The battle was quickly over. The Darkriver horde and its allies will to fight was shattered. News that Dalton the wizard had hired a Monte Nabisco impersonator to lead his troops destroyed the invading horde's morale. Even as the monsters were thrown into confusion , 6 massive siege golems appeared in the enemies midst. A heroic sally from General Olive was all that was require to break the siege once and for all. Even though the war with the northern tribes was officially over. Olive sent companies of skirmishers and scouts to harass the fleeing foe. Fetch guessed the third army would press their defeated foe as much as possible till winter set in, a grim reminder to the goblins and their foes not to invade Grom.
Dalton was defeated, and disappeared. It was rumored his secluded castle in the mountains was abandoned. The threat of Grommish assassins, reprisals from his fallen allies , and draconic rivals forced the wizard to flee. Tales of his vacated castle began spreading, along with those of treasure beyond measure hidden within its walls. Because the wizard fled so abruptly , speculation began that the mystic forge he purloined was left hidden somewhere in the castle's walls.
Clovis was given an honorary rank in the Grommish Enginseers. Somehow he managed to activate and control the dormant siege golems buried by the Eastern Gate. Clovis wasn't sure how he did it, but he attributed it to his expert artificer skills. He was given an official commission as a colonel of the Grommish Engineers. The master merchant proudly accepted it . The rank fulfilled his need to feel important and daring like he was in his youth, and it also raised his already high social standing up a notch. He was assured it wouldn't be a dangerous or time consuming job. His duties were just to inspect other dormant siege golems when he had the chance. A small team of Grommish scribes and advisors were assigned to him, to assist and keep the colonel "safe".
Ymir made it a point to tell the tale how she was the one that rescued Clovis and Tyris. She seemed quite proud of her accomplishments on the battlefield that day. She paid to have a portion of the McDunnald's wall rebuilt. On the wall she hired stone workers to carve a relief of her heroically riding a siege golem against the enemy. She stayed in town for a week , mainly to work out new contracts and to comfort her friend Tyris. The dwarven commander made plans to return to Nazag Narg to bask in her glory and continue her joint project with Clovis.
Brita was also praised as a hero of the siege, due to her apparently leading the golems into battle. Many poets, artists, and singers were taken back by the sight of the beautiful sorceress riding a winged lion, with ancient golems following behind her. Works of art and beauty of every type were dedicated to her. The half elf didn't seem to care though. After the battle , Brita immediately went to her daughter's side. Strangely, Surry was given a high ranking officer's recovery room. Brita was thankful that Surry's injuries were not permanent and stayed with her daughter till she recovered. Surry was annoyed at her doting mother, but held her tongue since Fetch was also there at her side.
Frank's dragon mysteriously vanished after the fight. The knight tried to discover the secret of his dragon, but his popularity caught up with him, and taxed his time. Frank's fame after the battle was greater then Brita's. Almost everyone saw how the knight battled the evil dragons , and even chased the Great Red away. The Order of the Dragon wished to make Frank an honorary member. Frank at first flirted with their tall and charming leader, the lady Alina, but got into a fist fight with another one of their members. Sir Barrick and Frank apparently crossed paths before, and the last thing Frank heard before he was beaten senseless was "What did you do with my sister! What did you do with my sister!"
Fetch knew he had fallen out of favor with Olive. His refusal to obey her commands during the middle of the siege strained the trust between them. However he had the favor of the royal adventurer Earl, and he was also given much of the credit of the victory. Riding atop a massive siege golem as it swatted giants and goblins tend to do that. He wanted to regain the general's trust but knew it wasn't going to simple. He had other things on his mind at the moment. He still worried about Surry and Tyris's condition. Surry made a rapid recovery but Tyris seemed to be wounded deeper then her wounds indicated. Physically she seemed weakened but fine, but mentally she seemed a bit more withdrawn then normal. Fetch wasn't at her side all the time due to his commitments to his daughter , and he knew she probably required some time alone. The young cleric tried to support everyone but as the days passed after the battle he finally realized the enormity of their loss child.
Fetch laid in his bed. Every morning it was the same thing. The battle was won, the city was saved, but his loss still weighed heavily on him. The guilt and the second guessing of the loss of his child tore at his heart like a knife. Every morning he tried to make a list of reasons why he should get up. It all seemed pretty useless. Kard convinced him once to action, but the danger was past. He knew Tyris was hurting, even though she hid it. She hid most of her emotions pretty well. If Fetch had only saw her on the street he would have guessed her loss didn't affect her at all, but he knew better. In bed, she would curl into a small ball and shudder, that wasn't normal. He promised her a new start. A new job, a new city, maybe even adopt a child. It could never replace the one they loss but it was a start. That was a good enough reason to face the day, the cleric thought . People were still counting on him, especially his wife. He readied himself to face the new day.
Fetch woke up to the warm smell of freshly baked bread and tea. He stretched from his bed , and saw breakfast was already laid out for him. He frowned when he noticed that Tyris was gone again. He sighed...controlling his wife was like controlling the wind...it wasn't going to happen.
The cleric finished his breakfast , and thought how much he was going to miss Clovis's chefs. His dress uniform was washed, pressed and ready for him , but he chose to wear a plain chain shirt and captain's tabard today. Despite no longer needing to disguise himself, Fetch grew weary of the attention he was getting. It was bad enough that all the knights from the northern kingdoms would hail him as the Warmaster, but the Grommers were doing it too now. They were praising him as some military genius and hero of the siege. All he did was beat some goblins and giants up , and help direct one of the old siege golems Clovis reactivated.
Commanding the golems was kind of fun in a morbid way, Fetch thought. Directing 100 tons of iron destruction to do your bidding was pretty exhilarating. Fetch never took pleasure from war before, he always regarded it as work and duty, but the detachment of commanding a golem as it stepped, smashed, and swatted his foes was strangely exciting. Near the end of the battle, Ymir, Frank and himself competed to see how many they could crush. 10 points for a dragon, 5 for a giant, 1 for a goblin. Ymir won , after her golem tripped and belly flopped onto a hidden nest of goblins. Frank and Fetch tried to copy her move, but their golems ended up stuck in the ground. The goblins at that point swarmed the golem hoping to dispatch their masters, but were met with sword and hammer. The 3 had a big argument later, to determine if those kills counted. The first few days after the siege, Fetch had to use his golem to help clear rubble, it was something to keep his mind off his loss. He was impressed at the power and articulation the construct possessed. He was going to miss his golem, partially for its utility but mainly for its ability to keep his thoughts absorbed.
A knock on the door broke Fetch's musings.
"You're awake.", said the construct Clovis.
Fetch nodded, " I was just thinking of you. Or at least one your cousins."
Clovis understood the reference and frowned,"Master Clovis has gone to the Enginseers Hall. He wants to run some proposals for the reconstruction of the city. He seems to be taking his honorary rank pretty seriously. ...and the Grommers seem to be taking him seriously as well."
Clovis checked the hallway and then his mood grew grim, " They don't know do they? About Master Clovis's lineage. I can tell that he doesn't know yet, and I thank you for that. But ... did any of the Grommers find out? How did he manage to take command of the golems? I know hes capable of doing it, but I believe he still requires the command words. Something I doubt Master Clovis had in his possession."
Fetch shrugged sheepishly," I didn't reveal anything to him, ... Its hard to explain...we were briefly in a different dimension, they were under siege as well, but they managed to activate the golems before us. I'm not exactly sure ...but Earl...the gardener must have overhead them, and told them to Clovis. After that, my train of logic is lost."
Clovis shrugged, "I guess that explanation will have to do, as long as Master Clovis doesn't suspect , his sanity should be safe. I suppose they are treating him with such great respect because he's a valuable tool . A man that can command 6 siege golems can shape the fate of Grom. I shouldn't worry too much. He still has bodyguards. I doubt any harm will come to him from a direct attack."
Fetch nodded, and finished getting dressed. Clovis bid him farewell before he attended to Master Clovis's business affairs. Fetch didn't plan to take advantage of his friends hospitality for much longer. He had plans , but he had to tie up loose ends in the city first.
He first ventured into the Artisan quarters. It was a small but lively district in the city. It escaped most of the carnage of the battle, due to its lack of any strategic value. Fetch looked for his friend, and didn't take long to find her.
"No! No! No! Draw me thinner! and taller! make my breasts appear larger too! ", demanded the mercenary captain.
Ymir was capitalizing on her fame and glory. She was hiring every artist she could find to write poems of her deeds, statues of her beauty, and paint murals of her accomplishments. With some embellishments of course.
"Oh hi Fetch!", the dwarf said to her friend, while shooing away the haggard artists. " Look at this painting. It looks nothing like me!"
Fetch stared at the painting and thought the artist captured her likeness fairly good. He even managed to draw the evil smile she always gets right before a melee.
Fetch was about to compliment the artist but Ymir interrupted."I'm going to head back to my Thaig soon. Do you have any messages you want to pass down to your son?"
Fetch still had trouble accepting Agni was his son. He believed Brita, but it was still hard to accept the older halfelf was his child. " I'm not sure what to say. Umm...tell him he didn't miss much . No...tell him ...awww I'll send a letter for you to deliver. I can't think of anything right now. Anyways...I came by to say I'll be heading out soon. I'm sure I'll see you again soon. "
Ymir nodded. "Fetch...it was good fighting with you again. Side by side , just like the old days. You already know this, but if you ever need anything , ever get in trouble, you know who you can count on."
Fetch smiled, " I know...and the same goes for you." He gave a formal salute to the dwarven commander , who in turn jumped up and gave him a flying bear hug. The heavily armored dwarf , toppled the cleric to the ground.
Fetch hit his head hard on the ground, and was a bit dizzy while getting up. Ymir on the other hand , was standing proudly , posing for her artists. She struck a heroic pose, with her axe firmly planted on the ground, and her feet squared in a heroic stance. "Take good care of your Tyris , ok?", she said from the corner of her mouth.
The young captain left the Artisan quarters, still shaky. His freshly washed and pressed clothes were now dusty and dirty. He brushed off the debris as best as he could, but he still looked worse for wear. He did the best he could and headed to his next destination.
Frank told him he was staying at one of the few inns or taverns that survived unscathed during the attack, Panark's Bar and Grill. Fetch had trouble finding it, until someone pointed out the ominous keep on the hill. The "bar" seemed more like a military keep, complete with cauldrons for boiling oil, and weapon sparring equipment in the central courtyard. Despite its military dressings it was quite lively . Like most "adventurer" bars, it had a wall where various famous heroes marked their name or put a trophy on . Fetch stopped and stared at the list, The Mighty Zug, Asahina the mage, Rock Knees, Sgt Applebane, Leonidas the Red, ...the list seemed to go on and on. He saw a few patrons staring wide eyed at the newest signature. Frank the Dragon slayer .
"Hey...Fetch! OVER HERE!", shouted a familiar voice across the busy bar.
Fetch struggled to make his way over . "Hey make way for the Warmaster you drunks. If it wasn't for him, you would be serving goblin overlords by now. ", jested Frank. Fetch didn't want the attention and partially covered his face while approaching the warrior. Despite being singled out as the warmaster, Fetch was fortunately enough that the statues and murals in town of him didn't quite match up to real life. His artistic persona was much older, broader, and heroic looking. Fetch knew he wasn't the most handsome man in the world , he was tall , lanky, and he still had his boyish look about him.
Frank was at a table covered with empty drinking glasses. Fetch could tell his friend already had too much to drink, which was quite surprising, because Frank could drink a lot. Not as much as the cleric could though, ingesting a prodigious amount of alcoholic beverages was one of the many talents one picks up while growing up in a bar.
At the knights side, was a tall warrior woman with short blond hair, a dwarven war maiden wearing midnight black full plate, and a savage looking barbaric warrior. Frank seemed rather happy and appeared to be flirting with the tall woman. He had a large bruise on his cheek that looked rather recent. He pointed at the wound, and the cleric instinctively waved his hand and it disappeared. "That's my buddy, Fetch . Always willing to lend a hand. " , the knight said while pouring a drink from a pitcher for his friend.
The tall warrior woman smiled at the knights comment. Fetch had met her before, she was Allina of the Turtle, a member of the Knights of the Dragon or something. The cleric only met her briefly before, on the battlefield and in a battle strewn alley. She looked dangerous and poised then. However, while relaxed in the tavern, she looked rather pretty and charming , while still retaining a noble air to her. The dwarven woman next to her seemed nothing like the dwarf Fetch just left. While Ymir, was flighty , perky, and brightly dressed, this dwarf seemed cold and deadly. Her pitch black hair was braided like a typical dwavern noble and she wore an ornate suit of black plate mail, decorated with skulls and hounds. Only her gold rings and jewelry set her apart as a noble from a common sell sword. She seemed more interested in food and drink then her enamored companion and had an impressive pile of beef and chicken bones in front of her. The third member of the group reminded Fetch of the various barbarians of his homeland. Except while most of those were overly friendly and cheerful in a bar setting, this one seemed paranoid and uneasy. His eyes were constantly shifting seeking danger and unseen assailants.
"Hey you've guys met before haven't you? That's Alina of the Turtle, Aramil of the Kalhounds, and Sir Guy.. these guys are the Order of the Dragon. Well these guys and that dick Sir Barrick, but Allina sent him off to his room to cool off after he suckered punched me. The dude has serious anger issues ", said Frank.
"Sergei.", mumbled the barbarian.
"Like I said Sir Guy, anyways...guess what? These guys are recruiting! They are looking for some help to go up north to the iceberg of Ogo mock. ", continued the knight.
"Ogremoch.", said Alina while still smiling and playing with Frank's hair.
"Like I said Ogahmak, so it shouldn't be too hard to get out of active duty for the army I think. They have way too much guys, and not enough battles to fight. So what do you say buddy? Tyris, you , me? Back to the north, fighting bad guys with Allina and her crew?", asked the Knight earnestly.
Fetch shook his head, and Frank's smile dropped."We had the same discussion the other day, or were you too drunk to remember?", Frank shrugged and then nodded," I didn't come here to join with you guys. One of the reasons I came to the south is to claim my estates at Lower Lueders, and I intend to for Tyris's sake and mine. I'm here to say goodbye old friend . For now at least, I'm pretty sure our paths will cross again."
Allina lost her smile from her face, and stood up straight . She seemed a lot more stern and commanding but gave a slight bow, "I respect your decisions. Our patron is a healer but we were hoping for another for our quest, I suppose getting the Warmaster to join us is above our "league". Farewell and good travels to you and your wife."
Fetch bowed back, "If you need a decent cleric, I know a certain blind one in Narwhal hold that's pretty decent. You can ask him if you're headed back to that part of the world"
Frank and Fetch stood eye to eye. "I guess we go our separate ways once again.", said the cleric. " .. You're the famous Frank now. Slayer of Dragons, Master of the sky...I know you won't "stay safe" or "take care of yourself"...but keep in one piece till next our paths cross again ok?"
The knight put his strong hand on Fetch's shoulder, " Well if I don't , I'm sure I know who can patch me up. Its been a good run old buddy. Sounds like you're gonna retire, but c'mon you're what ...21 ..22...that's way too young to call it quits. Don't retire early , just look at what happened to Clovis...what's he got? A mansion, a buisness empire, a ton of money and women, respect...errr bad example. Look, if you ever have the adventure bug again, and you need a hired sword, you know who to call ok?"
"I'll look up Ymir first...if she's busy I'll see if my son is available ... !", jested Fetch.
Frank shook his head and smiled, and gave the cleric a big hug. "One more night on the town just you and me ! OK? "
Fetch shook his head again ," I told you , we had this discussion before, we had our night on the town 2 nights ago!"
Frank looked puzzled, "Well did we at least have fun and get into some trouble?"
"YES! ", shouted the entire table.
"Ok...till next we meet.", Frank began to sit back next to the tall blond warrior, but instead fell to his knees and presented a silvery sword to Fetch.
"It has been an honor to fight beside you Warmaster. I thank you for rescuing me from the Scar , guarding me throughout the north, and giving me the opportunity to be wielded by Sir Hildraxel. I know what your heart wants right now, and its peace and solace. Ultimately that's what we all want. I hope you find what you seek. ", the sword said silently in Fetch's mind.
"The honor has been mine to have fought beside a legendary blade as yourself, Galatea. Take care of Frank for me OK. We both know the trouble he gets into. ", replied the cleric in rough Eladrin.
"I will, I'll do my best to see he remains safe. ... I've grown...attached to him... He has a good heart, and even though he's wild and reckless...his exuberance is infectious, " . Galatea said silently.
Fetch nodded and smiled, " He'll make a great leader of men someday, ..he just needs some temperance and a good woma...a good sword to guide him at his side."
Galatea fell silent and her silvery scabbard turned a rosy pink.
"Hey Fetch! Stop flirting with my sword!", laughed a bewildered Frank as he returned to normal.
Fetch arrived at the Mithral Knife 5 minutes early. It was a high class restaurant , where only the rich and powerful visited. Even with his captain rank he found it difficult to enter . He told them he had an appointment, but the host was still reluctant to let him in. He knew it was useless telling him he was the Warmaster, since he doubted the man would believe him. Fetch had trouble believing it himself sometimes.
"Henry...its OK. I know this man, if he says he has an appointment, I'm sure he does.", said a young girlish voice.
"Why ...of course General Olive. ", said the head waiter.
Fetch felt awkward in Olive's presence. He didn't regret disobeying her orders during the siege, he would do it again if he had to. He still felt bad betraying her, though. She had treated him so well, and he repaid her by abandoning her when she needed him the most. It all worked out in the end though, but Fetch wasn't the kind of guy who felt the ends justified the means. The path taken was just as important.
Olive sat at a corner table with her servant Kube, she motioned Fetch to sit with her as he waited for his appointment. The 3 sat quietly for a few minutes.
Fetch was the first to speak , "I'm sorry , I disobeyed your orders in the alley. I know you have your hands tied with me. You can't exactly court martial a hero, but I can resign my commission if you want. "
Olive sighed and looked at her drink. She swirled it a bit then sipped it. " I wouldn't accept it even if I wanted to. You're way too valuable. Even for appearances only. Look Fetch, personally I like you...you're a good man. You risked everything to rescue your wife and friend . You are brave and fearless and do what's right and decent. I wish I had more friends like you...and I do consider you a friend. However as a General, what you did was unforgivable. The only reason you aren't tried and court martialed is because you're a hero, and Earl backed you up. "
Fetch sat uncomfortably. He looked at Kube , Olive's fiendish pixie, and he seemed uncomfortable as well. A long silence seemed to fall on the table, despite the noise of the surrounding restaurant.
"I'm genuinely torn ...I don't normally believe in second chances. However I will make an exception in your case. Not because you're a valuable asset to the army and to the Republic, but because its the right thing to do, and because I value your loyalty and friendship."
Fetch breathed a sigh of relief." Thank you sir. I won't disappoint you again."
Olive's girlish smile returned, and the air of tension lifted from the table. " Kube will have your papers drawn up . I know you want to head to your original destination of Lower Lueders. and its all been arranged. Your post, your office...well speaking of Lower Lueders..."
Olive stood up on her chair and bowed at the regal looking merchant who just approached their table. He was average height, well groomed and seemed unremarkable despite the quality of his clothes. They were obviously well tailored but they had a subdued look about them. His companion was more obvious though. He had a black cloak, a pointed beard, carried a skull tipped rod, and had a sinister aura about him. Fetch knew the man. His name was Zaxxon or something.
"Commander Governor Kerr , may I present to you Captain Fetch.", said Olive.
The dark summoner sneered when he saw Fetch. He whispered something into his master's ear.
"Ahh I've heard much of you. I was told you gave my servant Zahzon quite some trouble in the war camp a few months ago.", said the well dressed and refined gentleman. Despite his subdued appearance, Fetch could sense the commanding presence of this man.
"Yeah, that's me. I had my orders, and he got in my way. My seal indicated my mission had priority so I "negotiated" an amicable decision with your man. ", said Fetch unwilling to back down .
Kerr smiled and studied the young man carefully. " Ahh I see, I was under the misunderstanding that you disrespected my servant , and therefore me. I can clearly see it was just a matter of military priorities."
"But...", Zahzon began but was quickly silenced by a wave from Kerr.
"We will discuss this later , Zahzon.", Kerr said while waving him away. Zahzon's brow furrowed but he bowed to the table. He left wordlessly out the eatery.
Olive began snacking on a bread stick , her military demeanor vanished. "Soooo...Fetch here is going to be stationed at your city. Not an active command, just general staff duties. Reports and that type of stuff. "
"Oh really?", Kerr acted surprise, but Fetch could tell he already knew this information, "I will be sure to greet him properly and introduce him to the town's more upstanding citizens. Alphonso knows I'm swamped with domestic problems. Unfulfilled prophecies, serial murderers , unseen cults, and renegade assassins to name a few. "
"If you need a troubleshooter ... He's the best go to guy out there. ", said Olive smiling girlishly with a mouthful of breadstick .
"I'm sure he is...I'm sure he is! ", laughed Kerr.
Master Clovis was almost an hour late for lunch. Fetch had already ordered and eaten with Olive ,Kerr and Kube. Even though Kube was at the table, he seldom talked. Fetch tried to strike up a conversation but he didn't say much. Kerr seemed friendly enough, but Fetch found the man had a dangerous aura about him. Fetch couldn't put his finger on what it was he found so troubling about the friendly governor but made a note to take care when around him.
Clovis apologized to Fetch for his tardiness, and explained he was entertaining not one but two young noblewomen. He would have gotten here sooner, but his appointed staff followed him where ever he went. He appreciated that they didn't interfere too much in his business but they seemed more like body guards then scribes and couriers. One of the scribes , he recalled was a gardener he once fired. Clovis assumed he must have enlisted in the military due to his lack of employable work skills.
Clovis knew of Fetch's plans and wished him the best of luck. He gave him a list of his businesses if he ever needed anything while in Lower Lueders. The merchant seemed unconvinced that his friend was seeking an out of the way job, though. He thought it all a ruse or the beginning of another grand adventure.
Afterwards Fetch made his way to the elven district in town. It was the site of the more bloody battles during the siege, but was relatively intact. The elves were mostly lower income laborers and merchants, but the tree houses they "grew" were made to last centuries. Fetch looked at the various elven street addresses in this neighborhood. Fetch could easily read them, but they were artistically placed, and hard to find unless you knew what to look for. Fetch had a good idea, but even he had trouble finding the address.
Brita and Surry were staying in this part of town after Surry was released from the field hospital. Despite his daughter's dislike for her mother, she reluctantly agreed to stay with her. Fetch smiled , he hoped this was a step to reconciliation for the two. The cleric told them they were welcome to stay with him at Clovis's mansion, but they both declined. They both enjoyed the merchant's company but needed to be with their own people he guessed. Despite being called the Elven district, the majority of the population were halfelves. Very few non drow were of pure elven stock. Most had various degrees of human or other blood in them .
Fetch stared at the house names, they weren't numbered like human houses, but had various names like "Barkhome", "Sunchaser", or "Windhome". Fetch sighed..but then he noticed a familiar nondescript person also lost.
The man was dressed in the distinct black and silver uniform of a member of the royal engineers. Fetch could tell by the insginia on his arm that he was a scribe or assistant of some sort. He would have fitted right in , in any other part of the city , but he easily stood out here. Very few elves or half elves wore there uniforms in their own district, preferring looser more frolickable clothes. The normally non descript man looked lost as he seemed to have more trouble with the signs then Fetch, that along with the fact he was holding what appeared to be a dozen blue roses.
"Ice roses...those aren't easy to come by down here. Now how would a simple enginseer scribe afford such a rare extravagant treasure? A gift like this must surely be for a noble or a princess, I think?", joked Fetch as he surprised the scribe.
For a second, the scribe seemed surprised. "Yeah, Yeah.. I was sloppy.", He pointed to his clothes, " I should have changed first, but I don't really have much time . Baby sitting Colonel Clovis is a full time job you know. "
"It seems like your talent is wasted being a mere body guard . ", the cleric said, half expecting an answer.
"Well you and I both know how valuable he is . They made him god emperor in the other dimension you know. I don't know if we would do the same thing here, due to Olive favoring a Republic of Grom over an Empire of Grom, but he is still a valuable commodity. Either his new found power to reactivate the siege golems, or maybe as a trump card to reunite Grom under a king. Despite how "beneath" this mission is for me, its probably the most important one I've undertaken. I was going to track down a rival assassin but that will have to wait apparently. ", the scribe said audible enough that only Fetch could hear.
"If its so important...what are you doing here? And with the roses?", teased Fetch . His youthful playfulness was clearly shining through his calm manner.
Earl stopped and considered his words. He stared at the flowers and was at a lost.
"Let me guess. You found out that Brita was going to guard Clovis's project in Ymir's thaig. You wanted to say good bye properly, so you rushed down here during your lunch break .", said Fetch.
Earl nodded, "Yeah...I guess that's it. Seems kind of silly, now that you said it ... ". The assassin stood there unsure weather to continue seeking the sorceress or not.
Fetch laughed, "A hardened assassin, that contemplated slaying all my friends and holding my wife hostage to force me to fight Dalton...seeking the friendship of a pure and true paladin sorceresses like Brita...nothing crazy about that!"
Earl paused, " You saw that? "
Fetch smiled and shrugged, " Yeah, I saw that, I saw you hesitating at the last moment. Even if Kard didn't intervene I think the worst you would have done was stick him through the cheek. Frank's skull too hard for a mere knife to pierce it."
Earl stood there not sure what to do. It was bad enough Fetch was questioning his work ethic, but his professional integrity was called into question . Anyone else would be dead by now, but he couldn't bring himself to slay someone who had spoken so truthfully about his faults .
Fetch put an arm around Earl's shoulder. Earl wasn't sure what to do. A weakness in his armor was exposed and the young cleric seemed to be exploiting it. " Hey if a big bad mofo killing killer like you could hesitate in his duty, then I'm sure a pure hearted paladin like Brita could give you a chance. I might look like a punk , but I know people . I know you're tired of remorseless killing , of camping by yourself alone in the wilderness. I know you're ready to find someone who's just as lonely as you. Just don't hurt her. OK? She's a sweet girl and has had a life full of heart ache. Break her heart and I'll break your face." Fetch said with menace in his voice.
Earl nodded and Fetch smiled at the older man. " Okay...lets find that crazy address, "Elfheim",...what type of house name is that?"
The pair finally found the house and were greeted by Brita. Fetch exchanged pleasantries with Brita and told her he was going away. Brita nodded, and explained Tyris already told her this morning. Fetch was mildly annoyed that his mysterious wife was already there before he was. They should have came together, but he sighed and said his goodbyes.
"Its not goodbye forever you know. I waited 25 years to see you once, and I'll wait another 25 to see you again.", the sorceress smiled.
"25 years! Whoa...lets try to get together next year instead. We'll plan a vacation to Nazag Narg to see you. It will be nice!", grinned Fetch.
Earl slid in after Fetch was finished and tried to sweep Brita off her feet with his charms and wit. She easily saw through his act and laughed. She took his flowers graciously and took his hand. Then led him outside for a walk.
Fetch wondered if he should be worried about the two. Then sighed knowing it was none of his business. Earl wasn't as cold and ruthless as he thought he was, and Brita was much stronger then she gave herself credit for.
"Hello Fetch. Hey...wasn't that the gardener? I was a bit out of it when you guys rescued me from the yuan-ti...but I'm pretty sure Clovis said that was his ex gardener?" , Surry said as she walked out of her room. She had her equipment in hand and laid it out on the table before her.
"Yeah...that's the gardener. He's in the army now, doing scribe work or something.", said Fetch with a faint smile.
The half elf caught the smile and stared at her father. She tried to see the humor but couldn't ," Well it doesn't surprise me. No offense, but mother always seemed to be attracted by the hard luck cases. She's like a hero of the city , saved the Republic and all that stuff, and she's taking a walk with ...the gardener...pfffttt.."
Fetch didn't bother to argue with his daughter. He sat down and began helping her inspect and oil her weapons.
"Tyris and I...we're going to Lower Lueders. I have some properties there, and a job as a military planner. I know you wanted to follow me and see some excitement and action, but its going to be pretty boring.", Fetch said while examining his daughters weapons. They were of average to high quality , but nothing outstanding. He made a mental note to get her some magical weapons and armor as a farewell gift before he left.
Surry smiled, " I know I heard." She pulled out an unusual elven scimitar and examined it. Fetch had never seen Surry with it before. It was definitely magical and seemed to be made partly of metal and partly of ice. From the runes, Fetch guessed it was a weapon made for elven nobility but he wasn't sure. " Tyris told me this morning, and gave me this. It's exactly like the one mother has, but never uses. She said someone gave it to her, and she in return gave it to me, said I could get more use out of it. Its beautiful isn't it...I've never owned anything so ...so...exquisite..."
Fetch nodded in agreement. He's seen plenty of weapons of greater power , but never seen one of such beauty , save for Galatea.
"Oh...and don't think you will get rid of me that easy. Tyris said you guys were thinking of adopting , and she's going to need some help running the household . and besides...I've only met you for like 4 months, you're a magnet for trouble. I doubt it will get boring. ", Surry smiled.
Fetch smiled, he felt uncomfortable hugging her, so saluted her instead. She stood up and gave a formal salute. "I'll meet you at the eastern gates 8 am tomorrow, Captain."
Fetch felt humbled at her sense of duty, and commitment. As he left the house his heart swelled with pride.
It was getting late, Fetch had procured some armor and a bow from the armory. If there's one thing Grom had in abundance , it was money and gear. It was just a matter of getting your piece . Fetch didn't like the attention and had adopted his old alias of Fletcher once again. Even with his pseudonym , the officers at the grand armory recognized him. They were more then happy to oblige a simple request such as enchanted elven chain and bow. Fetch signed some autographs and hurried out before a crowd gathered.
The day had gone pretty much the way he planned it. The meeting with Olive and Earl was unexpected but he knew he would meet up with them sooner or later. His heart was heavy, not only because of the goodbyes , but his troubled thoughts of Tyris and their lost child. Despite his victories and conquests, the loss shook him to his core. He hid it well, but everyday he felt his armor weakening and cracking.
Fetch saw the sun was setting. It was only 5 in the afternoon, but autumn had already set in. Even if the golems didn't break the enemy, he wondered if the enemy was provisioned enough to maintain a long siege. He started back towards Clovis's mansion when a pair of bright yellow eyes and a bright smiled greeted him.
"Missed me?", said Tyris mischievously in thieves cant.
"Missed you? Of course I did! I think I just missed you at Brita's and Surry's place!", exclaimed Fetch also in cant. Many passerby's on the busy street and stopped to look at this odd couple spouting nonsense. The tall lanky captain, and the smartly dressed but plain faced bard .
"Well, it it makes you feel better, I missed you at the artisan quarters, and at Panark's . ", Tyris said briefly touch her nose with Fetch's before slipping out his reach.
"We could have met them together you know, Its painful being without you. ", said Fetch feigning a wound to his heart.
"I know...but you're the Warmaster...you can take it", Tyris replied with a smile, " Besides, there was someone I had to visit a last time. Seems she's leaving too. ...I want you to meet her before you go."
Fetch hadn't expected this, and nodded. Tyris motioned for a woman in armor standing a few yards away to come forwards. Fetch hadn't noticed her , he was so entranced with Tyris. She should have been easy to spot, she was adorned in gleaming elven armor. At her side was a large shining broadsword, Fetch recognized it as one of the blades of Mirrodin. She had flowing reddish brown hair , her skin was golden , and her eyes were a fierce amber.
Fetch gasped, it was Tyris! Or a very close version of her. She appeared a few years older then his wife, and the cleric hated to admit it but was even prettier.
"I'll let you get acquainted , I'm going to get some bread for dinner ", said Tyris with a smile, then took a few steps and seemingly slipped out of sight.
The woman looked for the invisible bard, but couldn't see her.
"You'll get use to it .", said Fetch reverting back to the common tongue.
"Excellent, you can speak something besides that twisted thieves tongue. I can understand a few words, but its very hard to follow..", said the woman relieved.
"You ..you understood what we said?", asked a surprised Fetch.
"Bits and pieces, something about you 2 running around town, barely missing each other...and something about bread.", said the red haired woman.
Fetch nodded ...and the two stood awkwardly on the busy street not sure what to say next.
Fetch waved for them to sit at a nearby empty bench. "So...any reason why Tyris wanted you to meet me? "
"Tyris? So thats, her name? I've known her for 5 days and she never once told me her name. That's a shame though. We could have had something more to talk about, that was my mother's name. I was calling her little sister all this time.", said the warrior woman.
Fetch mentally chastised himself, even Tyris knew not to reveal their names to avoid attention. "My name is Captain Fletcher ", the cleric said while extending his hand.
"Captain Bloodshadow ..", said the woman shaking his hand.
"I couldn't help but notice... but you two look very similar, your hairs a little more red, but other then that you actually could be sisters. Even down to your yellow eyes.", said Fetch still staring at this strange woman.
"I know right. Her skin is the same as mine. I didn't know my parents but was told people with this tone of skin normally lived thousands of miles to the south. By Thyatis and the Grand Duchy. I suspect we both can trace our lineage from there", said Bloodshadow finally relaxing.
"So ...how do you know my wife?", asked Fetch sensing a more relaxed tone.
Bloodshadow thought carefully then finally replied, "I was overwhelmed by monsters during the siege of the city, I thought I was going to be raped, killed , or worse . Emperor Clovis had apparently succeeded in activating the golems though, and the day was won it seems. The priests told me Tyris found me, unconscious and dieing and took me to the field hospital. She stayed at my side till I awoke , and had been at my side for the last few days while I recovered. I suspect she found a familiar face in the crowd and wanted to talk or something. I tried to befriend her, but she's not that talkative ...especially after your ...loss ."
Fetch nodded. Even though Tyris put on a brave face, she was still hurt by the recent loss of their child. As Fetch sat with Bloodshadow, all his insecurities and doubts seemed to well in him. Every possible scenario and path that he could have taken to avoid his fate seemed to taunt him as he wallowed in his failure. He was at a lost for words.
"I won't pretend that I know what you're going through, but your story is not unique. Many people suffered great personal loss during this war torn time we live in. I myself, lost both my parents to gnolls when I was a child. I don't know what to say to make you feel better, but you just have to continue. I live my life , not just for myself , but for my parents and those I care about. My greatest fear is shackling my life with regret. I do not think I could face my parents in the afterlife if I spent it in self pity.", stated the woman. Her words were not comforting to Fetch, but the cleric could see the conviction in her speech. They were honest words and when Fetch thought about them , seem to make some sense.
The red headed woman smiled as she saw the impact they had on the cleric. "I'm glad my speech has given you some sort of solace. I tried the same one on your wife, but she just looked at me blankly. I couldn't tell if she was in shock or just ignoring me. "
Bloodshadow gave a short feminine laugh, and Fetch joined her , " Hey tell me about it. I married her! and she hardly talks to me even!".
After they both settled down the warrior woman continued " She seemed content to nurse me back to health, she asked few questions, and I answered the best I could. The questions I asked her went mostly unanswered, but I didn't mind. She rescued me and was a friendly face. I'm not in a position to be too demanding am I? I gave her my scimitar as a gift, for rescuing my life, but she only had one request..that was to meet you before I left...and here we are."
Fetch looked at the woman adorned in elven armor, cloak and books..., but she was clearly human. From her story it was obvious that Surry's elven scimitar was given to Tyris from this woman. Fetch decided not to mention that in case she would be offended by the re gift. "You said you were leaving? I'm leaving as well, to Lower Lueders . I received a commission as a military planner there. That's not my specialty but people say I'm good at it."
Bloodshadow nodded ," Yes, I'm leaving for Baltar's port. I heard there are powerful wizards there. I'm not sure what happened...maybe I'm crazy and imagining things...but from what I can surmise, during the last stages of the battle. When God Emperor Clovis activated the siege golems to crush the gnoll hordes the magical energies released must have thrown me into a different dimension. This world seems similar , but its not mine. I could be crazy but my memories are too vivid to be false, I even had a cleric detect magic on me, and he found overwhelming traces of conjuration magic, thats the type of magic that summons creatures or permits travel magic. From what i gathered from the other soldiers in the field hospital, things are different here, for example the great host defeating the gnoll horde , Sir Freyaxel defeating Yeenoghu, Lady Brita having black hair not blonde, and even my father being named Warmaster after the battle with the gnolls. Crazy right? I heard he was in the city..."
Fetch stood silently absorbing what she said, " Why don't you try to meet him?"
Bloodshadow shook her head, " He's not really my father, my real father died fighting the gnolls 23 years ago with the rest of the great host. The Warmaster Fetch in this dimension would just be a version of "what could have been" for me. A nice dream, but it isn't my reality. ...Listen to me go on and on ... I'm sure you really think I'm crazy by now. From what I learned from my mentor Brita , I'm pretty sure I'm in an alternate reality. Im just a simple paladin of Mirrodin . All I've done for the last 10 years was fight gnolls and goblins, I'm not very skilled at dimensional travel."
The red haired knight stood up and smiled, "Thank you for your time, your the first person I babbled this to without giggling or laughing at my face. Anyways , I hope to find someone who can either send me back to my world at Baltar's Port , or at least cure my dementia. "
Fetch stood up , he dug out a pouch and handed it to her, "Here take this...its not much, but I believe your story . I've seen some crazy shit during the final stages of the siege. Ancient gods, strange portals, archdukes,...Take this for your travel, please don't say no...Take it as a gift from one captain to another... "
Bloodshadow looked at Fetch. She could sense the pleading in his eyes. The paladin didn't want to accept his offer, but she knew she needed this money. She thanked Mirrodin for sending such a warm giving couple to aid her in this strange world. She hugged Fetch . "I don't have much to give in return but I can give you advice , I know you two are a young couple, and the last few years must be hectic for the both of you. Tyris didn't tell me much, but I do know you aren't officially married. I know you don't feel the need for the ceremony, but I can tell she wants one. Something simple should suffice, just a symbol of your commitment to her. "
As on cue Tyris returned . Bloodshadow hugged them both and greeted them farewell. Both of them waved as the beautiful confident paladin walked away, eventually swallowed by the crowds.
Fetch waited a few minutes , then said " You know...she's not ours. She has her own parents , her own life."
Tyris nodded.
Fetch continued, " Besides a twist of reality , we aren't even related to her. She's even older then me, though that's not new. "
Tyris nodded again.
Fetch felt his resolve return. The burden and weight he carried for the last week seemed a little easier to bear. He held Tyris's hand tightly. " Thank you ", he whispered," I'm guessing you brought her here to rescue her from those gnolls . Some god is probably pulling his hair out somewhere. But you know... we could have made one beautiful kid together."
Tyris nodded once more.
The cleric and bard, returned to Clovis's mansion to finish their packing. Trip and Baalphzon both helped, it was an easy task though , since they traveled light.
Olive assigned Trip as a military guard to Fetch. She was quite impressed with his organization and topographical skills, and thought the assignment would benefit both of them. Despite the attempt on his life by the little warforge, Fetch didn't mind. He was loyal and pretty good with the crossbow and dragon golem.
Fetch was surprised Baalphzon still stuck around. He explained to the imp, he was going to take it easy for an indefinite amount of time. Adventuring was going to take a back seat, while he get his personal life back on track.
Baalphzon gave him an impish smile ," Whatever you say...whatever you say."
Clovis had an elegant but simple final meal prepared for the travelers. He wished them the best of luck on their journey. He toasted Fetch and Tyris good fortune in their new life , as they ended their adventuring careers. He even took him to his study to provide them with maps of Lower Lueders and the surrounding area.
Lower Lueders had undergone drastic changes in the last few years. The town started off as a small coastal trading post to Upper Lueders , but during the the Undead Rebellion, it was overflowed with refugees. The town swelled in size, and many displaced merchants and nobles took up root there. At the same time a national resurgence from Grom City was happening. They decided to unite the northern city states, they would need a new capital. After fierce bidding , Lord Commander Kerr's city won out. The city was given vast funds to remodel itself into a proper capital. The growth did not occur in a vacuum though, the surrounding farming communities also experienced rapid growth. The maps of the entire region were all outdated, and few accurate maps exist.
Clovis led the companions to his study , and provided Fetch with what maps he had. Even Clovis's maps weren't 100% up to date. His Lueder map was relatively accurate but the surrounding towns weren't quite up to date. Fetch noticed a peculiar map and commented on it.
"Veb...hey wasn't that the town , that forge halfling guy from the Scar told us to go? ", inquired Fetch.
"Yes...when Master Clovis and Ymir left the north, they took the package sent by Colonel Ackerberg to the village of Veb. However, despite asking the villagers and searching for 3 days, they were unable to locate the artificer in question. After failing at the task, they went their seperate ways. I still have the contents of the box. It was not my intention to open it, but 20 years ago, one of my maids accidentally broke it. and...well see for yourself. ", Clovis led them to an adjacent antique room, where various statues, plaques and other valuables were displayed. He pointed to a small stone statue of a either a tall halfling or a short elf. She was dressed in an elaborate naval outfit and seemed standing at attention.
"Commodore Adara! ", said Trip , much to the surprise of Clovis.
"Yes...it took me awhile to figure that out too. I had several "expensive " historians examine it and that's what they concluded as well. A famous halfling naval commander in the Great War. She sank many enemies, and was a hero of Trufflulgar . After the war she briefly adventured with the Knights of Winter, then vanished while attempting to scale the Great Plateau. ", Clovis said while calmly observing Fetch for a reaction.
Baalphzon looked at the statue , and pointed at a piece of wood lying on its base. " I can read almost all languages but I can't make out these runes...are they magical wards of some sort?"
"No.. I'm not sure what they say. It was the only thing written on the crate , and they do not possess magic in them. Even the experts I hired couldn't decipher them. Its some form of abysall , that no one can understand . ", sighed Clovis.
"Past the old mill ..., through the dark orchard, ... by the lightning stuck tree. ", Fetch said examining the runes, " Its a strange form of phonetic halfling abysall. Its abyssal spoken with a Greater Pieland halfling accent, recorded phonetically. Its a strange way to leave a message, but from my understanding forge halflings are strange people. "
Clovis looked in surprised, then grinned as he picked up the small stone statue and presented it to Fetch. "I think you have at least one final adventure to accomplish before you retire."