Hanging in the Balance by Chris Androu - Readings | DragonLance Saga

Welcome to DragonLance Saga Readings. Today I am reading Hanging in the Balance by Chris Androu from Dragons of Ash and Twilight. Originally distributed on May 6, 2026. You can pick up a copy here: https://dlsaga.com/dragons-of-ash-and... DLSaga Readings Playlist:    • Dragonlance Readings   Thank you Creator Patrons Aaron Hardy & D. Robert Handy, Producer Patron David Galindo, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members! Like, Subscribe & Click The Bell Patreon: https://patreon.com/AdamPC?utm_medium... Play TTRPGs: https://startplaying.games/referral/c... Merchandise: https://dlsaga.com/shop Membership:    / @dlsaga   Dragonlance Products: https://www.dmsguild.com/en/browse?se... Dungeons & Dragons Products: https://amzn.to/3Wq7ZYA Sign up for Audible today: https://amzn.to/4o4q9N7 #DragonsOfAshAndTwilight #HangingintheBalance #ChrisAndrou #DragonlanceReadings #DLSaga #DLS #DragonLanceSaga #DragonLance #Krynn #HeroesOfTheLance About Dragons of Ash and Twilight Step into a world where the echoes of ancient wars collide with the desperate struggles of a new age. Dragons of Ash and Twilight is a pulse-pounding anthology of original short stories, exploring the raw edges of a realm defined by high stakes, dark magic, and the heavy price of destiny. From the embers of a broken pantheon to the frontlines of a world at war, this collection pushes the boundaries of the DLSaga. Experience the grit of legendary battles, the brilliance of forgotten sorcery, and the untold stories of those living in the shadow of giants. Epic in scope. Uncompromising in spirit. Whether you are a devoted chronicler of high fantasy or a newcomer drawn to the flame, this is where the saga continues. Transcript Hanging in the Balance By Chris Androu The hero’s lifeless body dangled from the Vallenwood sapling, rocking back and forth in the wind. Such is the state of the world right now, Weston thought, as the fate of the free people of Ansalon also hung in the balance. Weston stared hopelessly at the body of the knight Theos Dawnbringer as Theos’ squire Fidel and the five assembled ambassadors representing the allied races stood in shock. Despite the translucent magical shield covering the courtyard, the cold early morning air and wind passed through unabated and echoed the chill in Weston’s heart. He gazed at the magical dome above them; it was supposed to have protected them from the evils of the outside world. These were dark times where dragon looking men could change shape and dark magic users could cast illusions at whim. But now the shield seemed to Weston to be like one of his bread warmers, trapping the heat inside below without respite. Weston, a middle-aged cook and caretaker of the Knights of Solamnia, had a portly belly and a notable sweet tooth, so his thoughts would often coalesce into metaphors about baked goods. He’d spent many years behind the stove, far removed from the field of battle, yet in this troubled world, danger was never far away. The squire Fidel locked eyes with him. Weston had known Fidel for several years, but they’d become closer over the past few weeks during the preparations for the signing of the treaty to formalize the Whitestone Alliance. Fidel, a tall lanky young man in his late teenage years, and Weston shared an unspoken realization – they were standing next to a murderer. Fidel spoke to the assembled group, mustering up the courage to speak with yet unearned authority, “You know the situation as well as I do. Par Salian enacted this magical barrier around us as a boon to Lord Gunthar for one week only to allow you diplomats to formalize our alliance and iron out the details before your leaders arrive to officially sign the treaty. That means no outside influence or creature could have penetrated the barrier to carry out this deplorable act. It’s been a year since the fall of Neraka but the remaining forces of Takhisis are strong. If they win, everything we’ve fought for these past few years will have been for nothing!” Fidel shouted that last part for emphasis. Weston nodded solemnly, but it was the Mountain Dwarf diplomat Dirge Lodestone who spoke up next, “Aye laddy, I understand. Let me help you hold his body while you cut the rope.” “No!” yelled Fidel. “There’ll be no one touching his body. I can’t have anyone tampering with evidence.” Dirge Lodestone was especially stubborn, even for a dwarf, yet he was chosen by Glade Hornfel of Thorbardin as their ambassador because he was good at reading others. “So be it,” Dirge replied. “But Theos Dawnbringer was a powerful man, almost as tall and strong as the great Caramon Majere. Why don’t you get your friend Weston to help...