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Date Posted: 04:30:03 12/07/01 Fri
Author: Isobel
Subject: Curiouser and curiouser
In reply to: Corum & Yorik 's message, "That's me" on 20:57:10 12/06/01 Thu

Isobel was glad to be off the smelly roc. She disgustedly picked a few pieces of flesh off her trousers. The revolting things were literally rotting under their asses! "Ay! How disgusting," she muttered, flinging the bits of flesh at the roc. "You could do with a few beauty tips, Pollo," she told it. She hoped the creatures would still be there when they returned, and that some animal or other wasn't attracted by their reek and decided to devour them.

They trudged on through the pass for hours. Isobel kept one hand on her weapon and her eyes on the terrain. An enclosed area such as this would be ideal for an ambush should there be bandits in this area.

Suddenly there were voices up ahead. "Stay calm," Ravin advised just as some savages stepped out to greet them. The painted people did not appear to be threatening them - their weapons were lowered and they did not look angry. Isobel prepared to use her charms to calm the leader, but that did not appear to be necessary as Ravin was handling things quite well.

Instead she studied the terrain some more. It reminded her of one of the mountainous areas back home. This caused her to think of Juan, and without her even knowing her hand went to the strange locket she wore around her neck on a thick chain. "Mi corazon," she murmured and sighed.

It was apparently going to be a longer walk still, as the jefe of these people apparently knew where the Sea of Salt was located and it was still several hours away. Isobel smirked as the odiferous Justin began to whine like a baby about having to walk further. Some tough mercenary!

However, they were all invited to stay at the camp of the Uzandamak until morning, when they would set out on their way to the Sea of Salt. She was actually pleased that they would have a chance to ask some local people about the Sea and any dangers that might face them there. It was always good to be prepared.

She headed with the group to the Uzandamak camp and there they sat around a fire listening to the jefe tell them of what they might find at the Sea. "Sea of Salt dangerous place," he told them. "Once was Cintah Sea but now only long shallow basin that contains waves of salt. Much of basin is solid to walk on but some parts like quicksand. Fierce winds spin salt to make it burn throat and lungs. Ruins of ancient city of Twilight sit beside Sea of Salt."

Isobel found this very useful and made sure to remember it.

She drank the goat's blood without complaint. It was good nourishment and she had learned not to be squeamish about such things. Sometimes one had to take sustenance from whatever was available. She had eaten many things including snakes and insects. Some snakes were actually quite delicious.

Justin approached her, reeking of whiskey on top of his usual aroma. "Me and you naked under a bearskin blanket in a nice little cave. What more could you ask for huh?" He winked and held his hand out to her.

Isobel looked at him with complete revulsion. "Disgusting pig! I would sooner sleep with Barry!" and she stood up. She turned to go find a cave, but saw that Justin was following her. "Feo..." she said in a low voice. "If you come near me tonight, I will remove your intestines, wrap them around your neck, and strangle you with them. After you lose consciousness, I will remove your testicles and see that they are served to you at breakfast." She turned away and saw Erlic motioning to her. She stomped over to him, muttering to herself about that revolting puerco Justin.

Apparently Frio had found something interesting to investigate, for he asked her if she was in the mood for an adventure. She grinned. "I am always in the mood for adventure, Frio. It makes my blood sing!" She was still wearing all the possessions she had with her, and she followed Erlic and Ravin into the cave. Being small made it easy for her to crawl down the corridor, and soon enough they were able to stand.

"How far does this go?" Isobel wondered aloud as she looked around her, alert for any danger. She was not a thief and did not know the way of traps and such, but she did know enough to keep her ears and eyes open. After some time they came to a door. Isobel had to stand on tiptoe and crane her neck to see over the taller men's shoulders. Ravin checked the door for traps, pulling out some strange stone. Isobel watched curiously, thinking such a stone would be handy indeed. She wondered where he got it and if there were any more like it.

At last he had the door open and they entered a room that seemed very strange in this place. "Madre del Dios, where did we end up?" she murmured. She looked at the plates, goblets, and food. She looked at the tapestries and furnishings. And finally she looked at the man who was suddenly there... and Muerte was suddenly in her hand as well.

The man was dressed oddly, especially for this area. Not at all like the hill tribe outside... he looked more like a wizard or Father Christmas. She would not let his harmless appearance fool her, however. She watched him carefully and when he invited them to eat, she frowned.

Isobel stepped near to Erlic and whispered, "He has no weapons, but magos do not need weapons to kill, and this place is drenched in sorcery. We would do well not to trust him... after all, what is his purpose and why is he here?"

They stood looking at the man. No one said anything for a while so Isobel spoke up. "Forgive me, but may I ask what you are doing here? You are certainly not one of the Uzandamak, and this is a very strange place for a dining room."

The old fellow smiled benignly, but Isobel thought she caught something sinister in his expression which was quickly replaced by the jolly look again. "I mean you no harm. Come join me for a meal." Isobel frowned.

"That does not answer my question, old man," she pointed out. "Who are you? What is this place?"

"I am harmless. Just join me for a meal. Humor an old man."

Isobel hissed. She turned to Erlic. "I do not like this, Frio. We should leave."

The others nodded and they turned to go, but found the passageway they had come by was no longer there! They turned back to the old man, who no longer seemed so harmless. He looked amused.

"You really should join me for dinner. I could help you. Yes I could. But now... now I think you will have to earn my aid. Come, come. Sit down and eat." His voice grew menacing though is expression remained pleasant. Isobel found it quite eerie.

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