Fetch knelt with Tyris . They didn't speak as their heads rested against each other. Their defeat was utter and complete.
Tyris's mournful yellow eyes were downcast. She briefly glanced up and her gaze met that of Fetch's. Just as quick , she looked away. She knew she had failed as a mother and was filled with shame. The rough treatment and beatings she suffered from the yuan ti were too much for her unborn child. Deep down she knew she could have stopped it. She could have seized the power that was rightfully hers and destroyed her foe. Instead she clung onto the belief she could be human, normal even. Her principals had cost her and her unborn child's chance at life. Deep down ... even her inner demons were silent. She expect gloating from her darker half...but even she was silent. No taunts, or admonishments...just empty silence .
Fetch was drained. He should have been there for his wife and child. Instead he was stymied by a stupid maze. If he studied more about spells and their workings he might have breached the dungeon sooner. He should have never left her side at the bar. It was his duty as a husband and father to protect them and he failed. He could find no words that could comfort Tyris. A part of him wanted to destroy every goblin , snakeman and dragon wizard he could find, but all he could do was comfort her with his presence...something he failed miserably to do when it mattered the most.
Clovis slowly regained consciousness. He was surprised to fine a small scaly imp was applying ointments to him. The creature was mumbling something about, " Repaying small favors in the future."
A hint of recognition came to Clovis's eyes. That was Fetch's familiar.
Clovis looked around, his head was still spinning, but his eyes focused on Fetch weeping on the ground with his wife. They were whispering something about losing their child.
A moment of clarity struck the merchant. All thoughts of saving the day vanished as he realized how powerless and useless he was.
"Once again I have failed , and shown everyone why I quit adventuring.", the merchant bitterly thought.
Frank watched as Dalton and his remaining troops fled the dungeon. Ymir and him gave a brief chase to make sure they wouldn't return, but neither one's heart was in it. Ymir's tears were freely flowing . Frank thought about saying something witty to the dwarf but none came to mind. Their pursuit was half hearted, and without word they both retreated back to the rest of the party .
Brita was in shock. She didn't realize Tyris was with child, but the signs were obvious. She thought her friend was just over indulging in the soft southern lifestyle. She watched the couple silently mourn. She was torn. They were the closest people she had in her lonely life. She was ashamed to admit she was closer to them then she was with her own children or father.
Fetch was the only person besides her father she ever admired . He was strong, resolute, kind , and decent. He was also the only man that ever laid with her and the only man she had ever loved . When they met on the tundra , the sorceress felt in her heart it was her destiny to be with him. Even after their night together and with her hearts desire so close, her paladin's discipline kept her voice silent. She could have followed her heart and joined their group, but her duty to her father was first. When they parted ways, she knew deep down they would meet again. A knight in her position should have been devastated when she was with child and unmarried, but she saw it as a sign of her destiny to be with the cleric. She kept that secret desire to herself though. Duty to her children and father was a higher priority then chasing a dream. When they met again 20 years later, she was filled with both joy and sadness. Joy in meeting the father of her children again, saddened knowing that someone else had claimed his heart.
Tyris was Brita's best friend , they both bled and fought together on the battlefield. She was one of the few people she could freely talk to and understood. At least she thought she understood her. She felt slightly betrayed the bard didn't confide in her about her child. She knew her reasons and respected them, but felt still hurt that Tyris didn't trust her enough. As she thought about it, Brita cursed herself for being jealous of her friend, especially at this dire hour. The half elf knew she had failed to win Fetch's heart when she had the opportunity. She naively thought he would wait for a woman he met only for a day.
She watched the two mourn together. The two people she was closest to were chained by their sorrow, but all Brita could think of how jealous she was of them. She cursed herself again for being so petty and selfish.
Earl knew he was the outsider within this group. Despite this, he empathized with the couple's loss and hesitated a moment to disturb them. The fate of a city still hung in the balance, and the assassin knew there was still work to be done.
He was going to suggest Fetch use his magic, but he knew it was pointless. The child was unborn , and too young to aid. He also felt a sense of necromancy hanging in the air. No doubt from the dead god. Even if magic could return the spark of life such a ritual would surely warp the child.
"I hate to interrupt you two, but the city needs you.", said Earl calmly.
Fetch paid no attention to him. Earl stepped forward to grasp him, but Frank and Ymir grimly stood in his way. The rogue didn't want this situation to escalate, but he knew the value of Fetch on the battlefield. He was unsure of his next course of action. He could slay the knight and the dwarf, but he doubt that would bring Fetch around.
Fetch spoke before someone did anything rash,"Frank ,Ymir ...you go with Earl. The city needs you. I..I give up. I can't do this anymore. Kard was right... damn him. Why fight for your destiny when you already know it. It doesn't matter what I do anymore. Everything's been foretold. "
Earl knew Fetch was a mess. He didn't blame the cleric for his condition. He also knew the city was in danger and it was his duty to protect the Republic. Despite their friendship, Earl knew what he must do. He would have to first kill or incapacitate the knight and the dwarf. He hoped the sorceress would stay out of it, but he was prepared to slay her as well. A pity, since he was just starting to like her. Then he must seized the bard and take her hostage. Anything to coerce the Warmaster to action. Simple words would not suffice and would take too long. The soldiers battling up top need the Warmaster to lead them. He dealt with the bard before when she followed Roland, and knew she was a dangerous opponent, but in her current condition he knew she could be easily managed. The rogue loathed himself for deciding on this brutal and heartless course of action but his sense of loyalty to the Republic was the only thing he had.
Earl stepped back, and studied the knight . He gauged the best spot to deliver a killing blow . He saw him fight before and knew he was the most dangerous . He would have to slay him quickly . The dwarf was strong and tough, but not fast. He could slay her at his leisure . Brita was a powerful sorceress, but slaying spell casters was the rogue's specialty. He was confident he could evade or withstand any spell the beautiful magician casted. As he studied his victims , he regretted not seizing that kiss in the library .
A smile came to his lips. He bowed to Frank and Ymir before confidently walking up to Brita. She seemed deep in thought staring at the weeping couple. He grasped her firmly and gave her a deep passionate kiss. She was surprised and briefly struggled but quickly yielded to him. The knight and dwarf watched this odd display wondering what was going on. Earl finished his kiss and bowed to the flustered Sorceress. He then returned back to Frank and Ymir, ready to begin the killing.
"Okay , I'm ready now. Sorry about this guys and gals , really I'm didn't mean for it to come to this , but being ruthless is part of the job.", Earl said to the confused pair.
Frank was the first to respond, " Um okay... but if we're going to kiss..no tongue on the first date okay...Urrrrrkkkk...". Earl moved like a blinding flash and threw his knife expertly at the knight's eye . His neck and most of his vital areas were armored, but the assassin thought a quick blade through the eye would either slay or incapacitate him. He hesitated a split second as he threw, as he instantly regretted his action. Sadly , his aim was true , and his dire course was set.
Frank grasped his face. He seemed annoyed but smiled. "Okay, Okay...me and my brothers use to play this game too. Throw the fish in the face. Its great fun, especially with the wierd slimy fish, but I don't think its appropriate right now."
Earl stared in confusion as the knight was waving around a small dagger sized cod. His aim was true but he struck the knight with a fish instead of one of his blades.
"Good, shot. But this is not the time...", a short slightly overweight elf said as he walked into the room. He walked by the shocked rogue and casually threw him back his knife.
The rogue knew exactly who had just walked in. Earl had met demigods , demon lords, archdukes , liches , dragons , demi god dragons, demon gods, and dragon liches before, that was all part of the job. He had never come face to face with an elder god before though. The royal adventurer knelt in both fear and respect to the god of chaos and trickery, Kard.
Fetch felt the god's presence and stared coldly at him. He wanted no more part in his web of fates and destinies. Whatever role he was suppose to play he would refuse. Despite being warned of his child's death, he felt betrayed it still happened.
Kard shook his head," I know it hurts ...but people are relying on you... a lot of people actually. Now's no time to lose yourself in self pity."
Fetch shook his head in return, " No ...I'm tired of these games. You told my future and it came true. So it won't matter if I just stay here and mourn with my wife. Nothing I do seems to matter. You told me before you enjoyed watching me struggle with my fate, but I'm done with that. Find someone else to entertain and amuse you."
Kard sighed," I regret telling you the future, its actually forbidden to share with mortals knowledge of their destiny, but I'm the god of chaos, I break the rules sometimes. Normally we're suppose to give out cryptic almost useless information, but I decided callously to answer the question you asked. And as for watching you for my amusement. You are correct , you do provide me with constant amusement, however being amusing is not the only reason I follow your actions. "
A massive form landed on the ground , with the power of a bear and the grace of a jaguar. Fetch thought at first Bel had returned. But it was Innkeeper. The cleric thought Bel had bested him, but it seemed more likely he just evaded the Avatar of War .
"Sorry I missed the action. I slapped the pit fiend around a bit, but he ran away. I'm the Avatar of War...not the Avatar of Speed.", said Innkeeper as he put away his hammer and sword. He nodded at Kard, and the elf returned the gesture. "I know what has happened, and I mourn your loss. I respect your decision. I have been at that place where you are right now. You just want to get away from it all, the battle, the pain, the death. I understand that.", the wargod said to Fetch.
"Can you do something ...for our child?", asked Fetch tentatively. He knew the answer already, but he had to try.
Innkeeper shook his head and said regretfully, "I'm the Avatar of War...I kill things...I'm not the Avatar of Life. I can't make things better, even granting magic to raise and resurrect people from the dead is not one of my strong suits. We all deal with tragedy differently, each of us must mourn in our way." The avatar emphasized his last statement by briefly staring at the chubby elven god.
Kard frowned, he hoped to beguile the cleric into action, but he knew he needed another means of attack . The Avatar of War didn't imply any threats but he knew the deity was saying "hands off my high priest." Kard was one of the more passive gods. He seldom interfered with mortals, but occasionally intervened and guided them when it suited his needs. He was happy enough to observe and watch. Knowing that someone was interfering with the threads of fate, was enough incentive for Kard to take a direct hand in the matter. He had one trump card up his sleeve , something he has been observing and watching for awhile , and now was the time to play it.
He maintained his distance and gave a sorrowful look. "Besides being entertaining...do you know why I keep an eye on you? More importantly , do you know why the person or force interfering with the fates chose you? "
The room met his questions with silence. Kard waited awhile before continuing for dramatic effect." When most people's fates are altered, reality has a way of snapping back in place. For example , if your friend Frank 's destiny was altered by something capable of changing fates..reality would change but only briefly. A new knight would arise to take his place, and things would get back on track. The future would suffer little ill consequences. However...there are some people who's fate alters entire realities. The destiny of millions could be changed. Someone found out your one of them, and has been using you as a pawn to change things for their benefit. "
"Are you sure you should be telling them this?", Innkeeper asked. He already knew the answer, it was forbidden to give out this knowledge to mortals, but he didn't care. He already broke enough divine rules personally , he would feel like a hypocrite to criticize Kard for his actions.
Fetch chuckled at the god's incredible tale. Surely this is why he's called the god of trickery." Ha hah...are you trying to tell me, I can alter reality? Anyone can alter reality with their actions if you think about it. "
Kard shook his head, "No...haven't you been listening. Let's say your friend the dumb knight dies. After the mourning and the revenge bit, you will find another side kick and continue your quests. "
Frank didn't take offense at the dumb knight part , but the side kick bit he bristled at.
Fetch shook his head again , " But we really can't tell if history has changed ,can we? Since we're not allowed to see clearly into the future. All we get is just fragments, riddles , and nonsense prophecies. One destiny is just as significant as another. Our perception of reality is not like yours, we could never tell if the "destiny of millions" was truly affected. "
Kard smiled again." That is true...but let me show you something. Besides watching this world. I find it amusing to watch parallel worlds as well."
Innkeeper held out his hand. "Okay, I said I wouldn't say anything about you revealing information about the destiny lords, but this is going too far. You guys can chat all you want...I'm going to wait over there by those broken dungeon walls, pretending not to hear anything." The avatar of war gave a warning glare to Kard and stalked away.
"Bye...cya later...bon voyage...we'll be waiting right here... ", said Kard to the departing avatar. "Ok , where was I. Oh yes, alternate realities. The multiverse is a vast place. Not only are there entire crystal spheres, outer planes, inner planes, astral planes, ethereal planes, pocket dimensions, fade towns...there are also many parallel dimensions. They are echoes or shadows of a primary dimension, but still very ..real. I seldom keep an eye on them, not because its forbidden, but because its boring. Most are the same as this one with a few slight variations. For example, instead of the dungeon of Boryis the Spyder , this dungeon in an alternate world is the donjon of Boris the Sage. Instead of Everic losing the Grommish Civil war, Alphonso lost. But the Empire changed in ownership and name only. Everic was just as much a tyrant as Alphonso. The empire still eventually lost its king, and became a Republic again, and descended into the current anarchy of city states. Like I said, boring..."
"However...in this one dimension I have been observing, I noticed a young halfling, very similar to you. No...he's not very brave, or strong, or powerful. But he is one of those strange souls that can alter fate. ", Kard waved his hand and a vision of a dull looking halfling appeared."
Brita gasped, " Ponsoby...William Ponsoby...I know that guy, he was my father's servant / partner in crime ...till he passed away."
Kard smiled , and waved for Brita to be silent and then continued. " In both realities, he was born in Leeha, became a bard, and joined the Stout army during the Great Halfling War to put down BonBonaparte's revolution . He became a major in the feared Hot Dogoons , and at Watermelonloo he shattered a regular army brigade with his Dogoon skirmishers. In this reality however , he pressed his attack until Marshmallow Ney counter charged. His entire cavalry brigade was effectively wiped out. William was dishonored and haunted by the loss of his men. After the war, he descended into banditry, where he teamed up with another disgraced warrior. ", at this point Kard nodded at Brita," A Sir Hildraxel...I'm sure you've all heard of him. The two miscreants fed off each other's villiany. They slew tens of thousands in the north . Hildraxels mighty sword arm, combined with Ponsonby's guile and deception proved to be an effective team. Together they were the third leading cause of death in the north. Right behind Squirrel attacks, and Penguin swarms, but ahead of the plague and demon incursions. William eventually died a cowards death. He abandoned his companions while battling a pack of ghouls. He was cut down as he fled. "
"That's the happy ending by the way...", said Kard grimly," On this other dimension however. Brave Sir William took the prudent decision at Watermelonloo. He didn't press his attack, instead he reformed his unit, fell back and tied down Marshmallow Ney's cavalry for the rest of the battle. He was one of the Hero's of the battle, and was given a victors honor. He became an influential politician and lived a long and happy life. With no one to support and encourage him Hildraxel eventually gave up his wicked ways, and began his long quest to atone for his misdeeds, and after a decade of trials and quests, he won back his honor and became the Champion of the Lion. As the champion he courted the Princess of the Ice Elves , married her, and forged a strong alliance between human and elves."
Brita was at a lost for words, this world Kard was describing seemed like a world she wished for as a child. Where her father wasn't a villain. Where her people weren't slain like dogs, and her mother wasn't raped. She had faced demons, dragons, and abominations without flinching, but at that moment she had to turn away.
"No villain arose to take the place of Hildraxel due to the actions of Ponsoby, and for the inhabitants of the north all seemed well...but sadly our tale doesn't end there. When the mists descended on the north and the demon horde of the gnolls marched, the northern host also met them in battle. Their version of Fetch met them on the battlefield and was also victorious . However as you know, Yeenoghu attempted to escape Amarath during the confusion of the great battle. The champions , the warmaster , and his companions met him in battle like they did here. Unfortunately...when Yeenoghu uttered his word of unholy power. Everyone fell. There was no legendary battle for Sir Hildraxel that day. Even though he was a great warrior and fought bravely , he still fell. His heart wasn't hardened by his vile acts, and he collapsed to the ground , trying to gouge out his eyes. "
Frank winced at that painful memory. He knew the power of the demon lord first hand.
"Yeenoghu slew everyone that was there, except for their version of Brita . In that dimension she was knight commander of the lion and was still engaged in the gnoll battle. Fetch, Tyris, Frank , Hildraxel ...all died that day, souls to feed the the demon lord's hunger ."
Ymir looked expectantly, but Kard shook his head " Ymir died a long time ago at the hands of the taer. You were never rescued from the Tundra by Brita and her father since he was the Champion of the Snow Lion and she was their knight commander. They were too busy battling demons."
Kard continued, " The horde was broken, but the demon lord was free. His troops were scattered , but he slowly regained his powers and his next offensive scattered the remaining knights. The close battle at Amarath convinced the gnoll lord he wasn't strong enough, and he began a bloody 20 year campaign to destroy and conqueror the south before returning north to the mists. "
Kard gauged his audience, they seemed partially stunned and partially disbelieving. He smiled and readied his trump card. He waved his hands again and another vision appeared. It was McDunnalds and it was under siege. It could have been a vision of the battle outside, but it was fiercer and more violent. Besides the goblins, giants and dragons attacking...there was at least a hundred thousand gnolls engaged as well.
Fetch stared at the vision and could almost smell the battle and smoke. He knew little of the inner workings of magic , but he suspected that Kard didn't just create an illusion of the battle, but he made an actual window to this other world for them to observe. The battle it showed was fierce. The defenders fought tooth and nail to make the enemy pay for every fortification they gave up, but the fight before them seemed more like a slaughter. There would be no chance for a heroic counter attack. Just a long painful siege, and a ruthless slaughter. Fetch felt bad for the inhabitants in this world, he knew McDunnalds was the key to the north's defenses. If it fell, the monsters could march almost directly to Grom City. All civilization would fall under gnoll rule.
Fetch saw Tyris was spell bound by the battle. She seemed to take particular notice at the eastern gate of McDunnalds. There an entire company of gnolls descended on a lone warrior woman. Despite her blood covered clothes, and her battle ready appearance she was strangely beautiful. She had red hair and wielded her blades in a distinct elven style. She almost danced amongst the gnolls, slaying her foes with ease. The lone woman moved deftly with unnatural grace and agility. Her speed and nimbleness however finally failed her, and it proved ineffective against the sheer weight of numbers of her foes. She was felled by an attack from behind. For some strange reason, Fetch and Tyris looked in despair as the monsters began to cruelly torture her.
Something stirred in Fetch and he tightened the grip on his hammer. He felt Tyris rising , and they shared a brief glance at each other. They didn't speak much together, but their bond in battle was unshakeable. They both knew exactly what the other was going to do.
As one they both leaped through the quasi portal , lightning and blue arcs of energy slowed them, but they broke through and descended into the alternate dimension. The other companions looked in shocked. Ymir was the first to go after them and then Brita. Frank would have gone through earlier but he mounted his dragon and had to coax it through the unnatural portal. Clovis got up wobbly, shook his head and jumped in as well. Earl was nowhere to be seen.
Kard turned to Baalphzon. "That was unexpected. ", he said feigning shock.
Tyris was the first to land. Despite her weakened condition she was still the quickest and most nimble of the group. She was still wearing her torn party clothes from the previous evening but she looked like a spirit of vengeance. Fetch instinctively tossed to the bard one of her spare rapiers, he kept in his magical bag. She deftly caught it in mid leap and started methodically slaying gnolls. Her voice was weak and tearful, but she sang a frightful war dirge that struck fear into her foes.
Fetch's hammer struck the ground, and it churned and rumbled around him. Many gnolls lost their balance, some were even trapped by the shifting ground. Ymir gleefully stomped the trapped and fallen creatures as she caught up. Those that tried to rise , met swift death from her great axe.
Brita's didn't prepare her usual sword cohorts. She instead threw her blade at Tyris's back. In mid flight it turned a wraith like black. It avoided Tyris's back, as it had done many times in the past, and sliced like a buzz saw through the gnoll horde before returning to the sorceress's hand.
Frank and his dragon circled the melee twice. Each time he passed , the dragon breathed fire onto the gnolls to break up their number. When he spied a particularly large leader looking gnoll, the knight and his dragon descended like a falcon and attacked. The gnoll jumped back from the plummeting dragon and narrowly avoided death by claw. However, the knight quickly dismounted and gave him and his command unit swift death by sword instead.
The enemy quickly scattered , but war horns were blown. Two more companies of gnolls, and their demonic allies appeared. The companions battle lines tightened and they were ready to do battle. Fetch wasn't sure why he went through the portal to save that woman. A few minutes ago, he wouldn't even lift his weapon to defend the city, but something inside him told him he must. Maybe it was the sight of a hated foe. Maybe he was shamed by seeing the woman bravely fight on against impossible odds. Maybe because the woman seemed so familiar. Whatever the reason , he was ready to fight again. He silently thank Kard for spurring him out of his lethargy. He knew the trickster god worked mysteriously, but wondered why he just didn't open a portal to the battle in his own dimension.
The demons and the rapidly growing horde of gnolls roared as one. They charged at these strange new attackers, but were promptly beaten back . Brita and Fetch had a chance to get their defensive spells ready. Even Clovis managed to animate the ground to form ogre sized soldiers of rubble. Most of the rushing horde was mercilessly destroyed by divine and arcane blades. Those that hadn't fell, were torn to pieces by the knight, dwarf, and bard. Even the demons with their unnatural hides and mystical powers were no match for the group.
The enemy fell back to regroup. Some fell back to the gnollish lines, most fell back to the relative safety of the burning city. Their assumption proved wrong however, as colossus metal and stone hands erupted from the ground and crushed them.
Frank looked at Fetch, but the cleric shook his head and gave him the "It wasn't me" look.
Brita mimicked Fetch's gesture, as the companions watched half 4 massive golems rise from the ground to crush the demons and gnolls. Even the 2 normally inanimate statues that stood silently at the eastern gate for hundreds of years awoke from their torpor. Most of the gnolls were too slow to escape from their great strides. A few sought safety in the skies with their wings or on demonic flying mounts, but the golems fired deadly rays of scorching fire at them. Fetch saw demons who normally teleported in and out of battle robbed of their power, as a massive foot stone foot crushed them.
"EVERYONE ! BACK TO YOUR OWN DIMENSION...NOW!", roared innkeeper from the mouth of the portal.
"ITS BAD ENOUGH HE'S TELLING YOU DIVINE SECRETS AND SHOWING YOU ALTERNATE DIMENSIONS, BUT THIS IS CROSSING THE LINE . EVERYONE OUT NOW. I'M CLOSING THIS PORTAL AND BANNING THIS PLACE FOREVER IN 1 MINUTE.", the Avatar of War shouted with a deafening boom.
Ymir helped the still weakened Clovis back through the portal. Earl appeared and he followed in suit. Fetch didn't see the assassin enter and didn't see him fight, but his armor was splashed with fresh blood. The cleric noted he also had the biggest grin he ever seen on. Frank had to coax his dragon through the portal once again. He even had to get off and push the creature to get it to move. Brita helped Tyris through, she intoned a spell that made them both fly and they sped through. Fetch was the last one in. He wasn't sure what happened but felt ready to battle again. His loss wasn't healed but he had purpose again. He looked for the downed warrior woman that spurred him into action, but didn't see her. He lost sight of her early in the battle, but intoned a burst of healing magic where he saw her fall. He had hoped he stabilized her wounds and she survived. There was still a distinct possibility that she had already died though. Somehow the thought made Fetch sad. Fetch shook that thought away, he's seen hundreds of his allies slain before. This was no different.
Fetch walked through the portal, gazing at this world one final time. Even the enemy horde would be hard pressed to deal with 6 legendary siege golems. He wondered why the defenders hadn't activated them sooner. Maybe a dark sacrifice must be made. He heard only Alphonso could command them, maybe it was fear of the return of the demon king that delayed their hand. Fetch thought maybe only in the face of utter annihilation would they risk the return of the tyrant. Fetch smiled, whatever the reason this world now had a fighting chance against the demons.
Fetch returned to see the Avatar of War yelling at Kard. Something about the difference between bending the rules and breaking them.
"Hey I thought you're the Avatar of War, not the Avatar of Lawyers!", quipped Frank.
A strong blow to the jaw, sent the knight crashing to the ground. Innkeeper said something and Kard vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Fate is not through with you yet Fetch. ", was the last thing the fat elf said before he disappeared.
"Ok, enough interference by Gods. Good luck Fetch, it was a grand battle, but we're even now. Don't expect me to battle at your side again unless you pay me in gems and gold.", smiled the god as he vanished. Fetch wondered if that was really his god, or just his mind forming the image of his god from his subconscious.
Fetch stood up straight, his loss still weighed heavily on him, but he wasn't about to let this city fall. He still didn't put much faith in this changer of destiny thing that Kard was talking about. He only knew what must be done, and what would happen if he didn't do it.
"Okay, lets get back to the city . There's still a siege to break and a certain dragon to kill.", ordered the Warmaster in a voice that could strengthen the resolve of his allies, and break the morale of his foes.
Earl was still smiling, "May I make a suggestion. Let's head to the east gate. We have a secret weapon we need to unleash there. " The rogue walked behind Clovis and grasped him by the shoulders, " Make that 6 secret weapons."