Inntil Death or Taxes: Replacing Pieces

Date: 7/20/2000
From: Tigs

"Choices," the SpyMaster muttered as he ate the mediocre stew and chased it with warm flat ale. His eyes wandered around the nearly empty room. The Tiger and the Russian sat chatting like old friends. The Norseman was headdown at an otherwise unoccupied table in front of the fireplace. Magican and Silence were burning things, trying to see which was more subtle--runes or slight of hand. The Valkyrie was outside practicing her craft. "Choices," the SpyMaster muttered again.

***

The gameboard was skewed. Several pieces were chipped, a few showed cracks and other signs of hard usage. Some pieces were strange combinations where new looking portions had been grafted onto older, seemingly dying pieces to create two or three headed atrocities. One of the ebony pieces kept shifting and was looking rather careworn. A hand reached down to pick it up for a moment. The hand set it on a small bench to be cleaned. A few of the pieces (the ones ravaged beyond repair) were lifted and gently placed in a velvet box. Other, older pieces laid there.

One silver beauty was tarnished and showed nicks and scratches along its surface. The eyes were empty of the small gemstones. There was a strange cynical sneer on it's face. Several other pieces lay on the velvet in differing shapes of wear and tear.

The hand reached onto the game board again. This time it picked up a strange abstract figure. An ebony hourglass complete with shimmering bits of starshine drifting through like sand marking time. Out of it wrapped a ropelike protrusion that reminded the owner of the hand of black licorice or a hangman's rope. The hand twirled the piece before placing into a different box. This box was oak and lined in scarlet silk. Gently the hand laid it inside a specially marked space. It settled home next to pieces labeled "hyperspace," "compslider," and "bonniebee."

Two hands gently lifted the beautifully crafted board careful not to disturb any of the remaining pieces. Oh-so-delicatly it was placed again midair--held only by four wires one attached to the middle of each side. With the last wire attached the figurine of a tiger waking from a nap slipped over the edge. One of the hands deftly caught it midair. A voice sighed audibly. "Oh Tiger, what element of this game keeps tarnishing you? Every time I replace the pieces or fix something you try to slip away."

***

The Valkyrie had worked herself into a blinding frenzy. All of her anger and frustration poured itself into the liquid movements of her sword. She spun like a dancer among the stars and the sword etched it's own language in the night sky. She lunged and parried with the wind. Her long blond hair moved of its own accord in counterpoint to the wicked silver lightening of her blade. The Tiger had wandered outside for a moment. She watched with amazement at the grace displayed in the Valkyrie's every move. Finally the Valkyrie released the sword with her anger.

If only the Norseman had not chosen that moment to leave the Inn. If only the SpyMaster had not called to him. If only the Magician had been a healer. If only...

But as it was the Norseman accidentally shoved the Tiger when he turned. She stumbled in shock and then shuddered as the sword sunk through the middle of her body up to its hilt. Her back hit the ground with enough force to drive the blade partially out of her body. The Valkyrie keened in despair as her tears fell into the sightless eyes of her friend. The Russian had exited the building quickly and spoke softly to the Valkyrie. One took the spirit to the Halls of Vahalla and the other took the body to reside with the Elementals in Faene. The Magician wept like a woman scorned in the mud for his friend.

The SpyMaster shuddered as he heard the word "choices" echo on the wind.

©Tigs 2000

Choices made, Choices played.

Date: 7/20/2000
From: JessieMallory

Another very creative, well written and powerful part Tigs. I loved it, and am looking forward to the next. Even if I have to wait a week to read it;-)

Jess

Cool!

Date: 7/20/2000
From: Brand_S

Tigs, you are awesome! Even though I'm not exactly grasping the deeper meaning of this post, it was an entertaining piece of fiction and great to read, so that makes it okay! I wish I was half the writer you are! Well, I am, but you know... Anyhow, great job, Tigs! Keep on enriching this Board!

S

Noooooooo!!!

Date: 7/20/2000
From: TemporalFlux

Tiger! Come baaaaaaaaaaack!

Tf
temporalflux@hotmail.com
http://www.dimensionofcontinuity.com

Wow!

Date: 7/20/2000
From: HurriKain

I am VERY impressed! Very descriptive.

<bows down to Tigs>

I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!

HK

OWOW!

Date: 7/20/2000
From: Yeontoo

Dear Tigs,

She killed the Tiger?! NO!

Tell me that the Norseman is at least penitent! He cannot be so cold!

Blessings <sniff>
Yeontoo

ps. Superb writing Tigs, absolutely superb. I pay money for novels that aren't half as good.

*collective* "Ooooooouuch!!!"

Date: 7/20/2000
From: Sabre_Edge

The bard looks at the portruding blade skewering the Tiger..."um... SOMEBODY CALL 911!!"

No, seriously tho... Very very impressive writing Tigs. Cerebral authoring is always a pleasure to read. I love the analogous nature of it all. I'm sure those in the know are getting an extra special kick out of it.

Now back to reading it again for some interesting dirt ;)

SE

<fan waves vigorously>

Date: 7/20/2000
From: SouthernSlider

I do declare, Tigs, you are vexing me to no end, with this death of Tiger. <But the writing is superb> Please continue.

SS

Alas, poor Tiger. You will be missed.

Date: 7/20/2000
From: DieselMickeyDolenz

Excellent writing once again, and the Tiger's death, what will it mean for our remaining travelers?

Diesel
 Mickey
  Dolenz

AWWW!

Date: 7/20/2000
From: DoctorQuinn

The Tiger...is...dead?! What?! AGGGH!

Great writing, though!

The good doctor

Original URL http://www.scifi.com/bboard/browse.cgi/1/5/545/22218
Nominated by EustiSlider