CH 9

Kitiara arrived and had Skie land outside the city. She walked over and told the guard she was here to pick up Amanda. Once he passed her intentions, she went back by Skie and waited.

It wasn't Amanda who came out. She was surprised to see Eric walking towards her.

"Kitiara, correct?" Eric asked as he waved.

"Yes. Greetings, Eric. I wasn't expecting you," She replied.

Seeing the dragon eyeing him, Eric waved to it. "I finished my business quicker that I planned, but that's OK. I had to come back here anyway. I do appreciate you offering Amanda a ride. That was nice of you."

Kitiara offered him a brief smile. "After meeting you, I was thinking about asking your help with a problem we have. It seems someone has been going around killing and using magic on our forces."

Eric nodded. "I heard about that. Right now, I'm talking to some elves about that very thing." He frowned and said, "I'm not fond of senseless violence. Or any, truth be told. Violence tends to lower populations and make people untrusting. That leave fewer customers for me. Did you know a farmer needs almost twice as much steel as a Knight does? Formed different, but they need quite a few tools. I want to expand my business, not see it shrink."

"Didn't you say you would trade only with me?" Kitiara asked, eyeing him.

"Where you are yes. Think about it. I sell steel to you. You form it and sell it to others. The more people you sell to, the more I can sell you. Everyone is better off. The reverse is also true," Eric explained.

"Eric," Kitiara said firmly. "I know you are a trader, and profit is your goal. I am a warrior. Our concern is not profit, but serving our God. Our God wants us to rule the lands."

Eric nodded. "Right, same as Sir Mondar. Let me ask you something, do the Gods live here, on the ground with the rest of us?"

"They do not, but they expect their will to be followed," Kitiara stated.

"Let me tell you something abut Gods," Eric replied. "They do not give a shit about you, me, or any of us. I've seen this same thing over and over again. Holy Gods and Unholy Gods fighting each other for control of Krynn. It's gone on for centuries. Who wins? No one. People on the ground lose. They lose families, homes and their way of life."

"You would tell that to say, a White Knight?" Kitiara asked.

"I have, he called me to duel over it. Claimed I was … I forget the word he used, but it was very insulting. I had the nerve to suggest to him that all Knights, White, Black and the ones in between, band together to police this land and see to it towns and roads were safer and a form of true justice prevailed over the chaos that had reigned for centuries here," Eric said, waving a hand. "He didn't want to hear it."

Kitiara laughed. "Is he still alive?"

"He was when I last saw him," Eric told her. "I won't bow to any God, nor will I follow them. You, Kitiara, I will listen to and deal with. Tanthatlas, I will listen to and deal with. Yes, I met him yesterday. We've got some things to work out but now I know who he is."

Kitiara eyed him for a moment, then said, "You have something planned, don't you?"

"Tell me you do not?" Eric asked.

Kitiara chuckled. She waved a finger at him. "We all have our plans and schemes. I'm just wondering if yours and mine are compatible."

"Good question," Eric agreed. "Tell me, what is it that your God wants?"

"Influence on the whole of Krynn," she stated.

"And if I can get that for you, then you will be seen in a good light by your God?"

Kitiara raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"I visit another world, they have just as many gods, if not more, that what Krynn does. The people there are getting wiser. Religious wars are far fewer and I've seen three different churches standing at one intersection of roads. Every God has their following in that same city," Eric explained. "With your assistance, I can help that happen here."

"Are you playing with me?" Kitiara asked in a smooth warning.

"I am not," Eric stated. "When the Black Knights were here in Gateway, I didn't kick them out due to them worshiping Takasis, I kicked them out because they were mistreating the people. If you or Sir Ralstat want to come to dinner at my house, right now, you are welcome so long as you don't cause trouble. We don't have any accommodations for your dragon, but the same goes for her. Think if you could do that in any city on Krynn."

Kitiara put a hand to her face in thought. She finally said, "You truly do not hold any allegiance to any God."

"My allegiance is to the people who live here, with us," Eric stated.

"I see," Kitiara said slowly. "Would it be possible for me to come see Tanthalas now?"

Eric motioned to the gates. "If you like. Will your dragon be OK out here by herself?"

Kitiara frowned. She walked over to Skie and whispered something. Skie shrunk down and reformed into a tall, thin woman with dark blue hair, her scales were now a dress she was wearing. The pair walked back over to Eric.

The dragon-woman lifted her hand to Eric. "I am Skie," she said.

Eric shook her hand. "Eric Carvon, pleased to meet you, Skie."

"Will my Master and I be safe?" she asked.

"Everyone knows the rules here, no causing trouble. If they bother you, I will deal with them," Eric said firmly.

"Then please escort us."

"My pleasure, this way."

Going into the city, Eric showed them around and pointed out a 'clan house' where they worshiped Takasis. "They think that they are a secret. If it makes they feel safe, that's fine. Everyone of them are good citizens and work hard. There is no reason to harm their enclave."

Walking on, Eric went down a side street and indicated another house. "Here, are devote followers of Paladine. They too are nervous about becoming public, and are also good citizens. If people are doing their jobs and behaving themselves, there is no reason to bother them."

"I am surprised they are not fighting," Skie said.

"No allowed," Eric told her firmly. "That would get them into trouble, fast. Here, if you don't like someone, just leave them alone. You don't have to be friends but you can still work and live together."

"I would think that that would cause some stress," Kitiara noted.

"I'm sure it does," Eric agreed. "A little stress is much better than people killing each other. That is counter-productive for many others who have nothing to do with either group."

"This is very strange," Skie noted.

"In another world, it's the way things are." Eric replied. "That is why that world has progressed so far, and become so powerful. Everyone has their beliefs, but they still work together for the common good of all."

"So there are no wars in this other world?" Kitiara asked.

"There are. The thing is, those wars are for different reasons. Countries have difficulties, they fight it out, and in a few years the war is over, the differences settled. It's not one continuous war that goes on for centuries and is never solved," Eric explained.

"You want to bring that thinking to Krynn," Kitiara stated.

"I do," Eric agreed. "You can all do so much better, be more prosperous and safe. What you accomplish won't be wiped away with the next burst of warfare."

"Is that true for us dragons also?" Skie asked.

"We have no dragons there, but here, it can be." Eric replied.

"That is something to consider," Skie said thoughtfully. "Our nests would not have to be guarded so carefully. Our young be so wary."

"You do know such change here will not come easily," Kitiara said flatly. "It will be another huge war, and anyone fighting to remove the Gods' influence will face their wrath."

"Probably," Eric agreed. "Then again, if every God knows they will be able to have influence over all of Krynn, perhaps they won't interfere."

Kitiara let out a humorless chuckle. "It will never happen," she stated.

Eric cast her a brief smile. "We'll see."

.

Getting into the inner city, Eric noted Tikiez coming towards him. She cocked her head slightly and asked, "Master, are you looking for trouble? They are Laurana's enemies."

"And everyone will behave themselves, or else," Eric stated. "I want you to watch over Kitiara and Skie here. Protect them and don't let them get in trouble. I'll have Sally watch over Tanthalas and Laurana. "

Saphin popped into being beside Tikiez. "You called, Master?"

Eric repeated to her what he told Tikiez. She asked, "What about you, Master?"

Tikiez slapped Saphrin in the back of her head with a glancing blow, making her hair puff. "Obviously, we're protecting Master as always."

Saphrin frowned at Tikiez, then popped her in the back of the head.

"Stop it!" Eric barked.

Saphrin asked, "If we do, can we play ravish the headless maiden?"

"Not before Master and I finish playing," Tikiez stated, and stuck her tongue out.

"I said, enough," Eric growled. "Sally, go back to the house and let them know we're coming."

Skie cast them a smirk. "How does one play at being headless?" she asked.

Beaming her a smile, Tikiez said, "Easy! I do something bad, Master chops my head off and has at me."

"He chops your head off?" Kitiara asked, eyeing her.

"It goes back on after we're done," Tikiez said defensively.

"Too much information," Eric grumbled. "Tina, you don't have to share that with everyone you see."

"But, it's fun," Tikiez complained.

"Having your head chopped off is fun?" Kitiara asked.

"It is!" Tikiez said happily. Bouncing over beside Kitiara, she said, "Too bad you can't do that. Humans die when their heads are chopped off. You're really missing out."

To change the subject, Eric said, "Let me show you the meeting hall and rules for governing the city."

.

When the red haired demon Sally popped back in and told them Kitiara was coming, Tanthalas became nervous. He also noted Laurana's face looked a little harder. They had a history. He'd had Kitiara for a lover for a while and Laurana was not happy about it.

"Why is she here?" Laurana asked Sally.

Amanda spoke up. "She said she would give me a ride, but now there is no need. Eric came back."

"So why come anyway?" Laurana asked.

Tanis noted her eyes flick to him. "Kitiara had no way of knowing Eric was back," he reminded her.

"Didn't Eric go out to meet her?" Laurana asked with a raised eyebrow.

"He did," Sally agreed. "They will be here very soon. I'm sure Master has a reason to bring her here."

Looking at his new demon, Tanis said, "Could you get a mug of ale for Kitiara?"

"Yes, Master," Lily replied. She walked over to the common room table and a mug of ale appeared on it. The door opened up. Eric came in, followed by Kitiara in her dragons scale armor, another woman with dark blue hair and a dragon scale dress, then Tina. Tanis tensed up.

Eric stepped aside. "In case everyone doesn't know everyone else, this is Kitiara and her dragon, Skie. Ladies, this it Laurana , Tanthalas, Lily, Sally, and my maid, Betty."

Kitiara grew a crooked grin. "Nice to see you, Tanis, Laurana. It's been a long time."

Lily motioned to the ale. "Please have a drink, it must have been a long trip."

"How about drinks for everyone?" Eric asked.

Lily blinked. "Master only said to get an ale for Kitiara."

"I'll do it," Tina said. "What does everyone want?"

Most had ale. Skie asked for just water. Eric offered for them to 'sit and relax'. Reluctantly, Laurana sat, as did Tanis and Kitiara. Eric held Elanza's chair for her, then Skie's chair for her, then took the seat between Laurana and Kitiara as they eyed each other. The demons stood behind their Masters except for Sally. She sat down between Skie and Tanis.

"So, how have you two been?" Kitiara asked lightly.

"Well," Laurana said evenly. "Have a good trip?"

"Flying is always nice," Kitiara replied. "It was almost a wasted trip, but I'm glad I came. Believe it or not, I am pleased you and Tanis are both well."

Above Eric a big knife made cutting motions in the air. He looked to see Tikiez was slowly waving a long knife up and down. "WHAT are you dong?" he asked.

With an intent look on her face, Tikiez said, "I am trying to cut the tension in the air. It's not working."

Tanis blasted out a laugh. So did Kitiara and Amanda.

"OK, maybe it is," Tikiez mused.

"Enough," Eric told her. The big knife disappeared.

"Has Eric told you about his plan to stop the fighting?" Kitiara asked.

"He has," Tanis agreed. "It is a pleasant thought, but I doubt anyone can make it possible."

"Actually, it is possible," Eric told them. "Tikiez, please explain."

Reading Eric's thoughts, Tikiez knew what he wanted her to do. In a light voice that carried some Charm, she said, "What Master is talking about is not becoming all friendly and cuddly with each other. Only to respect others right to live. First is stopping the fighting. Let's face it. On the roads, we have White Knights, Black Knights, and bandits that roam in between them. People wanting to trade and move are the only ones who deal with the bandits in between areas. If all the Knights worked together, all the roads would be covered by one or the other, and travel would be safer, and all Knights would be respected by everyone and seen as the noble people they are." Turning up her Charm, Tikiez said, "With no wars, people prosper, Kingdoms prosper. Every leader gets to put more effort into building roads, better buildings, mercantiles, farmlands, all adding to the overall power and wealth of every Kingdom. Currently, there are areas that are well off, and some very poor. For example, Sanction is on it's knees. Not the Knights there, the people. People in that area don't give a damn who's ruling, but are forced to starve due to the conflict there. In the city, and outside the city, the populations are suffering and dwindling. They are doing worse than the ones in conflict."

"That happens in war," Skie said, unaffected by the Charm.

"True, Skie," Eric agreed. "What is this war accomplishing?"

Skie blinked. "Truthfully, not much. We gain some land, we loose some land. It goes back and forth."

"My point exactly," Eric told her. "It never ends. I know you have been fighting for a long time. If it accomplishes nothing, don't you think it's time to change what you're doing? If you have young, do you want them to fly off and die for no good reason?"

"No. But we have a reason. Our God needs to be recognized," Skie countered.

Eric waved a hand at Tanis. "Who's the evil god?" he asked.

"The God of Darkness," Skie corrected.

Tanis saw what Eric was doing. 'It's Takasis, I think everyone knows that." he replied.

"See?" Eric asked, "Your God is recognized. Don't you know who the God of Light is?"

"Paladine," Skie replied.

"So the Gods are recognized," Eric stated. "As far as following them, that's a matter of choice for every individual. That is never going to change. These wars of religion are pointless. They have been, they will always be. Fight for something worthwhile, the chance for your young to not have to fight, but be able to put their efforts into something greater than constant destruction."

"What you are saying sounds right," Laurana agreed, "But this land has been steeped in war for centuries, as you've said," she stated. "That will not change over night."

"Agreed," Eric stated. "Unless someone takes action and begins the change, then there is no hope of any change." He did note Tanis and Kitiara were listening closely.

"Here in Gateway, you have followers of Paladine and Takasis," Kitiara noted.

"Due to the fact the government holds neither as the ultimate being," Eric said. "Yes, they exist, and everyone knows who they are. If people want to join either, it's up to them. Let the Gods fight for followers, but also let the people live and prosper. More people potentially means more followers, does it not? Isn't that what the aim of each religion wants?"

Kitiara cracked a grin. "You present a powerful argument, Eric. As I said before, the Gods may not agree."

"But, do you?" Eric asked in return.

Kitiara sat back and sipped her ale in thought. Eyeing Laurana, she said, "How about this. We will stop the fighting around Sanction, if you will stop fighting also and allow passage into the city. We will allow goods to come and go. Call it a truce to test Eric's theory."

"So you can build up forces?" Laurana asked.

Kitiara shrugged. "If you do. I am willing to give Eric's idea a try. It appears you are hesitant to."

Laurana shifted in place. She knew Sanction was becoming weaker. If nothing changed, it would eventually fall. Then she'd send more forces to take it back. It was as Eric said, a constant war with no end in sight. Tapping her mug, she looked at Eric. "Eric, will you go there and supervise this truce?"

"If that's what it takes, yes," he said firmly.

"There is a good chance the generals there will not agree to a truce, on both sides," Laurana stated.

"Then you both need to talk to them and convince them this is for the best," Eric stated, shifting his gaze between Laurana and Kitiara.

Another long pause, then Kitiara said, "I will explain it to my Generals there, if you come with me," she said to Eric. To Laurana, she asked, "Will Eric be allowed in the city to talk to your people?"

"Yes," she agreed.

"Shake hands," Eric said. They both looked at him. "Shake hands to seal the deal. To promise to keep your word."

Both women stiffened, but got up and shook hands.

"I will do my part," Kitiara stated.

"As will I," Lauana agreed.

Tanis sat watching the impossible. He knew Laurana and Kitiara hated each other with a passion. Yet, they had agreed on something. Shifting his gaze to his Father, he got the feeling Eric could make anything happen. For once, he was proud of his Father. It was a good feeling.

"Wonderful!" Eric announced. "Kitiara, when you return, take Sally with you. Sally, after you get there, come get me and Tina."

"Yes, Master. Will I get a reward?" Sally said, grinning at him.

"We'll see how it goes," Eric replied.

Kitiara drained her mug and planted it on the table. She thought about getting Eric there, then holding him. Then again, she remembered what Rastlin told her about him. She grinned at Eric. "You are a dangerous man. Skie, let's go. Sally is it? Have you ever ridden a dragon before?"

"I can fly by myself." Sally assured her.

"Tanis, would you escort us?" Kitiara asked.

Tanis had a feeling Kitiara wanted to talk to him. He got up. "I'll escort you to the city gates." Lily followed him.

Laurana's face blanked, but she didn't say anything.

Leading, Tanis opened the door for them, then followed them out.

Laurana quickly turned to Eric. "You are courting disaster," she stated.

Elanza finally spoke up. "Because Eric is doing what someone should have done a long time ago?" she asked. "It is one thing to fight in a war. It is another to fight to stop it."

"What if she kidnaps Tanis?" Laurana asked.

"One thing I told Sally to do, was watch over you and Tanis," Eric told her. "Sally nor Lily will let that happen."

"You planned this well," Laurana conceded.

"Excuse me?" Amanda asked. "Can I go home now?"

"Right after Sally gets back."

.

Walking down the street, Kitiara said, "Tanis, I never knew your father was so devious."

"Nether did I," he agreed. "He has a way of making things happen. I grew up believing he was nothing but a brigand. That is far from the truth."

"My question is, why is he doing this? From what I see, he could declare himself king and only a fool would oppose him," Kitiara stated. "Do you have any idea how powerful he is?"

Tanis shrugged. "I'm just happy he's working to do good things for everyone. If he is working to bring true peace to Ansalon, I will support him."

They walked a bit farther. Kitiara asked, "Do you miss me?"

"At one time, we were all friends. I do miss that," Tanis replied. "Those were good times, before everything got so serious."

"They were," Kitiara agreed. Grinning, she asked, "I remember Flint calling everyone a doorknob … and Tas, talk about frustrating and amusing."

"He is," Tanis agreed. "Then again, he is a Kender,"

Kitiara frowned. "It's a shame we became so split up. I haven't seen my brother Caramon in ages."

"Perhaps you should stop by and see him? He's still in Solace. Tika is working at the Inn of the Last Home," Tanis offered.

"Perhaps I will." Kitiara then asked, "If we can make peace, think we can all get together again, just once?"

Tanis shrugged. "Flint and Sturm are no longer around, Riverwind and Goldenmoon returned to the plains. It may be worth a try to get as many as we can together. That is, if Father is successful."

Kitiara gave a vacant nod. "Your Father is a mystery. Anyone else I know would be taking that power and making himself king. He isn't even ruling his own city, and he built it from nothing," Kitiara told him. "Yes, I did research on Eric. Rastlin did too. He's after something, but we can't figure out what his end goal is."

"Maybe peace, as he said?" Tanis asked.

"It has to be more than that," Kitiara stated. "Face it, Tanis, no one tries to make peace unless they have reason for doing so. I don't think it's so he can sell more steel, either."

"Kit, why can't peace be a goal in itself?" Tanis asked.

"There has to be more, something he's not telling anyone."

.

When Sally returned, Eric took her, Tina and Amanda back to Chicago. He made sure his warehouse was locked up tight, then did some shopping before he came back to his home in Krynn. It wasn't steel he bought this time, but musical instruments.

Seeing him come into being in the common room, him and his two demons loaded down with instruments, Elanza and Laurana got up from the table.

"Eric, what's all this?" Laurana asked.

Eric held up a guitar. "Kinda like a Lyre, but it can play more notes." He then handed Elanza a new flute. "Same with this. It's a flute but a better one."

Elanza took the flute, smiling. She also noted a horn that had loops in the tube and some kind of push rods atop the tubes Tina had, and Sally had a pair of drums and cymbals. "Does this mean we're going to play again?'

"It does," Eric replied. "Had enough work for a while, time to have a little fun."

"Music to play ravish headless maiden by?" Tikiez asked.

Everyone looked at her. "Can't you think of anything else?" Elanza asked.

"I can," Tikiez replied simply.

"Practice playing you trumpet," Eric suggested. "After you get me an ale."

Saphrin had carried the drums back. In a short time she had them and the cymbals set up.

Eric sat on the couch by Elanza, Tikiez sat in a chair facing them, Sally stood to test out the noises her drums made. At first it was a calliope of noise that made Laurana and Tanis cringe. Even though his ears hurt, Tanis couldn't help but laugh at them.

Slowly, the noise smoothed out. Elanza got her range of notes down. Eric got his string positions down for his fingers. Instead of blowing quick squeaks, Tikiez got used to her trumpet. Saphrin found a rhythm in her drum beats. It was still rough, but not so hard on the ears.

Elanza found a tune, Eric and the demons followed it. The roughness was getting smoother, and they played more or less together. As the unnamed song went on, they got better. By the time they took a break, they didn't sound too bad at all.

Betty the maid kept the food and drinks coming, and everyone had a fun night. The only problem was when it was time to turn in for the evening.

Tanis and Laurana went in their room holding hands. Inside, thy kissed and helped each other out of their clothes. For some reason, getting undressed seemed a little faster. Sitting a green haired head behind Tanis, Laurana let out an "Eek!" and sat back on the bed to cover herself.

"What is SHE doing in here!" Laurana cried.

Tanis turned to see a naked Lily behind him. "What are you doing?" he cried, and hurriedly grabbed something to cover his groin and stand in front of Laurana.

Lily blinked. "We're going to have sex, aren't we?"

"You can't just sneak into our room like that!" he said angrily.

"I just followed you, Master," Lily offered. "You look upset."

"I am upset! Lily you can't be in here!" he explained firmly.

"I thought we were going to have sex," she relied innocently.

"Laurana and I, not you," Tanis told her.

Taking on a hurt look, Lily said, "Why not me? Aren't I pretty?"

"That's beside the point. We, Laurana and I, want to be alone."

Lily frowned at him, then brightened up. "Oh, I get it! You want to pay all your attention to one woman at a time!" she beamed.

What she said was true, but for some reason, she made it sound like he had a whole line of women set up. "Yes, Laurana. Please go find another room for the night."

"Yes Master!" Lily agree and left, butt naked.

"They really are perverts," Laurana said in a grumble.

Tanis plopped down to sit by his wife. "That headless maiden game tipped you off?" he asked with a crooked grin.

"From what Elanza told me, Tina really likes that. She saw Eric lop her head off outside, then put it back on. She said there wasn't even any blood," Laurana explained and leaned into him. "Having Lily around may be harder than I thought it would be."

Tanis lifted the amulet and asked, "Want me to give this back?"

Letting out a sigh, Laurana said, "He seemed happy to give her away, and she looked happy too. Can you imagine having three of them?"

"I can't," Tanis agreed. "Father must be going nuts with all of them around."

"I imagine Elanza is also not very pleased, either."

.

Elanza was so happy to finally be with Eric again, she was focused on nothing but him as they crashed down on the bed. Luxurious kisses, long pets and the joy of being together, Elanza didn't even notice Tina on one side of the bed and Sally on the other, looking on with lust in their eyes.

The kisses kept coming as the petting grew heavy. Eric gently rubber a breast, then suckling on her gave Elanza wonderful sensations. Opening her eyes briefly to see Tina beaming her a big smile, she mumbled, "I don't want to see you."

Tina disappeared.

Eric paused what he was doing and asked, "What, hon?"

"Not you, Tina was watching us," Elanza said.

Eric took a quick look around. "They're gone," he said and went back to kissing his way down her body.

Tikiez and Saphrin continued to watch, invisible, as Eric made love to Elanza.