Fetch was led to the Champion's tent. He was escorted by Olive and Reinhardt. Sir Hildraxel had followed them till they reached the tent, the young cleric then told him to wait outside .

"Yes young master! ",the old knight said as he saluted and stood at attention , ever vigilant outside . The tent was quite large and crowded. Reinhardt then told them to all wait and walked towards the Narwhal contingent. Olive herself lost her calm composure when she saw the food platters laid out and rushed for a plate and headed straight for the dessert section.

While waiting Fetch got a good look at the gathered champions. Magdar of the Mammoth was an old man, but was as massive as his orders name sake. He didn't look as old as Sir Hildraxel, but he looked like hes been in 1000 battles, most of which he won. Kalinka of the Lion was standing close to him chatting, she wore very ornate gold engraved armor. She was a thin woman approximately 40 -50 years old, with many scars on her face, which she wore proudly. Erland of the Emerald Squirrel was the current Grand Champion of the North. He was the designated spokesman and war leader, while the knights were united. He wore a simple mail shirt, and had what looked like a dead squirrel rug draped over his shoulder. He would have looked comical if they were anywhere else but the northern wastes. Fetch only caught glimpses of lord Felwind of the Ice Griffon , he was discussing matters with his inner circle. His cold gaze fell on Fetch briefly. The cleric turned away but was already unnerved by his sinister gaze. The lady Fleur of the Narwhal was a small woman who wore an elaborate robe, with a fancy rose and leaf motif. Her bodyguard was a beautiful blond amazon woman. Fetch only had eyes for Tyris, but it was hard not to gaze at this strangely hypnotic looking woman. Fetch though her body guard was more suited to be champion then the woman in the robes. Fetch looked for the Champion of the Boar . Instead he saw Hero from the plateau, dressed in the most elaborate armor he had ever seen her in. Hero stared back...then a look of recognition filled her face.

"FETCH? is that you?", she said almost running across the room and giving him a painful hug.

"My god, It is you! I thought the worst had happened to you when you left the plateau. My ..you've grown..how have you been.!", she said as a contingent of boar knights quickly followed her.

Fetch suddenly realized Hero of the plateau equals Hero the champion of the boar ,"Umm does innkeeper know you lead an army? ", was all the could think of to say.

"HAH! Of course he does...I though you knew?", she struck a heroic pose , one hand on her massive black and silver axe the other on her hip . Staring at some unknown point in the ceiling. " I make for a pretty striking champion don't I! Yeah I'm even better looking then you Magdar", she shouted playfully at the smiling Elder of the mammoth.

"What are you doing here? umm did you get lost, they don't tolerate intruders...", she asked with a worried voice.

"Its ok,I'm with the Grommers.", replied Fetch.

"Grommers! Oh Fetch, don't get mixed up with that group, they smile and say they're your friend while getting ready to stab you in the back.", sighed Hero disappointed. She was about to continue, when Erland gave the signal that the meeting was about to begin.

The man with the squirrel hat started the meeting. " Great warriors and champions, Foreign generals, and other warlords ...the battle is almost at hand, where we rid the north of the demon gnoll horde. We shall strike down our foe with one decisive blow. High priest Konrad of the temple of Rawk has devised a battle plan to destroy our enemies. Study it well, adjustments will be made if it does not meet our approval.", commanded Erland . A large map was lain out , with carved soap stone statues on the map representing the various armies. Carved pieces of red wood were also pushed on the map to represent troop movements.

"AHem...", interrupted Reinhardt," Sorry to interrupt, but isn't the high priest of Rawk suppose to draw up the plans."

The Grand Champion was very annoyed at this point, "You will hold your tongue , Grommer! ", he said with great disdain," but I will indulge your question and tell you that the high priest of Rawk has indeed drawn up these plans.", he pointed to Master Konrad, an older man wearing an impressive suit of iron full plate, with a massive stone hammer at his side, surrounded by a half dozen burly priests.

Reinhard, gave a mime like zip motion to his lips demonstrating to Erland his obedience to his commands.. Olive kicked Fetch." I challenge his claim to being high priest of Rawk!", Fetch struggled to say.

The gathered champions gave out a loud roar, and there were many shouts and insults "Whelp, puppet of the Grommers, liar, bed wetter!, ", were amongst the least offensive remarks directed at him. Fetch could see Hero, she had a very disappointed look to her face. He could feel her telling him ."don't do this ..stop now..", but Fetch was determined to see this through. Despite the shouts, the young cleric quickly rearranged some of the blocks and arrows, before several knights stopped him.

"ORDER! ORDER!", exclaimed Grand champion Erland , his voice grew and his demeanor darkened, and for a second he looked like a great hunting squirrel perched on his chair, ready to strike down his prey. "FIRST OFF, WHO ARE YOU? Know that your life is at stake here. We will not be mocked by children or Grommers! Chose your answer well and with respect."

Fetch swallowed hard, and concentrated on his prepared speech." I am Fetch of the Great Plateau, gulp I am the master of the dungeons of Mammoth Keep, Conqueror of the Scar, and guardian of the scourge of the Abyss , Galatea. I am also the high priest of Rawk! ", he spoke as he hefted Galatea into the air, and raised his amulet as proof of his statements.

Galatea shone brilliantly illuminating the room, the sword was clearly appreciative of all the stares she was getting.

Erland looked at the sword, and stared at the amulet. He waved Kalinka forward , and silently spoke to her , she examined the amulet, and nodded her head.

Konrad was enraged at this point," Are you going to listen to this ...to this boy! I have served at the temple of Knight hold, and been to the various shrines of Rawk as far south as Karlston. I've never seen this ...impostor before. ", the older cleric demanded.

Erland held his hand for silence, "Where did you get this amulet boy. Speak truthfully. I've been told only 3 exist. The honored Lord Warrant , The noble Mistress Zevelle, and the stalwart Lord Roland have the only 3 amulets. ", asked the champion.

Fetch could feel Erland's steely squirrel like eyes , burn through his soul. "When I left my home, the great plateau , my mistress Cook gave it to me." , the young cleric replied.

Erland considered his words, and his gaze fell across the room to Hero. She gave a disapproving nod, and Erland's gaze returned to Fetch," Your story and claim is legitimate...", relented the Champion.

"Your not actually going to listen to this boy are you!", gasped an angry Konrad.

"SILENCE, interrupt me again...and i will show you the wrath of a vengeful squirrel.", exclaimed Erland.

Fetch could see Earl at the back of the tent, giving a mock "oooh ,ahhh, a scary squirrel," motion to an unimpressed Reinhardt.

"As I was SAYING,,,your story and claim is legitimate however there is something your Grom puppet masters have failed to realize. Your claim is groundless unless a champion supports your claim.", added Erland. Olive, and Reinhardt suddenly looked nervous. Earl was gone once again.

"I do not support his claim, I feel its a Grommish ploy to manipulate our affairs. What say you others?", asked Erland snarling at Fetch.

Magdar shook his head," An amulet and a sword does not make a high priest of Rawk, i do not support the claim.", spoke the Elder of the Mammoth.

Kalinka shook her head "No."

Felwind laughed "Kill him and lets be done with it."

A mysterious looking man in dark armor with white hair which Fetch had failed to notice before shook his head ," I am not a true champion, I only lead while the Silver Champion is gone. I abstain"

Fetch started to get really worried at this point, but Hero was next, surely she would support him.

Hero seemed torn, Erland was amused at the length of time it took her to consider her answer," No." , she said simply. Regret already filling her face.

Fetch couldn't believe it. He was gonna die, because he followed this stupid Grom plan. He looked for a way out, but saw knights closing in on him.

"I support his claim ", said Fleur of the Narwhal.

More roars came from the room.

Erland gave a beast like squirrel roar to silence them. The roar was unearthly and chilled everyone to the bone. Even Reinhardt, felt its power.

Fleur continued, "Its true a boy with a fancy sword, and a amulet doesn't make a warrior and his familiarity with the Grommers is disturbing , but the current plan laid out before us is laughable at best, however...this boys plan shows great insight . I support his claim."

Erland considered her words." His claim is legitimate then, I suspect that Lord Konrad wishes to challenge it then?", the champion asked. His attention focuses on the older cleric.

Konrad was visibly mad, he was shaking with anger." I shall rend this pretender limb from limb. How dare he desecrate the name of Rawk. ", spoke the man.

Erland smiled. "Excellent it appears we have this evenings entertainment."

Olive explained to Fetch that the battle would be best of 3. Fetch expected a simple brawl or duel, but Rawk was apparently a more "complex" god then that. The first battle would be one of strategy. Normally determined by a game of Grommish Chess or Thyatian Go or whatever passes for a war game in the area. A high cleric of Rawk must be versed in strategy and tactics. The second battle would be one of magic. A test to see how much divine magic he can channel. Finally , the true test. A test of martial prowess. No magic items, simple weapons. A true test of a cleric of the god of war.

The champions tent was a lot more festive after that . The assumption of a duel , livened up the atmosphere considerably.

Fetch was brought to a table where an old set of Grommish chess was laid out. Konrad sat on the side of the table. The 2 could not have looked more different. Fetch was wearing a plain blue tunic. It wasn't much to look at, but Tyris knitted it for him..and it was cozy. The younger cleric had some scars but he still looked like an out of place youth. Konrad on the other hand was wearing his war armor. He was a middle aged man, with a balding head framed by grey hair. He had one large scar across his forehead. Fetch thought it was suppose to make him look "dangerous" but he thought it made him look "beat up" more.

Grommish chess, was one of the few inventions that came from Grom that scholars agreed made a positive social impact on society. It was played from the south Thyatian thrones, to the western Darokin courts...all the way to the northern war tents of the Knights. It was a complex game with various pieces. The pieces moved and interacted differently on the board . The game was played till one side lost its general piece. The game was popular because various different tactics could be used . A direct assault, clever feints, attrition battles. Most warriors considered it an entertaining diversion from real warfare.

Fetch had some experience playing this particular game on the plateau. He knew he was far from good, but did well playing against his friends. His strategy was simple , make the other player think he was up to a clever and complex plan and capitalize on his over thinking. It was a frustrating strategy and it worked on most players except of course Cook. Cook always saw through his simple plan .

Konrad flashed a toothy smile. He started with bold aggressive moves , and Fetch could tell he was a seasoned player. Fetch gave his best dwarven poker face. His tactic was simple. He discovered this tactic against Lord. Fetch would trade pieces , not because he had an elaborate strategy, but because there were too many pieces for Fetch to keep track of. When there were a manageable amount of pieces on the board then he would play seriously. However , Fetch found Lord and most other players would get frustrated and eventually made mistakes to capitalize on. He never told them his strategy , he just acted like it was all part of his plan. Do not try to outmaneuver or out think the other player. Since both sides started with equal pieces with equal powers, it was simple to trade pieces. Later in the game positioning would play a bigger role, but at the start it was easy enough to exchange pieces. From Fetch's experience with this game, most players had a set strategy. The cleric found his lack of strategy threw most players off their games.

Fetch responded with similar moves. The cleric could see Konrad trying to set up some "Whatzhisface" Gambit, but Fetch never gave him a chance as he just simply traded pieces. Fetch fully expected to lose, but at least he was going to act like he knew what he was doing. He looked at Konrad, and thought he could probably take him at the skill at arms battle. Magic he wasn't sure about. It was still an unknown element.

Most of the gathered spectators found the match exciting. There were plenty of pieces being traded, and the action seemed pretty fast. Some of the more seasoned players try to second guess the players. They couldn't see what they were setting up for. The true masters of the game shook their heads, they considered the current game to be "amateur" at best. Fetch was getting bored. Konrad was taking much time with his moves, trying to outguess him. He started to rock and shake his legs as a sign he was bored. Konrad grew agitated with his opponents lack of respect and his unreadable strategy.

Fetch responded with "Today please? The gnolls are waiting", which drew some chuckles from the crowd. Konrad grew red, and moved his commander piece aggressively. The cleric of course duplicated the move without hesitation , and traded pieces once again. Konrad grew even more frustrated and moved his secondary commander into an even more aggressive position. Fetch examined the board and smiled again. The game was his. Konrad stared at the board, and knew he made a mistake. He angrily threw the pieces aside.

"A stupid game! We will settle this with magic!",growled the seasoned veteran.

"Hey don't be a poor loser, we can play another game if you want? How about lemming bowling?", taunted Fetch to the chuckles of some of the older knights.

The battle of magic was fought in a dueling pit. One of the Boar shamans invoked the spirits of the earth to dig out a pit from the frozen ground while a mage from the narwhal invoked a spell that furnished it with stone walls and tiles. It was large enough that they could invoke their magic, but not large enough that one could run. The rules were simple , use only spells to defeat your foe. No melee but evocations ,summonings, even enchantments were allowed.

Fetch fought a few goblin shamans and mages underneath Mammoth Keep, but never in a duel. He normally relied on strengthening magic to enhance his friends abilities , or his sword arm to finish his foes. He seldom used magic exclusively to defeat his foes. Reinhardt gave him some advice before the duel, but Fetch quickly forget his words.

Konrad was more confident in the realms of magic and he started the fight by summoning a pair of fiendish dire wolves. They rushed at Fetch, but the young cleric responded with a simple ring of blades. The wolves ignored the deadly barried and leaped through the blades , and tore at him.

Konrad smiled and summoned another pair of wolves.

Because Fetch was busy parrying the first pair of ravenous wolves, he only managed a simple spell that summoned a spirit hammer. The hammer flew at Konrad and its aim was true, but it was a mere annoyance compared to the 4 wolves biting at the younger cleric.

The crowd murmured at the way this match was going. It looked like it wasn't going to last too much longer. Konrad summoned just one wolf for his next spell, his supply of magic was waning. His first 4 were still snapping and tearing at his foe . The ring of blades was taking its toll on his minions though, but he thought the battle would soon be over.

Fetch was bloodied, but was confident. He cast a heal spell on himself . Reasoning that healing and defensive magic was a cleric's strong suit. Not spells that summon or spells that evoked the elements. Fetch reasoned that every two offensive prayers Konrad used, he could counter with 1 healing or defensive one.

Konrad's smile dropped from his face as the younger clerics strategy dawned on him. He was seemingly so close to victory to have it snatched from him. His wolves were almost done for, while his opponent was fully healed. Worse still, Konrad's magic was reaching its limit, while his opponent has conserved his.

Fetch did a windmill motion with his arms as the last wolf fell to his blades. "I'm going to walk in your direction, ...its not my fault if anything gets in the way.", as he strode forward with his childish windmill movements .

Konrad tried a simple blind spell, but he knew it would fail before he casted it. Such spells are mostly used against rogues and magicians, not seasoned fighters or clerics. He tried a last ditch prayer of command, but was negated by Fetch's formidable mental defenses.

The crowd could see Konrad's magic was getting weaker, and before Fetch's blades struck him down, Erland signaled the fight to stop. The younger cleric ceased and raised his arms in victory to the cheering crowd.

Fetch was pleased with himself, he thought he might win in 3 battles, not in 2. "So, its over right? I won?", he asked his conspirators.

"Not quite .", said General Olive, " In most lands, where people can count, it would be over, but up here you have to fight the third battle. Mostly for their honor. Konrad will try to give a good fight for himself to save face. "

"But I won right? I could just surrender and it would be over.", asked Fetch.

"Yes...and ...no.", answered Olive mysteriously," Its true you already won 2 of 3 fights, but if Konrad kills you in the next round, he wins by default. If you surrender he may or may not show mercy and accept it. and yes, last round you could have kept going and shredded that defenseless man. BUT its considered to be dishonorable to do so. Don't worry, the most likely scenario is he will just attempt to regain some of his honor and give a good fight."

Fetch was confused, he began to say something but was cut off from Olive.

"Just fight well , don't hold back . He seems like an honorable man, he just wants to salvage his pride, dont go easy on him though . Make him earn it. Remember you already won.", the small General said with a smile.

Fetch didn't like the armor they fitted on him. He was use to heavy mail or at least a sturdy breastplate , but the chain shirt they gave him felt heavy , and scratchy. They offered him a traditional hammer, but he chose a simple sword. He was more comfortable with a sword, even though a hammer was suppose to be his gods weapon. They used the ritual of purification to rid him of any spells and enchantments he might still have , and then lowered him into the pit.

Fetch gave a chuckle at how absurd that was. Here he was battling for the right to be called high cleric of Rawk, when he hadn't even been to church of Rawk before, let alone train in its sacred weapon. This Konrad guy seems pretty competent though, but that plan of his was horrible, who would have thought someone who had such skill in Grommish chess would come up with such a bad plan. It seemed almost deliberately bad...

Fetch considered the implications . He turned to face Erland and motioned that he wanted to speak, but the roaring crowd drowned out his request.

Konrad leaped into the pit once again to face Fetch. Unlike Fetch he was wearing his full battle gear, and wielding an over sized hammer crackling with power.

Fetch looked at his plain sword.."Excuse me , I think there's an equipment violation on the field."

Konrad roared...suddenly transforming in front of Fetch's eyes. His skin grew red, he physically transformed almost a foot taller, and he sprouted red bat wings from his back. Fetch's trained magical eyes could see wards of disguise and deception suddenly breaking. Konrad had placed powerful magics on himself to ward off detection spells, but they were breaking one by one...revealing to the amazement of the tent . The crowd gasped as members of his entourage also transformed, to other demonic shapes, boar demons, frog demons, vulture demons...

"Your meddling has cost us boy! But victory is not yet yours! Instead of leading you to your slaughter, we will cut the snakes head off at the neck! ATTACK! ", roared the demonic Konrad.

Fetch couldn't see what was happening above the pit, but he assumed the battle was joined in earnest. Fetch was too busy concentrating on his foe at hand. Konrad raised his hammer and brought it down towards Fetch's chest. Fetch attempted to block but the simple wooden shield they gave him shattered from the force of the blow . The young cleric stumbled back with his now numb arm. Konrad then gave a wide swing with the hammer, but Fetch easily avoided it, while countering with a jab with his sword as the demon was recovering from his swing. The jab was text book perfect, but it bounced off the creature's skin unable to pierce its magical hide.

"HAHAHAHA...this is too easy",laughed Konrad. One of the spectators tried to help Fetch by firing an arrow at Konrad, but it too was deflected.

Fetch was beginning to panic, no spells and a crappy weapon against a foe that can't be hurt by traditional means . "Maybe I can wait it out, till the Champions finish their opponents. I mean IF the champions finish them" , he thought .

The young cleric was on the defensive the next time Konrad swung his hammer again. Fetch tried to parry the blow with his sword , but the hammer cracked his blade, forcing him against the wall.

Fetch noted his sword could only take 1 or 2 more blows like that. He considered trying to wrestle his foe or something, but quickly dismissed the idea. Konrad was a 7 foot tall demon, covered with muscles, horns and claws afterall.

He could hear Galatea screaming at him somewhere in the distance , where he stored his gear he thought. "Demons! Demons! Somebody draw me for Arboreas sake!", the sword pleaded. . The initial surprise the demons had was lost now, and Fetch thought the knights weight in numbers would prevail in the end. However it would be too late for him.

Fetch considered his options, and did the only thing he could think of at the moment, " HELP! Someone throw me a rope or a weapon or something!", he yelled.

"End of the road for y...OOFFFF...", Konrad sneered , but he was suddenly thrown off balance . It seemed improbable but a horse had disrupted the demonic cleric . Fetch wasn't sure, but he could have sworn the horse jumped from the top of the tent and almost landed on his foe. Konrad regained his balance from the attack , but a dark clad rider on the horse simply slashed him across the face.

"My eyes!", exclaimed Konrad dropping his hammer and clutching his face.

"Sir Hildraxel reporting for duty . Sir!", the old man said while giving an exaggerated salute.

"Take care of him for me will you?", smiled Fetch at his savior. As soon as he finished his sentence Hildraxel stabbed his iron blade through a stunned and blinded Konrad's throat. Fetch could almost hear a muffled maniacal laughter from the old knight's blade, and the cleric wondered if it was a talking blade like Galatea.

Fetch looked for a weapon but spotted none but the heavy hammer. He reluctantly picked it up and was surprised at how light weight and well balanced it was. Hildraxel help him up on Pixietrampler and they both were carried out of the pit to join the fray.

The battle was vicious but short fought. The remaining demon priests were promptly slain, but several knights were also felled in battle. Thankfully none of the commanders or champions were seriously hurt, a testament to the dedication and determination of their bodyguards.

Afterwards Fetch was proclaimed the new (Temporary) high priest of Rawk, and the battle plan General Olive had prepared was to be implemented.

Hero hugged Fetch . He could tell she was sorry for not supporting him, but Fetch sought no apology, he was just glad to be alive.

"You've come along way , Fetch." , your parents would be proud said the admiring Champion.

Fetch nodded, and though about what she said. Shes right...I have come along way. and my parents WOULD be proud! He thought confidently.

The champions and Generals all gathered and spoke to Fetch. Some congratulated him, some gave veiled threats to him if his plan failed. One man was in a drunken stupor and missed all the actions. He asked fetch to go retrieve his horse. When Fleur of the narwhal came to wish him well, she told him that the narwhal expects great things from him. Fetch couldn't help but notice she gave a wink and smile to Reinhardt. The well groomed Royal Adventurer smiled back but grew serious and attentive when the Grand champion came to congratulate Fetch .

"The plan is a good one, although I would have been satisfied with the original plan. I like a challenge. It also purges the weak.", Erland said with no hint of humor in his voice." I would have liked to see you in martial combat with Konrad. However my guardian mages have failed me."

Grand Champion Erland then grew furious and turned to his mages , "HOW COULD YOU LET DEMONS DISGUISE THEMSELVES AND COME INTO MY CAMP! THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!"

Reinhardt repeated Erland's demands in a much calmer tone with a smug smile on his face," Indeed...this is ridiculous, whoever thought it would be so simple for evil outsiders to infiltrate this place."