A principal character from a Stormbringer campaign, a RPG set in the Young Kingdoms of Michael Moorcock’s Elric novels. “I’m sorry lass”, Roland insisted, eyeing her shapely form, which her tight leather garb did little to hide. “We can’t have any ‘distractions’ on this expedition.” “Distractions!” Blade retorted, her blood boiling. “I’m worth any two of this scum… and I’ll prove it!” She had ridden four days, all the way from Aflitain, because his man had promised good wages for brave warriors, and she would not stand for being dismissed out of hand… or insulted. “I’ll best any man here! If I win, I join at equal pay! If I lose, I’m gone!” “So what do I get when I beat you?” a voice from the crowd of warriors challenged mockingly, raising a roar of laughter. “Me!” Blade shot back, not taking her eyes off Roland. For an instant a shocked silence fell over the courtyard. Then a din of volunteering shouts erupted and the crowd of warriors pressed forward in a tangled mass, each man trying to pull ahead, while pushing those around him back. Roland rushed pass Blade, trying to quell the crowd and avoid an all out melee, while she smiled at the commotion she had caused. He could see that there was little chance of putting her out without a trouble now, but if he agreed to her challenge there would be a riot over who got to face her. Then the answer struck him. “Would you accept this ‘lady’s’ challenge, lord Syn?”, he called to a figure in the shadows that Blade had not noticed, with a broad smile on his face and more then a hint of humor in his voice. Instantly the crowd fell still and silent, and Blade turned to see who could have drowned their spirit so quickly. Her eyes flew wide as she stammered with surprised; “A Dragon Lord!” A wandering mercenary from a land were war is not just an art, but a sport, Blade is the daughter of a “camp-wench”, who killed the first man to try and take her by force with his own dagger… and then took his place in battle. Never wanted, or even named, by her mother, her skill with a sword not only won her a place amongst Dharijor’s exalted warrior class, but her name as well. Leaving Dharijor to seek her fortune, Blade choose to bind her fate to the renegade Dragon Lord, Daeron Syn, wandering the length and breadth of the Young Kingdoms, often leaving a trail of blood and sorrow in their wake. The first of the three principals (i.e. player characters) for my third pass through my Stormbringer characters. Thanks for looking... Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions always welcome and appreciated!