Fyrisvellir looked at the bald armored warrior in front of her. She knew it was a dragon, probably the biggest dragon she had ever encountered, but there was no fear or panic in her mind. The paladin knew that the human before her was a guise, her opponent was much more dangerous. Supernatural strength, magic wielding capabilities, most likely near impenetrable hide , were the characteristics she guessed for her foe. Despite this, she had nothing for disdain for her opponent.
"Why should I answer your questions? You will just attack us anyways. If we are going to fall fighting, I rather have it that your queries go unanswered .", the paladin replied while aiming her bow.
The bald warrior laughed heartily at the impudence of the woman, "You could answer my questions in a civil manner, or you can scream them out , as I tear the viscera from your body. I am Isondoden , the wintery death, greatest of the sons of Lady Glacius. I am the Draconic Assassin, slayer of silver dragons, demi gods, and countless champions and heroes. My word is my bond, but I feel no need to engage in this petty argument with humanoid vermin. "
Fyris smiled at the challenge, she was accustomed to this game where she was from, "I am Fyrisvellir, Captain of the Royal Rangers, Knight of the Snow Lion , daughter of the Warmaster and Tyrisvellir , step daughter of Brita of the Lion Blade. I've defeated legions of gnolls, and bested the high cleric Roland in battle. "
"Wait ...you're Fyrisvellir?", asked Calla taken back in surprise. "Agni said your name was Bloodshadow."
"You're the daughter of the Warmaster? Like Fetch? That guy?", asked Tank.
Fyris was caught by surprise at her companions questions, she brushed them off as she concentrated on the dragon, "Yes and Yes! Bloodshadow is an alias...and on my world my father was the warmaster before he perished..."
"Didn't Surry tell you...wait Surry did tell you...actually I'm not sure what she told you...its all one big joke to her isn't it.", muttered Calla .
Tank seemed truly troubled and let down his guard to scratch his head, "I don't know everything about your dimensions, but you do know Fetch and Tyris are alive in this world right? At least that's what I last heard. That means you and Agni are...".
"Guys..I don't think this is the time...", squeaked Svikki.
"DRAGON HERE! STANDING IN FRONT OF YOU GUYS. WOULD IT KILL YOU TO PAY ATTENTION. I'M THE GUY ASKING QUESTIONS HERE. YOU KNOW , MR DRAGON ASSASSIN , NOT TO BE TRIFLED WITH. TEETH LIKE SWORDS, ARMOR LIKE 10 FOLD SHIELDS, SPEARS FOR CLAWS, ...", roared the bald man angrily.
As the dragon raged, Tyris looked at Tank and touched her right cheek. Tank knew exactly what she signaled and nodded in return.
"Hey wait your turn , draco wimpius frozenbrainius...like anyone is afraid of a critter whose breath weapon is measured in dee fours. Like c'mon you guys are rather pathetic excuses for dragons. Nobody's ever heard of a red dragon being ridden by fire giants, but frost giants ride white dragons all the time. And that speech you just made ...HELLO...Smaug wants his theme music back ...now that's a real dragon...go kill a mountain full of dwarven heroes and lords and then talk smack to us lowly mortals. I'm surprised people don't realize how useless you guys are , and club your young and stick them in boxes. I bet we can ship them to the southern realms to cool their castles in the summer. It would be a lot easier then summoning ice elementals or capturing frost salamanders or something..."
The dragon's anger was at a boiling point. He rushed the knight, transforming at the same time. Tank was readied for his attack, but simply fell back while kicking a clump of pebbles and dirt at the dragons face. The distraction was only a split second but it was enough. Tank held his shield in front of him to deflect the oncoming attack, but no blow came.
Fyris had taken the distraction and hopped onto the dragon's neck. She nervously grasped the dragons horns with both her hands.
"WHAT? WHAT IS GOING ON? RELEASE ME! ", roared the dragon impotently as the paladin firmly straddled his neck.
Tank breathed a heavy sigh of relief," Wow...I thought he was gonna bite me in two there. I didn't realize what you were planning there , I probably wouldn't have done it if I knew this was your plan. How are you doing that anyways?"
Calla stared in amazement, "You...You really are Fyrisvellir. I didn't believe the tales, but ..but..."
Svikki simply nodded at this amazing sight, "I trust this is the power Roland wished to harness. I'm guessing from the maps and his journal, he wanted you to tame or attempt to claim the Great Squirrel, the only thing that I can think of that can defeat the hordes of Ogremoch. "
Fyris held the horns tight, but she relaxed a bit after seeing the extent of her control over the dragon, " Yes, I've always had an affinity with all war beasts, Brita told me I inherited it from my mother , she claimed she could ride horses, cats, dogs, gorillas, bears, birds, griffons, dragons...the list went on and on . I never thought it was an unique ability till Roland enlightened me a few days ago. After discussing it with Lady Allina , I thought about testing the extent of this ability on an unwilling subject, but never had a chance till now."
Calla mouthed silently, "Our people call it "war riding"."
Tank nodded, "My people call it beast mastery ."
Svikki smiled, " It is most likely a blessing from a nature goddess. From Arcturus or Nonak. hmm now that I think of it more likely Arcturus. She has more of an affinity with magical and draconic monsters then Nonak."
Isondoden roared,"WHATEVER IT IS! GET OFF ME!"
Tank readied his blade, "Can we get free beats on it? Like a big lizard pinata ? "
Fyris shook her head, "I'm pretty sure that will break my hold if you attack it. If you are going to attack it , you must kill it with one blow. Agni and his fire spells would be useful right now, but I doubt an arrow or even a well placed great axe could kill it."
Calla shook her head ,"So now what?"
The group sat on the mountain pass for a few hours. Fyris didn't trust her mount to guide her back to the Fort , and her companions didn't wish to leave her alone with the dragon. The paladin attempted to get the dragon to move, but he struggled against her control and it only took a few strained steps before she ordered him to stop. She did not relish the thought of the dragon tumbling over the side of the narrow cliff. The dragon would most likely survive, the paladin would most likely not.
Tank and Calla tried to rope the dragon , but he thrashed his wings at their touch. Although Fyris could command it to be motionless , the dragon fought fiercely against any other command.
Isondoden smiled, "We seem to be at a stalemate. Or wills are matched for now. That is until one of us falls asleep. I will pit my draconic vigor against your human stamina any day. "
Fyris smiled back, "I waited over 2 days for a gnoll chief to leave his cave once, let's see who tires first." , Fyris yanked the dragons horns back, and the dragon reluctantly reared up onto its hind legs.
The dragon grunted from his new position," I will relish devouring you, I haven't hated a human as much as you for a few centuries now."
Calla , Tank and Svikki sat on a rock, thinking of the best way to dispatch the dragon in one blow. Everything from simultaneous attacks to the eye. To dropping a boulder on its head was discussed. Even a single second of mistiming, could spell all their dooms. Despite the paladin's control over the beast, her powers over it seem very limited.
"So ...you're Fyrisvellir? I thought you left for your home world months ago.",said Calla in awe.
"What do you know of me? ", asked the paladin suspiciously . Even though Calla was a close friend in the other world before her death, the thought that people knew of her didn't sit well with Fyris.
Calla looked nervously at the dragon rider," Surry told me, about 8 months ago, right after the siege of McDunnalds. She told me some crazy story when we were celebrating her last night in town. About her whacky family hopping dimensions and saving a woman named Fyrisvellir ... from a legion of gnolls. I didn't think anything of it, it might have possibly been true for all I know. Surry's family is kind of weird like that."
Tank nodded, "Weird is an understatement. Mother, Father, Step mother, Grandfather,...even her brother is a little whacky. Not like my perfectly normal family. "
Fyris paused, "Surry's family saved me when the gnolls overwhelmed me?" , she asked.
Calla nodded slowly, "That's what she told me. Her mother, father, and step mother... Grand father is obviously dead. From what I understood, her mother and father didn't realize who they were saving at the time. A twist of fate or something. "
Tank shrugged off the implications of the discussion, "Hey you said your mother and father died in your world, but not in ours. Have you attempted to even contact them? You said your father was the Warmaster right? That's Fetch? If that's right that means your mother is Tyris am I correct?"
Svikki began drawing invisible lines on a chart only she could see. The Sage seemed very confused.
Fyris sighed at their names, " Yes Lord Fetch and Lady Tyrisvellir. I know them only from the tales my adopted mother told me about them. and ...I haven't attempted to contact them. I thought about it ...but it would be really awkward."
Isondoden snorted as he balanced on his hind legs, "I can't imagine it being more awkward then it is right now. You telling your life story while balancing on a dragon. "
Fyris smiled and unexpectedly cooed and stroked the dragon's head, "I can do this all day Ison, now tell me your story. If you're nice I might even answer your questions."
Tank whispered to Calla, "I hate it when she does that."
The dragon considered her request. He felt no compulsion to say anything , but he did anyways. "I am an ancient , descended from Glacius, daughter of Tiamat, the dragon queen. Unlike most of my kin, I spent my life testing myself against creatures that were famed for their strength and cunning. Treasure and fame were important, but I found I favored the hunt the most. I eventually became what most would refer to as an assassin. A title I do not shun. Centuries ago I was contracted by a demigod in the great pit to the north. She wanted me to go far to the north and slay three people. I have do not know the reason , but she offered gold, magic and maidens for my service. I was to slay the retired Grommish General Cartwright, the the adventurer Lady Phelle, and their young son Fallon. Apparently General Cartwright had accepted an adviser position with the Icegriffon. Since magical travel was impossible through the mists they had to travel by land. It would be impossible to locate them through magical or mundane means, but my scent ability is unrivaled in the world . I tracked them down and attacked their caravan by surprise. It was a fierce fight, but in the end I was victorious. I slew several of their other children , however the young boy Fallon had evaded my attack , I searched the frozen wastes for his scent but could not find him. I searched for months, following a meandering scent. I learned to hate that scent. After a fierce blizzard I lost all sign of his smell , I assumed he had died and eventually returned home. That was centuries ago, and I gave that battle little thought. However his scent is strong on you. At first I thought you were him, but even though I am not a humanoid, I can differentiate male and female by your udders."
"UDDERS!", cried Fyris . She grasped the dragons head and commanded it to smash into the rocky cliff face. Rocks and dust splashed from the impact. Tank and Calla cringed and awaited a confrontation with the now freed dragon, but the paladin's will over the beast was still maintained.
The dragon coughed feebly, "Perhaps that was a poor choice of words. In any case, you are obviously not the boy I seek. I do not understand how the mists operate but I have first hand experience with them, I know they can distort time. Are you his daughter? Or have you laid with him recently.
Tank shook his head, "Hey , watch it buddy. Don't drag me into this. "
Fyris hissed, "I have not laid with anyone named Fallon. I'm from a different world then this one, I doubt the boy you seek is in anyway related to myself."
Tank shrugged," Well this isn't getting us anywhere. Is this making sense to anyone?"
Svikki continued her drawings. she used a sharp claw and was drawing a chart on a flat stone. She was chirping happily as she drew.
After another hour the knight peered over the Sage's chart, "Hey Svikki...whatcha drawing? Dirty pictures of Bloodshadow and me? You still haven't explained your spying earlier.",asked Tank.
Calla and the Dragon looked at the Sage with smirks. The Halfling's chalk white cheeks blushed red.
She stopped her drawings then paused in though, "If I tell you, will you all answer my questions truthfully, or at least as truthfully as you can? I have this almost figured out."
The paladin, knight, ranger, and dragon nodded . They had sat there for several hours and wanted anything to break the boredom. Their earlier questions just got them more confused, the chance to confront the normally cool and collected Sage about her voyeurism seemed like good entertainment to everyone.
Svikki acknowledged their nods," I was curious of your coupling. I have had several broods of children in the past, but never had I been emotionally attached to them. I can see the strength of your bond, despite your denial of it . Not only do you two care and fight against all odds for each other, but you seem to have an intimate knowledge of what the other thinks. I wanted to see If it was possible to replicate that with my own mates. Even with my children I pay little attention to them after they hatch. I consider it an experiment to broaden my horizons."
Tank smile changed into a look of horror."Hatched? Broods? You mean like eggs?"
"Yes, my young come from eggs. ", said Svikki plainly.
"But..halflings don't lay eggs! ", exclaimed the knight.
"Ai Sgiathatch ...please punch him for me.", calmly stated Fyris.
Calla instinctively punched Tank , she wondered how Fyris knew her true name. Ai Sgiathatch, the hidden viper. No one called her by that, not even Surry. She had hoped to reveal it one day to her future husband, but the necessities of war and duty had delayed it.
After the elf had punched the knight, Fyris raged, "SHE'S A MEPHIT FOR MIRRODIN'S SAKE. SHE HAS WINGS, CLAWS, SHARP TEETH, HAS A FROST BREATH, STARK WHITE, REGENERATES IN THE COLD , AND LAYS EGGS. SHE'S NOT A HALFLING YOU NITWIT. "
Tank smirked at Svikki , "Hah, so much for your theory of intimate knowledge of what the other thinks,", the knight then pointed at Svikkis feet and looked at the paladin, "Explain to me the bare feet , Ms. Knowitall. "
Isondoden grumbled loudly in frustration, "YOU PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS AND BUFFOONS! SURELY THIS IS A TEST FROM TIAMAT! "
Tank poked the stationary dragon in the chest, "Hey we might be buffoons and idiots, but you're captured by the same buffoons and idiots...so what does that make you."
The dragon raged against his invisible bonds, the effort wore at him as he balanced on his hind legs.
Svikki ignored the bickering , "Tank, stop pestering the dragon. Ok , now my turn. Isondoden, we all know dragons have acute scent abilities, I assume your scent is at a different level then most of your kin. Can anything mask the trail of your target?"
The dragon calmed himself and answered, " Death is one way. After a creature dies it emits a different smell, its still recognizable but barely. Also since my nose is magical enhanced , anti magical zones like Alamarth, or the great plateau could mask it."
Svikki drew something on the chart, " Tank, since you are from the north you can answer the next question, Do you know anyone from the Great Plateau? "
Tank smiled, "Ohh..that's an easy one. Fetch, the Warmaster. He claims to be from the plateau."
Svikki smiled as she gazed at her rock,"Tell me about the Warmaster and his wife please."
Tank shrugged, "Errr hes a good guy, I've met him a few times, he treated me like he treated my brother. He's the high cleric of Rawk . His wife is Tyris , nobody knows this but she's this fallen goddess or something. I'm not exactly sure myself. She claims to be a bard, but she's more like uber assassin woman or something. Hey now that I think of it, Bloodshadow kind of looks like her, golden skin, reddish hair, yellow eyes, except Blood has a way prettier face, is a few years older , and has rocking tits."
Svikki drew another line ," Thank you Tank for that overly graphic description . Calla, you know Surry and Agni the best, even though most of us already know them, can you tell us their lineage."
Calla nodded, " They are the children of Brita, daughter of the last princess of the ice elves. Their father was supposedly a wandering mercenary or knight. Most of the village assumed she was raped like her mother, but I knew different. She always spoke of him tenderly . Recently she returned from the north, as well as her ex lover. He had claimed another woman though.. I thought it would have broken her gentle heart, but she seemed to bear it well..."
Svikki coughed, "Just answer the question please."
Calla snapped out of her memories , "Yes. Brita is their mother, Fetch is their father. Tyris is their step mother I guess. "
Fyris looked at the mephit, "Wait..wait..wait..wait...this is too convenient. Are you telling me everyone knows everyone here? This dragon here slew my grandparents. Surry is my half sister, not just my step sister, that makes ... Agni my half brother . This is too connected to make any sense! "
"Ahem, I can explain all of this.", said a voice behind them.
The confused group turned towards the voice . An unshaven slightly portly elf walked towards them. They all recognized the figure behind them.
"KARD!", they exclaimed.
"Yes that's me..., and to answer your question, you are correct..this is way too connected to make any sense...however as guardian of the fates and master of chaos , I feel I should inform you what is happening. I'm ashamed to admit, but chaos is only perception. Everything is actually quite ordered, but the lack of ability to grasp the way things interact makes everything seem chaotic. Almost all the gods have trouble seeing , let alone manipulating the fates. All I can say is things are being manipulated by something beyond even my perception. Fates that would normally not cross are being twisted so they connect , twist, and intertwine with each other. The exact purpose is beyond even my understanding. However, I shall eventually find this master manipulator and crush him. ", said the strange elf. While making this speech, a virtual copy of the deity appeared behind him and slowly crept up to the god holding a finger to this lips. In a split second he placed a fish on the god's head , then slowly retraced his steps and vanished.
"Yes I will find this bastard, and show him the full power of a greater god. He will beg for mercy and wish he never interfered with the fates when I am through. In the mean time, I know it sounds strange coming from the lord of chaos, but I wish to undo some of the mess that has been made, or at least to alleviate some of this confusion."
The group stood confused over what they were hearing and what they saw, but none wished to interrupt the god.
The god smiled and began ,"Tank , I offer you a chance to resume the proud tradition of your family. Manipulating future events is abhorrent to me, but past events I have no problem with. I give you the chance to once again follow in your brother's footsteps. The last 8 months would be a mere memory and once again you would be waiting valiantly for your brothers demise."
"Calla you have been least affected but your beauty is refreshing , I give you the chance to possess anyone's heart that was improperly stolen from you, cough Agni . "
"Svikki, I give you 2 choices, to discover true love...and or too break free of your mistress without being driven mad."
"Isondoden I give you the chance to not accept the contract from the goddess of the pit. If you accept you would not be in the situation you find yourself in."
"Fyrisvellir, I give you the chance to return to your own world. You would still be saved by your other dimensional parents, but I will change it so that they did not bring you to this world . You can battle gnolls with Brita to your hearts content."
Tank frowned while looking nervously at Fyris, "Hey ...I want Calla's boon."
The god laughed, " I'm sure you do , but make your decisions fast. I'm a busy man...hey you guys smell that ? "
Svikki flew in front of the god and faced the group, "Careful everyone! Everyone knows Kard's boons are a double edge sword. They may be powerful , but it might not be what you expect."
Tank agreed, "Yeah , think zombie monkey paw. devil's advocate, or general genie jackassery."
The god laughed again, " I'm sure everyone knows the dangers, now decide now."
Tank shook his head, "I'm not following in my brother's footsteps again. Even if I have been manipulated to change my path. The people I've met and the things I've done recently will always be a strong part of who I am. I refuse your boon."
Kard smiled and turned to Calla.
The elf nodded, "I ..acce...no ...I refuse your offer. As tempting as it is. I won't interfere . The thought of someone manipulating Agni to fall in love with someone is hard to accept, but I won't make it worse by changing it again. "
Kard gave a half hearted sigh and turned to Svikki.
Svikki shrugged, "I said I wanted to understand love, not necessarily experience it. I rather document and explore the options then to be subjected to your reality warping magic, and as for your second offer I refuse as well. Although I admire my mistress greatly, I long to be free of her benevolent control. However I do not wish to by a hypocrite. To warn others of the dangers of your magic and then accept them. Therefore I refuse your offer."
Kard considered her refusal, "So you desire my second offer but refuse anyways for fear of being a hypocrite, well too bad! Don't expect a god of chaos to follow his own rules. "
"ACCK!", cried Svikki as she fell to the ground. Fyris wanted to aid her but she remembered her precarious position. Tank however scooped the Sage up.
"What have you done to her!", exclaimed the knight.
"Nothing, I just gave her what she secretly desired. I severed her bond to Selina of the Black Coast , she is no longer her familiar. I should go apologize to her after this .", said the god calmly and bored.
"Wait..who is this Selina person... Wait...wait...halflings can't be familiars!", said Tank puzzled.
"SHE'S A FRIGGIN MEPHIT YOU IDIOT!", yelled the paladin on the dragon.
"Like really...how dense are you?", said the dragon shaking his head.
The god then looked at the dragon," and you Sir Dragon? Do you wish to change your fate, and avoid this embarrassing position you find yourself in."
The dragon sneered at the god imperiously,"Despite my condition, I spit at your offer. I am master of my own fate, I laugh at the thought someone can control it. If I am in this dire position it is because of my own actions, not some cowardly manipulator's. "
The god nodded then looked up towards Fyris, " and you Lady Paladin? The last 8 months you sought to return to your world. I offer you your return and the ability to continue your crusade with your mentor."
Fyris hesitated . She looked at the expectant Tank, the inquisitive Svikki, and the confused Calla. She wasn't sure what to do. This world was so full of possibilities. Could she leave without saying proper goodbyes . She still had to say good bye to Calla. Would she even remember any of this? The thought of meeting this worlds copies of her parents intrigued her. They apparently cared enough of her to rescue her, but not enough to show themselves . She had so many questions. She looked at Tank, and her heart almost broke. She could see from his face that he already knew her decision. Despite the knights stupidity and bizarre behavior, she would miss him. She would miss his dumb jokes, his sexist innuendo, and most importantly his gentle touch. Despite this, she knew this was about more then her. Even if the god lied, she had to taken a chance to return to battle the gnolls. Regardless if it would mess up the plans of this invisible manipulator of fates, it was her sworn duty to return. She would take any chance to honor her vows and continue the fight. She prayed that all her memory of the last 8 months would vanish as well.
"I accept your offer. I wish to return to the time I left this world. ", she said in a shaky voice.