Fetch grabbed a platter of snacks, and made his way to the front of the house. The celebrations had gone well, and Fetch wanted to give a small reward to the guards that volunteered to keep the crowds from overwhelming the wedding.

He paused and thought of how fast the wedding was planned and executed. It caught him completely by surprise . It wasn't unwelcome though, it gave him a sense of pride and completeness when the ceremony ended.

"Thanks Captain.", grinned the soldiers as Fetch handed them the snacks. He gave them a few coins for wine, as his own stock was running low. He considered inviting them to the main party , but decided that wouldn't be prudent. There were too many strange and dangerous guests in the back yard for the guardsmen to integrate with. Fetch nodded at them and smiled as they waved and left, he then proceeded to his front porch away from the happy chaos in his back yard. . He sat down on a chair and decided to take a rest, the sounds of the party faintly present from the backyard.

"That was a nice little wedding. A little too soon after the "big fight" I think, but that wasn't really your decision was it ? ", noted a familiar looking imp as he flitted to Fetch's side.

"Well, I did decide to have the wedding at my house.", said Fetch with a smile. "Sooo...why are you still in your imp form , I'm surprised you haven't throttled the soul out of me, and gone shrieking and screaming back to the abyss."

Baalphzon looked shocked and insulted, then smiled. "First off, in no particular order by the way, I come from the Pits of Hell, Nessus to be exact, not that slum called the endless Abyss. Secondly, I'm not exactly welcomed there. That's why they transformed me to an imp in the first place. If I were to return , they would probably capture and change me back again,or worse. Third, as much I would love to tear your soul from your body, you just defeated a goddess. The same goddess that snapped my back in half. I tend to pick fights that I can win. Lastly, I prefer this imp body when dealing with mortals. People don't find it intimidating, and it puts them off guard. Unless of course you want me to changed into an 18 foot fire breathing scaled infernal?", the imp asked whimsically.

Fetch chuckled at the creature's response.

"Listen Fetch, I didn't think you were going to be the one that broke my curse. I am ashamed to admit, that I vastly underestimated you. I thought you were some bumbling fool that rubbed elbows with the great and mighty. I'm still grateful and surprised that you did. I'm not going to swear allegiance or pledge undying loyalty...that's what caused me all this trouble in the first place. I know you're set of philosophical goals and beliefs are vastly different from mine, and our continued interaction will just bring us into conflict. Let's just remain amicable acquaintances.", said Baalphzon with a more serious tone.

"Well, that's as close to us staying friends as I expect from you. So I agree.", laughed the cleric. "By the way. I don't think our goals and beliefs are that far apart . One thing I learned from my adventures is to judge people by their actions and deeds, not by what my know alignment spell indicates."

Baalphzon proceeded to begin arguing the statement, but then relented the point to the cleric, "You may be right, for now. I think my long term as an imp has changed me, but I have no illusions that with my powers restored , my views on the world will change back. "Power corrupts, Absolute power, corrupts absolutely", a wise man once said. "

Fetch shrugged, "Maybe you're right. However , whatever you decide to do , or become, I don't think you will return to the way you once were. It obviously didn't work out too well for you the first time. "

The imp nodded and grinned a toothy smile, "Life lessons from the high cleric of Rawk, I think I'll take my leave of you and return to the party. "

Fetch watched the imp turn invisible and then stretched on his chair. So many things have happened in the last few days.

After Cerasum was killed, rumors spread that the odd looking tiefling, Zax the carriage driver, had slain some hideous hag running rampant in the city. The orange youth became an over night hero. It seemed that Cerasum was killing indiscriminately when she entered the city and made her way to Fetch's manor. Her death was greeted with much celebration. Not that Fetch minded someone else getting the credit for her defeat, the hero worship had worn out its welcome a long time ago for him.

Outside the city , the fight had ended. Fetch missed the battle of the Great Squirrel versus almost the entire 3rd Army of Grom. The animals routed before Cerasum died, but the Great Squirrel was still hell bent on destruction. There were stories of how the beast was driven off by a huge white dragon, but no traces of the drake were ever found.

Afterwards he made sure Hush was safe, and he cured Sarin's bug bitten body. Fetch then raced back down the sewers to make sure the rest of his group was fine. Both Brita's and Surry were OK. Baalphzon recovered from his spine snapping , and seemed no worse for wear. Frank's ethereal body was stable, but a Valkyrie of some sort appeared to retrieve his soul back to the Halls of Rawk. Frank apparently escaped the afterlife through a divine portal, and he would have been dragged back if Fetch hadn't invoked his status as the high priest of Rawk to the Divine Servant. The Valkyrie reluctantly relented , and Fetch managed to revive his friend both from his wounds and restore his status as a mortal with his magic.

Fetch tried to enter the cavernous realm of Myleka, but Talia the snake demon was correct. The place was ruined. From what he understood of pocket dimensions, the plane had completely collapsed onto itself. He guessed a massive cave in, explosion, or both had triggered it. It happened to one of the dimensions he made for Hush once. He noted that not all the objects in it weren't crushed but some were displaced and scattered into the ethereal or astral planes. Fetch remembered having to pick up her toys amongst the magical aether for a week. The cleric duly reminded himself to scour the aether for remnants of Cerasum's forces that might have survived later.

A very disheveled but still radiant Princess Ulla returned with Pigiron, Kyle (or was it Zyle?), and Dietrch's corpses. Pigiron and Kyle , were both raised from the diamonds given to him by Ulla. However for some strange reason , Fetch's magic did not work on Dietrch. Surry told him that he was already dead, before he died again, and that his spirit was probably ferried off to his final resting grounds in the outer plane. The once arrogant Ulla seemed humbled by the previous battle, she said that she would return to her tribe with Dietrch's spectral sword for burial.

Fetch's aide seemed most hard hit by the news. Yasmina took a leave of absence from his duties. Although he was still uncomfortable with Dietrch and Yasmina's relationship, the cleric somberly hoped the young man would be alright.

When Fetch returned back to the manor , Father Ferdinand was awaiting him. He seemed overjoyed with Fetch , saying something about his goddess being finally released from her prison. He also brought along a catering crew and started to decorate his place for a party. Fetch was about to protest, but the food samples they brought changed his mind. The young cleric was curious at the decorations, they seemed to indicate a wedding of some sort more then a "get out of jail for your goddess party".

Ymir,Olive, Earl and Clovis returned victorious from the battle outside the city. Clovis apparently led an epic charge against the Great Squirrel, his heroism seemed to impress the normally stern Olive and the flippant Earl. Ymir's reputation grew as tales of her victory over the Xill and penguins spread through the city. More importantly she brought back the body of a very familar red headed paladin. Tyris was more shocked then Fetch was, and she managed to even push over the sturdy dwarf in her haste to attend to her. Fetch tried to revive her, but she seemed wounded by something even his magic could not undo. The cleric had experienced something similar whenever he fought epic monsters or demigods, and wondered if the squirrel was responsible for her wounds. Fortunately , Tyris managed to care for the wounded paladin with her limited non magical and mundane healing skills. (something called bandages and rest)

The next day, the purpose of the decorations became clear. Agnar, Sasca and Tank had come from the south seeking Surry's aid to find their companion Bloodshadow. Fetch was surprised that Sasca was with his son, but found out soon afterwards that she was one of his adventuring companions. It was then that Father Ferdinand tipped his hand. He pretty much told everyone that Bloodshadow, or Fyrisvellir was safe. She was in the care of Tyris and she would be awake soon. Also that Agni and Sasca were going to get married that day.

That statement pretty much took everyone by surprise, especially Agnar and Sasca. They however discussed it privately amongst themselves, and happily agreed to the ceremony.

A hasty party, and a cheerful reunion later, and Fetch found himself where he was. Sitting on the deck of his house. Contemplating about everything that had gone on.

"It's not over you know.", said a soft confident voice. Fetch looked to his side and his eyes met the piercing amber eyes of Tyris. She looked the same as the first time he saw her in Mammoth keep four years ago. Except for a few more scars and scratches, the bard seemed unchanged except for a strong confidence in her voice. Fetch knew she wasn't wearing her circlet anymore and was intrigued at the source of her new found resolve.

"It may be over for now, but there will be new challenges for you to meet, and new crises for you to overcome. That's how it always works out. ", Tyris said while holding his hand . Her grip was warm, and it filled Fetch's heart with strength.

"I know, but I'm just enjoying our well earned rest. I just wished the others would have all made it to see the end. I hope Yasmina is OK.", Fetch sighed.

"They died bravely, their sacrifices will not be forgotten.", comforted the bard. The two sat in silence remembering the fallen. Brave and loyal Trip, enthusiastic Henrietta, stalwart Vanna, and daring Dietrch. Fetch even thought of Nara , she had always abandoned him, but in the end, she gave her life for him.

"Hello? Is this the Fallon residence?", asked a gruff familar voice.

Fetch stared at a large armored dwarf infront of him. He was almost as broad as Pigiron, but had wore black plate armor, and carried a massive runed great axe. Fetch's first impression of the dwarf was similar to when he met the Champions of the North . Even without a detect magic spell, he could tell the dwarf was brimming with magical items and artifacts.

"Lord?", asked Fetch in shock , suddenly recognizing the dwarf.

"Fetch? Is that you?", replied the equally shocked Fetch. The dwarf suddenly grabbed the cleric and hugged him in a powerful hug. Tyris slipped to the side of the pair, recognizing the benevolent action for what it was, and smiled .

The dwarf stepped back, leaving Fetch aching from his powerful grip, " By Moradin ! It is you! King and Bard are going to owe me an astral diamond each when I tell them I found you! I knew you were still alive, not like those losers. They thought you were going to be goblin fodder as soon as you left the plateau !"

Fetch laughed,"Well, I almost was. Where are my manners. Tyris, this is one of my old mentors from the plateau, Lord. Lord this is my wife Tyris.". Fetch almost paused when he introduced Tyris, he knew they were together enough to be considered a couple, but he thought he should have been the one to get officially married today.

Tyris smiled while Lord bowed and grinned,"A pleasure , mlady. I see Fetch here , has great taste in women. "

"I'll get drink and snacks.", said Tyris, before disappearing from sight.

Lord seemed oblivious to the bard's action, and seemed focused on Fetch, "Look at you! A captain of the guard it seems. I was hoping you would have taken my advice and become an adventurer, but guard captain isn't all that bad. Look at this place, its huge! You've done well for yourself!"

Fetch seemed a bit embarassed at Lord's statement about the manor,"I just live here, but its not technically mine. Royal Adventurer Reinhardt actually owns it. I just take care of it."

Lord elbowed Fetch heavily and winked,"Ahh, a fringe benift of the job. Trust me boy, take full advantage of them when they're offered, because your next job might be lving in a shit hole plateau for a decade. "

Fetch nodded,"So ...what brings you here to these parts? You said you were looking for a Fallon person?"

Lord nodded,"Regrettably so. King had a vision, says we need to seek a great hero named Fallon. We don't know what he looks like or what he could do, we just know his name and approximately where he lives. We thought it would be easy to locate him in Lower Lueders, but our maps are 300 years old . This was a small mud hole, shit crack town back then. Not the mighty , whore infested , pompus fucked city that it is now. When we got here, we were told the only mighty heroes around here , were the Order of Baboon, who were all wiped out two years ago , some gladiator named Insector, and some hell spawn guy named Zax. He killed the hag queen or something . We couldn't track any of them down, and we were about to give up hope."

"Then?", asked Fetch intrigued.

Lord smiled and puffed his chest, "Well...the old dwarven charm worked its magic. Some hottie elf chick comes up to me, and directed me to this place. So, I used my infallible super dwarf tracking, and here I am. No Fallon fellow I guess, but I'm glad I met you , after all this time. Oh by the way, its been three years since I saw you."

Fetch nodded and replied "Four years here."

Lord seemed lost in thought for a second, "Where was I? , Oh yeah this Fallon guy. I came to try to recruit him for our grand quest to crusade against that prick Stormbeard, also to give a warning."

"A warning?", asked Fetch .

"Are you deaf! Yeah a warning. Seems this Fallon guy has reached epic levels. A level of power that ..ahem...dwarfs...mortal men. However, he isn't the only one to do so. King has divined a few others, and several that are about to reach that plateau. There are many people in the world that would like nothing but having this Fallon fellow reduced and humbled.", Lord said in a hushed tone.

"Bad guys I take it?", said Fetch with a worried tone.

"The worse of the worse. The most evil scum in this crystal sphere are gathering. Not counting the usual rogues gallery rift raft, namely the Arch traitor Stormbeard, Ambassador Garry the gnome and his side kick Antoine, and of course that big old pile of rocks Ogremoch. This group is true league of villiany. To begin with , even though the black knight of the north has been imprisoned, his foul progeny are still causing mischief. The beautiful but dark princess of the sword has also achieved epic status , and will most likely seek battle with Fallon. As well as her own daughter, an androgynous fallen elf known for her harpy tongue and evil magics."

"Hey Fetch! You're missing a great party! I can't believe Agni and Sasha are married! I can't believe they had a kid! A big fat kid! ", chirped Surry with tattooed Brita in tow. "Who's your bearded friend?"

Brita was silent, Fetch recalled seeing her cry tears of happiness during the wedding. He never recalled seeing his close friend so happy . Brita walked up to Fetch and gave him a light hug. Her face was streaked with tears, but the cleric noted gladly that they were tears of joy.

" By the way it's Sa..sca...Sas..ca... ", corrected Fetch attempting to pronunce his daughter in law's name.

"Just say Sasha..its easier..everyone else does. ", snorted Surry.

"Anyways...Lord, Brita , Surry. ", said Fetch quickly introducing them. Lord's story was interesing and he wanted to hear the rest of the tale . He hoped the dark women would not capture and slay this Fallon fellow.

Lord smiled, and continued , "Also the Warlord of the Crab, a military genius and master of the sword is gathering his forces. He's almost at epic level and would most likely seek out and slay Fallon to help break through the last barrier to his greatness. "

"Fetch! You got to taste this moss berry cider ! It'll wake the dead, believe me I should know! ", exclaimed Frank as he swaggered towards the small group. The knight saw a small gathering of his friends and decided to listen in.

Lord seemed to ignore the newcomer and continued with his tale, "The Warlord wields a cruel blade, a broken and jagged sword that constantly hungers for blood."

"I hate swords like that, gives the rest of us a bad reputation.", said Galatea. Lord looked around for the source of the musical voice, but shrugged and continued his tale.

"Besides the warlord, Fallon must also be wary of the Iron Queen. I consider myself the greatest dwarven warrior ever, but the Iron Queen is renown as much for her skill as she is for her cruelty in battle. "

Ymir suddenly burst into the yard, being chased by Hush on Freiki. It was obvious the three were obviously playing, the dwarven maid was clearly over acting her fright. She did some cartwheels and flips in her heavy armor to the amusement of those watching.

"Don't trample my flowers!", shouted Fetch at the three.

"The grandfather of assassins has been known in my circle for awhile, and I suspect he also will be looking to eliminate Fallon. He kills ruthlessly , efficiently and without remorse. Less competition means better business I guess.", Lord said with a shudder.

Earl and non tattooed Brita entered the front yard, engaging in light conversation . "Hey, looks like the party's moved upfront. Have you guys seen "my" Brita? Oh there you are!", asked Earl with emphasis on the word my. The scribe smoothly slid next to the dark haired tattooed woman and stole a kiss. Surry seemed shocked , but Brita smiled warmly and didn't seem to mind. "Hey I know you! You're one of the dwarves from Fetch's plateau! I haven't seen you in ages!", exclaimed Earl as he recognized Lord.

Lord looked at the nondescript man and grew annoyed ,"You're drunk! Now piss off and stop interrupting my story! Where was I, oh yeah...the dreaded Immortal King has also waken from his slumber. Once again he stalks the land, backstabbing, manipulating, and warping all he comes in contact with. I hope I get to Fallon before the Immortal King does, I fear the dark monarch's overpowering charisma will sway the hero to his side."

Clovis stumbled into the front yard , clearly intoxicated. He had a punch bowl on his head, the lovely Captain Calla on his left hand and a drink in the other. "Look at me! I'm a punch golem! ", said the drunken merchant enginseer.

Lord raised his voice to drown out the inebriated man,"The dark monarch already has servants as dreadful or even more powerful than he is. Foremost amongst them is his Battle Marshall, the Blood Knight. An ancient evil that drains the youth of her conquered enemies. A wild berserker queen, that would sacrifice her own troops just to slay more of her enemies. I have no doubt she seeks to test Fallon on the field of battle as well. "

"EARL! Clovis has gone missing! Oh there you are! Captain Calla, please escort Clovis to the sitting room. He needs some rest, and get that punch bowl off his head! ", commanded General Olive , clearly unimpressed with the state of her most precious political asset. Clovis tried to scoop the seemingly young girl up but the general deftly dodged his hand. Captain Calla saluted her general , and removed the punch bowl from Clovis's head. She then escorted the stumbling man into the house.

"As well as mortal foes, he also has to worry about even darker forces. King has told me that Fallon has already entered a deal with an evil outsider. A dark prince, no doubt using fiendish lawyers to steal his soul.", said Lord in a hushed tone. The growing crowd of listeners gathering closer.

"Listen, does this Fallon guy need a hand? It sounds like he has quite the rogue gallery of miscreants and troublemakers against him. ", asked Fetch." I'm pretty handy with a hammer, and I know some healing magic. I'll give this fellow some help if he needs it."

Lord laughed,"How many feats do you have? Let me guess , you're human , not a fighter ..so two?"

Fetch and Surry both rolled their eyes,"Look, I've gone over this with my buddies before. Ok! I only have 2 feet but that doesn't mean I can't help! I've survived this long with two feet. So what if I'm not a mutant . I take one step at a time like everyone else. ", explained the exasperated cleric.

Lord grinned,"If I find this Fallon guy before he dies , I'll be sure to mention your name. But listen , I haven't told you the greatest threat of his survival yet. The Mistress of Entropy. A mass of swirling darkness that brings despair and misery to all that encounter her. This vile creature is attracted to great men, and I'm sure she's set her sights on Fallon. I bet she's already devising ways to get close to him, and drain the life out of him with her foul caress."

Fetch shuddered at the thought. Suddenly Tyris appeared with several glasses and a pitcher of formentioned berry moss punch. She poured Fetch and his guest a glass . She then sat next to her husband, draped her arms around him and rested her head gently on his shoulders with a smile. It was a long week , full of tragedy and triumph. The weight of the recent events weighed heavily on Fetch. With Tyris at his side however, they seemed to vanish , and his heart felt renewed optimism and hope.

Lord and Fetch both raised their cups and clanged them, before drinking the tasty beverage. The dwarf then admired the young couple and sighed, "Like I said before, you got yourself a good wife there Fetch. Most whipper snappers your age chose their wimmin with their pants, but I see you chose her with your heart. Listen to me boy, leave the crusading and swashbuckling to the real adventurers. Take care of your little wifey here , don't blow a good thing. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find an epic hero to warn."

Lord nodded at Fetch and Tyris and waved good bye at the crowd gathered in the front yard, then marched down the street. He walked several blocks and met the elf that led him to Fetch's manor.

"No one named Fallon there, I'm afraid. I met an old friend there however, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.", sighed the dwarf gruffly.

The pretty green eyed elf tipped her head, and smiled.

The end (for now)