"Look, Glyndir I don't care what you say, I am not walking into that town!" growled Abdar.
"Come on! It'll get you some money!" cried Glyndir with an I-just-made-that-up tone.
"You know you just want food. We're travelers. We supposed to know how to get food fjust about anywhere!"
Abdar was around 14 years old, and had, unusual for these parts, messed up blonde hair. He was skinny, but more powerful than anyone could imagine. He was the average height of a 14 year old Deloth, but was not, on the whole, a very average person. His speed made him hard to hit, his strength made him invincible. His eyes were a foggy green, and no one was ever able to tell the feelings behind them. They seemed to be mystical, unknown, uncertain. People staring into them could feel shivers creeping up their spines, not knowing what he was seeing or feeling except for brief glimpses. Then they would wonder if those glimpses were of his true feelings, or if he hiding them. His body wasn't as slouched as others, and when he had to run fast, he ran on all fours.
Glyndir; he's another story. An average 12 year old boy Deloth, with a big mouth, and a stomach10 times the size of his mouth. He had the usual plastered-to-head haircut, short and black. His eyes were grey; average. One thing that was different about him was how he understood Abdar. He really didn't know what occupied Abdar's mind, he just understood how lonely he was. His body wasn't as straight as Abdar's, but it was straighter than most Deloths. He and Abdar had met by chance one night, both looking for a way out of a forest. Glyndir was the only one that seemed to understand Abdar, so they stayed together. They fled from town to town so they wouldn't get picked up in some scummy orphanage.
"Glyndir, I know that your parents died when you were a baby, but don't try to make me make up for it," scowled Abdar.
"I'm not doing that, I just want food," replied Glyndir in a soft, melancholy voice.
Abdar sighed. "Sorry, that just popped out. At least you know someone out there loved you. I have no clue where I came from, if I was some distorted science experiment, or a normal kid whose parents also died, and scientists morphed. Sometimes, I stare at the stars, and wonder, 'Am I from there? Am I an alien? Or am I a science experiment gone wrong?' I wish, somehow, answers would come."
"Maybe, someday, they will come," replied Glyndir.
"You know what I miss, Deloth Rocynd."
"Oh man, I haven't had that for years!"
"You know what, I think we can find it in that town."
"You really mean it Abdar?"
"Sure, buddy."
They packed their Khaa-skin sacks up, and headed towards the town.
As they entered, a guard said, "Halt. Speak your names and business."
"We are young travelers in seek of shelter and food," Abdar replied.
When they walked past the guard, Glyndir whispered, "I wonder why the security is so tight for a small town like this."
"I don't know Glyndir, I just don't know."
After they walked out of the Flanbath shop (with full stomachs), one of the guards screemed, "ATTACK! ALL TROOPS REPORT! I REPEAT: ALL TROOPS REPORT!" as 100 dragon-type creatures, known as Lochdans, raged into the town and started destroying everything in their paths.
"Maybe that's why," said Abdar, "Now let's hightail it out of here!"
"For once, I agree with you on that one!" shouted Glyndir.
They ran as fast as they could. Abdar was way ahead when he heard Glyndir yell. Abdar turned around and saw Glyndir lying on the ground, doubled over in pain. Abdar rushed back.
"What happened?"
"I tripped over a log. Argh, I think I've broken my ankle! It got wedged under it!"
"They're coming! I'll try and get you out!"
"There isn't enough time. Save yourself!"
"No way man! I'm going to save you!"
"Abdar, has it occured to you that maybe I'm supposed to die and be with my parents? It'll take a while to get me out, even if it is you."
"No! I am not going to leave you here to get slain by those beasts!"
"Just go! They're too close! Save yourself! You can make a difference, you can get more stronger than anyone imagined, you can save the Deloth race. Now get out of here before I yell and make them come closer that much faster!"
"Do I have a choice?"
"No! Now get out of here!"
Abdar stood up, said goodbye, and ran away before he had time to turn back for Glyndir. It was the hardest thing he had ever had to do.
(This message has been edited by moderator (edited 08-17-2002).)