Fetch looked at the documents on his table. There was an offer to head the church of Rawk at Porlock's Port and another for Knights hold. There was a captains position at the citadel of the Golden tusk. There was even an offer for a sheriff position in Leeha. Several lords also invited Fetch to their castles to court their daughters. Lastly there was the offers from the Grommers. A commission in the army, a grant of land, and even a junior royal adventurer position.
"Hey how come you get these "come court my daughter" letters and not me?", asked an annoyed Frank. "Like com'mon...I'm the valiant javelin guy...thats worth a daughter or two don't you think?
Fetch was also awarded a title. As the high priest of Rawk for the battle of the holy host against the demonic horde, he was given the title Warmaster. A honorific rarely given to general priests of war gods. The last Warmaster was named "growing pool of oil"...or ..."impossibly slippery and greased" in the old tongue. It was a strange name, but Fetch thought it meant hard to catch in combat. He would have been happy with a simple Sir Fetch, but the locals now refer to him as Warmaster Fetch.
Fetch sighed, and shoved the papers to the side. "I need a change ...Mammoth Keep is nice and all, but I want to offer a better life for Tyris."
Frank nodded," Are you sure Tyris wants a "better" life? She seems happy here. ".Fetch thought about it and Tyris did indeed seemed happy. She was smiling and singing a lot these days. Even though their shack was crowded, the 2 found privacy in the outdoors. The northern spring was quite romantic. There was only one thing that seemed to weigh heavily on the bard. The 2 young lovers had tried for a baby for some time now with no success. Fetch didn't mind. He'd like to try some more.
After the Great Host dispersed the 4 companions (Fetch, Tyris, Frank and Brita) made their way back to Mammoth keep. It surprised Fetch it took several weeks to get there but only 3 days to return. The mists must really be gone. During that time, Tyris and Brita became close friends. Fetch was nervous at first at how close they became. He feared his secret with Brita would be exposed, but apparently she still kept it a secret. Fetch wondered if she even remembered it. Apparently it was about 1 year in Fetch's time since they met , but 25 years for Brita. Frank told them it was like 5 years since the taer for him. Brita said she had some unfinished business in Mammoth Keep. She wanted to stay at an inn, but Tyris insisted she stay with them in the shack. Frank was banned from the local inns. So they reluctantly let him stay too.
"Im heading south ...to the Eagle Claw Barony. To visit my... relatives.", stammered Brita one day." My duties as a mother has been neglected the last few years, while I was joining the great crusade. "
"Mother?", questioned Frank..."I didn't think you were married...you don't seem like the wifey type. No offense. You seemed more suited in a library or a battle field. You're either in super quiet mode ..or ...super kill mode.", He playfully taunted.
"I'm not married,", she stammered looking downwards...she paused thinking...," it was a chance encounter with a handsome knight...he died soon afterwards.",her face turning red.
Frank started to say something, most likely something embarrassing but Tyris threw a wooden bowl at him to silence him." Poor girl...you raised the child by yourself?", she asked with genuine concern. Fetch's curiosity was also aroused, as he gathered to listen to her story.
Brita ..looked around...she regretted every bringing up this subject," I knew I was with child but I couldn't raise it by myself. So I left the north leaving my father. My adoptive parents left the north long ago, we keep sparse contact but I knew they settled with the Star Elves at the Eagle Claw barony. My reception was less then warm...", she said with down cast eyes. Tyris sat next to her and put her arms around her shoulder...
"I burdened my adoptive parents before, and my coming burdened them further. I had some funds, but I am but a humble wandering knight. I did some mercenary work in the area to get by, but I spent most of my time helping to raise my wonderful children. Ah did I mention I had twins, a beautiful boy and girl.", her expression brightening.
"It wasn't easy, but I was happy and content.", she continued with a smile. Fetch noticed that her words brought a tear to Tyris's eyes. He wondered if they couldn't have a child, if they could adopt one from an orphanage. It was something to explore later. " I stayed with them till they reach their 20th year. It wasn't an easy 2 decades but I treasure them. Syr was a clever girl, her magic was not from her blood like mine but from skill and practice . Agnar was athletic and strong, he had a knights physique and attitude. ", she said with pride. "The crusade against the demons was called and because of my knightly vows I had to answer. If we would have failed, the world would not be safe for my children. So I left my precious dears ,...", her voice once again trailed..."they weren't happy about it, but I vowed to return. "...that was 5 years ago, for me. I'm not sure how long its been for them...but its time I return."
"Your children will be proud of their mother.", comforted Tyris. " and with your share of the horde, you should be able to provide a better life for them."
Brita just nodded. Fetch looked at her and knew she thought otherwise, she seemed to have a sorrowful ashamed look.
Brita left a few days later, after her errands were completed. She resigned her active knighthood with the lion, but kept an errant title. The prestige she had given to her order, made it easy for her requests. She also liquidated the bulkier pieces of her share of the horde for easier to carry gems and coins. With a tearful farewell, she bid the 3 remaining companions good bye.
Frank finally rented his own shack. The 3 way accommodations was getting uncomfortable. He took Bartog's job , but was fired by Janya after 2 weeks for dereliction of his duties. He went back to clearing and exploring the basement of Mammoth keep. Fetch and Tyris turned down his offer to join him, but he managed to get some rookies to accompany him. Their first foray was apparently successful , barring a few casualties , but he quit soon afterwards. He said it wasn't just the same. So he bid farewell as well and went north back to his Order. His family apparently were involved in the shipping business, and he was going to rejoin them.
Fetch and Tyris were at last alone. Between them, they had more wealth then anyone in the keep, including lady Janya. Their days were spent either busking or working at the inn, their evenings were spent in each others embrace. All was well in Fetch's world. A warm house, a full stomach and a loving woman. Well not quite a full stomach, neither of them were good cooks, but 2 out 3 wasn't bad.
6 months had passed since Frank and Brita left. Fetch and Tyris were still a happy couple . They were still frustrated by lack of a child, but their bond together remained stronger then ever. Fetch wanted to discuss the idea of adoption with Tyris, but he found it hard to do. It seemed like admitting defeat. Fetch thought they were still both young, they will eventually have a child. He felt healthy, ate well at the inn, and was strong. Tyris was even more athletic and healthy. It would just be a matter of time he thought.
Fetch's train of thought was interrupted , when 6 tall men in white cloaks entered the inn he worked at. There appearance was not uncommon, the north was a magnet for adventurer types, and they tended to dress "strange". The lead stranger looked around the near empty inn. Only Fetch , a serving girl, a non descript prospector and and an old hunter were in the inn. He walked twards the old hunter silently drinking his mid day ale. They exchanged some words then the old man pointed at Fetch.
"Greettinnggs, northman, ", the stranger said in a strange hissing accent," We seeeek the one , they call the Dancer of the Dragons fire..or Dancer of the Dragon's flame."
Fetch heard a lot of strange titles before, but not that one. "Hmm...Dragon dancer? Never heard of him. Can you be more descriptive...maybe he has a first name or some other title."
The lead stranger talked in an unusual tongue to his fellow. Fetch recognized some words in the language , it was one of the mythical jungle tongues. Hunter told him of a far away land where the plants grew a foot a day. Rain fell all the time , and the entire area was a mass of vegetation crawling with animal life. Fetch thought he was pulling his leg, but Cook told him of the jungle and even taught him some simple phrases from the "Jungle " land. One of the languages was Yawn Tie.
"Greetings! ", Fetch tried to say in Yawn Tie. The strangers all stopped and looked at him . He noticed they had yellow eyes like Tyris, but different. Hers were like a cat sometimes, fierce and piercing when she wanted. These were like a fish's or an ice lizards or a snakes . Fetch thought they must be sick with scurvy or something. A common ailment when traveling long distances.
The leader said something back ..Fetch couldn't make out what he said, they were speaking too fast, all he could understand was .."brotherhood!" . Fetch knew making a rapport with customers meant better business, he replied " Friend ! Brotherhood! speak slower " in the words of the Yawn Tie.
The leader relaxed a bit and spoke slower to Fetch , Fetch could only understand bits and pieces of what was said., "Watch... friend to the great Sertrous . Surprise me, brotherhood blood pure blood around world. Wait to stand up . ", he said in a low voice. Fetch had no clue what they were saying but just smiled and nodded. "The Dancer of the Dragons flame , hiding mouse, stories tales here. Golden skin, yellow eyes, red hair."
"Tyris ? ", asked Fetch. Fetch thought that maybe they were relatives or friends of Tyris. She had such a mysterious pass, it wouldn't surprise him if they were distant relatives or at least knew her from long ago.
The white clad strangers seemed excited at Fetch's recognition. The leader unfurled a scroll. There was a sketching of a longsword, inscribed with symbols and surrounded by a flaming aura . Fetch recognized it, It was Tyris sword. Although she preferred the rapier, parrying dagger, or throwing blade, Fetch had seen her wield a flaming sword on the rare occasion. He wasn't sure where she stored it . He suspected in a magic bag or something like what Frank has.
Fetch pointed at the blade and nodded with a smile. The strangers started to hiss happily. One of them intoned a simple spell. Fetch could tell it was a simple message spell. He started to intone a message . Fetch wasn't sure what he said since he seemed excited and in a hurry, but he stopped mid message.
His fellows stopped and looked at him, he was pointing at his throat with a dagger imbedded in it...Another dagger flew and embedded into the leaders back, but he didn't fall. He just gave a horrible sounding hisss..
The prospector got up and said in a familiar voice "Are you stupid or something Fetch, get up and fight!"
The remaining strangers threw off their cloak, and Fetch could see they were bald and had small scales on their face. Some type of tiefling Fetch thought. They drew curved swords like the ones used by the steppe warriors , and charged the prospector. The leader grabbed the dagger at his back , and yanked it out. It should have been a mortal wound, but the leader did not seemed fazed.
Fetch was caught unaware, but he recovered quickly. He drew a sword he had under the bar, but wasn't sure what to do. The prospector attacked first, but he seemed to know him.
The old hunter ran from the inn. The barmaid shrieked and try to run past the strangers, but their leader casually cut her down as she ran past him. Fetch knew which side he was on then.
3 of the strangers charged the prospector, but he hopped back with dagger and handaxe in hand. They moved unnaturally, almost flowing on the ground. The front stranger kept the pressure on the prospector while the other 2 surrounded and flanked him. The front stranger lunged forward with his scimitar, but the prospector calmly evaded the blow and stabbed his arm with the dagger with enough force that it was pinned to a bar table . The stranger hissed angrily, but the prospector followed with a quick hand axe to the wrist severing it. His flankers lunged at him, but he spun and directed one of their scimitars into his fellow. It shrieked as his allies blade bit deep into his stomach. The other scimitar slashed the prospector deeply in the arm and he staggered back.
He looked at his wound in surprise then his expression grew dark and serious . He dropped his weapons and with a simple fluid motion drew a long blade and said mystical words. The sword transformed into a nightmarish spinning rod of teeth and darkness.
Meanwhile the leader started to intone a summon spell. Fetch could tell it was a powerful summons, but before he could finish his incantation, Fetch interrupted him with a fierce jab to the shoulder. The leader , choked and looked surprise at his ally attacking him.
Fetch leaped over the bar, but was tackled by the last stranger. The mans grip was strong, but Fetch was a fair wrestler and thought he could break free in no time. The mans mouth stretched and fangs seemed to emerge . He bit the cleric deeply in the arm. Fetch had fought snakes before underneath Mammoth Keep, and thought the bite was similar, it was most likely poisoned too he thought. He rolled on the ground towards the bar, propelling himself with his strong legs. They both hit the bar hard. His opponent was winded , and a quick elbow to the side was enough for him to release Fetch. The cleric scrambled up, but the leader slashed at him with his scimitar. The weapon slashed deeply into his back, Fetch was wracked in pain and knew it was a serious blow.
Fetch scrambled around the bar and ducked away from his attackers, and intoned a prayer of healing. His wounds vanished, but he could still feel the poison in his arm.
The one on the ground got slowly he up, he wasn't injured but he was winded. The leader directed him to charge Fetch which he did. The stranger jumped across the bar, but flew back and landed in front of the leader in a boneless heap. Fetch stood up, brimming with divine might. He stood 12 foot tall, and he had to crouch a bit to avoid hitting the roof. The leader backed up and spat a glob of liquid at Fetch's face. The liquid unerringly splashed the cleric's eyes. He was both surprised by this attack, and in shock at suddenly being blinded. The pain of the poison in his arm and in his eyes was maddening. While disorientated he hit his head heavily on the roof further frustrating him . He ignored the pain and swung the blade at where he last saw the leader. He felt resistance to his blade and a hiss and knew he had hit him . In a rage he kicked the entire bar forward and was awarded with another hiss. He invoked the prayer of Rawk's fist on the kicked over bar. The prayer summoned a giant shimmering hammer of force that smashed all those before of him. He couldn't see clearly but knew whatever he was facing was most likely smashed. He then invoked holy fire ...and felt the heat from the burning bar infront of him. He took a few more swacks with his sword at the broken bar. He wondered if he scared the last 3 strangers away.
"Hey Warmaster Fetch.. I think he gets it. don't fuck with you.", a voice said chuckling. Fetch's vision was blurry, but he managed to stumble out of the burning inn . He walked past the corpses of the remaining strangers, they were cleanly killed with stabs to either the throat or heart, but even with his blurred vision he could tell their faces were filled with fear when they died . His mind cleared a bit and he offered a prayer of antidote to remove the poison from his body. He saw the prospector standing with the barmaid in his arms. It was that Earl guy he met briefly on the plateau and at the Grommish command tent. Fetch got to a know a little of Reinhardt, Olive and even Amirah but this guy was an enigma.
"She could probably use some healing as well ,", he said in an uninterested tone. Fetch nodded and invoked a powerful healing prayer on her. She stirred and gave her rescuer thanks. Earl took her and gave her a deep kiss, then slapped her butt and told her to get help. She nodded and ran to the militia.
"We should go, you should shrink too.", Earl said calmly.
Fetch wanted to take Earl back to his shack, but he shook his head. "Someplace more neutral.", he was told.
Fetch wasn't sure where he meant so he went to the trading grounds. The area where caravans unloaded and resupplied. It wasn't Earls first choice but it was sufficient. He found a table with a few guards at it. "The Warmaster wants this table.. NOW!", he said pointing to the bloodied Fetch. They bowed and scrambled away.
"SO...where did you learn to speak Yuan ti...oh never mind probably from your tutors at the plateau . More importantly what did you tell them and what did they tell you?", asked Earl.
Fetch didn't expect him to be so direct. He knew the stranger seemed flippant but was pretty serious when there was trouble. He reflected back on the battle, and knew he would have probably been slain if it weren't for Earl. He barely killed 2 of them, while this man killed 4 . Lack of gear wasn't an excuse. Since both appeared to be wearing simple clothes.
Fetch told him, what he could remember. Earl shook his head. "Normally I don't get involved, but I like you Fetch. ", he said with a wink." I'm not exactly sure what is going on , but I do know it involves dead gods, the heart of an immortal, and a whole can of snake men."
"Those were snake men? They didn't look long and slithery..just a few scales and teeth. Tieflings look more snakey then that. ", said Fetch unimpressed.
"Those were the purebloods. The yuan ti have had a long and successful...breeding program...", he said with a shudder. " Trust me there a lot more "snakey" looking ones in their cities and lairs."
"I'll get to the point. Snake men want to revive their dead god. To do that they need the heart of a demi god. Last I checked that's not an easy thing to do. However...one who has taken the path of immortalitly , their blood will do as well. This Dancer of the Dragons Flame, I assume they think that's your woman?", asked Earl
Fetch slowly nodded and realized the mistake he had made. He told them , one sent word, they would be back.
Earl read his young companions face, "Calm down, no need to go crazy yet. Sure you opened your big mouth, but its not like they wouldn't have found out eventually and besides Red hair, yellow eyes , golden skin...that's not common, but not an impossible combination. Its probably just a coincidence, they will do some divination to confirm it, then look elsewhere." He unfurled the scroll the lead snakeman had. "Now this...this is what they are after. Whoever has this, is the one in trouble."
Fetch stared at the sword again..it was unmistakable..He's only seen that blade 2 or 3 times. And only really examined it once, but the markings were the same, and the aura of fire around it was a dead give away.
Earl looked at Fetch's face ...a thin smile crept to his face,"You recognize this blade...you've been sleeping with the dragon fire dancer! Haha ...Not much catches me off guard...but you're always full of surprises my boy." , he said with a mock punch to the arm.
"What does that even mean? Are they after her?", he said worried again.
Earl looked around, grumbling they weren't at an inn. He spied a woman laborer , she wasn't beautiful but was certainly easy on the eyes. "Warmaster Fetch requires some drinks, honey. Hurry up or he'll destroy this caravan like he did the inn. " , he pointed to the burning inn in the distance. The girl was both entranced with the smooth talking stranger and fearful at the Warmaster, and left to get them beverages. She returned promptly , with the caravan master behind her. She whispered something to her, and they both gave large fearful smiles as they produced a bottle of spirts and some glasses for their "guests". Earl gave her a pinch as she was leaving and winked at her. He mouthed the words" I'll meet you later" , as she turned red and hurried off.
Fetch was in a panic and growing annoyed at Earl , he should be warning Tyris, but Earl motioned for him to sit and poured drinks for both of them. " Don't worry ...even if they did get a message, it will be weeks before another group comes. The mists are gone, but magic is not as reliable as you think, especially up here. Anyways , one of my duties in Grom is internal security. I "take care "of dissidents and rebels before they can really start trouble . I caught wind of a strange religious cult operating in the shadows of several cities. After some infiltrating and interrogation (he said with a smile) I found out it was one of those doomsday cults. You know end of the world , blah blah blah. We get enough of those. Anyways I would have just ordered their elimination, but they seemed fairly wealthy , so after a few raids into temples and ruins I found out that they were very serious. I don't speak yuan ti, but I found out they require the heart or blood of an immortal to conduct a ritual to revive their dead god. Now that's nearly impossible itself but I did some more interrogating and they think a being on the path of immortality would suffice as well . "
Earl paused letting Fetch soak it all in ," The path to immortality is not easy, or everyone would be gods. I think in the last 1000 years many have tried and all failed or at least haven't succeeded yet. It takes someone with incredible skill , luck, and power to even attempt this path. Someone like that Sir Hildraxel guy...or even moi ", he joked with a chuckle ," Most attempting this path are killed or driven insane . Not only is it dangerous but many...many people would love to see you fail. Including real immortals. The blue mage was said to be on the path of the paragon and was nearly complete when she was struck down. I heard tales that Sir Kalidor took a similar path, but the strain was too great and he left it. I guess immortality takes a heavy toll on your soul."
"Anyways there are 4 paths, the empire building dynast, the multi talented polymath , the world changing paragon, and the epic hero... I won't get into details but the epic hero is a person who has done incredible deeds, but to follow this path you need a catalyst ,an artifact of great power. ", he pointed to the scroll again." If your wife , she is your wife right? If she is indeed the dancer of the dragon flame, then she must have this blade. I'm guessing she must have failed , stalled or given up her path. That would explain why shes slumming it here.", Fetch thought he was going to say" with you", but he didn't have to.
"Soo...between you and me, I don't actually believe they can revive a god, but they do, and they are a very subversive influence. Cult killings, political manipulations, evil curses ...that type of nasty stuff., bad for the real bandits of the land. I was following this group in hopes to find their head quarters . They came here, they seemed excited and started casting spells. I wasn't sure if they were trying to communicate an important find, attempting a dangerous travel spell, or gonna kill you. I would have probably just waited, but your a friend , so I decided to cash in my chips there, and kill them and try to interrogate their leader...but you made quite the mess of him back there, so that's out of the question.", finished Earl.
"I have to warn Tyris! They will be back.", said Fetch.
Earls eyes met with Fetch's, and he could feel the assassins tone change and grow serious "Before you do, consider this ...if she is indeed the so call "dancer of the dragon flame", then she most likely abandoned her path of immortality. If you bring it up, ...lets say things might change. Its my belief people should be happy with their lives, and make the most of it, you witnessed first hand what happens when immortals fool around. There's already too many gods. "
Fetch considered his words, and things became clear to him. It was impossible to believe, but Tyris had in the past demonstrated skill beyond "mortals", and she always seemed to be suppressing her past . Fetch knew it wasn't a perfect suppression, hes seen her lose control , and a darker, more powerful ,more violent ,more cruel Tyris took control. It frightened him that his normally kind hearted girl, could change into something dark and sinister.
Earl let Fetch think it over...then interrupted his thoughts, "You will have to leave, make up some plausible excuse. Don't try to hide in wilderness areas, that's where they can bring their full strength. Pick someplace north of Vestland, they don't like the cold . They are everywhere it seems, but some climates more then others. They can only use the weaker purebloods in civilized areas and they aren't that hard to spot. With the hissing and small scales and all that. I'm not sure how much that mage told his masters before I killed him, but you might want to keep a low profile. I can help with that. Ill assume your identity , lead a false trail then vanish. It will take awhile for them to sort out the clues ."
"Think this over for a bit. To tell you the truth I don't think its probable that the yuan ti will be resurrecting their god anytime. This immortal heart business is just another pile of snake man crap. I highly doubt your girl is some near immortal that has given up her quest either. However...I do know there is a cult of snake men and they will be searching and hunting what they believe is the "dancer of the dragon flame". So whatever you decide to believe, just remember in a few weeks, another group of snakemen ..possibly bigger and better prepared will be arriving looking for her. ", said Earl calmly drinking his ale.
Fetch considered his words and was shocked at what must be done. In the past , if he had an enemy before him he would kill them. He barely survived 6 and he had lots of help . what if they send 12 next time and Earl wasn't there. What if he somehow killed those too, they would most likely send another group. More importantly , he worried about Tyris. What was she? A woman ? A god? something in between. Was the woman he fell in love with the real Tyris or a dim shadow of a darker power hungry demigod. Where was he going to run to? Halfling land he would stick out, one of the free cities hes heard about on the coast? Grom?
"Groms not a bad idea .", answered Earl as Fetch realized he was vocalizing his thoughts , " You have friends and allies there don't you? and its quite a busy area, easy to get lost in. Change your names, take that army commission Olive offered you, or maybe settle down in Lower Lueders with the estate Reinhardt granted you. You'll fit right in, till this blows over. You don't have to run and hide forever, just till I expose their "nest". Or you could stay here, these snake men aren't the most organized people in the world. They might attempt another attack or might give up. Random violence is a pretty regular occurrence up here, "IF", your girl is this dancing flame woman they might decide to find another source for a divine heart and blood. Or they might decide she isn't the real deal. "
Earl poured Fetch another drink. Fetch took it and swigged it down. He wondered if Earl had an angle here, he didn't seem the type to do favors for people . Maybe he wanted Tyris's blood and heart for himself. He stared at his drinking companion, and was ashamed of his thoughts. If he wanted Tyris, he could have killed him while he was still blinded at the bar. Or poison his drink and kill him here. Then make an attempt on Tyris at his leisure. He thought of Grom. Ymir and Clovis were there. Its been almost 2 years since he last saw them, but he figured at least 30 for them. Maybe more. He had been given lands and a commission there. He thought of their wondrous flying ships and golems.
Maybe this is what I need , a new start. His thoughts drifted to the tales he heard of Grom. Of great cities and magic. An ancient empire built by a demon king , but now a collection of loosely allied city states. Where knights were a rarity. Where merit and skill determined ones worth not hereditary and titles . Where anyone with sufficient money could vote, not just electors. The thought of a grand adventure also stirred his heart. Smacking that snakeman was the most exciting thing he done in half a year. He yearned for more.
"I'll do it! Ill convince Tyris to goto Grom!", he said snapping out of his thoughts.
Across the table, he saw a very close mirror image of himself. He could tell it wasn't him, but had to take a double take to confirm. On his lap was the caravan labourer that got them drinks earlier, she was giggling at his twins attentions . His double was adjusting a red wig on her head.
"Too red? I don't think they will notice.", said his double in Earls voice.
"Fetch...meet the new Tyris and Fetch.", said his double now with Fetch's voice.