Ujaset's Tail
or
He Dies ... She Dies ... Everybody Dies

"Gather 'round my friends for I have a story to tell." The bard's voice boomed theatrical over the noise of the patrons.

Some in the crowd, mostly regulars, recognized this as Laric's none-too-subtle signal to quiet down. Those that did not saw the error of their ways through somewhat polite shushing and the occasional less polite cuff to the back of the head.

Laric waited calmly on the stage, drinking from a full tankard, glaring out at the crowd. He allowed the silence to hang for a few moments before he began his latest story.

"My friends you have heard me tell of the heroic exploits of the Myriad Veritas ... how they have aided Elves, freed slaves, sacked temples of dark magic, and encountered mysterious villains ... how none are entirely what they appear yet the bonds of friendship and loyalty are unbreakable."

There were several nods in the audience and the occasional "Remember when ..." comments ... "Remember when Mar fell off his horse at Shieldmeet?" ... "Remember Kholm the Swift?" ... " ... the food golems". Many in the crowd chuckled at that one.

Laric continued, "Yes. Yes. All were fine adventures. But tonight, my dear friends, I tell a tale of a different sort. It is a tale of heroism and honor, but also of death. For two of these heroes ... these mighty adventurers ... will pass beyond the veil."

He paused his telling, hanging his head sadly for a moment. There were a number of gasps in the crowd ... mostly from the ladies. A sharp eye

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