Ujaset's Tail

what looked like a sleeping area.

"There is a depression there in the wall." He pointed to it with a large paw.

"Press it and a chamber will be revealed to you. Take what you will." He paused, cocking his head to one side listening to something only he could hear. "I must leave you now ... my link to this world is fading. Fare thee well and may your gods smile upon you." And with a slight "pop" he was gone.

Dane approached the depression and pushed on it as instructed. There was a discernable "click" and a panel in the wall slid aside revealing stacks of coin and gems. They cleaned it out and left. Portia fairly skipped her way back to the horses.

By the time they reached the main road is was well after dark. They decided that it was better to rest until morning then to travel further into the mountains toward Mosstone and risk adding to their collection of dead.

They set up watches as usual; first Conor, then Kaldes, then Dane.

Conor's watch was boring as usual, but he was able to work out a few verses that he would sing at Mar's and Ariana's death day celebration should the need arise and they are unable to be resurrected ... it was some of his finest work ... there wouldn't be a dry eye in the place.

Kaldes relieved Conor promptly at the appointed hour as was his habit. Conor made his way to his bedroll, chuckling at Kaldes' rigid stance as he gazed out into the night. Had he the wherewithal, thought Conor, it would be quite funny to see if when Dane relieved Kaldes in four hours whether he'd be in the same position. But in the end he was too tired to make such a sacrifice ... even for a humorous moment.

Conor dropped off, but before long, he awoke surrounded by Calimshan belly dancers doing their best work. They all danced in mesmerizing concert, moving to and fro with such skill as to boggle the mind. At last, the apparent leader broke from the ranks and approached him, still

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