"Who knew that a portable pie fridge would be so handy !", exclaimed Frank with a new appreciation for Halfling technology. "It keeps pies at just the right temperature, no waiting for them to defrost . Its like pie time all the time !". To demonstrate his point, he opened and shut the wooden box, and took out a perfectly chilled pie.

Ackerberg had indeed kept his end of the bargain. He gave the party the item in question and also rewarded them with his greatest invention. Clovis had examined the case, and said it was cold iron in construction, it also bore the seal of the Kal hounds, (the fiercest mercenary unit of the North, also Kalidor's personal army), and also of the tiny kingdom of Kalidon (Kalidor's most recent conquest) . They were the military and political puppets of Sir Morgan Kalidor, the famous mercenary general . It was locked, and Clovis was unable to open it. Even with his magic and tools, he could not get it to unlock. A strange light voice could be heard inside of the case. No one could make out the words though, but it sounded elvish. Which made the party wonder more what hidden contents it held.

"I bet its one of those talking birds ", thought Ymir.

"Nah, the voice is too soft , by the shape of the box I bet its a small elven child.", said Frank.

"If Sir Kalidor wanted to imprison someone or hide a bird, why would he put them in a case and send it to the demons...its most likely an enchanted item too dangerous to use. A talking mirror perhaps.", chipped in Clovis.

"That makes sense, lets pick something super dangerous and send it to demons. The pinnacle of restraint when it comes to using dangerous items.", laughed Frank clearly enjoying this game.

As the 3 comrades argued. Fetch sat by Tyris. They had marched back roughly halfway to mammoth keep. Tyris was still weakened by the mouthful of tar ichor that seeped into her mouth. Fetch noticed her strength was returning but she wasn't fully recovered . She was mostly back to her old self however. Mostly back, he grimly thought. She had that nervous shyness back, but she was even more silent then before. She was deeply ashamed , and troubled by the events in the Scar. She stopped apologizing though, that was a start.

Fetch looked at the weakened girl at his side. He never saw her so vulnerable. Parts of her armor were destroyed by the tarry demodand,( Clovis identified it to them later), and her hair was loose around her shoulders. A few days ago he would have thought it "hot" to see her looking like this. Right now though, she didn't just look beat up but look defeated. The cleric though how little he knew of this mysterious comrade. She was from the Grand Duchy, and she lost her lord in a snow storm. That was about it. She also claimed to be a bard . True, she had some success with bardic skills and magic , but Fetch met many bards at the Last Inn, and in honesty she was terrible. She was good at espionage though, her hiding and other rogue skills were peerless. Not counting the fight with the tarry demodand, she was arguably their most reliable combatant. Not flashy like Ymir, or yappy like Frank, but she killed the most ruthlessly and efficiently. Fetch wondered if she was a spy, that would explain a lot. If so , who was she spying for.

Their eyes met briefly, her yellow eyes were wide and tear stained, Fetch looked away, "You don't trust me...I can tell from your eyes.", she softly said surprising Fetch. "That's ok. I don't trust myself anymore. Its like I'm in a dream ..I'm flying high and free like a swallow or a tern...but then I wake up, and I'm not a swallow but a raven or a vulture , fierce , cold, heartless, picking through the carrion of a battlefield." . Fetch considered her words, and waited for her to continue, but she grew silent at her own words.

After a lengthy silence, she got up and walked to the cold iron crate.

"Careful with that,", said Clovis but she ignore him.

She examined the box, then drew some oddly shaped needles and wires from a hidden sheath. After a minute , a loud audible "click" was heard. The symbol of the Kingdom of Kalidon, and the Kal hounds both rotated, and hidden support pins were half ejected from the box, and it opened .

Tyris walked to the furthest spot away from Fetch around their camp fire, and sat down crouched with her knee to her chin.

Frank , Ymir, and Clovis nervously peaked inside the box, and was surprised to see a silver and white bastard sword in a scabbard. Its pommel was wrapped in silvery, most likely mithral thread and a glittering white gem adorned its pommel. The sheath was decorated in a leaf and unicorn motif, it appeared to be constructed of the finest leather , silver, and diamonds.

"Look its an object...I win.", declared Clovis.

"Silence fools! I am not a mere object ! I am the mighty scourge of the abyss!", said a haughty feminine voice.

The 3 jumped back , and peered around for the source of the voice.

"Oh its a talking sword!", said Ymir. "My uncle had one, it was funny. As children we would hide nuggets of silver and it would find them!" , she explained merrily.

"DO NOT COMPARE ME to your uncle's charlatans blade. That's like comparing coals to a diamond! I am Galatea one of the greatest swords ever forged! The merest touch of my blade can decapitate a foe. Demons scatter at my presence. Empires were built and crushed at my bidding! While your uncles blade , did what? Amuse pubescent dwarf maids!"

Ymir was clearly hurt by that remark, but was in awe of the glowing glittering sword.

"Who amongst you is worthy to be me wielder! Who shall stride across the world, crushing armies underneath his or hers sandalled feet. The bold shall speak now! The meek can flee my sight !", continued the blade.

Frank cried ," GIMMIE!", but Clovis blocked him. Fetch, who was worried about Tyris, gathered to see what the commotion was, and caught the last bit of the swords speech.

"DON'T Touch it!",said Clovis sternly.

"But..but...I want to crush armies under my sandalled feat, have demons scatter, and cut my foes head off.", said Frank.

"Look , don't they teach you anything. Its an intelligent sword, any intelligent weapon has a will of its own. Some blades and items, like Ymir's uncles for example are weak willed, and anyone can use, but this item, either its lying or more likely its telling the truth , is a powerful weapon and most likely has a strong will. If you grab it , you will end up being its slave."

"Ha! Slave is a strong word!", laughed the sword , " but the mage is correct. Only those with the strongest of wills can hope to master me, less I master them. Are there any brave enough to pit their wills against mine?"

"Oh its bossy...I'll shut its mouth" said Frank, as he tried to grab the sword again. This time Ymir helped hold him back.

"Wait ! ", said Ymir. "It said its name was Galatea. I know that name."

"Long ago, master smiths and wizards were said to be able to create swords that were known as vorpal blades. They were crazy powerful. They would seek their opponents neck and sever it, no matter if it was goblin or giant or dragon.!" , to emphasize she made a slashing motion to her neck, then a closed eye with a stuck out tongue expression.

"The creation of the swords required the greatest of magics , and only 3 were made. Each was a legendary blade. There was Woebringer, the sword of the orginal Sir Eggbert It was said to be the sword that shaped Grom. There's the Blackblade of Sir Kalidor, its said to have destroyed 3 mighty kingdoms ..so utterly that their names are lost and forgotten into antiquity. And finally Galatea the scourge of the abyss. The greatest demon slaying weapon ever created. It would personally lead crusades into the abyss . Its responsible for the death of 2 balor lords. "

"I am impressed dwarf. Though your information is slightly wrong. First there were 4 of us . One of us has been lost for 3 millennium, no doubt in a dragons horde or in a forgotten vault, and I've slain 3 balor lords!" , said the sword arrogantly.

"Ok , Mrs. super sword. If your so great why did sir Kalidor's men throw you into a pit of demons. ", asked Fetch.

The sword paused, "A good question, but I am ashamed to say I was defeated in battle. Not by mere mortal droppings like yourselves , but by Sir Kalidor himself. The Blackblade and I do not get along, and I especially do not like his wielder. My wielder was weak and foolish , no match for the current paragon of immortality . If anyone else defeated me ,then surely I would be wielded by him, but since Kalidor already possessed the Blackblade, and both fear and loath my power. He sent me to a place where he thought no one would recover me. The demons would surely not use me, I would burn their hands , and if one of their thralls tried to wield me I would control him and turn him on his masters. Also he thought no one would be foolish enough to descend into a pit of demons to recover me. ", Frank shrugged and pointed his finger in a circle at his comrades.

"Little did he know most of the demons left , to join the great demonic host, thereby giving even the foolish a window of opportunity to recover me. ", once again Frank shrugged and pointed his finger in a circle at his comrades.

"I only seek 1 thing right now... a wielder with a pure heart and a strong sword arm. One who will forgo all other magic items, relying solely on my self. A person who shares my purpose to hunt and slay demons. A hero whose deeds we will both write into history! " , the sword said proudly.

The group paused, Frank was the first to comment," pure of heart? Does that mean a virgin?"

"No ", the sword answered annoyed ," pure of heart meaning his heart is free from evil and greed."

"Oh ..ok...when you mean forgo all magic items, you mean other weapons or everything?", continued Frank.

"Everything", Galatea responded.

"OOOHhh KAY...I'm out.", said Frank. The rest of the group looked away. Fetch considered the swords offer for a bit, but the cost of its power seemed high. Everyone in the group had accumulated a nice bit of magic items since they started. It would be a shame to lose them.

Frank sighed, " Sorry miss bossy sword, looks like no takers. back into the box for you! "

"No...wait...do not put me back in !", said the sword as Frank found a stick and began pushing and prodding the sword back into the box.

"Don't worry, when we find a suitable sucker...er host for you, we'll be sure to introduce you two. We'll be the nosy matchmaking neighbor you never had.", said Frank.

" WAIT!...WAIT!...Perhaps a compromise...I will allow one of you to carry me, in return I promise not to exert my will over him or her. Besides my martial prowess my knowledge of demons and outsiders is peerless. I also know a few useful spells. As long as none of you attempt to draw me, I will serve your group till a suitable knight or hero arrive.", bargained the sword.

Fetch could see where this going, but he was also interested in what spells or knowledge it possessed. No one seemed to volunteer to carry the blade, so Fetch walked up and tied the sheath to his belt.

"Excellent! I will be a quiet observer, do not mind me! I will watch quietly , like a simple zephyr, a fragile leaf drifting on an ocean of turmoil. Observing all but barely breaking the surface of the tumultuous tides. ", the sword continued.

Fetch was about to change his mind, when Tyris returned to the main camp. "I want to say something, ...I want to get this in the open now, not back in the city. First I'm very sorry for what happened back at the scar. I lost control, for a few seconds I was ready to kill everyone in my way. ", she took a deep breath," I..I am going to leave the group when we reach town and conclude our buisness. Im sorry...I don't trust myself anymore, and I wont be able to bear it if I bring harm to any of you. ", she said wearily.

Fetch listened wordlessly. He didn't expect it would come to this.

"Don't go . Please.", was all he could reply.

Ymir shouted." No! Nobody's will is iron all the time. We were under stress! Everyone breaks down physically and mentally. We ..we need you Tyris! We're a team! "

Frank interjected. "Hey its no big deal, If you kill one of us, we can just get raised. We'll take it out of your share so everything's good!"

Fetch's eyes met Clovis's . Clovis was silent about this, Fetch could tell he agreed with Tyris . Fetch remembered Cook and Lord teaching him , being mentally prepared was as important as being physically prepared in combat. Tyris was gifted in the killing arts and was a good addition to the group, but was it right to push her into something she wasn't ready for.

Ymir was saying a million things to try to change Tyris mind, not much made any sense, " Who cares if your a danger to the group, listen. When I was younger I had an uncle Dwalin , he was one of those berzerker types. In battle he sometimes lost all control and went wild with rage. Granting him incredible strength but poor judgment, he almost killed my father once in his mad rages. A great skill to have when your at war , not so good during peace. People normally send the berzerkers away to live in the wild. Calling them only when the clan is at war. However, we didn't send Dwalin away. Do you know why? Because hes family!"

Frank also responded, "If you leave, Fetch is gonna be miserable. He's already miserable enough as he is. Spare us the misery!"

Galatea spoke, "I am not sure the exact circumstances of you leaving, but let me tell you child. I've been on over 1000 battlefields. I've seen Eladrin generals and heroes break under the strain of battle. It is not a desirable thing...but there is no dishonor , especially if you stay true to your friends and your heart. Heroism is not a simple state of being, its the act of conquering ones fears and doubts. Sometimes fears and doubts conqueror us, but we must endure the failure and strive to do better."

Fetch was surprised at how empathic the sword was. He half expected an insult, but the swords words were wise and kind. He began to think he made the right decision to carry it.

Tyris appreciated the sentiment, but intoned. "I'm not seeking a referendum on me staying or not, my mind is made up. I am leaving when we return to Mammoth Keep."

The group sat glumly in silence.

Clovis stood up," I guess while we are all here, and talking the future of the group , I have an announcement. I too am leaving the group when we return. You guys...you guys are great. When I left Karlston to seek my fortune in the north, I never expected to meet a group like you. I expected guys like Big Jim. People who used me and I used them in return. But you guys...you guys are solid people I can depend on . Your the closest thing to a family I ever had."

Everyone knew Clovis's background, and his statement was heart felt.

"However, I didn't go adventuring because I love the danger , or wish to crusade against evil. Lets face it, we do it for the cash. My original goal was simple. Restore my family's fortune and honor. I figured 5k should be enough ,I thought it would take about 5 years to accumulate. By my estimate we've each accumulated 10k not including magic items and whatever payday awaits us when we bring Galatea back to Mammoth Keep... I'll take Ackerbergs package down to Veb. Its not that close to Karlston, but I will probably be going to McDunnalds and Lower Lueders as well. ... Lets face it guys, there's only 2 ways you leave the adventure business , retired or a corpse. I'm going to leave while I'm ahead and restore my house. ... I'm sorry if I let you down.", stated Clovis. Fetch could tell he prepared this speech, but it wasn't easy for him to say it.

Frank chimed in" Umm...I'm gonna leave too... My lifelong dream is to become an innkeeper, and I think I have enough to fulfill it."

"Wait a sec, you told me your lifelong dream was to have sex with a princess! ", interjected Fetch, who was now clearly annoyed at everyone leaving.

"Ok,Ok...I just said that , because I didn't want to be the last person in the group with Fetch. If its just him and I, people are gonna start spreading rumors. Like Alexander and his companions, Achilles and Patroclus, Hercules and Newton, the Lone Ranger and Tonto. But yeah, the princess sex thing is still my dream", he said with a sigh.

Fetch noticed Ymir's ears turning bright red. "Oh don't worry . I won't have sex with you! Having sex with your adventuring companions is just wrong! Its like having sex with your sexy cousin . I'm sure people think about it, but its just wrong! If the relationship goes sour, then the party is basically broken, worse, people will have doubts on whichever one stays. If the relationship works , its just as bad. Other party members will think you're playing favorites. They question if things go to the wire will you do things for the benefit of your party or the benefit of your lover.", Frank continued merrily.

Fetch was now confused and annoyed." Wait a sec, first off I don't know anyone you just named, secondly if a ranger was alone, why would he have a partner named Tonto? "

Frank was about to reply when Ymir sighed sadly, " I guess this is it then. I also came to the north to find my fortune and also to prove and hone my strength . Things are a bit more costly in the Nazag Narg then Karlston but 10k is a large sum of money. I can establish my own thaig. I could stay here and continue to adventure. But you guys are like family I don't think I can adventure with another group. "

Fetch was about to say "Fine!" and storm off, but he was too sad at this point. Is this how its gonna end. Abandoned by his friends. What had he earned at this point? Some gold some respect from the locals? Was he after respect? or was he after something else? He looked at Tyris, her eyes had dried, but she still looked small and lonely. He wanted to say something to her, but he held his tongue. Fetch didnt want to quit, he knew he could do more. But what was his purpose? Battling monsters? Earning cash? Was he one of those thrill seekers or adrenaline junkies like Clovis mentioned.

His mind wandered, as everyone sat in silence.

"So , if your quitting the group too, I guess we wont be party members Ymir. Want to help fulfill my dream?", asked Frank.

A gauntleted fist to the face was her reply.

The group journey back to Mammoth Keep was relatively quiet. There was a skirmish with giants, but there were only 4 giants, and 5 of them. No real challenge there. A larger band of gnoll raiders and scouts proved more challenging, but it was a mild diversion at best. Despite their low morale, the group was still good at killing. Very good in fact.

The group was gone for about 1 month, but 2 months had passed in mammoth keep. It didn't surprise anyone but it was annoying, Fetch had to pay 2 months rent . The news they heard was that the final battle with the gnoll's were drawing close. They somehow cornered the avatar of the demon lord Yeenoghu into an ancient ruin. Cut off from his horde. The demon lord was too entrenched with his honor guard to be slain, but while he was separated from his army the horde was vulnerable . The armies of the north were converging, a final battle would be fought soon.

Fetch presented Galatea to Reinhardt. Reinhardt was surprised they had completed their mission but had no desire to take Galatea. Galatea had no intention of going with Reinhardt either. They had history between them apparently.

The royal adventurers paid well. Extremely well, not only did they reimburse them for the 2 raise dead scrolls, but also paid them an incredible sum of 25,000 gold. It was almost enough to make the party reconsider splitting apart and work for the grommers full time. All told each member of Fetch's band earned 18000 gold, and received a lifetimes worth of magic and other treasures. Tyris had the least magic items , and even she received over 15. Frank gave a brief estimate and figured they had between 50 to 100k worth of stuff each. The money seemed unimportant at that point though. Their rich bounty was tempered by the fact they were splitting up.

Frank threw a party with a portion of his share . 2 days with all the booze , music and dancing girls he could find. He even rented a hall in Mammoth Keep. Fetch was in no mood to party , but he par took it anyways. He didn't wake up till 3 days later. Ymir reluctantly decided maybe it was for the best to rejoin her clan. She had no desire to form a new adventuring group and put her trust in strangers. Apparently Ymir and Clovis left together. He vaguely remembered wishing them safe journeys, but he was too drunk to be sure. Ymir was like a sister to Fetch, like Maid but with an axe he chuckled. He was going to miss Clovis ..of the group, he got along best with him. He was going to miss his counsel and friendship.

Frank was the last person Fetch remembered seeing after he sobered up. Frank told him he was going to go back to his clan. They were probably gonna need him, either to defend their holdings or to fight the demons directly. Fetch admired the young knight, even though he appeared whimsical and flippant at times, he lost 2 brothers and still kept a cheerful disposition. Or maybe he was nuts , smiled Fetch. Frank told him, he might have lost 2 brothers, but he gained one in return. If Fetch ever was in trouble he would be there for him, the knight said . And with that, he left.

Tyris was gone, he wasn't sure if he said good bye to her. Fetch felt a part of his heart left when she left. He tried not to live his life chained by regret, but he felt...he felt there was things he should have said, things he could have done, but was too stupid or too cowardly to do. He still had memories to drown so he picked up a few more bottles of wine and headed for the shack he rented.

His shack was in a small area of town, closest to the wall. His neighbors was humble tradesman and shopkeepers. Fetch thought he could probably buy out the whole neighborhood, knock it down and build a mansion here. A fancy place, like the last inn he thought. He settled into his shack, and started a fire while drinking his wine. He wanted it to be silent, but he could hear the laughter of his neighbors as they ate. One couple was arguing. Another family was apparently singing ...perhaps for victory in the oncoming battle. Yet another appeared to be in throes of love making.

Fetch just listened and felt the weight of the world on him. What was he going to do now? Go back to the plateau? No... there was nothing for him there . He imagined returning to the plateau one day , to boast to his friends of his accomplishments, but what had he done? Slew a few monsters, ran some errands, made some gold. He could travel and see the world . But it seemed empty and pointless to do it alone. Maybe join another adventuring group. He considered starting another one, but he couldn't handle the responsibilities of leadership again..not so soon. Maybe he could buy a nice house here, settle down. Settle down at the young age of 19 , he thought grimly. Is my life over before it started? Settle down by myself, picking up barmaids or cheap tarts. He grew angry...angry with his choices , angry with how things turned out.

He sat in silence..but the sounds of his neighbors , interrupted his thoughts. He laughed at himself, here I was thinking how big and mighty I've become , how I was gonna buy the neighborhood. Here I am alone with my gold jealously wishing I was like my "poor" neighbors with their friends and families. He threw the bottle of wine at the wall.

A knock came on the door.

Fetch though,"If someone is complaining about the noise, I'm gonna bust him up". He angrily swung open the door.

Tyris was there, she had bought new armor, and her hair was done up again. She looked the same as when he first met her , except with a nicer fur cloak. "Am I disturbing you?", she asked meekly.

Fetch though of many replies he could have said at that moment "What do you want nut case? I thought you said you were leaving? Still here? Come to laugh at me once more before you search for your master?", but he just replied.." No, come in"

"I..I ...thought you might need some company, you seemed angry," she said her eyes downcast.

Fetch suddenly remembered, he felt ashamed. While he was drunk, he said those things and worse at her. "I'm sorry..I was drunk. I didn't mean it. I was just frustrated that's all."

She hesitated to enter, their eyes met and he knew he could see her doubts about herself . He could read her thoughts at that moment, she worried about losing control and hurting her friends again. He simply replied ,"We will deal with it, if it ever happens again."

She entered his shack, it was sparsely decorated. A few trophies from their adventures, a cot , and a table. He sat on the cot and motioned her to sit next to him.

She hesitated again for a second, but then promptly sat next to the cleric.

The two sat there in silence seemingly content with each others company.

"I'm sorry too..I didn't realize ..I mean ...all this time...what your feelings were, ", she finally said . To indicate this she slid closer to Fetch.

Fetch stared into her yellow eyes their noses inches apart, their bodies edging closer, their hot breath mixing with each other , " Are you going to leave me?", he asked.

Tyris drew even closer and replied "No...as long as you don't leave me...", as their bodies intertwined.

Galatea interrupted.."AHEM... I believe, this is NOT how the guardian of the Sacred scourge of the Abyss should act.". Fetch considered Galatea's statement then threw the sword out the window.