The Top

You finally reach the top stair after what seemed like a thousand steps and rest on the stair. You know that it was really only 3 flights of stairs, and you scorn yourself for being so out of shape.
You get up and look around the top of the tower. One side of the tower is the bell, Menasseh. The other(facing outward) is an archer's battlements. You watch the sun set, awarded a glorious view for the exersion getting up.


"Aha... a lovely place to meet someone... I shall have to remember it" Rivkeh sighs to the sunset. "One is never so alone as when watching a sunset solo".


"It is beautiful, isn't it? My favorite tower...I'm glad you came, Rivkeh."

---

later.....

Salek looked out at the stars and sighed, cursing at a sudden shock in her hands. She turned and paced the room, restless to get on the roads again. She suddenly stopped, remembering something, then went back and cursed at the road, the night skies, the things that had taken place there....Death is an easy gift to give;but to keep without it in the process, yes, that was the trick.....


Kyren walked to the top of the stairs, wondering why it was so silent... She almost never got silence....

Salek turned to see Kyren and smiled. "Who might you be?"

Kyren smiled. "I'm Kyren. I was exploring and came across this tower. Funny how I never noticed it before. Who are you?"

Salek smiled back. "I'm Salek. I live here."

"It's nice to meet you Salek. My father is visiting one of the lords here, so I'm just visiting..."

Salek cocked her head to the side. "Lords? I have not seen any about or around here in a very long time. Unless you mean the Bastard?"

Kyren's eyes widened and she laughed, throwing her head back. "Yes, apparently that is what he is called around here. I agree, he's a horrible little man, but I've never heard him called that!"

Salek smiled. "Must be someone else, then. Karmikale. The Bastard Prince. Tyrant of the Ballade islands. I've been working to dethrone him. He's a dragon, and an annoying one at that."

Kyren's amused smile left slightly, but it returned. "Oh, really? What exactly do you do? I've never heard of a successful un-seating before.... I don't get to meet him until tomorrow."

Salek laughed. "Wow. You have not been around the islands very long, have you?" She looked out the window. "We wage war. The Children Of The FireTongue are sworn enemies of the royal line, although we did not swear it."

Kyren laughed nervously. "No.... Father and I just arrived this morning. We live in a relativly reclusive spot far north...."

Salek nodded. "That would make sense." She smiled. "Have you eaten yet?"

Kyren's eyes widened and she clapped her hands. "No, I haven't! I'm starving though. Ship food isn't exactly appetizing." She made a disgusted face.

Salek laughed. "I know what you mean." She guestured for Kyren to follow her and made for the stairs. "Come on to the Dining Hall and I'll get you something to eat."

Kyren followed Salek down the stairs.

---

go to downstairs