Plainsman distrusted mages and anything connected with
them.
Tanis nodded. “I see you remember Caramon’s stories about
the time he and Raistlin traveled there. And they had been
invited. This lady goes without invitation, to seek the mages’
advice about -”
Crysania gave him a sharp, imperious glance. Frowning, she
shook her head. Tanis, biting his lip, added lamely, “I was hop-
ing you could escort her -”
“I feared as much,” said Riverwind, “when I received your
message, and that was why I felt I had to come – to offer you
some explanation for my refusal. If it were any other time, you
know I would gladly help and, in particular, I would be hon-
ored to offer my services to a person so revered.” He bowed
slightly to Crysania, who accepted his homage with a smile
that vanished instantly when she returned her gaze to Tanis. A
small, deep line of anger appeared between her brows.
Riverwind continued, “But there is too much at stake. The
peace I have established between the tribes, many who have
been at war for years, is a fragile one. Our survival as a nation
and a people depend upon us uniting and working together to
rebuild our land and our lives.”
“I understand,” Tanis said, touched by Riverwind’s obvious
unhappiness in having to refuse his request for help. The half-
elf caught Lady Crysania’s displeased stare, however, and he
turned to her with grim politeness. “All will be well, Revered
Daughter,” he said, speaking with elaborate patience. “Cara-
mon will guide you, and he is worth three of us ordinary mor-
tals, right, Riverwind?”
The Plainsman smiled, old memories returning. “He can eat
as much as three ordinary mortals, certainly. And he is as
strong as three or more. Do you remember, Tanis, when he
used to lift stout Pig-faced William off his feet, when we put on
that show in… where was it… Flotsam?”
“And the time he killed those two draconians by bashing
their heads together.” Tanis laughed, feeling the darkness of the
world suddenly lift in sharing those times with his friend. “And
do you remember when we were in the dwarven kingdom and
Caramon sneaked up behind Flint and -” Leaning forward,
Tanis whispered in Riverwind’s ear. The Plainsman’s face
flushed with laughter. He recounted another tale, and the two
men continued, recalling stories of Caramon’s strength, his
skill with a sword, his courage and honor.
“And his gentleness,” Tanis added, after a moment’s quiet
reflection. “I can see him now, tending to Raistlin so patiently,
holding his brother in his arms when those coughing fits nearly
tore the mage apart -”
He was interrupted by a smothered cry, a crash, and a thud.
Turning in astonishment, Tanis saw Tika staring at him, her
face white, her green eyes glimmering with tears.
“Leave now!” she pleaded through pale lips. “Please, Tanis!
Don’t ask any questions! Just go!” She grabbed his arm, her
nails digging painfully into his flesh.
“Look, what in the name of the Abyss is going on, Tika?”
Tanis asked in exasperation, standing up and facing her.
A splintering crash came in answer. The door to the Inn burst
open, hit from outside by some tremendous force. Tika jumped
back, her face convulsed in such fear and horror as she looked
at the door that Tanis turned swiftly, his hand on his sword,
and Riverwind rose to his feet.
A large shadow filled the doorway, seeming to spread a pall
over the room. The crowd’s cheerful noise and laughter ceased
abruptly, changing to low, angry mutterings.
Remembering the dark and evil things that had been chasing
them, Tanis drew his sword, placing himself between the dark-
ness and Lady Crysania. He sensed, though he did not see,
Riverwind’s stalwart presence behind him, backing him up.
So, it’s caught up with us, Tanis thought, almost welcoming
the chance to fight this vague, unknown terror. Grimly he
stared at the door, watching as a bloated, grotesque figure
entered into the light.
It was a man, Tanis saw, a huge man, but, as he looked more
closely, he saw it was a man whose giant girth had run to flab.