-38- [Backdated - Reaver is Industry. But He is also History]

[tatty_bye]

I don't know this place at all. Listen -- whoever bought me here, there's nothing to gain from it. I and my family are of humble means; you'll get no ransom, and I am no one of great enough skill to be made useful.

...I have pressing business. You must return me to Oakvale.

I know that someone can hear me!

Comments

[takeyouapart]

[ffffffff]

It's all right. You won't be missed - when you return home, no time will have passed.

[tatty_bye]

That'd be encouraging if it were at all possible. Who are you?

[takeyouapart]

My name's Merlin.

Nobody's brought you here. This ship uses powerful magic, and sometimes it spills over into other worlds; that's what drew you here. But it'll fade - I know the word of a stranger might not be worth much to you, but I can promise you that.

[tatty_bye]

What am I supposed to do until then, Merlin?

[a little cowed by his own impatience]

That is to say...what is usually done, for people in my situation? You say it has happened before.

[strangehstorian]

All will be made well. You were taken not by malice, but by simple chance.

[tatty_bye]

I'm told it simply "wears off".

Sounds strange, doesn't it?

[strangehstorian]

The spell? Perhaps it will. Stranger things have happened.

[tatty_bye]

No. That we've obviously been brought to a place, and that a place is something that simply...'wears off'.

[wardennolonger]

Something you will come to learn quickly is that in this place, there are far more questions than answers. I would not go seeking out sense behind your capture.

[tatty_bye]

There has to be some reason. Other than a simple accident.

[wardennolonger]

Perhaps you've done something conceived wrong by the man who rules this ship, but as far as I have learned, those standards are flexible.

[tatty_bye]

But I haven't done anything! I'm just...normal. Me. Nothing to bother with.