| A Morning Walk by Tode |
| Tode walked along the pool in front of the Shaman guild in East Cabilis; his thoughts were elsewhere. He was thinking about the loss to the Empire of Shaguy and Zshale, both long time personal friends and valuable members of the Empire. Both had resigned their commisions and left the RE in search of greener pastures. "How can I stem the tide and keep our more experienced warriors within the fold," He pondered, "If Shaggy and Z will leave us, then any of the others are liable to go too." As he rolled the problem over in his mind, he noticed Motossic, a younger member of the guild, diligently meditating and memorizing his spells on the ledge that ran around the base of the guild hall. Tode resisted the impulse to say good morning, which would break the youngster's concentration, and continued walking towards the Field of Bone. As he did so, a Froglok slave cut in front of him, raced up the steps to the Shaman's Guild and out along the ledge, and attacked Motossic. In one bounding leap, Tode gained the top of the ledge, with a lightning quick flick of his wrist, he sent the frog to Cazic Thule, as his cane thrust forth, crushing the frog's throat and killing him instantly. Motossic, recovering from his surprise, croaked out a "Hail Tode", followed quickly by a "and thank you." "Hello Mo," answered Tode, "How dare he attack one of my people." Tode reached down and picked up the dead Froglok with a caloused fist by the loose skin on the front of the frog's chest. He lifted him like a bag of trash, jumped off the ledge, and with a scowl, walked purposely in the direction of the bank. One of the city guards, noticing the look of rage on Tode's face nodded good morning, but took no notice of the dead Froglok that he was carrying. As Tode strode into the slave quarters, he tossed the limp Froglok corpse at the feet of the Toilmaster. "Toilmaster, teach your slaves to stay away from my broodlings, or I will!" Thundered Tode angrilly. "Whoa," "I can see that you are angry brother Skivsyawarts, but that is no reason to be disrespectful." "You will addressss me with the respect due my rank." said the Toilmaster, glaring at Tode. "I'm sorry, Toilmaster, but THIS attacked one of my youngsters." "Well, it appears you instructed him in the errors of his ways quite satisfactorily, I trust your broodling was not injured?" "I will instruct the others, myself, later." Said the Toilmaster. "Motossic is fine, thank you, Toilmaster, and has learned the wisdom of being more aware of what is going on around him when he meditates." Answered Tode. "Let us put an end, then, to this unpleasantness, Guildmaster, can I interest you in a Cabilis Ale or two?" "Thank you, Toilmaster, I would be honored to share a drink with you, your treat, I presume." Answered Tode with a smile. The Toilmaster chuckled as he hooked a toe of his boot under the Froglok corpse. With one mighty sweep of his leg, he sent the corpse spinning through the air, out the doorway, and into the courtyard of the slave quarters. "Get this mess cleaned up." He snarled at the slaves. Tode felt refreshed as he and the Toilmaster walked up the street towards the Tink N Babble. "Damn frogs." muttered the Toilmaster. |