The Epic of Dalen Grey

I plannd on going to the Fireside Inn early. I thought things would be calm before tonights performance from Toman. I was hoping to find him and ask a few questions. It seems that I underestimated a few things. The place was standing room only. The tables had even been moved out in preparation.

Near the center of the room, I heard men laughing and girls giggling. Then came the applause. I knew something was going on, but I can neither see nor hear what what was happening. I could not even wiggle my way forward. Things had settled down once more. The crowd quieted down Just enough. And I heard, Just barely what was going on.

There was a man at the center of the group. He was telling a tale of a clumsy theft. Everytime he tried to steal something, he would make a humorous mistake and come out empty handed completely unaware. I have no talent for retelling Jokes, but I have to admit to falling victim to his antics and story telling. I didn't come to be entertained, but I should found myself laughing and cheering along with the rest of them. The tales he told were very compeling. When I finally noticed he was done, I could not find him to talk to him. He was gone.

I looked but did not find him. I went to the bar and put my wooden token down on the counter.

"One mug of ale. bartender."

"This coin, damn why did they have to send you." He brought me my mug and I was alittle curious about what he was talking about.

"Its too busy to talk now, come to me before closing and we can talk."

I had to act like I knew what what going on and not ask what he meant. So I quickly changed the subJect.

"Toman, I want to talk to him. Do you know where he is?"

"You and the whole bar, he is preparing for tonight. You can see him then, and you best be hoping he isn't surrounded by girls."

He walked off without another word and all I could do is wait til tonight. I Just might have a chance to have fun, something I had almost forgotten what was like. Maybe it was time I had some time to relax.

I waited til the show started. I noticed a variety of instruments on stage. I recognized a few, but had no idea what they were. I could barely see him, but I could tell he started playing a string instrument. He sang of heroes and villains mostly, or some other tale of adventure. They were all ballads. There was soon a disruption in the activity.

The stories were very compelling I must admit. I almost felt apart of their adventures, swinging swords and narrowly escaping disaster. I understood why he was so popular. He could tell a tale better then I have ever heard before.

"Thats not how it happened!"

Toman replied "was too how it happened. I saw it with my own eyes."

"I was in that fight, I will not tolerate your lies."

He drew his sword and the man and Toman started dueling on stage. They fought back and forth as the crowd watched and gasped. Toman eventually broke his sword from his hand and forced him to the ground. He stood there pointing the blade at him.

"Stand up" Toman said.

The man got up and together they bowed to crowd. This had all been part of the show and I wasn't aware. The man then started playing with him. In the middle of this song there was a large burst of smoke. All of the sudden another instrument started playing. When the smoke cleared, there was Toman and two other musicians playing. They sounded really good together.

I waited til he ended and I tried to talk to him. He was surrounded by girls and admirers. I tried hard to get to him. I struggled my way to him.

"Toman, I need to talk to you."

"I hope its not serious stranger." As he smiled "there's a party going on, and these girls are much prettier then you."

"Elizia told me to talk to you."

"Elizia you say. I owe her a visit anyway. I'll meet up with you tomorrow night at the Midnight Moon." He pulled a girl onto his lap "now if you can excuse me, I have business to attend to."

I went to the bartender. I wanted to know what he didn't say from earlier.

"You wanted to talk to me."

"I have a Job I need done. I much prefer a tougher mercenary."

"I'll show you tough you half-witted wench."

"Aye, calm down, you have spirit. I might have been wrong about you. I have a guy I need dealt with. I don't want to speak to loudly with these people around. Come back tomorrow around midday and we can talk."

"This sounds illegal, I don't think I want any part in this."

"Laws are tricky things, but I'm not asking you the break them. I wish to protect a reputation. I have a business to run. If I don't see you tomorrow, I'll find someone else."

"I'll come and here what you have to say, but I'm not getting myself into any more trouble over this."

"Just come by and hear me out."

"I'll be here."

I left curious. I didn't know what he wanted, but I was pretty sure I wanted no part of it. I agreed to listen, but thats all I intend on doing. It was too late in the night to press more answers and I was much too tired.