8th Day of Fireseek, 565 CY
The Gardens, Willip, Furyondy

They came at him together, one swinging high and the other low; attacking with more coordination than Argo would have given them credit for. He backpedaled while drawing Harve from its scabbard. The sword's crimson glow washed over the combatants as Argo let his frustrations go. The sword cut right through Annoyance #2's club, leaving him looking stupidly at the stub left in his hand. #1's club slammed into the ranger's breastplate. There was some pain, but Argo knew his armor had taken the worst of it. He grinned wickedly and swung at the burly sailor, turning the blade at the last moment so that the flat end slammed into his nose. He moaned and backed off, holding his left hand over his face.

"Err, Argo? I do believe you're supposed to be using the sharp edge there." The sword's smooth voice carried easily.

"Sorry, Harve," the ranger said. "Much as these two deserve it, and as much as I'd like it, the city guard here frowns on killing in the streets."

"But- we're in a park!"

"Shut up and parry," Argo replied as he brought Harve up to do just that, knocking aside #1's next swing with his club. He noted that #2 was trying to circle around behind him.

Annoyance #1 was gaping in astonishment, even as he kept trying to find an opening. "I doan beelive it. It talks!"

"Hmm," Harve mused. "I was just going to say the same thing about you."

The bigger sailor, blood still trickling from his nose, started slowly closing in again, while making little feints with his club. Argo kept his eyes locked on his opponent, until he judged the time was right. Then, he spun around and smashed his mail-clad left fist into the nose of Annoyance #2, who had been about to jump on the ranger from behind. The smaller sailor rocked back on his heels, giving Argo just enough time to bring the hilt of his sword down upon the man's head. He collapsed, not unconscious, but at least out of the fight temporarily. As he turned back, Argo felt the swish of #1's club as the weapon's arc swept within a few inches of his face. He realigned himself to face his remaining Annoyance.

"Wonderful," Harve griped. "Instead of blood on my blade, I'll have head lice on my hilt." The sword's voice clearly indicated its displeasure. "This'll be a stirring battle saga for the bards to tell."

Argo grinned and shrugged. "Hey, people need to laugh, too." He took a deep breath and charged his opponent, taking the club swing on his left arm. It hurt, but Argo honestly didn't care. After tonight, he needed this battle. He ran right up to the sailor, making sure that he stomped on at least one of the man's leather shoe-clad feet with his mailed boots. The sailor howled and tried to back off, but he couldn't.

Argo gave him his best smile. "Thank you, but Make A Fool Out Of Argo Night is over. Thank you for coming, and please accept this parting gift." With that, he grabbed the man's curly hair with his left hand and jumped up, only a few inches, but enough to quickly tuck his legs underneath him. As Argo fell down towards the ground, his hand pulled the sailor's head down with him. Argo's armored knee coverings took his impact. #1's forehead took his. Another hilt-butt from Harve put the man's lights out.

The sound of snapping wood got Argo's attention as he rose, somewhat painfully, to his feet again. Annoyance #2 had broken off a staff-sized branch of a nearby small tree, and was advancing towards the ranger again, fury etched into his face.

Argo eyed the man, then shook his head at him. "Some people never learn."

"I think he means you," the sword added as its arc intersected that of the branch, cutting the piece of wood cleanly in two, then continued on, turning only at the last moment to ram the flat of the blade into #2's stomach. He doubled over and was thus ripe for both the gauntlet smash that took him down to the ground, and the following boot to the face that ended the fight.

"You know, Gokasillion will never let me live this down." Harve was still pouting.

Breathing heavily, Argo looked at the sword he held in his hand. "Tell him they were both dragons in human form" he said. "That'll make him jealous."

"You're a laugh riot, Bigfel-" The sword's voice was cut off as Argo slipped it back into its sheath and looked around. There was no sight or sound of anyone approaching. That wasn't too surprising. The whole point of the Gardens was that they were somewhat secluded, giving a sense of serenity in such a large city. Being sure to trod over both his unconscious foes' forms, he headed back towards Temple Way.

At the foot of the steps leading up to the temple of Zeus, Argo tilted his head back and eyed the structure. Its magnificent columns shone a pale white in the moonlight. Two marble statues of giant eagles stood watch at the entranceway. This place never failed to move Argo. He and Caroline had been married here.

The ranger slowly sat down on the steps and drew his still-throbbing knees up to his chest, ready to wait here until morning. Inwardly at least, he couldn't help but smile.

Accept your lot, my children, for such is the will of Almighty Zeus, King of the Gods, Hurler of Thunderbolts. Argo knew the doctrine by heart. An hour ago, he'd have cut down a priest of Zeus who'd have tried to remind him of that. Now, in the cold air of a city night, it didn't seem to matter much. Tomorrow was another day. His loving wife would still be waiting for him when he returned home, whenever that might be. And his friends. Good, loyal people all, even Aslan.

"Forgive him his sins, Mighty Zeus," Argo whispered as he laid his head down on his knees. "He can't help it. After all, he's only a paladin."

He could have sworn he heard faint laughter off in the distance somewhere before nodding off.