"So, you realize. That you can't give a field promotion to someone in the field to a position above your rank.", Olive said calmly while being served tea. The general appeared to be a young girl approximately 10 years old , dressed in an elaborate Grommish military uniform. A small fiendish pixie creature was pouring the beverage to her, at an elaborately set table. Plates of cookies, tarts, and cake were being served by this creature to Olive and her guests.
A tall thin young officer was sitting uncomfortable next to Olive on a chair that was obviously too small for him. On his right was a large knight , who seemed more uncomfortable but was masking his discomfort by greedily devouring the various snacks laid out before him. Next to him, was a fiendish winged muscular scaled humanoid. The creature had intense burning eyes and wisps of smoke would drift from his nose. It would look truly frightening if it wasn't smaller then the diminutive Olive. Finally sitting between it and Olive, was an Aristocratic dwarven maid. She was smartly dressed in a fashionable but utilitarian blue dress. Her hair was done up in perfect light brown curls.
"I know that, but I thought for our plan to work, Frank would have to be of a sufficiently high enough rank.", said Fetch . He looked at his companions for back up, but they seemed preoccupied. Frank was trying out the various deserts , jams and drinks. Ymir was bored and seemed be focusing on something through the window outside. Her arms and legs were swinging lazily as she stared off in the distance. Baalphzon was sneering menacingly at Olive's fiendish attendant. Every so often he would say something softly in infernal to unnerve the butler. Fetch could understand a fair bit of the infernal tongue , but the imp spoke too quietly for him to make it out.
"Oh, "our plan", is it now. Who helped you devise it?", asked Olive slowly stirring her tea. She had a small sip , and indicated to her servant Kube to bring her some sugar.
The dark red imp stirred, and replied, " It was partially my idea, I have studied "Duke" Ari for sometime , and knew Hubris was one of his weaknesses. He would not commit the sum of his forces if he thought he was facing a lesser opponent. I was hoping that the "Colonel" here would have baited him to a one on one fight , but the cowardly "Duke" did not take him up to it. It still worked in the end thought, the "Duke" over committed his forces to our trap, and his main elite forces were decimated. ". The imp called Baalphzon seemed to say the words Colonel and Duke with much revulsion. He had no patience or respect for those that had not earned their rank.
"And the trap? That was your plan as well?", asked Olive tasting her tea again. It's taste met her approval and she smiled at her servant Kube. The fiendish butler bowed and left the room .
Baalphzon shook his head, but Fetch replied ,"It was Commander Ymir and Master Clovis's idea.". Olive nodded her head, she had never met this Clovis, but was informed that he was a powerful merchant in the north. Ymir she's met a few times, since she was in charge of one of the larger mercenary companies in the region. Fetch waited for Ymir to continue with the explanation but the dwarf was distracted and bored out of her mind. He waited an awkward pause before he continued." Clovis mentioned a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and I thought it might apply in this instance after the information I received from Baalphzon . Nazag Narg is well known for the vast quantities of low grade adamant ore, the type that disrupts magic if there is a large concentration of it . It would be impossible enough to transport enough to affect a battle, but I thought the enemy might thought we would try anyways. It was a perfect opportunity to transport dragon powder in the guise of adamant ore."
"And...the enemy's scouts did not discover your deception.", asked Olive already knowing the answer. She wanted to hear it from Fetch. It was a good way to gauge how her young officer thought, and how much trust he placed in this imp.
"Baalphzon tipped us off, we eliminated or replaced their tiefling spies, and deliberately set up illusions for their imps. ", said Fetch.
"And at no point were you worried , that he would betray you?", asked Olive, curious on how much Fetch had trusted this rebellious imp.
"I had my doubts, but he actually came to us and defected at first. He jumped on my shoulder when Ari had me cornered, he told me he was going to bring hellfire down on my position and I took his suggestion and word of recalled out. I asked if he would return and serve as a double agent...and...", Fetch hesitated.
"We're bonded. I am his familiar at least for now. Until my power is restored.", said Baalphzon calmly." Don't be surprised, I'm not after his soul. There are much easier ones to get then his. The Warmaster is a man that is a nexus of power, not only is he powerful , but he seems to be a magnet for powerful beings. demi gods, dragons, demonlords ext . I've lost most of my power, but I can vaguely see the strands of fate being pulled towards him."
Frank finally finished off his plate of cookies and interrupted, "Baalphzon is supposed to be a former big league hitter down in the hells a long time ago. A member of the Super Seven, or the Sexy Six or something. He got demoted for being too successful or something and now seeks a way to regain his power again.,, Or at least that's what he claims. I think he's a bit cuckoo myself, but we didn't have much options at that point. You know, Fields slain, half our army slaughtered, devil army breathing down our necks."
"The Dark Eight.", said Kube preparing the next set of snacks from the other room.
"I'm sure you know the value of an infernal servant.", said Baalphzon nodding towards Kube in the other room. His gaze met Olives and they were locked for a long pause. Baalphzon broke off his gaze first and bowed," We are dependent , competent, and loyal to the core. It's just that our ultimate goals, can be best describe as nefarious to the unenlightened. As long as there is no interference to my restoration, the Warmaster has my loyalty. "
Olive sighed and brought out a scroll. She scanned the contents and continued her questioning." Colonel Fields dead, Captain Hrolf and Torsten dead. 4 companies of the 3rd army slain, 800 of the Heldann militia slaughtered and 10 golems destroyed . I've yet to receive a body count from Ymir's mercenaries and the Clans of Nazag Narg. "
"270 mercs and 102 clansmen , 20 sappers and 20 griffon riders.", said Ymir still staring blankly outside. "Besides the Griffon riders, we got off pretty light. Those Nightmare knights are hard bastards to crack."
Olive wasn't expecting Ymir to add anything to the conversation, she scribbled the numbers the dwarf dictated. Olive paused and considered Ymir's words. Cavalry was the Grommish army's biggest weakness. Due to their environment and training they had nothing comparable. They had to rely on formations and missile fire to keep cavalry at bay. Elite Cavalry would be devastating to Grommish divisions. "So , how did you handle them? Griffon riders and dragon golems?"
Ymir shook her head ,"Nah... the griffons were just to slow them down, while Fetch's daughter and her mother whittled them down.", Ymir paused.. and remembered something she shouldn't have said. " Umm...ooops."
Olive looked at Fetch inquisitively, "Daughter? ".
Fetch sighed, "Yes...daughter. Chalk it up to those strange time mists in the north. She's my daughter, but it feels extremely awkward. Its hard to explain ...she's older then me chronologically and even though she's a half elf she's older then me physiologically too. She's almost 30 in human years, while I'm barely 20. I'm not quite sure how to react to this whole thing. I missed out on her childhood. I heard that's a pretty big thing. And she's been living an impoverished life since then . Another feather on my failure cap...", Fetch stopped and realized he was babbling.
Baalphzon was the first to speak ,"Return me to my former power, and I will make things right for you and your daughter...don't worry I won't warp your wish so that you would become a feeble old man. Although that would be funny."
Olive made note of this new development. Despite Fetch being firmly in her camp right now. Things could change in the future. Knowing he has a daughter might give her leverage or provide a mean of gaining her favor to pull Fetch into her faction.
"So what's with the reports of a dragon? A real big one too. I don't see a dragon on any troop rosters.", asked Olive continuing her questions.
Fetch shrugged."I personally didn't see it. Although many men said they had. Even my daughter had found dragon or drake tracks, but it seemed they just appeared then disappeared."
Frank thought over his answer and finally replied," It was Molly the drake , you remember Fetch, the one your wife gave to Arnborg at Narwhal hold. She just appeared at my side, and I instinctively mounted her to give me a better shot at fighting Ari. After the initial clash Ari and I fell off and engaged in melee. Last I saw of Molly she was biting the mammoth's jugular."
"Are you sure it was Molly? Does this mean Arnborg is around?", asked Fetch unconvinced.
"Umm90% sure...hmm make that 60%...Ok I'm not sure at all. I haven't had to deal with dragons that much except that red one we killed by Karlston. ", said Frank unused to the scrutiny he was receiving.
"One last thing," said Olive retrieving a long list." A large number of the enemy had surrendered, and to my knowledge you had them chained or bound with mage chains. Let me see...you have 250 tieflings 10 bearded, 5 legion devils, 3 bone devils, 4 abishai, 2 hell knights, and 2 eriynes. Its Grommish policy to take prisoners whenever possible. Both for information and as a prize, but some of these creatures are too dangerous to live. The tieflings we can process as slaves after we determine if they are casters or not, but the rest we might have to execute if a buyer is not found. I'll leave their final outcome to you. "
Fetch nodded and was unsure how to proceed with this unpleasant task. Taking slaves was not his "thing", but he had no intentions of executing the infernals either. He definitely wasn't going to release them, and doubt he could make them swear to change their ways. He had his doubts about Baalphzon as well , but he was only an imp and the extent of his "evil" was limited.
Olive smiled, " With the defeat of Duke Ari's legion and the reinforcements from Lueders arriving, the enemy is surely defeated. I hope for a quick campaign to route them before winter sets in. I do not intend to follow them into their territory, but I do intend to make them suffer and pay for their failed invasion. The enemy is beaten, its just they don't know it yet. They can't assault our city directly while we still have steady lines of supply. With our airships we can strike at their weaker units with impunity. We will grind them one piece at a time till they break. "
Baalphzon shook his head and looked at Fetch. Fetch shrugged and nodded at the imp. "It has come to my attention that an unknown dark power has taken interest into this war. I am not sure if he was lured here by Duke Ari's tales, or perhaps his involvement was negotiated by the wizard Dalton. I'm not even sure the extent of his involvement, but I do know you should proceed cautiously. I have only dealt indirectly with his agents but i do know he is not an opponent that should be taken lightly."
"Dark power? Who's that? ", asked a bewildered Olive.
Olive pondered this information, "We've had no reports of such a creature in the enemies ranks. Are you sure Dalton has recruited this creature? If this creature is as powerful you make him out to be, I shall inform my wizards immediately.". Olive immediately summoned Kube , and began dictating orders. Clearly their little tea party was abrubtly ended. Olive's happy mood was replaced by a serious grim demeanor.
Fetch, and his companions sat there uneasily for awhile, as Olive dictated order after order to her servant. Frank was the first to speak. "Hey, Olive . Err I mean General Olive. This boogey man may or may not show his head. The gold tooths is reorganizing in the city right now. Master Clovis is throwing a little party at the Steel gauntlet tavern, you know remember the fallen, celebrate our victory , that type of stuff. Errr your invited if you aren't busy later...", Frank paused as he met Olive's cold stare," err...we'll see ourselves out."
"I can't believe you invited the General to our party. You know we are officially still on duty and at war. She probably doesn't approve of this unofficial party. ", scolded Fetch as he relaxed in his bar chair.
"Hey . Sorry , I heard she was a princess or something, so I'm keeping my options open in the next 6 or 7 years." Frank said unapologeticly, as he blew the foam off his frothy beverage.
"There's a special place in the abyss for people like you .", Galatea said crossly.
"I'm hoping its a succubus harem.", chuckled Frank as his eyes darted around the bar. There were a few women officers and soldiers invited to Clovis's party, but he was mainly examining the busty barmaids.
"So I'm not an expert at human physiology. But wasn't that a child back in there?", asked Baalphzon. The imp had a tall glass with a dark beverage in it , and a wierd drinking device called a straw. Fetch was pretty sure it wasn't blood, but it still gave an ominus sulfurous stench.
"Magic curse, and time in the northern mists.", shrugged Fetch. He looked around the bar and spotted Surry, Ymir , Brita and Tyris chatting with some half drunk officers.
"Even still. I'm not privy to her strategies but her imperious commanding glare is worthy of a pit fiend. Her current imp, a mere butler, is a waste..she deserves something better.", snorted Baalphzon. He took a sip from his dark beverage, made some smacking sounds and smiled in approval before sipping more of the brew.
"Already, looking to move up?", grinned Fetch.
"Don't be jealous. ", said Baalphzon as he lightly lept on Fetch's shoulder. " One soul at a time." . he said with a devilish wink.
Frank had already left the table by then. He made his way through the noisy bar and began talking with some above average looking women soldiers. Clovis the simulacrum interrupted him , but he reluctantly took time to talk to him. It was good manners to at least chat with the man paying for the evenings drinks.
Fetch shook his head at his hapless friend, then he concentrated on Baalphzon. "So why are you really serving me? I appreciate your help in the last battle, but something about your story I don't like."
"The fact that imps steals souls? I told you , you don't have to worry about that. Your soul is too wild and powerful for me to control in my present condition. At best I could summon or more likely plead with a greater devil to collect your soul, but what would the advantage of that be for me? It would not advance my position to revert back to my former form, if I was able to get a simple greater devil to revert me I would have done it ages ago. No, you are more valuable alive then dead to me. I'm certain being the follower to the Warmaster would present opportunities for me to change back. Much more opportunities then serving that fool Ari. ", Baalphzon snorted the word Ari angrily. "I'm more useful than you think. Here I even recovered something you dropped." The small imp flew up and retrieved an extremely heavy and large hammer . He looked ridiculous carrying it , but he managed to place it in front of Fetch.
"So, what are you suppose to change into? A bigger imp or something?", asked Fetch curiously examining the hammer and testing its familiar grip.
Baalphzon grew even an even redder shade then his normal blood red complexion. Fire flared from his nostrils. It began to say something but instead gnashed his teeth and dug his claws deeply into Fetch's shoulder. Before Fetch could swat him away, he flew off into the rafters of the noisy inn. Fetch reached for something to throw at the fleeing imp, but the creature was gone into the darkness. Fetch's magical link with the creature told him he was still near, but he also sensed he was extremely angry at this moment. Fetch healed his shoulder with a quick prayer. He considered throwing his hammer into the rafters but considered the damage it would cause, so instead he readied his pseudo dragon golem for the attacking imp. He had some practice in loading and cleaning this item , but was fairly unskilled with its use.
"WHOA there ! How many drinks have you had?", said Frank returning to the table. Clovis the simulacrum was with him, along with Ymir. Clovis was smiling but Fetch sensed he was quite serious at the moment. Ymir on the other hand was quite tipsy already . She was already giggling about something that happened at the other table.
"So the two soldiers ...hic...came over and congratulated Surry and Brita as the best mother daughter team in the army. Then one of them told Surry that her daughter was very beautiful and asked her if he could have permission to ask her daughter to a dance! Surry decked him and then stormed off! HeeHeeHee...", laughed Ymir. Frank got a good chuckle as well.
"Oh...I have to ask Surry about that! I'll be back , get me another drink if a barmaid comes by. Two if its the blonde busty one with the braids !" , shouted Frank as he made his way across the room.
Fetch sighed, he felt bad for her daughter. Due to the mists , his daughter and her mother were close in ages chronologically. However despite Brita's physiology favoring her human side, and Surry's favoring her elven side, Brita appeared much younger and vibrant then her daughter. Fetch knew that Surry had the typical androgynous elven look, but even amongst elven communities Brita's "good" looks outshone her daughters. It must be hard to be the daughter of the Mistress of the lion blade, and the grand daughter of Sir Hildraxel. There was so much to live up to. Fetch on the other hand didn't know his true parents. He felt no pressure to live up to their fame or deeds.
Ymir yanked at Fetch's cloak. She held up a tankard. Clovis the simulacrum held one up as well, despite not needing to eat or drink. "Here's to Fields, Hrolf, and Torsten. May they find peace in the after life. Well in Torsten's case may he find more battles . Their fates could have been ours, lets toast our luck and fortune, and their bravery and sacrifice. "
Fetch nodded and raised his untouched mug. He knew he barely saved her life after the battle. She was gravely wounded by Duke Ari's hellspear . Fetch found Torsten mauled horribly by infernal claws and fangs. There was nothing he could do for the heroic dwarf . It was possible to bring the dead back to life, but it was very expensive. Unlike his adventuring days in the northern wastes, the army was constrained by its budget. It was hard to justify raising 1 person back from the dead, compared to purchasing a dozen wands of healing, that could save 100 lives instead. Fetch's own personal supply of diamond dust ran out a long time ago. It was a luxury afforded only to the super rich.
Fetch was going to miss Torsten. Every story he heard of the dwarf filled him with new admiration. Tales of his stupid but courageous heroics was told more then any other that night. Most would regard them as tall tales if they hadn't met the dwarf themselves.
Ymir jumped up on a table, and did his best Torsten impression, by jumping into a crowd of soldiers head first. They laughed as they parted form her leap and she crashed heavily on the ground. She swore a bit, but the laughter and cheers changed her mood quickly. Master Clovis ordered the musicians he hired to play a tune, and soon Ymir, some barmaids, some soldiers and himself were dancing in merriment.
Clovis the simulacrum still sat at the table with Fetch and motioned him outside. Fetch was curious what the clone of his friend wanted and followed him outside. He caught a glimpse of Tyris smiling and attempting to play with the musicians. She was with a small group of women officers and she seemed to enjoy herself despite being an annoyance to the band and Fetch was quietly content. She caught sight of him as well, and waved and winked as he left the bar for some fresh air.
Brita stumbled smiling half drunk towards the pair. Even though she was normally reserved and shy , Fetch though with her hour glass figure and her fresh face barmaid good looks, she did not appear out of place. " Tyris , myself and the other girls are playing stoopid bar games... It was my turn and Tyris dared me to kiss the most handsome man in the bar...". Before Fetch could say anything, Brita lunged and kissed him passionately on the lips. She pulled away and realized what she had done.. she whispered "I'm sorry." However, a roar of laughter and cheers from the band , and more importantly Tyris, reminded her it was all in good fun. Brita blushed and stumbled her way back to Tyris and her court.
Fetch smiled and turned his attention back to Clovis. He considered both Clovis's as his friends, but he felt a special attachment to Clovis the simulacrum . Even though he was but a construct, he was closer to Fetch's age and he corresponded to more of Fetch's memories then the original creator. As they found themselves out side in the cool McDunnald's night air, Fetch saw troops of marching soldiers and reminded themselves they were still in a warzone. Despite victory in their reach, the city was still under siege.
Clovis intoned a simple spell and a door appeared. Fetch had seen this spell before , it was called Boryis's tiny hut or something. It created an extra dimensional space, where people could hide or rest in peace. Clovis entered and Fetch followed.
"We have to talk, Fetch.", said Clovis . He sat down on a simple wooden chair by a plain table.
"I'm glad you could make the party,", Fetch interrupted as he also found a seat," it was a great victory. It really seemed to have rejuvenated Master Clovis. It reminded him of what a great adventurer he once was I think."
Clovis gave Fetch a cold stare," That's what I want to talk about. If I told you to not encourage this behavior from him, or to leave him alone,...you would probably refuse or at least want some answers. I can give you those answers but I must swear you to secrecy. You must not reveal this to Master Clovis or anyone else for that matter."
Fetch interrupted again," Hey I thought you were a simulacrum. Aren't you suppose to let your creator know everything. I didn't think you were able to keep secrets from him."
Clovis sighed," Yes I am a simulacrum. And as a simulacrum I am bound to obey the whims of my master in all ways. Even if he ordered me to commit suicide I would without hesitation. However, I am also bound to keep his best interests to heart, and that's what I came to discuss. If he asked me directly to reveal my secrets to him I would, but such actions would be ruinous so I plead with you to keep this secret I will tell you."
Fetch was very interested now, and stopped talking and listened.
"Years ago after returning from the north, I or rather Master Clovis, rebuilt our fallen house. I am familiar with the Tholok Myer branch of our family but knew very little about my Grommish side. All I knew was that they were rebel noble dissidents that fled from Alphonso during the Grom civil war. I employed many archivists, detectives, and scribes to attempt to find out more about my father's house. For years there was no answers. However, one night at the mansion I received a package marked for Clovis's eyes only. It was marked only with the letter K. Since I am an extension of Master Clovis, I opened it. ", Clovis paused uneasy about what he was about to divulge.
Fetch's interest was piqued. He hadn't had much to drink , although it probably would not have affected him much if he had. Clovis reluctantly continued knowing there was no turning back now. " The book was a war journal , from the Hound of Everic. The legendary lycanthrope warlord of the Rebel Prince Everic. It told of the early days of the rebellion, and how they gained great victories over Alphonso. Later it told of Everic cementing his rebellion at their headquarters in Karlston. The Hound mentioned ...that the Prince was taken by the charms of a noblewoman in town, but was convinced not to marry her to keep the ability to forge a noble marriage alliance an option. The Hound's war journal told of General Maximillian's emancipation of the drow slaves and how he used them as fodder for the loyalist Grommish armies. How the rebel troops were pushed back. Finally it tells how the prince was forced into exile, but ...he married the young woman in Karlston in a secret marriage, he told her he would return . The Hound didn't seemed to be convinced. The journal ends there. According to history, the Hound was slain in defense of the Prince, shortly afterwards."
Fetch's mind was piecing things together. He knew it was a dangerous line Clovis was treading, and but didn't quite understood why he kept it a secret from Master Clovis. Knowing one was heir to an obsolete throne was risky but not that dangerous. Clovis nodded and answered his unasked question. " There's more. The Hound was privy to much more then the royal family suspected. He knew of their dark secrets. He was ordered by Prince Everic to assassinate all known blood relatives of Alphonso. He was confident that Alphonso would not order the death of the Prince, if he was the last surviving blood relation...however there was a hidden daughter that Alphonso sent away a long time ago , apparently for just this sort of incident. The Prince and the Hound's plans became unraveled and they attempted the flee the Empire. Since the journal ended, his fate is unknown."
"The story doesn't end there. A few years later The daughter of Alphonso was summoned back to the Grom after the disappearance of the King . Princess Mai was retrieved by a band of adventuring scum and bandits, and forced to sign over the rights of the monarchy to form the foundations of the new republic. It was a noble thought, but through no fault of their own, bandits, war, monsters, and the accursed mists had fragmented the Republic into many small city states. The Princess herself was sent to the north to crusade against the mists but vanished like so many others. At last the monarchy and bloodline of Alphonso had ended.", sighed Clovis.
"However...the ending of the bloodline didn't just mean the end of the monarchy. It meant something deeper more ...sinister. As you know, I have done vast research on the concept of attaining immortality. Not just alchemical immortality with potions, or undeath as a vampire or a liche. I mean ascending to god hood. I did this research when I discovered in my studies of the line of Everic, that Alphonso was on the path of the Dynast. The original Alphonso was a powerful wizard warrior , in a time when the land was still called Norwold. He manipulated the Duke of Grom to establish the kingdom then the empire of Grom. He was responsible for the bloody campaigns of conquests early in the history of Grom. An incredibly powerful person already, when he passed away his soul drifted through time to bind into the souls of worthy descendants. To my knowledge this binding pretty much obliterates the personality of the host and the new "Alphonso" continues in his bloody campaign of Empire building till the empire of Grom is mighty enough to transcend him into immortality. With the last descendant gone , this process was forever broken, and this terrible spirit or demon would fade away. But, as you know ...things aren't that simple." Clovis had a sad look on his face , unsure of what to say next.
"Master Clovis, is a descendant of Alphonso. The spirit could claim him.", said Fetch .
"Correct, and whats even more frightening is before I discovered all of this, Clovis has had many children through different wives since then. As a simulacrum , I know partially the way my master thinks. If I told him what I have told you , he would possibly try to find a way to master this spirit. I could not risk him attempting such a foolhardy deed so I kept this secret from him. His children are easier to handle, I make sure they live a life of softness and luxury. No sword or spell would ever come into their hands. They would never make suitable hosts for this spirit. Master Clovis is another matter. He has always been on the verge of greatness, but instead , with my help, channels his pursuits into the realm of commerce. This last campaign of yours by the Lake tower, I fear that awoke his adventuring spirit in him. You must not allow him to accompany you, or encourage him to anything resembling adventuring. Grave consequences for himself, and probably all of Grom would follow." Clovis said firmly.
"Are you sure of this? Its pretty hard to believe that Master Clovis could be the next God Emperor of Grom.", said Fetch but he already knew the answer.
"I was correct about Tyris was I not? Would you like to see the texts and scrolls from the Circle of Mages or do you dare catch a glimpse of the prophesies I've seen from the Frogonomicon. I even have an engraving from an ancient pharaohs tomb, from the Mow Dynasty. ", Clovis was quite certain and continued . " I tell you this, because you are one of the few people he still listens to. I know from looking at him, he wishes to quest and explore like he did in his swashbuckling youth. I hope you would turn down his suggestion gently, but it might mean you have to end your friendship harshly . Its a hard choice, but I know you will make the correct decision. "
Fetch though this through. He trusted Clovis , he trusted Clovis's simulacrum even more. He kind of enjoyed seeing his old friend during the last campaign . It was like the old days. Clovis was on the battlefield thinking with clinical accuracy . It didn't seem right to end his friendship and send him back to his dull life of mediocrity as an aristocrat, all on some research and some prophecies. The alternative was worst though. The destruction of his friends soul, the resurrection of the worst tyrant the world had known, and most likely the start of a new round of terrible wars of conquest. Fetch knew Olive was going to reunite Grom, but he knew it would be peaceful or restrained. Fetch's history lessons reminded him that a resurrected Alphonso would destroy a city utterly if it rebelled against him. He also heard the tales of human sacrifice and infernal altars and pacts. This was the man who made war on his own son after all. He looked at Clovis's face , and wondered if his friend would be capable of such acts.
The two sat in silence in the extra dimensional mansion for awhile.
Suddenly Fetch's thoughts were jolted. "Master come quick..better yet ..share my senses! " Baalphzon had flooded his mind with images of soldiers screaming. He could see the neighborhood was on fire, and the inn was destroyed. A soldier screamed and Fetch could clearly hear the words "MONTE NABISCO!"