by Ruth Smith

Created on: May 19, 2008

Dragon's Dance

The rune ring on Catira's hand glowed purple as she screamed. "I will not allow you to leave without me, Kilgren!"
The warrior sighed. "Cat, we have been through this many times. I cannot bring my wife on this mission. You could be killed."
"Oh, and I suppose you can't?"
"Catira. This is my profession."
"I didn't agree to marry you so I could be kept here in Rockpence, wasting my Mystic training on foolish spells, while you go off on a mission every time one of our friends stops by."

"At least Palothos waited some time before he mentioned this task."
Catira stamped her foot. "You're impossible!"
Kilgren paced the room. "You know I cannot turn down a friend in need."
"Neither can I. Why won't you let me come too? I went on other missions."
"That was different!"
"Why?" Her green eyes sparkled a challenge.
"We were not wed yet."
"Oh, I see. Now that we're married, you own me? I want you to know, Kilgren of Rockpence, I will not be owned!" She stormed out of the small cottage they shared, slamming the door behind her.
Palothos touched Kilgren's shoulder. "Let her go. Our mystic has some fury to release."
"What am I to do, my friend? These arguments have grown progressively worse. What if she leaves me?"
The elf directed his friend to a chair. "Your fiery redhead will never leave you. She finds it upsetting when you leave her behind. Would you wish to live here alone, waiting for her to return?"
Kilgren looked around the room, furnished with a table, some chairs, and something his wife called a sofa. The room smelled musty and the air felt close at times. "It would grow tiresome over time."
"And what challenges face her as she waits for you? Our mystic has battled sorcerers and monsters. Now all she encounters are women who want her to make men fall in love with them."
"You are right, my friend. This is no life for her, but how can I risk her death? Or the death of an heir?"
Palothos smiled. "You fear she would lose a child. Have you mentioned this to Cat?"
Kilgren shook his head. "How can I? You know her temper."
"Short of a bolt of fire, I believe we witnessed the full extent of it moments ago. Kilgren, it might help her to understand."
"I will mention it when she returns."

Several hours later, there was still no sign of Catira. Palothos and Kilgren had attempted to pass the time playing cards, but Kilgren couldn't concentrate. After Palothos beat him the twelfth time, Kilgren threw the cards down. "My concentration has left. I want to check the

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