HHSHAL'S REVENGE.
 
  Attributed to Master Bard Sas'zhil
  Recited by In'ir S'raan
  Transcribed by Shalnhh Ar'oth
 
 
  Hhshal Q'slin had just devised a plan to trick the great drake
  Kas'zhena into giving him its riches.  With this wealth he could
  afford the bride-price for the lovely Isna'le, daughter of
  Sa'rkhhl Longtail, and live with her in luxury for the rest of
  his life.
 
  But just as he was leaving the stronghold, the gates burst open
  and the famous warrior Mariq Ch'oi strode through, leading a pair
  of great black horses.  The first horse was laden with heavy
  sacks of coins and jewels; over the back of the second was slung
  the head and neck of Kas'zhena.
 
  Mariq began waving his sword about madly and declaiming that the
  evil beast would prey upon the herds no more, but Hhshal did not
  stay to listen.  He returned to his room in anger, cursing under
  his breath and vowing to win the treasure somehow.
  He fumed and plotted for hours.
 
  A gentle hand on Hhshal's shoulder jolted him from his dark
  thoughts.  He turned to see Isna'le, her jewelry and gown nicely
  complementing her markings.
 
  "Hhshal, you are the cleverest S'Kra on Elanthia," she smiled.
  Hhshal smiled right back.  "If anyone can help me, you can."
 
  "For you, I'll do anything in my power and some things that
  aren't."
 
      "Then make Mariq Ch'oi love me."
 
      Hhshal's face fell.  This was precisely the last thing he wanted
      to do, yet he had already given his word and must keep it.
 
      "Is that truly your wish?" he asked Isna'le, with a pleading look
      in his eyes.
 
      "Yes.  He is magnificent, strong, and wealthy, and the family
      approves of him.  I care for you, Hhshal, but my family doesn't
      trust you, and you can't pay my bride-price.  Mariq does not have
      that problem."
 
      "Very well, then.  I need some time to prepare.  Return tomorrow
      afternoon."
 
      Isna'le gave him a hug -- the last one he would ever get from her
       -- and left Hhshal alone in his misery.
 
      "I swear to Ushnish," he cried, "I will have my revenge!"
 
      The next day, Isna'le returned.  Hhshal produced a tiny flask and
      a small glass vial.  "I have arranged for you to serve at the
      head table at the banquet tonight.  When you pour Mariq's wine,
      see that the contents of the flask go in as well.  Stay near him
      as much as possible, especially if he's seated next to another
      woman.  Put a few drops of the clear liquid on your lips, but
      but make sure you do not eat or drink or lick your lips once you
      have done so.  In a few minutes, Mariq will be ready for love --
      brush against him and he'll probably want to kiss you.  Let him.
      The kiss will make it final."
 
      Isna'le took the flask and vial and left, anxious to ready
      herself for the banquet and what she hoped would come after.
 
      Hhshal slipped in to the banquet hall to hide and watch.  He
      watched as the Human slaves raked the hall's sandy floor, as
      they arranged the tables and benches, as they washed the tables,
      as they polished the head table, as they decorated ... he
      drifted off to sleep.
 
      He was awakened by the sound of a hundred people streaming into
      the hall.  A harper began to play, but the strains of his song
      were soon lost in the noise of the crowd.  Hhshal waited, but
      saw no sign of Isna'le for some time.  Finally he spotted her
      moving along the head table pouring wine; she had simply been
      waiting for the right time.  Hhshal smiled to see that she'd
      followed his directions without being noticed.
 
      Isna'le "accidentally" brushed against Mariq's tail.  The
      warrior turned, and smiled when he saw her.  From his vantage
      point Hhshal couldn't hear what was said, but Mariq put his arms
      around Isna'le's waist and drew her to him.  Isna'le leaned down
      and kissed him full on the lips.
 
      A few seconds later, Mariq clenched his fists and hissed in pain.
      He stood and grabbed his eating knife, gasping something Hhshal
      couldn't hear.  Mariq lunged and stabbed her right through the
      heart.  A second later, the warrior's strength gave out, and he
      fell with Isna'le to the floor.
 
      "The kiss will make it final," Hhshal muttered in grim
      satisfaction. Return Book to Shelf Back to Dragonrealms Back to Index

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