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At The City Gates
A lone figure walks into town from the east carrying a small travel sack. He's wearing the clothes of a peasant, except for the simple padded armor that looks as if it's seen a few scuffles in its day. He makes his way toward the middle of town, looking for a bite to eat and hopefully a job...
You traveled north from Starhaven with a small company of merchants and other less reputable types who were either too poor, too desperate or too greedy to wait until the roads are cleared from the winter storms before they begin a new season's trading. Others, like you, are simply eager to get out of town. With the exception of a swarthy hrtryn merchant named Baruk, who goes on and o n about all the "big deals" he's done traveli ng up and down the Ourobrech, most are not eager to talk about their business.
The journey to the way station, some 15 or so miles north of Starhaven is largely uneventful. You have some trouble crossing one of the Ourobrech's tributaries as the bridge appears to have been hacked to pieces. You manage to ford it and make your way to the way station by the early afternoon. There you debate whether you should press on and attempt to make Neebo's Landing before the gates close at dusk, or stay the night. You and most of the merchants dec ide to stay the night. Baruk, another merchant and a couple of freeblades (who may or may not be acting as guards) decide to press on, gambling that they won't have to spend the night camping in a gobolyn-infested wilderness.
It is the custom among human settlements (particularly in the wilds) to offer at least one night's room and board to any passing human traveler. It is also the custom for said travelers to offer their host a gift of either food or, at least, money. As you have very little of either, you honor another human custom and work for your meal. The commander of the watch directs you to a captain Lavarr who puts you to work cutting down dead trees and sawing them in to lumber. You've a strong back and don't much mind the work. And as you work, he mentions that gobos had chopped up the bridge for firewood. He says no gobos had been seen this season, but he for one wouldn't be caught out in the wilds at night.
You start the next day fed, rested and grateful for the high stone walls. Your group arrives at Neebo's Landing around noon. A pair of guards, questioning everyone entering, stops you at the gate. You get the idea it is pretty routine, but they are certainly looking everyone over carefully so you nervously adjust your cloak and hope your blade doesn't show. A third man, dressed in a mage's robe is lurking nearby. You get the impression he is actually sniffi ng at your fellow travelers but you don't think he is checking their smell.
After a moment the captain turns to you. He is a broad-shouldered t'howmin in his late twenties or early thirties. He is wearing chain armor and has a long sword strapped to his side. On his tunic is a badge of a white hawk displayed in profile.
"Alright, you now," he says. "Where do you come from, where are you going and what is your business in Neebo's Landing?"
(Phase over exaggerates his lack of intelligence) Looking puzzled, he pauses as if he's trying to formulate some words then finally says "I been workin' for Captain Lavarr and got some errands to do". He squints his eyes and lets them wander up to the sky like he's completely forgotten about the guard.
The captain squints at you severely as if he doesn't quite believe you, then finally shakes his head and mutters, "The recruits they're taking these days." Then to you, "What kind of errand are you supposed to be on?" As he waits for your reply, you can see his gaze drift away and sense that he's already lost interest in this conversation.
As Phase ponders his reply, Miasma jumps in:
d'Cur, flashing his charming smile, replies "Just passing through neighbor. I'm a tourist you see. I've never been to Neebo's Landing, so I thought I'd pop by and have a little look-see." He hopes that his friendliness will put the guard at ease.
"A 'tourist'? Your not one of those wandering boojo men who go about selling useless amulets and other mage trinkets are you?" The captain holds his hand up, cutting of d'Cur's reply. "I don't care if you're a Faeyn queen as long as you're a freeman, and judging by the cut of your clothes, you're not an escaped peasant. You may pass, just stay out of trouble or I'll float you back down river to Starhaven without a boat."
The captain turns a hard stare up towards Jerrico, the only traveler on the road with a horse. "So, you've come back have you, Jerrico?"
"I'm here to find a job," Jerrico says. "I need a job, got any?" He does nothing to hide his apathy.
"I expect there'll be work enough before the season is out, even for a freeblade such as yourself. They've found signs of gobo unrest along the river." The captain glances at the mage who gives him a nod. "Alright, you may pass. You can check with the steward, but I think the only jobs he has open now is third watch guard duty." The captain gestures to the other soldier who raises his spear and allows everyone to pass. "Course w hy he would pay you anything is beyond me," he mutters under his breath as everyone enters Neebo's Landing, "any man who wears a mask has got more than his face to hide, says I."
"Because I'm better than any solider you've got.... Good Day." Jerrico heads for the guardhouse to sign up for the watch.
Phase recognizes his good fortune and slips in with the rest of the group that been allowed to pass.
"Well met captain, and thank you." Miasma, only somewhat offended at the reference to him being a boojo man, enters the city. d'Cur addresses Jerrico, "You seem like a man who's been here before. I wonder if you couldn't point me in the direction of a good tavern?"
Jerrico Returns
The man in the mask turns to you. His ice-cold gray eyes take a measure of you. A moment passes before he then comments "Try the River Rat." He turns and leaves without another word. Jerrico's main focus is to establish him self as a warrior, not a mercenary, or a soldier. He holds respect for the soldier rather than the knight. Upon entering Neebo his first action is to find a place on any party out to find the gobo's, Any thing to kill off any of the dark races. He is quiet to all, offering the briefest answer to their questions.
d'Cur replies, "Thank you sir. You are indeed very kind." He then makes his was to the River Rat, hoping to get a drink and perhaps a little 'friendly' company.
Jerrico heads for the guardhouse to sign up for the watch.
d'Cur follows you a ways, since the River Rat and Whitehawk's keep in are in the same direction, but you successfully ignore him. Because of your father's service to Whitehawk in the past, you are confident that a place will be found for you. You see Kiztek, the steward who assigns you a billet in the keep's guardhouse and tells you to report to the north gate for third watch (he has no great love for you). Since third watch is from midnight to 3 a.m. (and it is just past noon) you have some time before you have to report. So you first see to the stabling of your horse in the keep.
Jerrico stables his horse and tips the stable boy for a bit of preferred care. He heads for the River Rat to see what trouble he has caused. He knows that he needs his sleep but is just too keyed up to get sleep right now. He keeps his eyes out for any information to the rumors of Gobo activity, maybe they will lead to info on ogre attacks.
The stable boy is somewhat cowed by your dark, masked presence as you give him the reins. "Thank you sir!" the lad cries as you put the coin in his hand. "I'll take care of your horse as if he were my own. I'll give him the best grain and the freshest water and brush his hair every day! If you need anything else, you just ask for Verne the stablehand!" You leave the excited boy and head into town.
Jerrico heads for the River Rat. He wants to find all that he can on actions of the GOBO. And maybe a little action to get his blood going, but he will not start anything (just keep it going).
You arrive at the River Rat in the late afternoon. You've been snacking on travel rations all day and are getting pretty hungry. As you enter you see a table with a half dozen locals (mostly fisherman types) and another table with travelers from out of town. At the bar are a couple of old men drinking beer and arguing over who had caught the biggest fish and d'Cur whom you recognize from the trip up from Starhaven. d'Cur is curr ently talking to Captain Powers.
Jerrico recognizes Blackhawk's men but chooses to stay silent for the moment and drinks a watered-down ale under his scarf. At the first mention of Gobo hunts he will speak up but for now he thinks that silence is the better thing to do.
As you wait, the twilight deepens to early evening. The local fishermen begin to trickle out since they will be up before dawn plying their trade. However the number of patrons actually increases as more merchants and travelers arrive for a pint and a smoke and a bit of something to eat. The noise also increases as groups of men engage in various bar games and sing alongs. There are a few of Whitehawk's men, but they are mostly commoners--part time warriors doing their monthly shield service. As you watch, however, you see an obvious veteran (Felix) walk in through the door.
Jerrico will continue to sit at the "rat". He orders a light meal (bringing the food up under the loosened part of his mask, he prefers to keep his scars hidden). He will continue to keep an ear to the room for any rumors about the gobos. He will "tag" those in the bar that are "dangerous" and those who are "harmless" in case any trouble breaks out. He will not try to start any trouble, and most likely try to sto p it (but the chance that he might lose control and start to fight is highly likely, but not until he has been pushed around a little). Any who approach him will be met with grunts and one-word answers.
Phase Gets A Job
Once inside the city, Phase goes toward the wharf looking for work, knowing that someone can usually use some muscle without to many questions. He's hoping to get paid today so that he can upgrade his clothing and look a little less obvious.
You wander along behind d'Cur and Jerrico and eventually make your way down to the wharf. Your patron lord must be smiling upon you, for nearly at the moment you arrive the first load of lumber of the season arrives from Millers Point up river. As the lumberer and his sons eye the large load, they see you standing there and ask if you're looking for work. Since the day is half over, they offer you a half-silver (1 silver trochee is the usual pay for one day's work by a laborer) and you agree. You have a strong back and you work hard without complaining. The lumberer's sons notice and begin to slack off a bit. By sunset, all of the lumber is moved and neatly stacked in the lumberyard. They pay you an extra quarter silver out of gratitude, and though they don't offer you another job, they do ask where you are staying and for how long you'll be there.
"I haven't secured lodging yet, perhaps I'll come by tomorrow and see if you need any more help." Phase thanks the lumberer and walks into town to find a clothier's shop. Hopefully before they close.
Deciding that Market Ave. must be the main business center, you hurry down the street until you see a business with a sign over the door of a needle and a spool of thread. The shutters are closed, but the door is open so you step inside. You see two men therein. One is a well-dressed man of indeterminate race. He is fairly tall, has an average build, light complexion, dark hair and looks as if he is at least partially rahidyn. He clothes are fine linen and he is wearing a nic e velvet jerkin that is ripped in the side exposing metal strips (brigandine armor). You see the handle of a long sword poking over one shoulder and a six-string rebec on a strap hanging from the other.
"It was the churlish fellow what gave me this tear. Do you think you can mend it?"
The tailor, who is bent over examining the tear closely nods and mumbles something through a mouthful of pins.
"He it was who lacked all humor--except of the foulest kind. I could forgive the offense of trying to rob me, even laughing at my songs or snarling at my jokes, but when he dared to attempt to harm dear euphonia," here he pats the neck of his instrument, "well I was forced at last to take action! He turned out to be a clumsy workman, as I knew he must, so I let him live and merely confiscated the tool of his trade." Here the finely dressed man lifts a long sword from where it rested nearby. That's one highwayman, at least, who has been defanged." He looks at the sword briefly, then looks down at the tailor pinning his jerkin. "You don't think Armand would have a use for this?"
The tailor pulls his last pin out and sticks it in the jerkin, shaking his head. "Nay, the only tools he is interested in be those useful for making armor, not for breaking it."
The customer sighs, then turns toward you as you walk through the door. "Ho! Who have we here? I am Arglossa." Then, looking at the sword he holds in his hand, he holds it out to you. "Think you would have any use for a long sword?"
"Ah kind sir, you are most gracious. For I had recently become the victim of most cowardly thieves who stole everything I own as I slept off a night of merriment and drink. They took my money, my clothes and fine leather armor and left me with only these wretched peasants garb and pitiful excuse for armor. The even stole my sword, and along with it, my lively hood. I sir, am in your debt for you have provided me with the instrument of my profession." Phase gra bs the sword before he has a chance to reconsider.
You try to snatch the sword, but Arglossa holds onto it for a second and his grip is so strong you can't pull it away. You look up from the sword and his catches your eyes in his own piercing gaze. "I only have one request," he smiles, "that you agree to wield this sword for me in any one cause that I should name at some future date. Are we agreed?"
"There's always a rub, isn't there?" Phase stops trying to take the sword, but doesn't let go of it either. "My guess is that this 'one cause' is worth far more than the sword you offer.
Arglossa just smiles and lets go of the sword.
Perhaps you could also direct me to where I may use it to earn some coin?"
"When the caravans begin moving, in a few weeks, you can usually get a guard job. Sometimes even Whitehawk's men hire freeblades when the gobolyns act up or doing road duty. Hold a moment, a think Barroman, Rutan's steward, needs a night guard. Why don't you find a place to stay, then you can ask him tomorrow."
Phase makes a mental note to check at Whitehawk's keep and then Rutan's. "Thank you for your kindness," Phase says wryly, "I'm sure I'll see you again." Phase looks at the sword as if to decide whether it's worth the trouble it will surely cause. He then turns his attention to the tailor.
He then turns to the tailor, "I was able to earn a little silver today ... perhaps you can help me rid myself of these dreadful rags".
While you spoke, the tailor had laid out a set of clothes. "I had a merchant order some clothes last fall who never pick them up. I think I can adjust these to your size."
"That will do nicely."
He has you try them on. He looks out the door at the fading light as if trying to decide whether he should alter them now or have you come back. He finally pulls out a needle and thread, which fly over the seams of your clothes. He takes them in at the waist and lets them out in the sleeves and legs. In moments, the clothes fit as if they had originally been made for you. "There!" he says, rolling up his measuring tape, "That sh ould do it. Normally I'd charge you two trochees for a new set of clothes, but since you are helping me be rid of these, I'll only charge you half."
"Sir, you are an artist," Phase pays the man and thanks him, then hits the street looking for a place to sleep.
For no apparent reason you wander back to the Rat. You happen to see d'Cur and perch on a stool nearby.
Phase orders an ale and quickly becomes lost in the goings on at the River Rat as only a simple mind can.
Inside the River Rat
Liam looks up from the dregs of foam at the bottom of his mug, peering through the haze of smoke that blanketed the River Rat and its inhabitants. The room is dark and silent. Spying the Captain behind the bar, Liam raises his maimed hand into a shaft of light that crosses the table, making a gesture that speaks volumes to the experienced bartender. The Captain nods, grabs another flask from the behind the ba r, and begins filling it with ale. Slowly, he wa lks toward the corner where Liam sits, hunched in the shadows of his black cloak.
"Slow today, eh?" the Captain says, obviously trying to strike up a conversation as he places the new flask on the table and collects the empties.
Liam grunts as he takes up the new mug. He takes a full swig then places it roughly back on the table, regarding the Captain carefully. The man has been good enough to respect Liam's privacy for the last week, serving up the ale on time and keeping his distance, but Liam can sense that the Captain is ready to start asking questions, and that makes him nervous. "Still early," he speaks in a cold voice. "There'll be more later. There always are."
Captain Powers smiles and moves on, taking the hint. Liam smirks, but thinks deeply about the encounter. Neebo's Landing is small. Sooner or later, someone will notice him skulking about the dark corners of the taverns; he can't remain anonymous forever. His money is running low, and he doesn't feel like running any more.
Sighing heavily, he finishes the drink and settles back into the corner, thinking deeply about his next move.
Drakon: A short, little stumpy man of only about three feet walks into the tavern of the River Rat. He is dressed in simple, but yet elegant leather armor and a simple farmer's robe. He goes up to the bar and asks for a nice Neeboian tea. Once, he gets it, he turns and heads to a table that is empty.
It is about noon in the River Rat. A barge captain is talking to a pair of merchants over trenchers of fried fish and chips. There is only one other customer in the tavern, a solitary man in a well worn and weather-stained mage's robe. He is the only one drinking and, by the number of bottles on the table, seems to be taking both his drinking and his solitude seriously.
Drakon not finding anyone of interest except for three merchants, a mage-like traveler, a couple of fishermen, and a solitary old man. Wait, isn't that a captain or general with the Mage? He thinks that it is. Oh well... Better make some friends... He stands and strolls over to the merchants.
"So, what has been the news around town?" He asks, holding out his hand to them.
As you walk up to the table, the merchants glances at you, then back at the barge captain, then begin to rise as if they are leaving. The captain raises his hand, urging them to stay, then turns to you. "Greetings stranger, I see you are new to our village. How may I be of service to you?"
"Yes, you may. I am looking for work. Or knowledge on the town. You help me out?" Drakon answers, politely, "I am Drakon Aveayn. Who you be?" He knows that he seems simple and stupid to the captain and his men, but what else can he do. "I am a ward of a group of stewards." He blurts out as the man is about to answer.
"Kyrhar?" Drakon looks out at the busy street. "Drakyr's Kyrhar is fine. Can you point me there, sir...?" He looks back and forth from the street to the captain. He is not sure about what is to come, but he will do his best.
"Oh, aye, it be just down at the end of Market Ave. You'll find it on the right at the corner of Caravan Drive. You can't miss it, look for the symbol of The Dragon's Eye over the door." He gestures in the general direction of the kyrhar and at that moment d'Cur steps through the door.
d'Cur arrives at a tavern which, though not actually run down, has obviously seen better days. The sign over the door is of a raftsman steering a raft down the river, however it appears that an amateurish hand has attempted to turn the raftsman into a rat. As you enter you see a man behind a bar tamping and lighting a pipe, a travel-worn mage type sits in the corner drinking himself into oblivion and a thraeyn warrior is talking to a raftsman and two mercha nts.
d'Cur slowly saunters up to the bar and orders an ale. He turns to regard the man in the corner and, more out of curiosity than caring, asks the bar keep what that man's problem is.
Captain Powers takes a puff on his pipe, then points the stem in Liam's direction. "Ah, he be your dark and dour type. A mage I think, or at least a practitioner. He seems intent to find out which holds more, his purse or my cellar. 'Tis a bet he cannot win. I wouldna' give strong drink to a mage by custom, but he seems to hold his drink--if not much else. Mark you his hand and it's missing digits? I think he's been ill-used. Th ose marks are the least of his s cars I'm sure."
"Well, it looks like he's going to give you a run for your money with that one!" says d'Cur. Wishing he had more coin in his purse, asks Captain Powers, "You wouldn't happen to know where a chap like me can find some work do you? It couldn't hurt to have a heavier purse, if you know what I mean."
Captain Powers eyes you shrewdly "Well, that depends on your line of work don't it? It seems to me you're too well dressed for dock work, or heavy labor, though you can often pick up a spare coin there or in the fields. You also aren't armed like a soldier, though I suspect you can handle yourself in a fight. You can sometimes pick up a guard job for one of the members of the Guild Merchant, or with a caravan passing through tow n. But, in truth, there won't be much call for t hat kind of work until the roads clear and traffic picks up."
d'Cur decides to finish his drink, and try to come up with a course of action. None of the jobs in town seem suited for him. . .but, I man's got to eat. "Captain, I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of a sword-smith."
"Oh, aye. Sid Deros is on River Road, just head south. He's about halfway to the end, right next to the armorer.
d'Cur finishes up his drink and makes his way to the door. "Thank you Captain, for your hospitality and help." He pays for his drink and heads out to see the smith Sid Deros.
You notice as you travel River Road that most of the shops have already closed up. You hear the clatter of steel tools as you get to Sid Deros' place. Sid is apparently putting things away. The dying coals have faded to a dark red.
Upon seeing that Sid Deros has already begun closing down for the evening, d'Cur decides it would probably be better to wait until morning. With that thought in mind , d'Cur strolls back to the River Rat maybe for another drink, and to look for a room for the night.
Felix Arrives
A tall, dark-haired man wearing black leather armor and carrying a staff arrives in Neebo's landing by boat from Starhaven. His name is Felix and he is a scout in the service of lord Whitehawk and he has come here because of the reports of gobo activity. He makes his way to Whitehawk's keep and reports to Kiztek the steward.
Kiztek is a dark haired t'howmyn with a receding hairline. He appears in his early thirties, he has a fairly slight build, and his head looks a little too large for his body. He rises as you enter and extends a hand. "Ah, Felix, it is good to see you. I'm glad you could come. How was the trip up river? I'm sorry the roads are not cleared, and at this point I can't tell you when they will be. Harcor is having a fit. Would you lik e a drink?" Kiztek pours himself a glass and wav es you to a nearby chair.
"I supposed you've heard the reports of the gobo body we found? There've been other reports, mostly of sightings along the roads and at the edge of the fields. No reports of violence or damage yet though. But we do fear the worst. Only a matter of time. Whitehawk fears a full outbreak by summer, if not sooner. He plans to organize some hunting expeditions soon. Hoping to drive them off before they get too numerous. He wants you to lead them, but he's reques ted you wait until the end of the fortnight to s ee if he can join you. If he can't, you are to go ahead without him. Scouting only, no major engagements. He wants to see if they are gathering anywhere."
Kiztek sips his glass and frowns. Unfortunately, we cannot divert too many men from the town's defenses. If Whitehawk does not arrive with more, you may have to gather some of the local freeblades. May the Seven help you if it comes to that."
Felix nods gravely. "Well, hopefully it won't come to that. But we have to be prepared for the worst." Makes a mental note to start checking out the local talent. "Is there some where I can find quarters in the meantime?"
Most men find quarters in town, so we have quite a few bunks empty in the barracks. I just assigned one to Jerrico Silver, do you know the man?"
"No can't say that I do." Felix thinks for a moment. "Name sounds familiar though... wasn't there a Silver that served Whitehawk a long time ago... this man any relation?"
"Aye, he was Jerrico's father. A good man and a fine soldier. He served Whitehawk quite a few years. About the time Whitehawk made me his steward, Jerrico's father had found a pretty girl, settled down and became something of a carpenter. Then, just a few years ago, the Anghorim attacked, burned down their farm and slew Jerrico's family. That's how he got those scars."
Kiztek pauses then slowly, thoughtfully, shakes his head. "There are things that can scar and twist a man worse than blades or fire. Jerrico was much changed after that--obsessed with killing the Anghorim. When he fights, something like madness takes him. None of our men will train with him. Last year he nearly killed a man, they were practicing with rebated swords--no edges. The man was even wearing chain and Jerrico goes off in one of his rages and nearly be ats the man to death. I had him standing righ t where you are, bawled him out and he didn't say a word. Didn't even blink. When I finally made him talk, all he would say was that he hoped the soldier would now learn to be a better fighter."
He's a good fighter, one of the best I've ever seen. But he'll never make a good soldier. Too dangerous. Be careful of him.
Felix accepts the offer of a bunk in the guardhouse and thanks the Steward for his time. After leaving the keep he heads down to the wharf district in search of a tavern for a drink and to get an idea of what's going on in town.
You stow your things and (naturally) head for the River Rat. (You'll arrive a little after Jerrico himself).
Felix arrives at the River rat and has a look around.
You find d'Cur talking to Captain Powers. He looks as if he is getting ready to leave. Jerrico is sitting and drinking by himself, keeping a careful eye on everyone in the bar.
Having made his way to the bar Felix orders an ale.
Drakon Gets Lost & Finds Trouble
After the captain points out the direction to Drakyr Khrhar, Drakon thanks him and heads out. "Let's see did he say to go this way? Or that way? hhhmmmmm...." The little man looks both ways for several long moments. "Oh well, I'll go this way." he ends up taking the right way to the Kharyr. He watches everything and everyone going about their daily business. He gets so absorbed in this that he doesn't really p ay attention to where he's going.
You find yourself at the town well in the intersection of Market and Caravan. You know the Kyrhar is around here, but you've gotten turned around and don't know which corner is the "right" one. Craning your neck, you begin circling the well, looking for the sign of the dragon's eye over a door. You step on someone's boot and turn just as you bump into a tall well-dressed fellow. The man falls to the ground, cursing. His foot las hes out, but fails to make conta ct, even though you are just standing there in a moment of surprise.
"Accursed peasant!" As he leaps to his feet, you notice how tall and strong he is despite his youth. He wears a fine linen tunic under a black velvet jerkin with a basket-hilt sword at his hip. "A tree-humping elf! Do your eyes not work? Are you blind? Are you so ravaged by a sheep-borne venereal disease that you cannot see? " At that moment a cloud seems to pass over the sun, but you quickly realize it is his four equally tall friends towering over you in a c ircle. "If you would come in from the wilds t o ape the ways of civilized men, you must mind your betters!"
"uhhhh....... I.I.I.I.I.I am sorry, kind sir. I was just looking for the Kyrhar that is supposed to be around..." Drakon jabbers as he looks to the ground for anything dropped by the man. "I am new in Neebo. Puh-lease, don't hurt this simple steward's farmhand." (If the man had dropped anything, Drakon picks it up and tries to give it back to the man, saying, "I am so so very very sorry!!!")
As you scramble around in the dust, you find a bent half-copper. You hold it up in a shaking hand and mumble something about his having dropped it.
"What is this? Have you picked my pocket as well? You filthy little elf!" The gang's leader snatches the half-copper piece from your hand and yelps. Having snagged his thumb on the coin's sharp corner, he holds his thumb and squeezes it until a small drop of blood comes out.
"I bleed! Mark you how he has cut me!" he cries to his fellows. They loom even closer over you. He face grows dark and seems to curl up like a fist. "Now, runt, you're going to pay. I'm going to teach you a lesson you'll never forget." He reaches for his sword.
"Enough!" The commanding voice freezes everyone and a hand clamps down on the leader's shoulder. He spins and everyone sees, standing behind him, a six-foot tall man of average build, wearing a strange sleeveless leather robe with a wide leather belt. It looks like a steward's robe except that instead of the glyph embroidered, multi-colored patches that stewards wear, this leather garment is actually covered with glyph-engraved bronze plates. You remember h avi ng heard that the robes stewards wear were de scended from pre-iron age armor. Now, at last, you can believe it.
"You have had your fun, Masok, now let him go."
"We weren't going to do nothing," complains one of Masok's gang.
The robed man ignores the speaker. His gray eyes stay locked on Masok. "If you harm him you will have to answer to his master."
Masok releases his hold on his sword's hilt, then shrugs off the robed man's hand and snarls, "Just because you serve that big--"
"--We ALL serve the Overlord of the Seven Spheres..." the steward interrupts, "...unless you've found another master."
The other's in the gang take an involuntary step back at the mere suggestion that Masok might be in league with the N'kroi. The word is too horrible to even speak aloud.
The man bends and helps you to your feet. "Come with me little wavehopper." He guides you to the kyrhar, which was only a few feet away. You step through the door under the dragon's eye and into a small antechamber. He parts a veil within and gestures you through to the main chamber "I apologize for that ugly spectacle out there."
He leads you through the main chamber. It is a large round room, and in the center, is an altar in the shape of a truncated pyramid baring the symbol of the Overlord. Around the wall of the room are seven alcoves, each with a wooden shield baring the symbols of the Seven Servants. Sometimes, fixed to the wall next to these, are smaller badges with symbols of lords who serve the seven. As he leads you to a veiled stair entrance, you pass a wooden badge of th e " dragon's eye". It is the symbol for the Draky r or Dragon Lord who serves Phylax.
The steward leads you up stairs to a small room and shows you to a see and offers you a drink. "My name is Ashmoreth. I am the steward of the Dragon Lord's house in Neebo's Landing. I see you are a guardian of sorts, what is your name and which lord do you serve?"
"Thank you, kind Ashmoreth. I am Drakon Aveayn. My lord's are you and the other stewards. A farmer by blood, but a spell-user by luck. I have come here..." Nods and grins as he accepts the drink, "through my last steward. He has told me to seek out Neebo's landing and whatever there is to know. What's the drink?" He sniffs at the drink and samples a little bit of it. He thinks of the magnificence of this steward's home.
"It is my own personal blend of fruit juices. I sensed you were trained in the use of Xaris. I know many mages these days drink their juice mixed with wine, but I'm not one to be careless where Xaris is concerned."
"We serve all the High Lords in this Kyrhar--except Rutan who has his own house down the street. But, as you can see from the 'eye' on my tunic," here he touches a silver medallion with a very stylized eye design, "that I am oath sworn to serve the Drakyr. Does the idea that I serve a dragon worry you?"
"A dragon? Just a bit. Dragons are mean. I am trust Drakyr. He may do much with me, except harm." Finishes the drink. It does taste weird without the wine.
"I would very much appreciate a room for the next few days.
"You may stay as long as you wish," Ashmoreth says.
I saw several other travelers or adventurers at that "Rat" tavern. Do you know anything about them? I wish to meet with them, but am afraid of what they may say."
Ashmoreth shrugs. "The River Rat is the tavern of choice for those traveling the river. Usually you will find merchant traders there, though sometimes more adventurous types will stop for a pint of something. I don't think Faeyn's or any others would find too much trouble there. However, if you run into trouble there, Captain Powers was a sailor and he still runs a fairly type ship. Still, be careful around Castle or Wall street s.
He looks at Ashmoreth, quite indulgently, "Of course. Common tongue spoke by everyone. Don't know cultural tongue. I would very much to learn of both the Dragon and the Elemental wars."
"When you say 'common tongue' most northerners mean hrtric, but this close to the coast, many people think of t'homic (or the trade tongue)as the common tongue. If the stewards actually taught you to read any of these languages, then I approve. So many kyrhars neglect their duty to teach." Ashmoreth sighs and stares off thoughtfully before rousing himself. "We have many of the ancient scrolls. Most of them are hrtric, but we hav e a few t'homic ones. Which did you say you coul d read?" He looks about the study. "We may actually have a magic reader here somewhere..."
"Ok, thanks. Would you mind travelling out with me? Since I am quite new around here. I would appreciate some help and a tour of the town. Who is the local royalty around here?" He asks before answering the original question..."Oh, Hrtric.."
Ashmoreth looks a little taken aback at the torrent of words. "Very well my enthusiastic friend. I suppose an evening stroll might do me some good. But we will have to be quick as it is getting late and we don't want to be out too far past dark--even in the walls of Neebo's Landing."
He leads you out to Caravan Drive and then Down Market Ave, telling you about the customs and patterns of life in Neebo's Landing. He talks briefly about Lord Whitehawk and how he spends most of his time on the coast in Starhaven (and how his lady, who has only visited Neebo's Landing once, is reported to have sworn that she will never live here). Whitehawk himself, only comes to Neebo's Landing a couple of times a year, to hold court and to open the annual fa ir. If he ever appears more frequently, he is only passing through on a gobolyn hunt....
"Ah here we go, The River Rat. It's not such a bad place as the name suggests. You should have little trouble here. Being a Faeyn, however, I suggest you be cautious around Castle or Wall streets. The types you ran into earlier tend to frequent those areas." Ashmoreth holds the door open for you to enter.
"Ok, good to know. We should be heading back for the night though and sleep till tomorrow." He takes a quick look around and then back up to Ashmoreth.
Ashmoreth and Drakon step into the River Rat for A little bit. They find a clean table that is close to the door.
You are greeted with a blast of noise and smoke as you open the door. The crowd has swelled a bit since you last visited. And every table seems full of men drinking and singing and drinking and playing games, but mostly drinking. You look around for a table and see a lone man in the back dressed in black and wearing a black mask. Although all the tables are filled, everyone seems to be giving him a wide berth. You are about to s tart over there, when Ashmoreth guides you to a table near the door. You share it with a pair of men playing an intense game of Unity with a half dozen lookers on.
Drakon keeps an eye on the door to see if anyone interesting comes in. He, also, glances around the room at the fellow villagers. "So, what now?" He asks in a soft tone.
Ashmoreth shrugs. "I suppose a pint of ale might be ok. But not too much. Alcohol and magic don't mix." Ashmoreth signals an awkward teenage lad who is carrying a large tray of mugs. He takes two and tosses the boy a bit of silver.
As you sit and drink your ale you survey the crowd and Ashmoreth tells you about the people in the room. There are a few farmers and fishermen, but most are a mix of local merchants and regular traders passing through on the river.
"Who's He?" you ask Ashmoreth, while looking at the man in black. He's a free blade. Sometimes works for Whitehawk, though mostly he looks for any opportunity to kill members of the dark race--especially the anghorin. He's a smoldering volcano of anger and hate just waiting to explode and destroy himself and everyone around him. It's a sad story, really. The only thing that saves him is the cast iron will with which he focuses that energy into killing the d ark races.
As you talk d'Cur walks through the door. "Who's that fellow," you ask?"
"Don't know. Haven't seen him before today." Ashmoreth stares off a moment then shakes his head.
"What?" you ask.
"I don't know. I get the feeling that he's looking for something. He's like an uprooted plant. Perhaps he's only looking for a place to belong." d'Cur goes up to the bar, and after a moment, talks to Captain Powers. Almost right on his heals, Phase walks in and wanders his way to a stool near d'Cur.
"What about him?" you ask.
Ashmoreth stares after him a moment, then shrugs. "He's a closed book. He doesn't look very smart, but I sense that is a learned defense. I think there is more depth to him, but he's about as clear as a rock."
You watch Captain Powers talking to the men at the bar when Felix walks in. He spots Jerrico immediately and acknowledges him with small nod, but continues straight for the bar.
"That one's a piece of work." Ashmoreth mutters. He's another freeblade, and something of a hired killer as well. Rumor has it that an entire anghorim village disappeared because of him, *angor by angor*--one at a time. I don't know if that's true or not, but Whitehawk often hires him to scout out the land ahead of his hunting expeditions to flush out anghorim and gobos or whatever....
"Well, thanks for the descriptions. I want to talk with them." He stands and walks over to the bar and Jerrico, d'Cur and the others. "Hey, I am new around here."
To any one who approaches Jerrico, his response to any unsolicited or useless information is "Yeah, and?" In response to Cptn Powers he returns a nod and remains at his seat. The reputation of powers proceeds him, but unless Jerrico knows that he has been hired for a Dark Race hunt of any kind he will not approach him.
Approaching Jerrico, Drakon looks down and with a pitiful frown on his face. Turning his toe in the ground, he says, in a hushed voice, "I just wanted ta make some friends and meet new people." He looks up, quickly with a new idea, "Greetings, Capt. Powers."
Preparing For The Hunt
Felix drinks his ale and watches the events unfolding in the River Rat. The tavern is quietly busy and the few freeblades he sees seem to be handling themselves well. At least they're not tearing the place up seeking an outlet for their homicidal urges. Perhaps they might be useful. Past experience tells him that the local freeblades are likely too comfortable with their guard jobs, night watchman and militia reserve duties to r isk their necks for a trochee. A coin they can a lready earn safely within the city walls. His best bet is the three or four newcomers he sees now. If only he had a mage.
Felix looks around the room. That dark-cloaked fellow seems to have disappeared. They're going to need at least one good mage. That could be a problem.
d'Cur asks Captain Powers about a sword smith then leaves. He returns after only a few minutes. Felix can't see that he's either bought or sold any blades. But, as he's wearing mostly knives, that might not mean anything.
Felix decides he's waited long enough. He looks at the nearest mercenary. A large, peasant-ish fellow with new clothes and a nice sword hanging scabbardless from his belt. The sword could, of course, simply be stolen, or it could have been won from some enemy he chased off but who didn't have the courtesy to leave his scabbard behind.
Felix decides to try the direct approach. He catches the fellow's attention, then indicates the sword with a glance. "Know how to use that thing?"
Phase slowly looks him up and down. Felix can see a cautious look in Phase's eye. After a moment of slow deliberation, the peasant shrugs. "I guess if I didn't, I wouldn't have kept it very long."
Felix nods. The man was either confident with a sword, or a cool-headed bluffer. Either one would do, though they would be useful in different ways. "Ever been on a gobo hunt?"
"Can't say as I've ever hunted gobos, but I've chased down other things on two legs." Phase takes a pull from his tankard.
"Whitehawk is planning a gobo hunt in about a week. He wants me to round up some freeblades to scout out some gobo nests for raiding. Interested?"
"How much?" This comes from d'Cur, who is leaning on the bar around Phase. He had obviously heard the conversation and moved closer to listen.
Felix looks at d'Cur. He's a big guy, though not armed with anything larger than a knife. "Can you fight? --beyond an alley, I mean."
d'Cur frowns. "I can hold my own. I can even do some scouting around for you, if the pay is right."
"Standard pay is one trochee a day, plus food and a tent when we're out in the field. I might be able to swing hazard duty if you're willing to take risks. The real money, though, is tips. If you steer gobos to Whitehawk's knights, they're likely to pay an award if a gobo ends up on the end of one of their lances."
"Tent? Is someone going camping? I like the outdoors myself, of course being a thraeyn, I suppose that would be obvious, still if anyone is going to be doing some traveling I would be happy to go along--especially if it's near trees. Hi, my name is Drakon Avaeyn of the WaveHopper Avaeyns on the coast."
Everyone looks at Drakon, momentarily at a loss for words. After a pause to gather his thoughts, Felix asks, "Have you ever killed a gobolyn, Drakon?"
"Killed? I wouldn't say killed. Not exactly killed. Not at all, really. But I don't exactly like them either."
"We're organizing a gobo hunt," Felix patiently explains. "We're going into the wilderness looking for gobo nests so we can drive them out of the wood into Whitehawk's hunting expedition. If that is something you think you can do, you are welcome to join us."
"Of course I can do it. Certainly. At least I think so. Actually I have to ask the steward, Ashmoreth, who is the steward for the Drakyr whom I'm serving right now. But he'll say it's fine, right? I mean gobos serve the N'k--uh--bad guys right?"
"You do that."
"When?" Phase asks as Drakon runs off.
"Whitehawk wants us here when he arrives in a sennight. We could do some preliminary scouting now, but he doesn't want us actually stirring anything up until he get here."
At this point everyone agrees to meet at the keep tomorrow morning. Drakon returns from his talk with Ashmoreth and agrees to join them tomorrow. As he leaves, Felix stops by Jerrico's table.
"I suppose you heard about the hunt?"
Jerrico nods.
"Are you in?"
Jerrico nods again.
"Go ahead and do your watch duty tonight. I'll talk to Kiztek about getting you out of it tomorrow."
Jerrico slips his tankard under his mask and tips it back.
Felix heads back to the barracks wondering if this strange bunch of mercenaries will prove to be useful for anything more than a diversion....
"Well," Phase said to no one in particular. "Now if I could only find a room."
"I heard that," d'Cur agreed and drained his ale.
"Captain, you wouldn't know where we could find a couple of rooms cheap, would you?" Phase asked.
"Aye. My Sister's husband owns this building and happens to have a few rooms to let round back. I wouldn't mention it except I heard you'll be working with Whitehawk's men."
"How much is she asking for the rooms?" d'Cur asked.
"Only two silvers a sennight, but you are responsible for your own food. And, as her husband is an adventurer and hasn't been seen in seven years, I've been helping her out with the place so's you can pay me directly.
Phase pats his nearly empty purse. "A sennight, eh?" I don't suppose you have a room you can let out by the night?"
"No. But if you're a little short, you can pay me a bit for tonight and owe me the rest till you get back from you're hunting."
Phase and d'Cur pay the captain and his nephew shows them two their rooms. Their little more than small wood stalls with a window, a wooden trunk, a chamber pot and a bed which is little more than a wooden frame over which ropes have been stretched and a bedroll laid.
As he goes to sleep D'Cur thinks about gobolyns. He's heard that unless they're swarming, gobos are not too dangerous. Then tend to run when confronted, but if they outnumber you or have you cornered, they can be deadly dangerous. Felix made it sound like they'd just beat the bushes and drive the gobos towards the knights who would casually run them down. But he'd heard other stories of travelers and brigands who wandered too close to gobolyn woods a nd were never heard from again.
Phase slept like a rock and woke ready for whatever the new day might bring.
Drakon did not think too much about the hunt other than a vague feeling of unease that made him want to think of other things. He did, however, have strange dreams in which various forest animals were speaking to him, trying to warn him of something, but he couldn't quite make out the words.
It was nearly nine o'clock when Jerrico left the Rat. He strode quickly through the streets of Neebo's Landing since he had only a little over three hours to sleep before his shift came up. He tried not to think of anything as he walked. But in his mind, he heard the echoing ring and clash of steel, grunts of pain and groans of the dying. If he closed his eyes, he saw anghor shadows moving in the darkness and heard the remembered screams of his parents. Jerr co tried to concentrate only on the present worl d around him. He listened to the sound of his footfalls on the hard-packed streets and watched the shadows cast by the moons Maudra and Kini as they waxed towards full. His sword hand clenched as he walked and his only thought was, "at last!"


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Microsoft to release free RDP Desktop apps for iOS, Android and OS X (updated with screenshots and features)
Yesterday Microsoft announced something pretty significant: later this month they are going to release RDP clients for iOS, Android and Mac. The iOS and Android clients are completely new and the Mac client has gotten a complete overhaul.
You could have missed this amazing news because it was buried deep in this announcement from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/oct13/10-07hybridcloudpr.aspx but it is this section:
Further, with Windows Server 2012 R2 Microsoft is introducing the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, available for download in application stores later this month, to provide easy access to PCs and virtual desktops on a variety of devices and platforms, including Windows, Windows RT, iOS, OS X and Android.
Like I said it is a pretty big deal. It will also become apparent that Microsoft is very serious about enabling BYOD by means of desktop virtualization. When you see the clients you'll notice they are pretty sweet and not as basic or as 'v1' as you might expect. The iOS Remote Desktop app should support iOS 6 and 7 and the Android Remote Desktop app is posed to support Android versions as far back as Gingerbread. The OS X Remote Desktop app provides even more functionality that you would expect from a 'desktop app'. Think about 'seamless windows' or 'applications portal'.
Another thing that will be very exciting for customers is that the RDP-level on this Remote Desktop apps is RDP8(.1), meaning you get all the user experience goodness that RDP 8 brought to desktop virtualization.
The Remote Desktop apps should be available later this month from the different appstores.
Check screenshots and some of the new features out here: http://www.thincomputing.net/2013/10/09/screenshots-and-features-of-the-new-remote-desktop-apps-for-ios-android-and-os-x/
Enjoy this article?
What about WP7/8?
Does this mean that those devices will play nice with MS VDI? We are currently looking at Citrix and VMWare for this very reason
Will the iOS and/or the OS X version support Remote Desktop Gateway? If so, this could help us move Mac users off of VPN and over to RDG.
Michael — take a look at this notice by iTap:
All of a sudden they've discontinued their product and telling customers to use the Microsoft Remote Desktop App when it debuts? Is this writing on the wall that Microsoft bought the iTap RDP client solution?
Finally! I've been waiting for this and using teamviewer in the meantime, but it's not ideal! Do you have a link to the Andoid app please? 😀

subset: commoncrawl


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Personalized Kiddy Blanket - Elephant
Little Days is a Hong Kong-based studio that creates personalized decor and one-of-a-kind gifts to celebrate important milestones in life. Our bespoke blanket collection comes in 2 sizes (adult and kiddy) and 9 cozy colors! Each blanket is knitted upon ordering using tried and tested soft cotton. All our designs are created in-house with more exciting products being launched all the time!


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Badgley Mischka Joey Platform High Heeled Pump
Availability: In stock
Sku: B00KGTBFD6
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Quick Overview
Badgley Mischka Joey Platform Pump is very comfortable high heel party pump and is made of fabric material and with 4.5 inches high heel which adds style to your look. You can wear Badgley Mischka Joey Platform Pump during your wedding party, outdoor activities or at an evening party. The pump platform is 0.75 inch and made with leather insole which makes it very comfortable.
All Badgley Mischka Pumps are very much comfortable and gives latest fashion looks. All of their boots are handmade and gives women very classy, attractive and beautiful look.
We recommend this boot very much and please do leave your comments and ratings in the comments section.
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Size: 5 B(M) to 11 B(M) Size options.
White, Black and Midnight color option
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Beyoncé Fans Are Buzzing Over Vague 'Lemonade' Trailer
April 16, 2016
Beyoncé did not come here to play with the internet; she came to slay. And now, Twitter is in a frenzy after she teased an HBO project called "Lemonade" on Instagram.
The trailer is astoundingly vague, with Bey whispering, "What am I gonna do, love, what am I gonna do?" cloaked in a fur coat and rocking blonde cornrows.
It's not clear what "Lemonade" actually is, but there is plenty of speculation that it could be the title of her next album or album film. Beyoncé frequently surprises the Beyhive, so really, it could be anything.
Last year, Beyoncé posted several photos with lemons. So whatever "Lemonade" is, it looks like it has been in the works for a while.


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Join the National White Dove Release Society
The NWDRS provides forums for members to share ideas and experience in the care of our birds, training and business practices. We are a professional organization of White Dove Release businesses. We uphold first the safety of our birds and the client by releasing only healthy, trained and banded white homing pigeons. We are proud members of the American Racing Pigeon Union and as such provide our "Gold" members the opportunity to purchase registered NWDRS/AU bands each year. All Gold Members have their own listing information on the Professional Listing page of the state where their particular service area is located. Additionally, there are promotional benefits for Gold Members such as various brochures that can be purchased in reasonable amounts; they are designed so you can personalize them with your personal identification.
NWDRS Members touring a member's loft in Nixa, MO during the annual meeting weekend in March, 2017.
"As a longtime pigeon racer (lifetime member of the AU), and active NWDRS member, I suggest to all fanciers to join the NWDRS. Having just a handful of white homers in one's loft for public release request from local police/fire dept. or church events, can be a great way to put pigeon racing in a good light of public opinion. It also helps alleviate potential zoning issues if you have support from city counsel & neighbors."
~ Dennis Kuhn, Pigeon Supplies Plus
NWDRS Forum Membership
This is a free learning and discussion forum where any subject relating to white dove releases can be discussed. You can enjoy the benefits of being a part of our NWDRS discussion forum...just without all the benefits of the Gold Membership. If you are not yet a full fledged business, but planning on beginning a white dove release business, you will receive invaluable information from the members of this organization. We pride ourselves on being a very friendly and helpful group. To begin, please go to the NWDRS Yahoo Group Discussion Forum and sign up.
NWDRS "Gold" Professional Membership
This is a fee based professional membership for established dove release professionals. Our Gold Members are required to be a professional white dove release business who is in good standing with the public in their area, and releases healthy, trained and banded white homing pigeons that return to their home loft. Become a GOLD member for only $50 a year (or $70 and add your spouse or other family member as a voting member) and enjoy many benefits including:
- Access to Gold level Yahoo group forum.
- Your listing and link on directory website, which is marketed in national print publications like AU and Racing Pigeon Digest, and Facebook, as budget allows.
- Access to private Facebook group
- Option to purchase funeral & wedding brochures with space to attach your business cards.
- Option to purchase NWDRS AU bands.
- Option to attend annual meeting as a voting member.


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My name is Tracy, and I am writing this letter in regards to my son Jacob. Jacob started attending Easter Seals Igoe-Amar Child Development Center when he was just 5-6 months old.
Children develop skills, or "milestones," at their own pace. How is your child or grandchild doing?
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Easterseals Florida2010 Crosby WayWinter Park, FL 32792 | 407-629-7881Easterseals and its affiliate organizationsare 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.


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thank you for visiting my website! my name is kari allman and i run kari lane jewelry from my home studio. i specialize in repurposing uncommon or vintage jewelry pieces. since the pieces are mostly made from upcycled items, all of my work is unique and often times one of a kind. i love to use a variety of materials - many of which are found at estates sales and antique stores.
when purchasing your handmade item from kari lane jewelry, you can be sure that much thought and detail went into each piece. i can also accommodate custom orders if you have a special piece of jewelry that you would like to have repurposed. alternatively, if you are looking to clean out your jewelry drawer, i am more than happy to take any unwanted items off your hands!
because of the nature of the vintage materials used, small variances of color or marks may be found in your piece. please know that it may vary slightly from the images seen on the site.
after graduating from baylor university with a painting degree in 2006, i worked as an artist and project coordinator for in your space collaborative arts in austin, tx until april of 2014. my love for color and juxtaposing unexpected imagery has been a theme in my personal art and now shows through in my jewelry combining the new with the old. my husband chris and i were married in 2010 and have recently moved to waco, texas with our sweet daughter, lane!
* all model pictures were taken by ashleigh amoroso photography or julia louise style.


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2 February 2012
Author: Charlie Price
Series: No, standalone
UK Publisher: Random House Children's Books
UK Release date: 2nd February 2012
Genre: YA Thriller
Kindly given by the publisher for an honest review
Fourteen year old Angel has been dragged across the country by a mother who cares about the no-good men she hooks up with more than she does for Angel. And the latest boyfriend is a real piece of work. He's killed her mother, and now he's coming after Angel. Can she outrun the hunter in the unforgiving desert, or can she learn to trust others?
Review: From the first page Desert Angel throws the reader straight into the conflict and danger of Angel's life. The story was so gripping and tense that I didn't want to put it down even when Scotty become hideously evil trying to kill Angel. Although the story was a thrilling cat and mouse chase, it also felt very real. I think because of Angel's character and how well she was brought to life, the story felt human and personal, and I found Angel's fears and thoughts were very tangible and easy to understand and sympathise with.
Right from the off I was rooting for Angel, even though she wasn't what you would naturally expect as a main protagonist. She was aloof and emotionally withdrawn, and prone to run at any conflict. Her mother had constantly neglected her and put her second to her latest boyfriend. She hadn't had a good childhood, she didn't get to make friends and play games, and you could see that the same was happening to little Norma, unless someone steps in. Just like Jessie was stepping in and being there for Angel, Angel was faced with the dilemma of whether she could do the same for Norma. And I have to say, I adored both Angel and Norma, especially when they were together – Norma's thoughts and the way she described adult things was so funny and sweet, and you could see that underneath the grumpiness and hostility there was a lovely girl just waiting for someone to be there for her and love her.
It wasn't just these two characters that I liked though; all of the people that helped Angel felt real, including their concerns of being discovered as illegal immigrants or fear of retaliation from Scotty. I think this is one reason why Jessie stands out as such a strong and positive character; ignoring all of the potential danger and taking Angel under her wing and acting more like a mother than her real mother had. Everyone should have someone like Jessie in their lives!
The harsh desert setting was interesting because it wasn't something I had come across often in books. It felt stark and unforgiving and really added to Angel's predicament. It also mirrored Scotty's evil nature – both him and the desert were harsh, unrelenting and ruthless. At times, he felt like prey stalking its weak victim. I would have liked the story to continue for longer in the desert, as the start of the book felt more dramatic compared to when the setting changed to Angel living with others.
As a character, Angel goes through an emotional and rather reluctant development. For so long Angel had no one to rely on, no one to love her or look after her. But as she spends more and more time with Jessie and her family, and she finds people willing to protect her for no reason other than caring, Angel just doesn't know how to deal with it. Her instinct is to run and hide; but for Angel that means being mercilessly hunted and tracked by Scotty.
A thrilling and emotional cat and mouse chase, Desert Angel is a ruthless hunt to the end.
Rating: 5*
8 comments:
- Beverley said...
Great review! Sounds like a wonderful book!
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Our DVR is blowing up right now. I love fall TV. Love, love, love it. No more Bachelor Pad for this household! We're watching about a show a night and are planning to watch our "leftovers" this weekend. :)
Here's what we're watching right now.
{And by we, I mean me and sometimes Brandon}:
Charlie Sheen's drama was the best thing that happened to this show.
AND how in the world did I not put two and two together that Jon Cryer was Ducky!?
{Just call us 65 years old}
{Starts tonight! Woo!}
We just started watching this last night and it is hilarious! Probably my new favorite show.
{I know, I know. But it really is good!}
{We miss you, Elliot!}
And, I can't wait to watch:
and Pan Am
I love all these Mad Men-esque shows that are coming out!
{Photos via Google}


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Darrell Warner is responsible for the Boeing Company's Network and Space Systems (N&SS) business unit and its Space Exploration division's Safety and Mission Assurance. As the Safety and Mission Assurance Director he leads employees in Alabama, California, Florida and Texas in creating and sustaining a culture of safety and mission success. The N&SS business unit divisions include Space Exploration, Electronic and Information Systems, Strategic Missiles & Defense Systems, Commercial Satellites, Government Space Systems, National Programs, and N&SS.
Mr. Warner has over 37 years of experience in the aerospace industry. His areas of expertise include computer engineering, systems engineering and complex systems integration. He joined Boeing in 1989 as a senior staff engineer. He also served as deputy director for the International Space Station engineering group, before being named engineering director for the Human Space Flight and Exploration Business Unit. In this capacity he led the team responsible for delivering the engineering resources necessary to support Boeing projects and programs in the Business Unit. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, Mr. Warner serves as the Boeing executive focal for Southern University in Louisiana where he is a member of the council of the visitors for the school's College of Engineering, Business and Industry Cluster, and the Computer Science Advisory Board. He is also the Boeing executive focal for Prairie View A&M University. He is responsible for managing all charitable funding and in kind contributions to the universities. He is also the Boeing executive focal for the Career Communications Group Black Engineer of the Year Awards Program, Advancing Minorities in Engineering (AMIE), and the Boeing Houston Black Employees Association.
Mr. Warner is a member of the Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. He is currently serving as member of the Steward Board and previously served as Vice Chairman of the Trustee Board.
Mr. Warner earned his Bachelor's of Computer Science degree from Southern University in 1979. He's done graduate work in computer architecture and software engineering at the University of California-Los Angeles and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. In 2007 Mr. Warner was recognized as a "Top 100 Most Important Blacks in Technology" by the Career Communications Group at the 21st Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference. Darrell was recently selected as the Lifetime Achievement award winner for the National Society of Black Engineers.
Darrell is married to Glenda Rogers Warner (35 years) and they have two sons, Darrell Colin and John Corbin.


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Session 6
The adventurers gathered around the fire as the haunting wails of the beast in the darkness rang out. Each grabbing weapons and trying to hover near their only source of light. Herbert ran to the tent and grabbed an oil lamp, lighting it with a phosphor striker. Emily Shaw shouldered her rifle but lifted her head, canting it into the wet marsh breeze, spinning about to aim away from the sound of the wails "There's another one this way.. I'm sure of it." Montjoy but his back to Lance Weston's aiming into the shadows between the tent and the wagon.
They all saw it at once, cresting a ridge about 100 feet in front of John Henry, easily 9 foot long and slender as it's silver fur slid between the waving sheathes of grass, almost seeming to glow in the moonlight. The Cowboy lifted both of his revolvers and fired, burring a shot into it's chest, dropping it in a dramatic struggle. Lance saw the next one, a shadow in the dark near where Lady Shaw pointed her rifle. He balled his fist crackling with energy and shot forth a bot of lightning that singed a line down the monster's back as he bolted out of the way, running behind the wagon where the horses were kept.
Patrick realized all at once that the wild beast could cripple the horses and strand them deep in the wilderness and he charged around the back of the wagon shouting "The horses, it's after the horses.." Quite suddenly something came out of the darkness between wagon and tent in front of Mr. Montjoy and jerked him into the shadows. Lady Shaw, her heart racing in panic, stumbled and fell into unconsciousness from the abrupt terror of the moment. Herbert shrieked with the ferocity of a terrified girl and began flailing at the head of the beast that had just yanked his friend into the darkness with the shillelagh handed to him by Patrick. Lance spun about, confused to see the beast that had vanished afield appear behind him and, chanting the ancient words of power, hurled a bolt of electricity into the shoulder of the beast, driving it back into the darkness with a yelp of sizzling pain.
John Henry had looked away for an instant at the melee behind him, noticing the movement out of the corner of his eye as the beast he had shot down abruptly pushed nose-down into the thick grass and began to run at him. He shouted "NOOOOOOOOOOOO" shooting wild shots at the beast as it charged, missing all but one shot, not enough. So John Henry kept shooting, punctuating each shot with a shout "Why!" bang "Won't!" bang, the beast reared up lashing it's fierce teeth "You!" and the slug to it's chest dropped the silver monster dead "DIE!" putting one last shot into it's corpse as angry good measure.
Patrick launched himself after Montjoy and the retreating beast, leaving the relative safety of the firelight. In the darkness he found not one beast but two, charcoal fur with black eyes and glistening white teeth, one dragging struggling Montjoy away by his ankle in what appeared to be a claw-like hand. He swung into Montjoy's captor with his axe and the beast dropped the explorer as it bolted away, the other turned and reared at Patrick. Lance leaned over Patrick's shoulder and, with shouted arcane words of power, pounded another hot bolt of electricity into the beast. It turn and bolted up the hill, collecting the last two shots in John Henry's revolver's as he shot the beast twice through the fabric of the tent and it slumped down halfway up the hill.
Lance went to revive Lady Shaw and Patrick checked on Mr. Montjoy to see if he was badly injured. The young explorer had a lot of scrapes from being dragged and his shoulder was sore but other than being a bit rattled he was fine. They examined the silver-haired beast's corpse, deciding the creature was more bear than dog with claws made for digging and a prodigious scent organ. Patrick began to skin the animal with Herbert's assistance. John and Lance climbed the hill in the dark to find the other beast only to discover it's body was gone. The drew weapons and slowly stalked forward until Lance noticed a strange patch of grass was actually the charcoal colored beast dug deep into the dirt of the hill with it's fur turned a dark green. They dragged the dead animal back to the campfire and studied it's remains as well. Patrick fleeced a decent amount of the meat from the hind of of one of the beasts but it didn't end up cooking very well, gamy and tart.
The adventurers settled down once more, taking watches fearfully in the cold quiet night. Lance and Wells taking the first watch, waking John Henry for the next but the cowboy asked them not to rouse Patrick for his watch and let him rest instead. As John Henry paced around the encampment to keep awake, guns in his hands he spotted a cloaked figure that had mysteriously appeared and was stroking the horses thoughtfully. As John Henry raised his gun and told her to turn around real slow the beautiful woman turned with her elegant brow raised at his gesture "Your horses are so big.. is this your art?"
The woman introduced herself as Auren, and as she spoke with John Henry he realized that the movement of her mouth didn't match the sound of her words. She explained she was speaking through her art. John Henry tried to explain horse breeding to her but it's unclear if Auren understood. At his insistence Auren waited for John Henry to wake Lady Shaw and Lance Weston. Lady Shaw instantly recognized the fey features of her guest and she was beside herself offering her tea and struggling not to bombard the unspoken woman with questions. John Henry offered her a cup of his Kentucky Bourbon. She didn't like the smell of it but had a sip before returning the cup to him "No, this isn't to our liking.. we'll not have it.." Lady shaw gave her a cup of Purejoy's Black Breakfast Tea which she seemed to like more "This pleases us.. what is it's name?". Lance Weston woke to the conversation in the night and found one of the fey in the camp and politely asked if he could talk about the art she was using to which Auren thrust her hand at him without making eye contact "Come no closer, I do not welcome your art mixing with mine..". The rebuke was shocking, especially given how curious the fey was, but more curious rather than angry or disapproving, Auren sounded afraid. As he examined her warily he could see a ridged pattern that emerged from her hair just under her hood, maybe horns? John Henry showed her the skin of one of the beasts they had slain and she nodded placidly "We know.. it is why we are curious.. Worru-worru is very dangerous." She continued to wander about their camp picking up things and examining them. When she was satisfied she announced her departure "We will have another cup of this 'tea' then we will return to my mist-covered wood, you may not follow.." she drew a beautiful book adorned in stitchwork and gilt and handed it to Lady Shaw. As she opened the book and looked through it she found it full of an alien script "How do I read it, is there a cypher?" Auren smiled smugly "You wanted to learn our words, learn them.." Lady Shaw pleaded "I don't know how to start, please, some help.." Auren signed and flipped the little book to the first page, reading across the characters with her fingertips "I was born in snow and hazy stars. The path swept white I inherited all ways.". The curious fey took the camp cup full of tea and just walked out across the misty marsh in the dark. For the last hours of the night they slept restlessly.
As the sun rose Sunday morning they struck camp after another failed foray into cooking the Worru-worru. They packed the wagon and hitched the horses and got back on the King's Road. The trip took them across rocky scrublands dotted with distant ruins. Travel took them over a second lake, up and down elevations, the road unchanging stretching over their horizon. Late in the afternoon they saw the first exit to the road they had found since they started their journey for the day and up on the hillside was a small village. They decided to stop for the night and see if the village would trade with them.
As they approached the low-walled village things went into a tizzy with peasant farmers running to their houses and village guards running around with wood spears and pot helms pulling on their heraldry and rushing to the entrance of the village. Montjoy dismounted and spoke for the party in the New Crown language "We mean you no harm, we are tired travelers hoping to trade for food and a place to rest.." Montjoy explained that the guards seemed anxious to know which King they served. Lady Shaw said to tell them "We are travelers from a far land and our Queen is Victoria". The village guards wanted to know what they had to trade and Lance Weston pulled a handful of the iron chits he took from the men who ambushed the excursion in the woods and showed them. The guards seemed impressed and told Montjoy that they could camp on the green in the center of the village and use their well but they would not be allowed to harass the villagers. So the adventurers pulled their wagon into the tiny town of Carmine and set camp in the middle of the ring of their poor homes.
As everyone was settling in for the night an old man cautiously walked into the light of their campfire. He told them his name was Alejandro, speaking in New Crown. Alejandro had a bottle of wine to trade with the adventurers and after some negotiation he traded them for one of the extra iron pots in their camp box. He sat and talked with the adventurers a while, Montjoy translating the pleasant older man's words. He said that he had lived in Carmine village since the time of the Unnamed King and his village struggles but it has done much better under the King in Yellow. Alejandro talked about the nearby village where the wine came from and mentioned a logging village to the East, warned them about the beasts that live near the lakes and the 'forrest children' to the South. As the night wore on Alejandro thanked them for their hospitality and returned to his home. They took watches but felt very secure in the tiny village.
Monday morning they woke lazily and made breakfast while curious villagers went on about their day all around them. The broke camp and returned to the road for another long day's travel Westward. They passed the logging village Alejandro mentioned but drove on, only stopping once they ran out of daylight. The pulled to the edge of the road and made an improvised camp, no tents or fires just the howl of the wind and the flapping of the flags long the endless King's road.
Tuesday found the adventurers facing a long climb as the road pushed up into inhospitable rocky lands. Poor sleep and humid conditions made the trip the worst day of the journey but they forged onward. By midday they came through the highlands and were greeted by and endless blue ocean. The black road turned to the South and as they traveled it the flowing yellow banners turned to flag pole after flag pole of white flags bearing a rampant horse on waves. Their 6th day on the road introduced them to the only other traveler they encountered on the massive black road, a pair of wagons loaded with tradeware and a guard on horseback travelling the opposite direction. They greeted each other anxiously in passing.
As the sun set they still hadn't found an exit to the road but ahead were the lights of a large coastal town so they pushed on into the dark. The drove into a large walled town built below the level of the road so that the entered the town over it's rooftops. The center of the town was raised to meet the road with a small market and a busy tavern. The pulled off onto one side of the town to discuss a plan for the night while inhaling the scent of hot food and watching the glow of an open fire from the Tavern. As they stood around the market square they were approached by a group of men wearing loose white clothes, carrying staves. One of them spoke in an oddly accented New Crown "Strangers to our land, what is your business in Seaholm Village." Montjoy translated between the men and the part members as they explained they were tired travelers just looking for a place to rest as they move through. The men who seemed to be some sort of authority gestured at a narrow road leading downhill and explained that they were welcome to camp outside the walls in the field. Then he advised them that all travelers coming through the town are to be searched and they should get out of the wagon. Lance produced the invitation scroll and explained that they were on a diplomatic journey. The man with the staff seemed to not entirely trust Lance but held out a hand for the scroll and read it over, commenting that the party was traveling to "Petero". The man in white handed the scroll back to Lance and explained with some translation "You have a long ride ahead of you, pull your wagon up to the side of the inn and I'll speak with Marja about rooms for you.
They followed the men's instructions, and the barn door on the back of the inn was opened where a young boy came out to show them where they could store their goods. From the stables they followed the sound of drinking into the warm crowded tavern where an older broad-shouldered brunette greeted them with a broad grin and tankards of beer. She greeted them warmly and introduced herself as Marja and her grunting husband working behind the bar was Lutipold. She told them there were rooms upstairs for them when they're tired. When John Henry asked her about payment she explained that the 'Arbitory' have paid for their rooms and drinks and care of their horses and they should just relax and make themselves comfortable. John did just that, drinking the warm gritty beer and flirting with Marja in his clumsy grasp of New Crown. Lady Shaw convinced Montjoy to try to strike up a conversation with the locals to find out more about the lands they were in but the tavern folk seemed a bit unnerved by questions from strangers. Patrick was still suffering from the beating he took in the fight so he crawled upstairs and got into a soft mattress bed for the night. Slowly the rest of them piled into the rooms reserved for them, gentlemen sleeping in chairs or on floors to allow Lady Shaw the respect of a room to herself.
They all rose Wednesday later than they would have liked on Tuesday. John and Montjoy hung over from too much of the shady beer. Herbert had woken early and was working on a bowl of warm breakfast porridge while writing in a book. Slowly the all gathered themselves and filtered into the stables to find their horses had been washed and groomed and their wagon was loaded with their things. Marja showed up to wish them well on their journey. It was an almost unstintingly welcoming stop.
The day's ride took them away from the shore and deeper into lands as rocky peaks gave way to wet marches. The road curved towards the mossy woods below and eventually ended. The flags on the last pair of flagpoles long blue banners with black crosses, the heraldry of their guests. In the distance across the canopy was a massive structure that looked like giant balls stacked atop one another in a cube. Lady Shaw examined it with her telescope but couldn't make any better sense of it for seeing how it was scaffolded or assembled. They rolled off of the wide black road onto a narrow dirt road and pushed onward into the woods.
About a mile down the road they noticed that overgrown swampy trees had given way to over overgrown crumbling buildings. The further into the ruins they traveled the more a town began to look like a dead city. Ahead they could see the structures of a large town through the trees and a troop of mounted soldiers in black armor with helmets with white skull facemasks riding towards them.
As the riders pulled near they spread out across the road with hands on their swords, huge men, thick with muscle. One of the faceless soldiers rode closer and called out to the adventurers in Old Crown "This is Petero land, disarm yourselves, name your business.." John Henry raised his hands "We're not enemies, we've been summoned by your count." he nodded to Lance who once more withdrew the silver scroll. The rider pulled off a fighting gauntlet and collected the scroll with a clawed hand, delicately unrolling it and reading it through. He glanced over the group "Is this all your number? Do you all solemnly swear your business is as stated?". The adventurers looked among themselves and nodded. The rider rolled up the scroll and handed it back to Lance "Select one of your number that will come with us.." his face unreadable behind the white steel skull mask. None of the adventurers knew what to do. Patrick volunteered immediately but everyone decided his wounds would have to exclude him. Herbert volunteered but nobody was comfortable with this either. Lance eyed the strange warriors and said "It has to be me.." He looked back at the rest "I can barely speak the language and I'm not a diplomat.. it has to be me..". The others agreed. One of the skull-face riders maneuvered against the side of their wagon and helped Lance onto the back of his horse and the soldiers began to escort the adventurers into the setting sun, towards the city of Bridgeport.


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Please read description carefully.
Do not base your order on the picture presented.
Features of the Master 40 Sheet 3 Hole Punch: 40 sheet 3-hole punch with padded handle for a more comfortable punching experience. • Punches through up to 40 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper.
• Padded handle cushions hands for easier punching of stacks of paper.
• Oversized handle for easy open handed punching.
• Pre-set to punch 9/32" diameter holes to fit a standard 3-ring binder.
• Adjustable ruled paper guide.
• Non-skid feet to keep it in place while punching.
• Lock down handle for storage and safety.
• Large capacity paper chip pan.
• Made with heavy-gauge steel construction.
Medex SKU: MYI-MP50


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On We Believe's About Us page it says:
We are black and white. We are men and women. We come from a wide range of theological diversity as well. We are conservative, moderate, and liberal on the spectrum of faith and public policy! We serve urban, suburban, and rural people in our houses of worship. We hold in common a deep and abiding love of the God whom we serve.
We also share in common our strong belief that we must act and speak in public ways to support the poor, the children, and those who are voiceless and unrepresented in our times.
Here is the where and when of the launch event/press conference:
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
The First AME Zion Church
873 Bryden Rd. Columbus, OH
More details here, including printable PDFs you can use to share the details with people offline.
Alternate link for comments


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This is the simplest way to make Indian Chicken Curry. Not too much oil and spices are used moderately. We did not use the regular Garam Masala; instead of the regular Garam Masala we used home-made cinnamon-cardamom powder. Cinnamon-cardamom powder is our traditional Garam Masala powder recipe that we use in most of our Indian cooking. Do not waste time in making this powder, instead just use any regular Garam Masala that is easily available off the shelf.
The spices (Cumin powder, Coriander powder, Turmeric Powder and Red Chilli Powder) used in this recipe are the most commonly used spices in Indian cooking. Since we do not like too much sourness in our curries we avoided the tomatoes, though most people use tomato in curries. The variation we did was by using yogurt instead of tomatoes. Feel free to use tomatoes if you like it a little sour.
Adding the potatoes is optional but they really taste good. Think of it as big potato pieces cooked in chicken favored curry. Mostly we cook this recipe on weekend for lunch and tastes the best with hot steamed rice. Can be served with parathas and chapatis as well.
Please watch our video for the recipe and to see us cook this delightful curry.
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The third week of excavation began with the arrival of multiple new members, and the opening of new trenches. We are pleased to have Benedetta join us for the following two weeks from the University of Florence in order to work with Matt on digitizing and documentation. The excavation would also like to welcome back Jill, a returning bone specialist. Her arrival was well timed as a number of large animal bones, which she has identified as a cow, were recovered from the bucket room. Landon and Leslie Thorne also have returned to work with the excavation for the week. Landon aided in the removal of the dirt from the bucket room, and Leslie is working with Sophie on revealing the wall.
Two new trenches were opened today. Ana's team opened a new trench by the entrance to the Laconicum.


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1st Financial FCU Partners with MCUCF and Local High School for Reality Fair
1st Financial Federal Credit Union (Wentzville) partnered with the Missouri Credit Union Charitable Foundation (MCUCF), Missouri Council on Economic Education (MCEE) and Holt High School (Wentzville) to present a two-day, financial reality fair titled "Mad City Money." This event was held on November 18-19.
As part of an initiative to increase financial literacy among youth in the state of Missouri and funded by MCUCF, the Mad City Money program gives each student a different life scenario. They have to create budgets based on the specific circumstances they are given and try to plan a life for themselves without going over budget. One significant aspect of the reality fair is the involvement of local businesses, such as 1st Financial. Volunteers sell students imaginary material goods and services, such as cars and furniture. Additionally, they help teens think about the consequences of their purchases.
"Over two days, MCEE and 1st Financial Federal Credit Union provided personal finance and hands-on learning for 150 high school students," says Michael English, MCEE president & CEO. "At the end of the day, the high school students had acquired a realistic sense of the expenses and responsibilities of an adult."
Mad City Money gives students a chance to connect what they are learning in the classroom to what they will be facing once they get into the real world.
"Students at Holt High School were incredibly engaged in the Mad City Money simulation, thanks in large part to the enthusiastic volunteers from 1st Financial," continues English.
1st Financial exists with a vision of helping people achieve their financial dreams and believes financial education is the foundation of making that vision a reality for the communities they serve. By supporting organizations like MCEE and Holt High School, resources become available to young consumers on a level they can understand before entering adulthood, creating a higher likelihood for success.
For more information about financial reality fairs, please visit the MCUCF webpage or contact Maria Langston, MCUCF executive director, via email.
Caption (from left): 1st Financial staffers, Renee Markert, Sales manager, and Nancy Tate, Financial Service rep, volunteer at the reality fair held at Holt High School.
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Ok more holiday looks for you today! Pinks have been calling my name lately and I thought I'd integrate the not-so-Christmas colors into a few holiday nails.
This is a super simple but delicate look featuring silver snowflakes over Emily de Molly Heavy Aura. The accent nail is one of my absolute favorite bling-y holiday silvers – B Polished Silver Bells a Blinging.
Next up I really wanted to wear bright pink, I didn't necessarily want to do holiday nail art with it, but tis the Season I guess. I really liked how these turned out! The base is Smitten Polish Date Night (now Dreamland Lacquer and good news, this may be rereleased for Valentine's Day!).
Then I used various tree-related stamps to pull the whole look together.
Warning though, the pigment in Date Night is strong and it overpowered my aqua Color Club Blue Ming stamping because of the quick dry top coat, though the a-England St. George still stamped great as a topper!
Anyway I have one final look to share with you and I hope to get that up sometime tomorrow!
Hope you're all having wonderful breaks, I'm still at work but things are winding waaaaay down!


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High School Sports
High school football previews: Carver loaded with talent, setting bar high in '13
New coach, new quarterback, same lofty expectations.
The faces in a couple of key spots may have changed for the Carver High football team, but the results at season's end should be the same.
That's the expectation of coach Joe Kegler, at least, who is looking to maintain the lofty standing among the state's elite that former coach Dell McGee attained during his eight years at the helm.
"In my opinion, we're one of the better programs in the state," Kegler said. "We're not building a program. We're trying to continue the success that the program's been having."
Translation: We're trying to win championships.
Every team wants to win championships, but not every team has proven its ability to play at a championship level.
Carver has.
The Tigers won a state title in 2007 and were perennial contenders in six of the other seven years under McGee, advancing to the semifinals on four other occasions.
This season, with a host of talent on both sides of the ball, anything less than that will be somewhat of a disappointment.
The aforementioned "new quarterback" is Jawon Pass, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound sophomore who played in limited time behind former starter Torrance McGee last season. McGee, who started the past two years for the Tigers, transferred to North Cobb after last season.
Pass takes over with a reputation already preceding him. Before starting a single game under center, he has already received scholarship offers from Clemson, North Carolina and Mississippi State.
His physical stature, athleticism and throwing ability make him a prototypical signal-caller.
In the past, Carver has been more of a run-first team. Kegler said he didn't expect the commitment to the run to change, but said Pass does have an ability that warrants more attention to the passing game.
"We try to stay as balanced as possible," Kegler said. "If (Pass) hits his first seven or eight passes, though, we'd be fools not to keep throwing. We just need to recognize what he's doing well and take what the defense gives us."
Pass will be joined by a handful of returnees at running back and wide receiver. Seniors Fred Coleman and Noah Hickey will come out of the backfield, while senior Drelon Freeman and junior Nate Barley will line up wide. Both receivers measure 6 feet, and should present good targets for the rookie quarterback.
Hickey shared time with a slew of other backs last season, but was one of the team's home-run threats on the ground.
Offensive line and tight end are filled with all upper classmen, though a couple are new starters this season after losing key guys at center and tackle.
Domique Johnson will play tight end, Garrett Coleman and Cordarius Smith will be at tackle, Josh Frazier and Kijuana Johnson will man the guard positions, and James Jones will play center.
Three of the five linemen come in at 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds or more.
As always for the Tigers, the defense should be considered a strength. They return nine of 11 guys off of last year's squad that allowed just 180 points in 13 games last season (13.8 per game), 64 of which came in their two losses to Colquitt County (33-0) and Buford (31-7).
The star of the defense will be Mekhi Brown, a linebacker/defensive end hybrid who came alive in the second half as a sophomore last year. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Brown is considered one of the top players at his position in the country and has already committed to play at Alabama when he graduates in two years.
He's not the lone college recruit on this defense, either.
Junior Khane Pass has picked up offers from Clemson and North Carolina, Tim Whatley, last season's All-Bi-City co-defensive player of the year, has offers from Duke and East Carolina, and Kiante Walton has interest from Georgia State, Jacksonville State and Troy, among others.
There are more, of course. And even guys who don't have the big-name offers are expected to fill their roles successfully.
There will be Robert Jernigan and Josh Curry, both juniors, at defensive end. Sophomore T.J. London will hold down the defensive tackle spot, and Niemus Bryant, a Georgia State commit, will join Brown, Whatley and Tim London at linebacker.
Pass and Walton will play safety, and Dequindre Colemand and Talik Quarterman will play cornerback.
The defensive line averages nearly 290 pounds, and the linebackers and secondary and talented and experienced.
This is a defense that should be expected to do big things this season.
The question is never if Carver will be talented, only how far it can go at the end of the season.
"There are guys with a lot of God-given talent," Kegler said of his team. "They're good kids, and they work hard. They're listening, buying in to what we're doing."
The Tigers don't play in a particularly strong region, with the exception of the always dangerous Peach County, but the same hurdles that have stood in their way over the past few years remain at the state level.
It's too early to say that's where Carver's attention should be focused, but from the outside looking in, it certainly appears the Tigers have the experience and talent necessary to contend deep into the playoffs.
Will this be the year? Only time will tell.
David Mitchell, 706-571-8571; Follow David on Twitter @leprepsports.