Iroden Scene Two

     Iroden crept through the dim morning light to the waterfront. Thick fog hid his passing. Water lapped against the dock, and workers called to one another while they loaded the ship set to sail to Palanthas. The smell of salt water clung to Iroden's hair and clothes.

     A bulky dockworker strode toward him, and he ducked behind a barrel, his heart pounding. He'd never dreamed he'd come to this, skulking and hiding from mere humans. He was a Silvanesti elf, the most refined race on Krynn, and a member of House Cleric, second in rank only to House Royal. Chests full of steel coins and other valuables were locked in his father's strongroom, but he'd had no chance to get any of it before being beaten and thrown out.

     Iroden's only hope of salvation lay in Palanthas at the Temple of Paladine. An expanse of the Sirrion Sea lay between him and it, and he had no money for passage.

     The dockworker thumped past. Iroden scurried forward and joined a group of rats climbing up the ropes unnoticed onto the ship. At one time he might not have fit through the narrow opening the rats used to get aboard, but after his transformation and weeks of starvation, he slid right through and made his way to the storage hold.

     Crates and barrels filled the space. He clambered over them and hunched down in a far corner where no one would see him. His stomach had given up grumbling for food.

     He bowed his head and prayed to E'li. “Forgive me for seeking passage without paying. I never wanted anything but to serve you. Please grant me strength to make this voyage and guide me to those who can help me break this curse."

     The boat creaked and slid forward away from the dock. A firm wind sped it on its way toward Palanthas.

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