The alarm went off, the lights dimmed up and coffe began brewing in the
automatic machine. But Ricardo put a pillow over his head and refused to get up
for at least another hour, as he had the last few days. Since Alfonse Newman
was under investigation for suspition of ties with ilegal movements, all
activities had been canceled. "If those morrons new the truth, they would shit
in their pants" he thought. Ricardo still thought that his own actions would
remain undetected and he could comtinue with his work but, being just a "PUP"
in the organization they ordered him to stop. And so, he found himself with a
lot of time... to do nothing! Thruth is Ricardo was Bored.
He would spend his days in electronic shops or buying supplies but most of the
time he would be online. Ocasionaly he would spy a little on government
organizations but it would never last long for he didn't want to anger the
group that had taken such good care of him. Ricardo would surf in search of the
latest viruses, dowloaded on purpose in his system and then work to clean it.
Once he had done that he would modify it, improve it and sent it back to the
original creator, literaly whiping out the competition. In conclusion, Ricardo
was BORED!
Still one option remained: Tlön. He enjoyed the game and held Red Orb Software
in high regard for their daring improvents and exceptional quality. It seemed
he finally had the time to imrove the skills of he latest character.
A mediocre breakfast and lots off coffe was all he needed to log on and play
for hours non-stop. Today was no diferent:
He rolled his chair to the computer and almost lovingly woke his computer up:
"Good morning Penta". The lap top replied in it's female mechanic voice "Good
morning Ricardo". Although Ricardo had all the hardware he could ask for, when
it came to special activities (like playing in the Lands of Neverwhere) he
would rely on his dear lap top. A machine he had built himself from scratch and
was trully his masterpiece.
The time it took Penta to find the fatest route and best server at the moment
was just enough to take a bite out of some leftover pizza and a sip of his
coffee. As he saw the words RED ORB SOFTWARE PRESENTS on his visor, he would
slip on the VR gloves and yield his personality in exchange of becoming his
dreams.
YOU ARE NOW LOGGED ON
WELCOME BACK TO THE DEZERTS OF UQBAR SIR DONOVAN HIGH HELM.
"Ah, yes. I remember" he said in his deep and comanding voice. The day before
he had an encounter with a couple of Black Flags at their usual mischeifs with
a group of newbies. Easy prey and most dishonorable. Obviously Donovan took
matters into his hands and made things right. He understood only too well what
evil forces could do to people. After his victory, Sir High Helm began the road
across the desert to UqBar, the nearest town where he could tend to his wounds
and resuply. The desert of UqBar wasn't realay dangerous for someone with his
experience and was the fastes way to the city. Still, half way there he camped
for the night and Ricardo considered it was time to leave since he'd been
online for close to sixteen hours.
The city was in sight when a familiar bell anounced new mail. "I had heard the
legends around the Armour of Umber but I didn't know it was actually an Item."
This situation might prove catastrophic for the land but was great
opportunities for a Paladin like himself. Besides he was running short on money
and defending newbies was quite fruitless. This was a great chance to make
money as defender of an adveturer princess or soemthing. Although he didn't
like to rent his sword as a mercenary, adventuring didn't always pay too good.
He hadn't even crossed the gates of the city when poeple were already asking
for information about the diferent pieces of the armour. "Come on guys! The
news hit the air two minutes ago. How could anyone have information so soon?"
He ignored them and pressed on to the nearest temple.
"- HOW MAY WE HELP YOU, MY SON?" asked the priest. His retinal moevements chose
the option BUY HEALING. The priest recieved the money and proceeded to lay his
celestial magic on Donovans wounds. Magically his damaged body regenerated and
he felt So much better. Most would turn around by that time but Donovan had
learned with time that preists sometimes have more information than bartenders.
He entered the temple's main hall and looked for the High Preist of the place.
" -Might I have a word with you Father?
-Of course, my son. Is something troubling your mind?
-I killed two Black Flags yesterday, Father.
- When a man defends his own against evil forces a battle is sure to ensue and
death might come as a result. Even the great gods fought among themselves. I am
afraid killing comes natural to men these days. Do not be too hard on yourself,
I am sure that if you have killed for a just cause, the Lords will be merciful.
-Oh I know. I just wanted to brag about it."
They both chuckled.
"-There IS something I wanted to ask Father. With all this armour business, has
anyone come looking for a blessing? Someone who could use a good sword if you
know what I mean.
- So you are looking for adventurers who would be young enough to require a
priests help but experienced enough to lead you into adventure and riches,
right? I have seldom found men such as you. But unforunately, none such have
come latelly. You would probably have better luck in the local bar.
-Well, I had to try. It was pleasure talking to you father and I will include
you in my own prayers. Thank you for everything.
- Hang on a second, said the priest. I did hear something, though. It is
rummored that the armour has a mind of it's own. It might not consider just
anyone worthy to wear it. Not all man have a pure soul.
- I thank you again Father."
Sir Donovan High Helm then took to the streets. The bar would be the next
logical place. Many groups form in such places and, besides, a cold beer would
be just right after the desert road.


=====
*** Through the deserts of Halish and the marshes of Tondis, we moved.
Sweat came down our faces, burning like tears from the sun.
Through the Darkness ahead I could see only two bright, small twinkles of gold.
They moved across the cave like a pair of demons smiling at our fear.
"LIGHT" Iza cryed, and with the magical effect I realized the lights were
watching us
for those lights were the eyes of the Dragon. ***
Thierry Serra "Dragon Blac"

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