"Monte Nabisco? Are you sure?", asked Fetch with a feeling of dread in his spine. As great as his powers had become, he knew he would be found lacking when compared to the great General.
Baalphzon was confused. He replied tepidly. " That's what the soldiers were screaming. Seemed more like a bunch of yuan ti myself, but even the snakemen were shouting something about Monte Nabisco. What is this Monte Nabisco they are all talking about? A local legend? A monstrous beast or something?"
Fetch shook his head, even though only Clovis could see him. " Monte Nabisco ...how should I say this. He was a legend amongst legends. Even the northmen of the Frozen Wastes know his name. He was Grom's greatest general, slayer of armies, dragons, giants, ...even gods. He was known as the world's greatest general. This is his home city, if you look at the monuments here, you can see statues and memorials commemorating his victories. "
"You say "was"...did something happen to him? Did he die or vanish or ascended?", questioned Baalphzon telepathically.
"Officially, he surrendered to the dwarves of Vorin Narg in the last dwarven rebellion. The dwarves executed him fearing he would break out and lead a rebellion. However...there are always rumors that it was all a ruse ...", thought Fetch grimly.
"If our foe is Monte Nabisco? Why would he attack McDunnalds? Didn't you just say this was his home town and there were statues and monuments built for him here? ", Baalphzon continued.
Fetch sighed, "Well , its also he said he was a glory hound and a world class jerk and prick. "
Fetch put on his battle armor inside Clovis's extra dimensional pocket before stepping out to the battlefield. The city was burning around him, he could see dead soldiers strewn down the street . Baalphzon reported that the main battle had passed this area. From his scouting he deduced that "Monte Nabisco"'s forces had hidden elements inside the city, and took this opportunity to seize one of the cities gates and let the rest of the attacking horde in. Despite their foothold in the city, Fetch knew the battle was far from over. The main Castle Fortress of the 3rd army appeared to be still in Allied hands. As long as Olive could hold it till the reinforcements from Lueders arrived, Dalton's forces were no better off strategically then they were before.
Baalphzon hopped onto a beam and broke Fetch's train of thought, he silently motioned him and Clovis forward. Clovis had enchanted both Fetch and himself with a shifting illusion to make them both hard to notice and spot. Fetch reached the imp's area and his blood boiled. He saw over a dozen of the accursed "yawn teas" of various shapes and colours. Most were humanoid, but 5 were the fearsome abominations. They were standing over prisoners, one of them appeared to be his daughter Surry. Her face was swelled with purplish poison, and she seemed barely conscious.
Fetch saw enough. Despite knowing Surry was his daughter, Fetch always felt emotionally detached with her. He always thought it was because he missed the entirety of her childhood, or the fact she was older then him physiologically. He was normally calm in battle, a lesson learned long ago by his mentors Cook and Lord. However, whatever detachment he had or battle calm he trained in , were shattered now. Raw rage , coursed through his body. Clovis and Baalphzon both sensed the power and anger in Fetch and took a step back. Fetch muttered dark prayers , and his body was filled with both divine power and righteous might. His body grew to the size of a giant as he jumped from the shadows at his opponents.
Fetch targeted the closest abomination first, he could feel his body hasten as he attacked, no doubt from one of Clovis's enchantments. He drove his hammer on to the top of an unsuspecting abominations skull. The force of the impact and the power at his disposal surprised even himself. The abomination crumpled lifelessly to the ground, but Fetch wasn't finished. The momentum of his swing carried onwards into another abomination. The blow from his hammer crushed its ribs and sent it thrashing and coiling to the ground. Before the snakemen could react, Fetch stomped his giant armored boot into the snakeman's injured chest crushing more bones. The creature's were caught unaware and they paid the price, but they were seasoned warriors and quickly swarmed the giant warrior. Fetch intoned a simple prayer of blades and the snakemen were slashed and sliced as they approached him. Most fell back from this surprise assault, but a particularly large abomination ignored the blades and lunged forward at the cleric. The force of his charge lifted Fetch off his feet, as both combatants crashed into a buildings wall. Fetch dropped his hammer, and grasped the "yawn tea"'s head with both hands. The creature was surprised , but was met with a vicious headbutt before he could react. The cleric's helmet smashed into the snakeman's head, but did little to damage the monster except to stun it. Stunning was enough however, as the blades ripped the dazed creatures body mercilessly.
Fetch expected more snakemen to seize the advantage of his compromised position, but was instead greeted with the sight of flashing blades flying through the battlefield. For a second he thought he saw Tyris leaping through the snakemen with rapier and dagger in hand, but realized the movements weren't graceful enough, although they seemed just as efficient as deadly. The yuan ti were confused and shocked at this second wave of attackers. Small crossbow bolts were fired rapidly and skillfully at the pure bloods and hybrids. Swords of different sizes seemed to appear, float, dance then rain onto the monsters. A few attempted to flee this barrage , but a tall knight and a grim dwarf blocked their path and cut them down with swift but brutal swings from their weapons.
Only two abominations were left, one attempted some sort of spell , but a small blade wielding red shadow interrupted its incantation by stabbing through its windpipe. The other lashed its tail at the shadow with lightning speed and the huge beast was rewarded with a meaty slap noise. Its tail smashed its victim, and the shadow skidded along the ground like a deflated ball. However, its slide stopped as the shadow regained its balance from the normally mortal blow. It prepared to leap again at its attacker, but Fetch had already scrambled to his feat and tackled the snakeman. He attempted a simple arm hold on the creature, but the serpentine monster reacted by coating its entire body with an acidic poison. The cleric's arms burned, but he pressed his attack anyways. Fetch's blades hacked the creature as the creatures acid burned him in return. The creature should have easily broken his grip, but his attacker's strength was like nothing he ever encountered. It panicked and tried twist out of the cleric's grasp. Fetch lost his grip on the creatures arm, but instead grasped the top of the creatures skull and drove it heavily into the ground. His hand burned with acid, but the force of his attack drove the abomination's head into the cobblestones. The beast twisted and writhed under the withering attacking of blades and the immense pressure on its skull. An audible crack could be heard , and the creatures body suddenly lost all strength and it laid quivering on the ground.
Everyone was shocked at the savagery displayed by the normally calm and reserved cleric. Even Baalphzon was surprised, " That was all him...none of my doing I swear. Although I must say this is a pleasant discovery. I knew I chose this master wisely."
Fetch ignored his imp's boasts, he dispelled his enchantments and turned to Surry. She was already attended to by Brita. The sorceress's healing spell dispelled the purple blots on her daughter's face, but she was still weak. Fetch knew that even though the poison was dispelled it had ravaged her body. Brita hugged her daughters weak head. Surry's pained expression seem to relax a bit from her mother's touch. She was out of immediate danger, but would take time to recover. He could restore some of her vitality but knew he should conserve his magic...there were many battles and many enemies to be killed still.
Trip emerged from the shadows recovering crossbow bolts, while Frank and Ymir proceeded into the battlefield. The red shadow turned out to be a small blood covered girl. She was bathed in blood but calmly wiped it from her face. Fetch didn't recognize her at first, but realized it was Olive, "I didn't expect to see you here Captain Fetch, but it shouldn't surprise me that you are. As you can see we were ready to attack , but you beat us to it. "
"Leave it to Fetch to come steal all the glory. I could have taken three abominations too you know, but I was just following the plan , you know being a good soldier and all. ", joked Frank. Ymir nodded with agreement.
"What happened? How did they get in the city?", asked the confused cleric. He made certain Surry was OK. Brita nodded to him, and he began administering aid to the other poisoned prisoners.
Ymir was the first to respond."Well the party was going pretty good, when suddenly snakemen started to attack . Dozens of them. I only had a field axe with me, and was forced to fight them with a club. The battle was fierce, but there were so many heroes of the army with us, we couldn't possibly lose. Then , out of nowhere! A large red scaled fiend burst through the roof! He said we were all doomed. The world's greatest general had engineered our doom or something. At that point, everyone shouted Monte Nabisco! Monte Nabisco! and panic spread. I had to admit even I felt fear , what is our martial skill and magical powers compared to that of Monte Nabisco. Chaos engulfed the inn, as the snakemen gained the upper hand. I lost sight of everyone during the fight , and would have been overwhelmed, if Frank and Olive didn't rescue me." Ymir seemed embarrassed at her last statement. The dwarf maiden prided herself on her self reliance.
"Tyris , Master Clovis... we don't know what happened to them. I was afraid they got you too, but luckily we found you two and Surry. ", Frank added grimly.
Olive nimbly hopped up several smashed beams . She struggled and took some time to find hand holds, but she eventually made her way to the top. Fetch noted that she was quick and nimble but not unnaturally graceful like Tyris. She scanned the surroundings, and hopped down, her expression was grim. "I came here since I was invited to this "party" , but it seems my timing was ill timed. It looks like they broke through the eastern gate. It appears many battles and skirmishes are being fought in the city. The bulk of the army has wisely retreated to the fortress , however the enemies forces seem to be divided into two. One is making its way to the fort, the other appears to be going to the old ruins ."
Fetch still had questions but they could wait, he didn't know much about McDunnalds , but knew the old ruins was the site of the once magnificent tower of the Grand Sage Boryis. The tower was destroyed under mysterious circumstance years ago, but the magical energies left behind stopped any attempts to rebuild in that area. Its said that a magical dungeon below the tower still existed there.
"Does anyone know where they took them? ", Fetch looked at Clovis.
"I can not tell , I do not share a mental link with my master. ", was the simulacrum's reply.
Frank and Ymir scouted their surroundings while Fetch was conversing . Ymir returned with a dozen soldiers. They looked bloodied but still able. Olive smiled at their fortune.
Before she could address them. Fetch interjected. " The yawn teas ! Did you see any with prisoners! Where did they take them!"
A few nodded and pointed towards the ruins.
That's all Fetch needed to know . He straightened and his resolve grew within him.
Olive stepped in front of him barring his path,"Wait Fetch. I understand your desire to rescue your friends and wife, but the fate of the entire city is in jeopardy here. I need you and your friends to help me get to the fortress. We must access the situation from there. If the city falls, it doesn't matter if you rescued your wife and friends or not. Everyone will be doomed. "
Fetch snarled and attempted to walk past the diminutive general, but she was resolute and still barred his path.
"Don't make me order you Captain Fetch. We don't have time to argue. I'm the general here. I am both the lash and the law .", said a fiercely determined Olive. Fetch and the general locked gazes. Neither was going to back down. The observers to this stand off expected violence as the only answer to this situation.
"Wait a second...that's not completely true. ", said a familiar voice from the darkness.
A nondescript man , which appeared to be one of the musicians at the demolished bar stepped forward. "A general's word is law on the battlefield, unless its superseded by someone higher up in the Grom hierarchy. Calm down you two. We're here to fight snakemen not each other."
Olive and Fetch both relaxed. Olive gave a defeated look to the nondescript man, she returned a sad look to Fetch. She realized how close she came to drawing blades against one of the few people she considered an ally and a friend. Fetch in return, gave a "I'm sorry look " back to his General. He didn't wish to disobey her, but the thought of his wife in the hands of the yawn teas over rode all his instincts. Also in the back of his mind, he was reminded of Kard's prophecy. Was it about to be fulfilled? He said Tyris would never bear him children, did he mean that she was going to die first?
Clovis gasped in sudden recognition , "Hey I know that guy. He was my gardener a few years ago , till I fired his lazy ass for his continual flirting with my maids."
The nondescript man nodded at Clovis, " Yes that's me, Earl the gardener. Don't worry there's no hard feelings. My job opportunities were slim after that crisis. I was forced into the entertainment buisness. Flirting with pretty girls is part of the gig, so it all worked out in the end. "
Earl started his story, "It appears a cabal of snakemen were hidden here in the city. Its not surprising considering the labyrinth like sewers and the ruins that are below it. I assume Dalton had arranged for an uprising and an assault on the southern gates. Afterwards they seemed to directly target the inn. I climbed the highest tree I could find during the confusion , and witnessed it all. A large monstrous pitfiend used his unholy magic and laid low many important personages in the inn... "
"Monte Nabisco!", shouted Trip.
Earl sighed and gave the warforged a disapproving look," Yes it claimed it was Monte Nabisco, ..as I was saying it defeated many people in the inn with his dark arts. Even from my distance I could feel the raw power of his magic. Amongst the captured were Master Clovis, and your wife Tyris. The bulk of the remaining snakemen and a large force of Dalton's dragonmen that invaded went to the old Boryis Ruins. The Blackriver horde, the Howling wood goblins , the giants from Frosthaven , and Dalton's own personal guard of Dragonmen have swarmed the keep, but their progress is slow. Minor battles and street to street fighting have erupted through out the town. That's one advantage of having extensive labyrinth like dungeons and sewers under the town I guess. The whole town is in chaos right now. The enemy is trying a knock out blow to the keep but they are meeting bitter resistance in the town. I won't delay our General anymore . She needs to get to the keep and take command while the battle is still in the balance."
"However...the enemy is diverting a lot of its strength into the ruins. Surely the greatest General in the world, would realize conquering the keep first would allow him to explore the ruins at his leisure. Unless there's something really important ...", Earl stopped in mid sentence, as the group witnessed something that none of them had ever seen before.
A huge red ball of fiery fury streaked through the night sky towards a Grommish skyship. Skyships were the only thing in the Grommish empire that kept some semblance of central command . Each were ancient vessels, almost a thousand years old in most cases. Airships were not unique in the world. Many other nations and organizations employed airships, but none were as reliable , fast or durable as the Grommish sky fleet. Each ancient vessel had centuries of enchantments and reinforcements built into them. Each was considered a small fortress itself. The streaking meteor flew directly at the majestic "Sword of Baktu" a proud ship which was a victor in over a hundred engagements. The meteor stopped briefly , as it approached the ship. Time seemed to slow, as invisible fields of force suddenly flared in bright violet and blue energy. Each field snapped , broke and flared in succession. The meteor seemed to stop briefly in time as well. The entire battlefield saw the largest red dragon that anyone had ever saw. Most people have seen dragons before, but the beast above them was the biggest most powerful beast they had ever seen. It flew at the vessel , poised like an arrow about to strike its target. The last field shuddered and collapsed, and time resumed. The meteor smashed into the vessel, and both were engulfed in a massive fiery ball. A few seconds later the meteor streaked out of the cloud of falling debris and changed course towards the city. The dragon landed on a large manor , it roared triumphantly , fear echoed through the city.
Earl continued even more determined," As you can see, this is not just an ordinary battle between the 3rd army and invading goblins. If the enemy is making a directed push towards Boryis's ruins I believe it warrants us to find out why and stop them."
Olive sighed and agreed," Ok Fetch, who are you taking with you?". She knew it was useless arguing against Earl. His argument made sense and he outranked her. She also knew most of the people here were friends with Fetch, and doubted she could best all of them at once.
Earl motioned to Fetch, Fetch acknowledge him and spoke firmly. " A small group could sneak through the city and not get bogged down by small attrition battles. I'll take a basic group. A healer, a front line fighter, a magician and a "specialist". "
"Oh great...hes picking teams...just like when I was a fat kid, except I was always stuck in the team with my fat brothers.", Frank whispered to Ymir. The dwarf elbowed him to be silent.
Fetch began his choices,"For a magician I'll take Brita over Clovis. Sorry Clovis , I value your skill and your bravery, but this is the Mistress of the Lion Blade. " . Brita stroked the hair of her barely breathing daughter, as if she didn't hear him . She kissed her forehead and nodded to Olive. She got up and walked to Fetch's side. She began weaving defensive enchantments on herself and the cleric.
"For my warrior, I'm going to have to take Frank. I'm sorry Ymir, If it was anyone else I would take you , but I've fought with Frank longer then anyone else. We have a battlefield chemistry together, a synergy almost . I'm sure you understand. ", Fetch explained to a heartbroken Ymir. She turned away accepting his answer , not wanting anyone to see the tears in her eyes.
"Hey, what Fetch means is we fight well together...I don't know what this battlefield chemistry is...but I want to confirm I still like women!", Frank quickly explained.
"For a specialist, I'll take Trip. Since that's all we have. He's dependable and skilled.", said Fetch finishing his group. Baalphzon stared at the small warforged ...his eyes ablaze judging the worth of this artificial creature.
"Ahem...", coughed Earl. "You're forgetting one more person for that job.". Fetch smiled and shook his hand . Trip would have protested , but he saw how the "gardener" had moved and how he handled himself. He learned along time ago to recognize the dangerous people in a room. It was survival instinct that served him well. Right now his instinct told him to go with Olive.
"Good luck Olive, lets go guys.", Fetch said as his group hurried towards the ruins.
Clovis stopped Fetch briefly." Take good care of Master Clovis...remember what we talked about." , Fetch nodded and strode into the darkness.
Olive didn't like this plan at all, but was in no position to argue. There were more important things to do. She signaled Ymir, Trip , Clovis and her remaining men to move out. They would get to the fortress or make the goblins pay through the nose to try to stop them.
Clovis muttered as they were leaving.. "He took the gardener? Sheesh...good thing I didn't bring my personal chef along tonight...I would have hate to see him get recruited as well."
Fetch and his friends moved quickly through the battlefield. They avoided most enemies, even the ones engaged in battle. They only stopped once when a small squad of giants and ogres spotted Frank. It took 30 seconds for the group to dispatch them with clinical fury and power. Even though Earl had never fought with the other 3 before, his adaptable combat style easily fitted in . He was a specialist at lethal surprise attacks. With Fetch, Frank, and Brita at his side, getting the enemy to not notice him was fairly easy.
The massive dragon flew overhead once again. Despite its initial success against the "Sword of Baktu." , the other 5 skyships were not afraid of it , they diverted their full attention against the dragon . It was engaged in a hit and run battle with the remaining skyships. The eventual victor was anyone's guess at that time. Fetch didn't want to draw attention to their group and had Brita place a simple illusion over the dead giants to mask their presence. Fetch knew his limits and abilities. One or two giant snakemen abominations he could handle by himself, but something like an ancient huge red dragon was far beyond his ability.
As the group approached the ruins. They stopped in an abandoned shop to don their full combat gear. Earl and Brita were already ready, but Fetch and Frank took a bit longer to prepare.
"We're about half way done . Our small group got here unnoticed but now I wish we had more help , I see many dragon and yuan ti patrols around the ruins. Be ready for heavy combat.", Earl said while watching the spectacular battle overhead. The massive dragon was joined about a dozen "smaller" draconian allies . They attacked his pursuers with lightning, fire and ice, but the Grommish ships seemed unimpressed with their display. They calmly answered with balista, catapults and golem fire. "Hey ...can of you summon allies to aid us? Planar bindings or whatever you guys do?"
Brita calmly replied, "I can call my ally Lesida the Celestial Lion of Light. I normally only summon him when engaged in a major field battle. He grows restless unless there are enemies to slay."
The gardener chuckled, looked at the patrols and chuckled "...I don't think your friend will have a shortage of foes tonight."
Brita nodded and started her preparations for her magic.
Earl asked Fetch, "Surely you have something you can summon as well? Priests of Rawk are legendary for their ability to bring forth harbingers of destruction. Even that old guy Konrad , who you beat and took your hammer from was pretty handy at summoning beasts."
Fetch was uncomfortable at this line of questions. He had preformed simple summonings in the past but the creatures he summoned lasted a minute or so at most. Brita was preparing a binding spell, where one made a contract with an outsider from the "Great Wheel". Fetch knew it was complex magic but it normally demanded a sacrifice, which was usually gold or gems. Since he was near broke, it was a spell he never attempted. "Umm...I'm kind of...well let's say I can't afford it. I heard the whacky creatures you can summon demand cash up front."
Brita looked at Fetch in surprise." Fetch...the servant you summon doesn't always demand monetary compensation . True if you were to summon a primal but simple elemental to do your bidding it would demand a substantial material sacrifice in precious metals, but you can lessen the sacrifice required. Various factors affect what is demanded, such as calling creatures with a similar belief system as you , knowing their true name, as well as having similar goals . Surely the high cleric of Rawk has access and knowledge to the true names of the various aspects and avatars of Rawk."
Baalphzon stared at his master crossly, " For the more diabolic summoners even trapping and torturing the poor creatures till a favorable deal is reached or the much misunderstood practice of human sacrifice is used. If you don't know or haven't established a rapport with one of your deities trusted divine servants , just think of your god and summon and aspect of him. Surely summoning your gods aspect on a battlefield would give you a favorable negotiating position. You do worship Rawk the primal incarnation of war do you not?"
Frank interrupted, "Um guys...I hate to burst your bubble, but Fetch doesn't even know what his god looks like, or his holy days or anything like that. He's not really up on the religious doctrine thing, so lay off OK?", Frank gave his friend a "I got your back covered " look, but it seemed more like a "everyone laugh at the idiot" look, to Fetch.
"I do have a "calling" prayer ready, but I must admit I have never used it before. And Frank is right, I really don't know what my god looks like. Its not like there are many temples to him.", sighed Fetch.
"Whadda mean? There's lots of temples to Rawk, your just to busy to visit them.", said Frank. Fetch glared at his friend coldly.
Brita shook her head," We don't have time for this. Just do your best to call forth the Aspect of your Deity. He's suppose to be a great warrior, that stands so tall he blocks out the sun, that holds fire and lightning in his hands. We can sacrifice magic items or something to appease your summons. Watch me...I'll summon Lesida the Lion of Light first."
Brita intoned her incantations skillfully and forcefully. The normally timid woman was seemingly transformed into a goddess of battle , one that can bend the wills of creatures from beyond to do her bidding. A monstrous golden lion with great feathered wings appeared. Brita spoke a few soft words in celestial to it as she ran her light fingers through its mane , and it lowered its head to her in obedience. Fetch roughly translated it as she would repay him for his services by hunting a deer in the moonlight and sacrificing it to him in the future. Lesida growled in approval. Brita smiled and urged Fetch to do the same.
Fetch hadn't told them the entire truth. He didn't actually have a binding spell ready , instead he had a more advanced version called Door or portal or gate or something. He knew the lives of the city, of Clovis, and more importantly Tyris and their unborn child was at stake. Fetch knew the spell was dangerous at the best of circumstances but intoned the prayer regardless. He would sacrifice whatever it takes if it would give him a chance to rescue his wife.
Everyone in the room stepped back , unprepared for the incantations and magic Fetch was weaving. Brita was a mistress of magic, few were able to match her in skill at the arcane, but even she was impressed at the level of magic Fetch was employing. The creature Fetch was bringing forth was greater then anything she had ever attempted . She briefly broke into a panic, what if Fetch was unable to control it? She heard many tales of magicians and priests losing control of their summons. The results were always death and much carnage and destruction. She considered yelling at him to stop, but she looked at Fetch's determined confident face and her heart settled. She was ashamed to admit it to herself and felt she was betraying her best friend Tyris, but she would follow this man to the end of the world.
The small shop glowed briefly with mystic energy. Earl wondered if their position would be given away, then thought "who cares". Whatever Fetch was bringing forth could surely crush whatever yuan ti or dragon man patrol that would investigate.
When the prayer stopped a cold mist fell through the room. Franks spine was chilled but somehow he didn't feel afraid. He felt this presence before when he perished fighting taer years ago. It felt raw, primal, savage...as well as noble, determined and brave. Rawk was Franks patron deity as well as that of many knights of the north. Even the more popular gods Nirrodin and Mirrodin were considered the sons of Rawk, they all payed homage to him. Frank fell to his knees and lowered his head to the Avatar of War.
When the mist fell apart...Fetch's jaw dropped.
"Innkeeper!...wait a minute..wait a minute...the innkeeper is the god of war? I thought you would be a boulder beast or something . The mighty ROCK of destruction, that would roll over and crush his foes... Oh I see...I get it...since I don't actually know what my god looks like , my mind molded the aether into what I considered a father figure for me. This makes sense now...even down to his beer stained apron. ", Fetch was proud of his deductions and he reassured his bowing friends.
Earl was on his knees with his head bowed , he whispered to Fetch "Psst...thats not how it works...you just described an eidilon..and only summoners can do that...hurry and negotiate payment for his services before he smites us."
The Innkeeper looked at them ..he appeared displeased at first but his scowled softened . " Mistress of the lion blades. Your father fought well, A place of highest honor awaits him in my hall."
Brita continued to bow, and spoke respectfully," I thank you for giving him a final battle to redeem himself."
The Innkeeper shook his head, " I did not give him any battle that he could not find himself. ", he turned his attention to Earl." Master Grommer, I detest people like you, but I thank you for watching over my priest. I should smite you for your deception years ago, but the fault was as much mine as yours. "
Earl was unsure what to say , he just continued to bow and thanked he was still alive.
The creature that appeared to be the Innkeeper turned his attention to Frank." You've graced my halls before. Your brothers await you at my table, son of Hida. They cheer at your successes and victories that eluded them. Even your great grandfather the Great Bear is impressed with your skill and courage. "
The Innkeeper then turned to a corner of the room, " Young dwarf, despite being warned not to come, you risked everything to aid your friends. Half your ancestors are disappointed the other half are proud. Its up to you to determine who is right."..Ymir faded into view. Fetch was disappointed that Ymir had followed them. He knew that those of dark dwarven blood could grow , but also heard they could fade into the air as well. He never seen Ymir preform that ability , he always assumed she never inherited it.
Ymir muttered choking back tears," I can't abandon my friends my family ...no one can order me to abandon them..."
The innkeeper turned next to the imp, he just gave a curt nod. Baalphzon returned it .
Finally he turned to Fetch, " Aww Fetch, its been 4 years for you since you left the plateau. How things have changed. Before I would make you do my bidding, now it seems I am called to do yours. A city under siege, your wife and child at the mercy of yuan ti, an ancient red dragon leading the assault, and ...errmm Monte Nabisco is it? behind it all. What shall I charge you for this service?"
Fetch was stunned, this creature he summoned seemed like the real innkeeper to him, even down to his mannerisms , his scent, and his voice. For a second he questioned everything he knew about his past and about the plateau...then he dismissed the idea as ridiculous. There was no way he grew up cleaning the inn of a god. He corrected himself ...of two gods, since there was the drunk as well. There was no way he grew up living with 2 gods! , he thought. He swore to himself at how ridiculous that sounded .
"If you're really Rawk...why didn't you clobber those bandits that kidnapped Eagle ? Why was it up to me?", asked Fetch suspiciously.
"The plateau is a sanctuary . A place where no magic can work. Where the only thing that counts is ones determination, courage, skill and bravery. It would be a hypocrite if I didn't obey my own laws. The drunk of course is an exception. Since he is a fallen god seeking refuge , I allow him to keep a small portion of his power. ", replied the Innkeeper with a stern look.
Fetch shrugged. It was a convenient answer. Something he probably conjured in his own mind to explain what was happening. The cleric figured this phantasm he conjured was probably taking bits and pieces from his head and spinning this tale that barely made sense.
Innkeeper smiled , "I'll tell you what, since you saved my son years ago, and by the way Eagle says hi to uncle Fetch, and you fought side by side valiantly with my wife as well. I'll do this as payment for your past services. ". He rose to his full terrifying height. Even though he appeared to be slightly taller the Frank, his presence seemed to fill the entire room . He raised his hands and one was ablaze in fire while the other was crackling with electricity. They both flashed and in a second later the innkeeper was clad in full plate made of electrified black iron and burning bronze, wielding a massive iron and bronze great sword in one hand and a terrible stone mallet in the other. "Shall we begin Fetch?"
Fetch's beliefs were shaken...he wasn't sure what to believe anymore. Before his mind spun out of control Frank elbowed him. " Aww you were just having fun with us acting all stupid like. Not only do you know the Avatar of Rawk ,you're on a first name basis with him!"