenshire. Champion of Canaan in service to Goldfire Glen.” “Canaan!” Balian said, his smile broadening. “Good! Right jolly fellow, if you ask me. Quite agreeable when you get Him in the right mood, as far as deities go. His followers can be another breed of beast entirely, though.” All eyes went to me. Hu Li stifled a laugh. Balian slowly crept over to the end of the table. Gabriel introduced himself, but Balian ignored him. As he passed, I swallowed an urge to gasp. I saw that his heavy robes did not entirely cover everything after all. His back was exposed. Eight ghastly round wounds that perpetually leaked yellow and dead green viscous broke his powdery flesh. The wizard must have sensed my reaction, for he turned his head back, glaring at me. “And who are you?” He spat. I sputtered out some incomprehensible reply. Strange, I thought, after counseling Lilian and Gabriel on their behavior, that I should be so affected by this man’s presence. Strange, too, that I never felt flustered or at a loss for dignity when I faced down those stern, impassive glares of the Curia. Balian’s affect on me was instantaneous. I tremble as I write these words, for they border on blasphemy, but I cannot bring myself to water down any truths. Had he asked me, I would have worshipped this man. His eyes lowered to the Canaan Cross I bore. “Ah, forgive me, Priest. I did not realize my apprentice brought in one of Canaan’s earthly denizens.” “No offense taken.” I answered. “Master Balian, believe me, I understand from where you speak.” His eyes narrowed, but not with displeasure. In that moment it was as if he considered who and what I was, and was satisfied that he needed to learn no more. He sat at the tall back chair at the head of the table. “I could help you with those sores, Master Balian.” I said. Hu Li’s eyes widened. Lilian and Gabriel gave each other a quick glance, suppressing smiles. “Help me?” Balian retorted. “You mean heal them? Why on Turgos would I want you to heal them? They are mine!” I looked away from Balian, my face flushing. I had offended him. I had offended my Master, I heard myself thinking. What had come over me? Did I indeed intend to be tutored by this shriveled husk of a man? What had he instilled in me in this initial, informal meeting? I began to silently, internally pray to Canaan for guidance and succor. So distracted, I missed most of the conversation over the meal. Hu Li had finally divulged what was written on the sarcophagus under the stature of Graz’zt: “Here lies the condemned diabolist Kharas’Vhoories. His crimes are as innumerable as the stars. Let no one disturb this place under the penalty of death and eternal suffering in the world beyond.” Kharas’Vhorries, Balian explained to us, was a powerful devil worshipping wizard who Balian was instrumental in defeating a century ago. Something did not add up for me. Above the tomb was a statue of Graz’zt, a Demon Lord. Demons and Devils, as I learned in the nights I indulged such forbidden knowledge, are bitter, eternal rivals. They never commingled in a theosophical sense. “Yes.” Slithered Balian when I brought up the anomaly. “I placed that statue there.” He said with a slight, unnerving laugh in his voice. “As a joke. Do you like?” “Oh, most clever, Master.” Hu Li sycophantically bloated. Lilian, myself and Gabriel were at a loss. “I am not following you.” Lilian said. “Oh, well, you see, Kharas’Vhoories was in all appearances a worshipper of Orcus. But he only gave lip service to the Demon Lord of the Undead. His true allegiance was with the Devil Princes of Hell. They granted him his immortal servant, the detestable imp, Veshra.” “Veshra?” Lilian asked. “What is Veshra?” “The imp!” Balian said, with a growing irritation. “On the pillar, held by the circle of silver powder. I am sure it tried to lure you into releasing it. Appeared as a little girl in tatters, begging for your mercy. Bah!” “The circle had been disturbed.” I said. “It was broken. There was no imp. It was released before we arrived.” “WHAT?!” Thundered Balian. His glare daggered into Hu Li who sunk into his chair. “AND YOU DID NOT FEEL THE NEED TO TELL ME THIS, APPRENTICE?” “I was getting around to it, Master.” Hu Li squealed. “Well, this changes everything!” The wizard said. “Eat your dinner and be off. You must return to the Wildlands and find Veshra. You must destroy its mortal coil and send its soul back to the Nine Hells from which it came.” “We dare not go back into the Wildlands without Shale. He was our guide.” Gabriel protested. “Where is this Shale now?” Balian impatiently demanded. “Recovering in Goldfire Glen, from a poisoned dart, shot by a goblin.” Lilian said. “You have no choice but to go without him. The four of you will have to suffice. Time is of the essence. Stick to the path this Shale forged for you. Find Veshra and destroy her. Apprentice!” Balian grabbed Hu Li by the shoulder. “You are to come with me. You need to be disciplined.” “Of course, Master.” Hu Li sputtered. “I shall return him to you in an hour. Then, you must be off!” Balian ordered as he dragged Hu Li out past the tall narrow door at the far side of the hall. Gabriel stood and took a step to follow, but Lilian came about the table and blocked him. “I cannot just stand by and let this… thing… torment my friend like that.” Gabriel spouted. “What we need to worry ourselves with now is that there is a powerful fiend on the loose in our land. Have faith, brother. Canaan has brought us to this juncture for a reason…” “Do not preach at me, sister!” Spat Gabriel. “How do we even know Balian is telling us the truth? What if he just wants us to march off to our deaths as some sick joke?” “We have no choice but to believe him. I sense no evil in him.” “So. Now, only the evil can lie?” Gabriel said. “Sit, Gabriel.” She answered soothingly. “Eat. We will all be in need of your strength for this.” Gabriel looked across the table covered as it was with such opulence. He scowled. “I have lost my appetite.” With that he stormed off. [/QUOTE]
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Tirlanolir/D'nemy's Tales of Turgos: The Heroes of Goldfire Glen (UPDATE 7/26)
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