"So ..let me get this straight...you're named for your ability to gather water?", asked a puzzled Arnborg.
Fetch rolled his eyes,"Yes..." he said in resignation.
"Well it could be worse , imagine if you were really good at cleaning toilets or something. Warmaster ShitScrubber...hero of the north! ", chuckled Frank.
The 3 were at the Wooden Horn tavern, relaxing after a day of heavy work. Fetch tried to book passage for a ship, but was told that they were all booked. Even the cargo ships had all their berths taken. The harbormaster told them he will ask incoming ships to reserve a spot for the companions if they were headed to Grom. So in the meantime, the 3 decided to return the hospitality shown to them by their hosts. Tyris and Rydia spent their time exchanging songs and shopping from the plethora of new merchants invading Narwhal hold. The new peace had really opened up trade, and it brought a wealth of new goods previously unavailable . Although Tyris was not much of a performance artist or an orator, her taste in art and style was impeccable. The two women spent the days happily shopping while awaiting for the next boat. Fetch offered to attempt to heal Arnborg's eyes, but he shook his head. His injury was beyond the ability of simple magics to cure. Fetch would have liked to try anyways, but the man declined his offer. Instead Fetch and Frank helped Arnborg with constructing a porch for the villa . Even though it seemed impossible for Frank to hold down a steady job, he was a remarkably hard and skilled worker. Fetch wasn't a craftsman , but he knew a wide range of useful construction skills. Despite his enhanced senses, Arnborg was still blind and made a terrible carpenter and designer. After the porch was completed their host took the 2 to his favorite tavern .
The Wooden horn was amongst the fancier taverns that Fetch had visited. It was recently opened to appeal to the influx of merchants and wealthy knights . The floors and tables were clean, and the drinks were surprisingly good and varied. Fetch chuckled as he saw a patron order a bottle of Thyatian brandy that he bottled 3 years ago. Had it been that long since he left the plateau. So much had changed.
After several rounds Arnborg told the pair he must hurry to attend his beautiful wife, but they were welcome to stay, he had a standing tab with the Tavern. Fetch wanted to return to Tyris but Frank elbowed him to stay for a bit more. Never turn down free drinks, was one of Franks mottos. Arnborg waved goodbye and fumbled out of the tavern.
"Think a blind drunk man will make it home?", asked Fetch.
"I'm giving him a 50 % chance to make it back before us.", smiled Frank as he ordered another round.
After a few more rounds of the taverns best.
"So Fetch, are you and Tyris ...umm officially married. I know you've been together awhile..Like 2 years? Don't you think you should make that commitment. She only has eyes for you, and as far as I can tell you feel the same.", asked Frank . Fetch was surprised his normally raw and vulgar friend made such a thoughtful insight.
Fetch considered his statement, and then thought of things like fallen immortals, flaming artifact swords, snakemen assassins. "Not now...maybe when we settle down."
"You were settled for 2 years, what are you waiting for , till she runs away ...", Frank mumbled quietly, but still audible enough for Fetch to hear.
Fetch was about to answer , when Frank kicked him sharply. Fetch yelped but saw Frank was pointing with his mug to the Taverns entrance. A drunken knight wearing golden ornate field plate was stumbling out the bar. Behind him were 5 dark cloaked men. 2 had incredibly large crossbows on their backs. Fetch and Frank were sitting by the window, and saw the knight stumble down the quiet streets with the 5 men trailing him.
"5 on 1 doesn't seem like fair odds", smiled Frank.
"I think all this porch building is tiring, I think I need to stretch a bit.", nodded Fetch in return.
Frank was wearing a light chain shirt, but he drew a sword and a shield from his pack.
Fetch wasn't wearing any armor at all, but he learned long ago to always carry a weapon. Recently Fetch was favoring the warhammer, but he carried a sword around town and while traveling because they were lighter and easier to conceal. Frank threw Fetch a pair of Bronze bracers, " Put them on " , he said.
Fetch knew the bracers were normally used by mages for protection. They weren't as good as heavy armor, but was better then nothing. As he put them on , he was surprised how light and protected he felt. He should invest in some later , thought the cleric.
The pair followed the 5 dark cloaked men. Who in turn was following the knight. The knight turned into an alley, and the 5 swiftly followed him. Frank and Fetch quickened their pace , but were greeted with a cry of pain. Then a fiery explosion!.
The pair stopped and looked at each other. They were expecting to beat up some thugs, but they can hear the sounds of fierce combat from the alley. A dark cloaked man, staggered out with a golden sword in his gut and collapsed in front of them. The 2 hurried and rounded into the alley.
In front of them, the knight was on his knees. A massive crossbow bolt skewered his leg, it was attached by a long chain leading to a cloaked man wearing heavy leather armor with a crossbow who was securing the chain to a post. In the corner was the other crossbowman, he was slumped to the ground, his neck at an unnatural and sickening angle. Behind the knight were 2 of the cloaked men also wearing heavy leather. One was wielding a club the other a pair of long daggers . They seemed to be attacking the knights armored back. In front of him there appeared to be a wizard of some sort. Fetch thought he was a mage since he was wearing no obvious armor or wielding any weapons like his fellows . He kicked the prone drunken knight in the face. All around the alley fires engulfed trash and empty merchant stalls. The cloaked men and the knights seem unaffected however.
The knight fumbled for a dagger at his boot, but the man with the club brought it crashing down on his hand, causing him to drop it. The mage noticed the pair first, he waved his hands and arcs of energy erupted from them striking Fetch and Frank. "Interlopers, kill them too!"Fetch took 2 bolts to the chest, they felt like knife wounds. Frank was struck in the arm and face. Blood erupted where they struck, but he just smiled .
At this point Fetch mumbled a prayer of resistance on Frank and himself to ward them from attacks . Frank leaped forward at the man with the daggers, catching him by surprise. He performed a simple but deep slash at the mans chest. The force of Frank's blow caused his foe to drop his weapons as he staggered back. Fetch noticed that he was using a different sword then the holy one he one he had in the last demon war. This one definitely looked exotic, with the head of snarling animal on its hilt, but it didn't do anything that would make one think of magic.
Fetch charged the crossbowman. He gave a wide over handed swing at him . He normally disliked such dramatic attacks, they were potentiality devastating but left him open for a counter attack. However this man was using a crossbow that was obviously not loaded. The man cooly jumped back, hit a switch on his crossbow and a fierce bayonet sprung out. He jabbed it towards Fetch's gut, piercing his side. The cleric gasped in surprise and pain , only the magic of Frank's bracer deflected it enough from being a lethal strike.
Frank saw his friend was in trouble. He finished off the stumbling man with the daggers with a quick strike to the heart. He was disarmed and dispatched before he even hit the ground. The man with the club swung at Frank as the crab knight sprinted to the crossbowman , but his shield caught the brunt of the blow. Fetch fell back to the basics, since his fancy move failed miserably. He engaged his enemy with his side turned to him, to prevent the smallest target. He lunged forward with his blade catching the man in the shoulder , he tried to block with the crossbow but was too slow. The crossbow with the bayonet was a useful last ditch weapon, but was cumbersome to use. He gasped in pain , fumbling and almost dropping his makeshift weapon. Frank was already on him, he smashed his shield into the mans face, and followed with a deep stab into his gut. He twisted his sword as he brought it out. The crossbowman gurgled as he fell lifelessly to the ground. Frank was in a dangerous mood, thought Fetch.
The mage let loose a bolt of lightning. Fetch dived to the side, but Frank caught the full blast. He managed to raise his enchanted shield to block some of the energy, but it seemed to just flow around it. The blast lifted Frank off the ground, and sent him flying 30 feet out of the alley. The man with the club, smashed the knight once more in the back of the head, bring him crashing into the ground once again. Then he charged Fetch who was still recovering from the dive he took.
Fetch saw the onrushing man and quickly intoned one of his favorite combat prayers. A ring of deadly blades sprang around him. The man tried to halt his charge, but blades sliced deeply into his flesh. He seemed more stunned then hurt, but the shock of suddenly being engulfed in blades caused him to temporarily retreat.
The mage laughed and casted a spell towards Fetch. The cleric could feel his blades being disrupted. He concentrated on maintaining them. For a second , their eyes met , both casters trying to dominate the other with their wills. Fetch felt the enemy slowly gain the upper hand, but a blade burst out of his stomach. Frank still smouldering from the lightning stood behind him. "Nice shot, but next time make sure you finish the job ." He said to the dying mage. He withdrew the sword and made a quick slash to the mages neck. He tried to sever it with a single blow, but just ended up giving a lethal slash across the back of the neck. The mage fell in a sobbing and screaming heap.
Fetch readied his weapon as the man with the club was caught between the ring of blades and the deadly swordsman. Frank lunged carelessly at the man, even Fetch could see the wide opening he left for the last attacker. The man took advantage of his opening and smashed Franks side. Frank tried to return a slash at the last moment, but his blow was too slow and clumsy. He grunted heavily as he fell into the flaming trash.
"What the hell was that? ",yelled Fetch.
"Ouch...I was trying out one of Hildraxel's moves...guess I need more practice.", smiled a beaten Frank.
The club man ran from the alley, but a golden mailed fist connected to the side of his head as he ran. The man fell wordlessly onto the ground.
The knight stared at his 2 rescuers and bowed. He try to compose himself, but Fetch could tell he was very drunk. "Thank you kind sirs, Sir Barrick of the knights of the Dragon at your service."
Fetch never heard of the knights of the dragon before. An order with a name like that would be easy to remember. Are they called that because they ride dragons? Or maybe they killed one. Fetch cancelled his blades, and helped Frank slowly up. A quick healing aura, and Frank seemed ready for more action.
"I am Fetch and this is my friend Sir Frank. Who were those guys? " Asked Fetch as he approached the knight to tend to his wounds. " The heavy crossbow bolt with the chain was still attached to his leg. His leg was bleeding profusely but his wounds didn't seem to slow the drunken knight.
The knight knelt next to a slain attacker and brought up a medallion of a griffon. He waved Fetch closer, but stopped as he approached. He seemed to smell the air, and the expression on his face darkened. He sprang up at Fetch, his eyes suddenly maddened and tackled him to the ground.
Fetch hit his head hard on the ground, and it stunned him briefly. The next thing he knew, the knight had wrapped his hands around his neck and was choking him while slamming his head into the ground. "Where is she! Damn it answer me!", he yelled as he was battering his rescuer.
Frank was surprised at the turn of events but ran and grabbed the chain connected to the bolt imbedded in the mans leg. He gave it a hard yank, and then man screamed as he was dragged back.
"Settle down fella, we don't want to harm you, but do that again and Ill tear your leg apart," , dictated Frank while holding the chain. The man stared at the bolt and chain, he intoned a spell and a spray of acid washed against his leg and the metal bolt. The bolt and chain burned off, but his leg and armor seemed untouched.
"Nice trick!", cheered Frank as he dropped the limp chain and readied his sword once again.
Fetch was slowly recovering and rolled over to try to get up. He noticed the knight charge Frank with his shoulder . Frank braced for the blow, but the knights impact sent him flying into the wall. He crashed painfully into the wall, and thrashed around as he slumped down. The knight grabbed a club from one of his fallen attackers and lept at the downed Frank. Frank managed to bring his shield up in time, but the blow of the club broke the weapon and the shield . Franks shield arm fell to his side , obviously broken.
Fetch had had enough, he shouted a word of command at the knight to kneel. The knights will power was strong, but Fetch's was stronger. The knight dropped and knelt on the ground. Fetch knew it wouldn't last long. He stabbed his sword deep into the knights back, his armor was incredibly thick though. It was more like a kick then a sword wound. The knight in return grabbed Fetch's leg and crushed it with his incredible might. Fetch was surprised at how strong the knights grip was. It was like fighting the giant taer again. He slashed again at the knights back. His sword struck his armor, but by chance slid towards his armpit, finally breaching the armor and drawing blood. The knight ignored the wound and roared "Die !" as he increased the pressure on the ankle. Fetch felt his ankle give, he was shocked he had the strength to crush his ankle with just a grip from one hand. He fell painfully to the ground but landed in front of the knights face. The cleric had few options so he readied to stab the maddened adrenaline crazed knight in the face with his sword.
"BARRICK STOP!", shouted a commanding woman's voice. The loud yell stayed Fetch's hand, as he hoped for a peaceful resolution to this seemingly pointless battle.
The knight shouted ,"NEVER ! For my sister!", he continued his grip on the already broken ankle. Before Fetch could stab Barrick's face. A barbaric looking man pounced on Barrick's back, and placed a scimitar underneath his neck.
"Easy now son , let it go...let it go.", said the barbarian.
The knight stared at the blade, then at fetch, then the barbarian. Then he released his grip.
"My sister...my sister ... he has my sister", the knight babbled with sobs.
Fetch used prayers of mending on Franks arms and his ankle, but they still felt sore and felt weak. A tall woman, walked imperiously into the alley carrying a long spear and full shield. She was wearing an ornate helmet of a sea turtle, and had green grey armor which was even more ornate then the knights. The armor was not only impressive but very form fitting showing off her lean warrior physique. Behind her was what appeared to be a woman dwarf . She had elaborately long braided hair, and was wearing black armor like that of the hearth guard. Fetch wondered if they were a band of traveling nobles or something.
"You better have a good explanation for this Barrick!", she said coldly as she surveyed the dead in the alley. Several militia came running, but the dwarf silently waved them away. She apparently had a great deal of pull with the local guard.
Barrick just continued to weep and babble...he pointed at Fetch "He has my sister. I can smell it."
The lady stared at Fetch and Frank who were both crouched and had weapons at the ready. They looked like ruffians at this point, who were tumbling in flaming trash. She seemed to smell the air, then her eyes narrowed and focused on Fetch. Then she did something Fetch didn't expect.
She knelt in front of Fetch , her spear lowered and shield at her side. " I apologize for my friend's drunken behavior and his unwarranted attack Warmaster. His accusations bring shame to his honor and the honor of his companions. Please accept my apology.", she said in a voice that was noble and sincere.
"Errr...its all cool.", said Fetch not sure what was going on.
The barbarian appeared to be sniffing the air hastily , then sniffed the bodies and even sniffed Frank and Fetch. The 2 beaten friends were wary of the odd barbarian. He turned to Alina and shook his head.
She got up, "My friends and I are members of the order of the dragon. We are a small group of crusading knights. Our comrade Sir Barrick here is normally a noble knight, but it seems hes unable to hold his drink. He's been overcome with grief recently, for he lost his sister in the mists. A common story I'm sure you heard it before. After the mists retreated, he had hoped to find her, but has been unsuccessful the last few months. He hasn't come to grip with the fact she might be lost, and has taken solace in the bottle.", she said ashamed .
"I am Lady Alina, of the House of the Turtle. We've met before but only on the battlefield. ", she saluted with her spear. Fetch suddenly remembered her, she was the knight cut off from the front line. She was bravely fighting the hordes of demons and gnolls but would have been slain if he hadnt placed a blade barrier to give her time to escape. He nodded in acknowledgement.
"This is Sir Guy of the Iron Glacier, and Airelles of Kalidon. We apologize for any trouble we have caused. ", Alina continued.
"Umm this is Frank.", was all Fetch could think of in reply.
"He has my sister...", Barrick continued to sob.
"Silence !", Alina cut him off..,"get a hold of yourself, you are making a mockery of the noble ideals you are suppose to represent. Public drunkenness , Back alley brawls, baseless accusations. You even accuse the Warmaster of the Great war with kidnapping! Sir Guy , get him out of my sight!"
Frank whispered to Fetch, "Well I've done 3 of the 4 at one time or another."
"I would love to continue this conversation in more civilized circumstances , but my companion needs attending to. I bid thee farewell.", said Alina once again bowing. Sir Guy didn't say much , he just casually hefted Barrick on his shoulder and stalked off. Airelles , used a similar twin war axe style like Ymir did, but she looked like a hardened noble warrior not a dwarven princess. She nodded at the pair and stalked silently away. Barrick was silent now, he was either asleep or passed out. The 4 left the alley leaving Fetch and Frank with the dead cloaked assassins.
Frank looked at around making sure no one was in earshot. He walked to Fetch and gave him a punch to the arm. "You've been kidnapping noblewomen and taking advantage of them behind my back! I thought we were friends! You could've have let me in on that action."
Tyris was hysterical when they returned. She's seen Fetch and Frank in bar fights before , but this was completely different. Even after his healing the pair looked fairly roughed up. Fetch gave a shrug, and Frank assured her, that the other guy got the worst of it. The knight told her that the other guy started it. They were just trying to do a good deed, but were a victim of mistaken identity. She doubted their motives , but was thankful they made it back.
The next day, Fetch managed to book passage for the 3 companions on a galley. The price was exorbitant and they had to share room in the hold with 20 other people. Fetch would have preferred an actual room for Tyris, but she smiled and said it would be fine. Fetch offered to pay for Franks passage, but the proud warrior would have none of that. He still had a few gems left from his share of the spoils from the Demon war. Frank took out his money bag, and bartered and haggled with the captain till the price of 1 sapphire was settled on. Frank didn't have much but he still had his pride. The boat would be leaving the next morning so the friends and their hosts enjoyed 1 final dinner together.
Arnborg and Rydia , seemed made for each other . The blind warrior and his wife with the skin and hair condition. (She also refused treatment from Fetch). Fetch hoped one day Tyris and himself could be such a model couple. Tyris as a final farewell gift, gave the couple Molly the drake. They never bothered looking for a buyer in town. The beast had grown quite accustomed to Tyris . Fetch could tell , Arnborg was leary of accepting a drake as a gift. It was definitely prestigious to own one, but the up keep , handling and training made them unwise to maintain during times of peace. It was still a gracious gift , and Rydia and accepted it gladly.
The next day , the 3 set off on their ship the Northern Gambler. It was an old livestock ship, instead of cramming cattle it was cramming people in the hold. Everyone on board seemed unhappy with the accommodations but such was the price to pay to leave the north on boat. The other method was a dangerous trek through the wastes. Even with the gnoll army broken, and the mists gone, it held many other dangers. Frost giants, Taer, polar worms, squirrels.
As the Narwhal hold drifted off in the distance, the 3 companions looked at the home growing smaller and smaller in the distance. Frank had a smirk. He traveled the various before but never far south as Grom. He was eager to see what wonders and pleasures awaited him. Fetch had a worried look . He worried about the snakemen, of not meeting Olives expectations, of finding the estate granted to him was a shack worse then the one he left. He worried that Earl had led him by the nose and deceived him, he worried about Earl playing it straight with him and everything was true. He worried about sea monsters and viking raiders. He worried about all the myths he had heard about Grom. The land of dragons. The empire of the demon king. The tax collectors haven. For a moment he felt like jumping off the boat but swimming back. He turned to Tyris and saw she had a smile on her face . She was deeply optimistic about starting fresh in the southern lands. Looking at her, made Fetch feel everything was going to be alright.
"Forwards and onwards! ", said Fetch with a sudden smile.