Fetch looked for his companions , but they had all vanished. He shrugged at the platoon commander indicating he would follow them. He thought he had hid himself behind the wagon fairly well, but obviously the other members of his group were better. Tyris could vanish in plain sight, so it wasn't surprising she was hidden. He suspected his daughter Surry and Baalphzon used their magic to go invisible. Trip's size would make him difficult to spot. He wondered how Dietrch was able to hide so quickly.

"Because he didn't try to hide behind a cart...they could see your feet you know. ", Baalphzon said mentally in his mind , he then added " He is more then he seems, he used some form of nature magic to vanish. "

Fetch sighed as he followed the platoon. They seemed civil enough. They didn't take his weapons, or push him around at least. The cleric didn't expect a meeting with Lord Kerr so soon, but he might as well get it over with.

The City of Lower Lueders was like no other city Fetch had ever seen or smelled . Or more accurately it was like every city he had seen . Lower Lueders was vast and it seemed to be a compilation of pieces of various cities stuck together. The noble quarters were more opulent then the ones in Karlston, the docks were as rough and tumble as the ones in Baltar's port or Narwhal hold. Even the slums , were chaotic. The fortifications were not as ancient or storied as the ones in McDunnalds, but they were impressive none the less. It even had a big mysterious pit in the middle of the city. Fetch wasn't sure what it was for , but it smelled horrid. The strangest thing in the city he saw was a shining bright tree growing on a hill. It seemed serene , tranquil , almost holy...it definitely looked out of the place in the bustling city.

Fetch asked some of the soldiers questions, but they were stoic in their duty. The platoon lieutenant calmly told him that Lord Kerr didn't like to be kept waiting. About 20 minutes into the massive city, a dark robed figure stopped the platoon. It spoke calmly to the guard leader in a hushed voice. A brief argument broke out but the dark robed figure brought out an amulet, and the lieutenant relented.

"Something about a change of plans, and something about games...", Baalphzon told him mentally. Fetch could not see his familiar but he guessed he was flying nearby invisibly.

The unit changed direction. Fetch did not know the city but he could tell they were headed to one of the larger hills before. Now they were marching to a massive stone building. As he got closer he saw it was an arena of some sort. It was at least 200 feet tall, circular and ringed with pillars and statues. Monsters, heroes, and gods were adorned around it. Fetch saw a particular statue and stared. It was a menacing northern warrior with a breastplate wielding a massive stone hammer. The cleric chuckled as he realized who it was and thought the sculptor carved him with too square of a jaw and way too many muscles. Fetch had seen many crudely built arenas in the north. Dueling and pit fighting was a popular past time there. The arenas up north were mostly pits carved from the tundra with magic or mammoths. This however seemed to be a monument , almost a place of worship . It was easily the largest building Fetch had ever seen. Even bigger then the main keep of the 3rd army.

They did not enter through the main entrance but proceeded down a side passage. Fetch noticed a sign above it saying "Utility entrance". He saw many carvings of beasts and warriors on the walls. They all wore light impressive armor even the beasts, and presented a heroic image. The largest statue was that of an impressive warrior woman wearing ridiculous and useless armor, more suited for a harlot then a gladiator. Despite her lack of protection she seemed like a warrior goddess descended from Valhalla or Rawk's Great Hall. Fetch's concentration was broken when a commotion broke out behind him. He turned and saw several soldiers swat at a now visible Baalphzon. The scaly imp grabbed a club and snapped it, it threw the remains at the head of a soldier, then hissed angrily and flew quickly outside.

Fetch chuckled, and mentally thought "Guess more then one of us is bad at hiding. "...but he received no reply.

The cleric was lead into a large waiting area. Several warriors were putting on armor similar to the type that the carvings had. The platoon leader saluted Fetch and marched away. The dark cloaked figure gave a veiled smile, and left as well.

A large bald half orc walked up to Fetch and glared at him. Fetch felt uneasy as the large creature stared at him, he was confident he could beat him in a fight, but the creatures large size and proximity was physically intimidating.

"6 foot 2 .. size 42 regular athletic cut mail size 34 waist trousers ?", said the half orc in a high voice finally.

Fetch wasn't sure, but he nodded. The creature smiled and left the room . The cleric looked around and saw many posters. One caught his attention.

Pay rates: Subject to change.

Fight 100 gold

Victor 500 gold

Champion 2000 gold

Grand Champion 10000 gold

all battles receive a 5% bonus on gambling receipts after medical and equipment rentals are deducted.

Fetch walked up to a muscular gladiator as he was putting on his armor. The man signaled him to help put on his armor, which Fetch promptly did. "Thanks ", the man said after his gear was on and he tested it for a proper fit.

The cleric took the opportunity to ask the man a question "Hey? Is that legit? That seems like a lot of cash!" , he asked while pointing at the poster.

The gladiator looked at the tall youth in front of him. "Are you new ? First off, yeah that poster is fairly accurate. 100 gold per fight, 500 if your the best gladiator of the day. The best of each day gets to fight on Saturday to be champion. Each month, the champions get a shot at grand champion Ulla. "

The gladiator looked at the boy , he was barely 20 and seemed a bit naive and daft. He wore a military uniform, and had a few scars, but over all he looked fairly fresh." Look, my name is Joggo, and trust me you don't want to be here. Most of the people that are here don't want to be here. Most fight to settle debts , or are slaves at their masters bidding. Some battle to settle a score with a hated foe, only a few are professional fighters like myself that do this for a living. You don't look like a slave or in debt, so take my advice ...stay in the army, or better yet get a real job and leave this place."

Fetch laughed, " Nooooo,,,I'm not a gladiator ...I'm here for a meeting. I was just curious about the money...I'm Fetch by the way..."

Joggo looked at the boy and laughed, " Of course you are Fetch , then I must be Frank , side kick to the Warmaster ! The money is hypnotic isn't it, but you can't spend it if your dead. "

Fetch stared at the poster some more, the fortune he made in the north was almost gone. He spent a sizable amount getting to Grom and paying those damn tax collectors, then he gave a fair chunk of it away after a chance meeting with a girl he once knew, recently he met someone who might have been his daughter, and he gave the rest away to her. The money he had left was the wages he made in the army. A nice amount, but nothing like the money he was making as an adventurer.

Joggo flexed in his armor, and noticed Fetch was still staring at the poster, " You need money I take it?"

Fetch nodded, "Yeah I made some bad monetary decisions recently. My wife and I just moved to this city, and I spent most of our money before we even got here. She doesn't know...and I don't want her to be worried."

Joggo sighed,"Money and women problems? Look you think its bad now, its gonna be worse if your wife is a widow. Take my advice, leave the fighting to the professionals, enjoy the arena from the stands. "

Fetch was about to inquire how tough the matches were, when the large orc returned. He had a suit of the light stylized armor for Fetch. Fetch looked at it and puzzled over it. "Your armor is ready, your fight is in 30 minutes."

Fetch protested," Hey there's a mistake , I'm not a gladiator , I'm here to see Lord Kerr. "

The orc growled, "Sure you are, ...now put on your armor or I'll put it on for you."

The cleric ignored the orc, he didn't have time for this. He would leave, find his companions then continue to Veb and find the hidden artificer there. He would demonstrate his power by making the orc kneel before him, if anyone got in his way he would grow to a giant and bust his way out.

Fetch said the prayer of command , but nothing happened. The room watched as Fetch stood silently and unmoving. The half orc didn't win a battle of wills, his prayer just didn't work. Fetch tried a prayer of darkness to escape , but that didn't work as well.

Joggo sighted ,"Save your magic kid...magic only works inside the arena here."

Fetch was use to antimagic zones and still thought he could beat the orc, but he decided to play along. He felt stupid in the armor they gave him. He was tall and lanky, but he didn't fill out his armor well. Joggo was muscular and tanned, and his muscles seemed to be chiseled from stone. Fetch on the other hand was pale, and his muscles were far less defined. They gave him a silly insect helmet which was way too big, and the spiked shoulder pads on the armor made his waist seem even thinner. The weapon they gave him was a simple stone hammer. It wasn't as big as the Fist of Rawk, and it looked more like a caveman club. Fetch had no problem swinging it but knew he looked silly in his costume . He hoped no one he knew saw him .

Fetch stood in the waiting area with Joggo, apparently they were to fight imported jaguars or something. Joggo protested at the thought of fighting alongside a rookie, but the half orc paid no attention to his pleas.

Even though the cleric was impressed with the perimeter of the arena, the inner enclosure was jaw dropping. Rows upon rows of stone stands. Rooms made of stone hovering in the air. Fountains with birds, fish and nymphs frolicking. Jugglers, fire eaters, contortionists and mimes. It all seemed too much, too over the top for the young northman. The battlegrounds itself were rather plain. It was mostly sand, but Fetch noticed the contours of trap doors and panels underneath. Fetch wondered about the battles and blood spilled on these grounds.

Joggo and Fetch waited in the waiting area as the crowds roared for the current match. An elf riding a large dog was fighting a pair of minotaurs or something. The crowd seemed to be going wild over the battle. Fetch wanted to watch the fight , but Joggo summoned him to go over their battle plans.

"Look Kid, I'm guessing your a spell caster...I don't have time to figure out what you can do, lets just do this simple . I heard we will be fighting wild lions or something. I will pick a cat and we will concentrate our attacks one at a time...", Joggo's advice seemed wise , but they were interrupted.

The half orc bowed deeply as a muscular dwarf entered the room. Fetch had met many dwarves before, but this one was the most solid built he had ever seen. His broad muscular shoulders were almost as wide as he was tall. He wasn't a gladiator though, his armor was simple and not flashy, and he wasn't wearing a goofy helmet or shoulder pads. He made strange clawing motions towards Fetch.

Fetch wasn't exactly sure what the dwarf was doing. It wasn't a form of dwarven hand signals, Fetch was well versed in that. He shrugged and started pawing back at the dwarf. The dwarf wrinkled his nose, and made a silent hiss.

Fetch was thoroughly confused, but the half orc intervened, "He wants you to follow him...I think."

Fetch looked at Joggo, who nodded. The cleric followed the broad dwarf back into the dressing area . He lead him through a door and they walked through several dark passages and through a series of secret doors. Fetch was familiar with these settings, it reminded him nostalgically of the labyrinths under mammoth castle.

Finally the dwarf opened a concealed door, and they were lead into a finely furnished office. Many books and ledgers were balanced haphazardly throughout the room, its desks and its shelves. A scarred dwarf with dark messy greasy hair , wearing fine but worn merchant clothes breathed a sigh of relief as they entered.

"Thank Moradin, Pig Iron got to you in time. A thousand apologies Captain Fetch. I hate to think what would happened if he was a few minutes late. ", the dwarf said in a humble voice.

Fetch looked and saw a small sign saying Hoagli's office, it seemed like a dwarven name, and he assumed that the occupant must be the office's owner. "Hoagli is it? Whats going on here?"

Hoagli took a deep breath and then explained,"Ahh...it seems one of Lord Kerr's assistants, a certain summoner Zahzon, found out you were in town and apparently he doesn't think highly of you. He used Kerr's authority and diverted you to the arena. Then produced some bullshit paperwork, telling us to sign you up for the arena. Set up some tough matches , the usual stuff. Well when the usual monetary motivation didn't arrive, I grew suspicious. Lord Kerr seldom uses our "services", but he always pays upfront. I did some checking and found his deception. Well , Zahzon isn't one of my favorite persons in the world and I'm certainly not going to give him access to our "services" for free. Well to make a long story short, you are free to go, with our apologies. Please accept these tickets for your troubles".

Fetch saw a poster in the office similar to the one in the dressing room, and stared at it. He was going to start a new life and he could sure use some gold . It didn't seem right to use his powers for something as stupid as arena fighting, but Fetch's conviction on that matter was wavering, "Wow, that's a lot of gold...Say you guys don't mind if I fight a match or two do you?"

Hoggli paused, then smiled. "Of course not...sign right here. "

Fetch and Joggo dispatched the 4 hunting jaguars in record time. Joggo barely raised his blade , before Fetch struck the cats down with an impressive pillar of flame. The arena was thrown into confusion at the spectacle. They had not expected such talent on a weekday. The big half orc paid the cleric 100 gold and a bonus 10 gold for his share of the betting. He explained the more bets, the bigger the purse. Fetch took his explanation to heart.

The next fight pitted Fetch and Joggo versus 2 hill giants. The creatures wore armor similar to Fetch's , but they wore no helmets. Their bestial visages did not need any helmets to make them look fiercer. Fetch decided to pander to the crowd and used his divine magic to make himself as big as the giants. The crowd roared in approval and Fetch could almost hear the coins. Despite not having his magical hammer, Fetch was a fairly capable combatant. Joggo seemed competent enough, but Fetch stole the show. The cleric quickly dispatched both giants . He even managed to do a Frank like flourish after his last hammer strike. Afterwards he was paid 100 gold with a 90 gold bonus.

So far Fetch in 3 hours made as much as 3 months in the army. He didn't really care for the approval of the crowd but he knew it equated more money.

Joggo was in awe of the youth. He knew Fetch was some sort of a spell caster, but hadn't suspect he had so much power . His lack of insight , forced the veteran gladiator to bow out from the remaining matches. He did not relish the possibility of fighting the cleric in a future match.

For his third fight. Fetch was pitted against a half dozen armed slaves. Fetch made it a point not to use his magic, as he battered and bashed the desperate men with his hammer. They seemed cornered and desperate, and gave Fetch some trouble, but Fetch's superior skill and combat savvy won in the end.

For his fourth battle, Fetch fought a Hydra. Fetch had heard of the beasts, but had never really engaged one personally before. He couldn't remember if the key to defeating it was to burn all the heads, sever all the heads, or to just remove its central head. The point was moot, as he prayed the prayer of implosion and the hydra collapsed into itself in a small bloody ball.

The arena was a buzz with commotion. The unimpressive lanky youth, was destroying all his opposition.

"I think that's the Warmaster! The guy from the north, I heard he was just a kid."

"GOOO ! INSECTOR!"

"This is all rigged! That collapsing hydra was sooo fake!"

"Fetch! You suck!"

"Insector is the greatest ! 3 cheers for Insector! "

As he awaited the last match Baalphzon had reestablished mental contact with Fetch, "Are you enjoying yourself? Because it sure looks fun...listen, I snuck in past their anti magic barriers, I'm going to make this quick...I don't care how much they're paying you...take a dive in the last fight. if you die, we'll get you raised..."

Fetch wanted to chastise his familiar. There was no way he was going to throw a fight. He wasn't that type of guy, besides he was sure he would make over a grand if he won.

The gladiators in his dressing room cheered as Fetch readied to fight his last opponent. The big half orc told him he was to face the other undefeated gladiator that day. A regular the crowds had nicknamed Wolf Girl.

Fetch nodded and readied himself for battle, he still had most of his spells left, and he was confident he could take anything this arena could throw at him. Was he not the warmaster of the Great Host? Had he not slain a dragon? He held off an army of devils singlehandedly. Wolf girl or not he would show his opponent no mercy.

Fetch stood in the waiting area as the arena announcer fired up the crowds.

"Its time for the final battle, fight fans! We've had some surprises and interesting battles today haven't we? From the blue pit , we have from parts unknown...THE MIGHTY INSECTOR!...this warrior came from nowhere and has demolished all his foes...where did this stranger come from? Is he a man, an orc , a tiefling? Maybe if he wins he will tell us his tale, for now 3 cheers for the invincible insect man! "

Fetch frowned as the crowd started to chant Insector , Insector , Insector. He needed a new arena name. Maybe he could finally cash in on his reputation and go as the Warmaster .

"For his opponent, from the red pit, she is a veteran of the arena. She was champion a few months ago, but fell to the grand champion, she's been fighting her way back up the ranks ,but now Insector stands in her way. Everyone welcome everybody's favorite man hating amazon, from the wood of despair , the sexy, the ruthless, the brutal, the vicious WOLF GIRL! "

The crowd erupted into boos. Fetch didn't understand arena politics but he was clearly the favorite and his opponent was the villain. A young woman on a massive dog entered the massive arena. Fetch could tell she was an elf, and seemed to favor the bow. Both her , and her mount wore stylized wolf masks. She hesitated and paused when she entered the arena and faced Fetch. She turned her mount around and tried to leave, but a massive steel grate fell and blocked her path. Fetch thought she seemed unnerved by his presence.

Fetch shook his head, "Poor thing is probably like Joggo. She knows she over matched. ". Fetch resolved not to smack her around too much. Maybe just kill her dog, and break her legs or something. Fetch didn't normally think such violent thoughts but the atmosphere and the cheers of the arena were infectious. The thought of his winnings was also a strong motivator. He wondered if Hoagli would let him come back tomorrow.

Wolf Girl's mount snarled at Fetch . The beast did not have cold feet like its rider had. Fetch would make this quick, but still provide a sight for the crowd. He intoned the prayer of blades and surrounded himself with a barrier of swords. With his barrier intact he summoned a massive bear to do his bidding.

Wolf girl fired arrows at Fetch but his magical defenses easily deflected them. The dog jumped towards the barrier, and Fetch thought it was going to be easier then he thought. Fetch gaped as the dog timed the slashing blades, and flew through the barrier avoiding the blades. The bear was ready though, and it crashed into the dog knocking it on its side. Wolf girl herself jumped off her grappling mount, she had abandoned her bow and sprang towards Fetch with longsword and dagger in hand. She was fast , but Fetch had often sparred with his wife , which was the embodiment of speed. Fetch anticipated her swings, and fell back. He fought defensively and waited for an opening. After a few swings, the elf overextended herself. Fetch stepped in and brought his hammer crashing into her side. The elf gave a pained shriek , and slashed wildly at the cleric. Her sword missed but the dagger dug deep into the clerics leg.

Fetch ignored the small blade. The elf was on all fours attempting to recover from the hammer blow, but Fetch gave her a swift Ymir style kick to the stomach. The crowd roared in approval to his vicious technique. The kick caused wolf girl to briefly leave the ground and she gave another pained cry while coughing blood. Fetch didn't appreciate the fact she had disrupted his plans for a flashy win. The cleric prefer to have beaten her with his spells, but she forced him into hand to hand. He decided to salvage the battle and to just finish her with using only weapon strikes.

"Sorry wolf girl. Nothing personal, but its just business. ", said Fetch as he readied to finish off his opponent.

Wolf girl knew she was beat, "Make it quick..Fetch", she said with a gasp.

Fetch hadn't expect her to recognize him, but he didn't care. He knew he was semi famous, and it was about time he took advantage of it. He readied an overhead swing to her back. It wouldn't kill her, but it would most likely paralyze her. He hoped she had enough money to get the arena clerics to patch her up after this. He soaked in the crowds cheer once more , motioning for them to roar louder. The crowd responded and Fetch prepared his attack. He gave his best war cry as he brought his hammer down onto Wolf girl's back.

His eyes met her's through her mask as the hammer came crashing down. Her soft green eyes were wet with tears. Not tears of pain or humiliation but tears of disappointment. For a split second , Fetch wondered what the hell was he doing. He didn't inflict pain on others for the enjoyment of others and definitely not for cash , but here he was swinging his hammer at a downed opponent. Was money worth this ? Were all his previous heroics and sacrifices, just a prelude to this arena? He never considered himself a bully but he was considering the maximum shock value for the crowd a few moments ago. Fetch turned away at the last second. A moment of recognition suddenly struck him as he recognized the green eyes, but he could not stop the force of his hammer. It was a glancing blow but it still drove her into the ground. He could feel her bones and ribs crack as her frail elven body was crushed by the arena hammer.

Fetch could not believe what he had done. He dropped his hammer and attended to Nara. He could not tell right away if she was dead or not, but began intoning the strongest healing spell he had. A growl from behind him, and the pain of sharp teeth in his shoulder broke his spell. He was tossed like a rag doll and thrown several feet away. Fetch could see Cushi snarling and guarding his fallen master. The bear Fetch had summoned was defeated and slowly fading away.

Fetch did not want to kill the dog, but it stood in his way to heal the elf. "How ironic", he thought. A few seconds ago he was considering how best to dispatch her, now he was thinking how to save her.

The cleric knew he did not have time to dispatch Cushi quickly so invoked a powerful healing pulse. The dog was maddened by what Fetch had done to his master, and pounced upon him. The force of his blow knocked both through his barrier of blades. The blades hacked both mercilessly as Fetch lost consciousness.

Fetch had always been proud of his deeds and the things he had accomplished, but right now he felt more ashamed then he had ever felt before. He rested on the simple bed, as Tyris attended his wounds.

He looked at his wife , but couldn't bare her gentle gaze. He resolved to not repeat today's events. "We obeyed your orders. We lost Dietrich somewhere , but the rest of us followed hidden or invisible. We weren't sure what was going on , but saw you were fighting in the arena."

Tyris stroked his hair , she sensed Fetch's wounds were deeper then the one his barrier and the dog inflicted .

"So? Is the big tough, elf slapping warrior, the mighty Insector, awake yet?", asked the familiar voice of Surry from the across the room.

Tyris nodded .

"Can I have a few words with him in private?", asked the half elf.

Tyris nodded again and left the room.

Fetch waited for the series of insults and admonishments that would soon come from his daughters lips. He deserved them, and he wouldn't protest .

Surry waited patiently as Tyris left, and closed the door behind her.

"That was awesome!", Surry said in a happy hushed voice." You managed to almost win, then pull off some stupid shit, and get your ass kicked by your own barrier ! We weren't sure how you were gonna lose to a girl riding a dog, but you managed to do it while still looking legit."

Baalphzon appeared out of her pack and gave a big toothy grin. "Your share is 5 k. Let me just say , you are a greater thespian then I give you credit for, its an honor to work for you."

"Is Nara ok?",asked Fetch . The two gamblers had no clue to whom he was referring too. "Is wolf girl ok?", he corrected himself.

"Oh yeah , that lucky skank is fine. Seems she had some healing magic up her sleeve or something. It was hard to see with that barrier of yours up. She called off the wolf as it mauled you ,and left. These gladiators really need to make more dramatic exits. She got her scripts mixed up or something. I was watching the award ceremony and she was crying and sobbing as she took her trophy and gold. Its suppose to be the other way around...Anyways good work , I didn't think anyone still alive in my family was competent at being devious but you changed that opinion.", Surry said almost giggling.

Fetch looked dejected. "I don't want the money. Its tainted. Give my winnings to charity or something. Take this money too, its what I won earlier. "

Surry and Baalphzon looked at Fetch wondering what was going on. Baalphzon was the first to speak " Errr...how about we only split it two ways?"

Fetch's stare silenced him, "Ok..Ok...I'll find some orphans or veteran society to donate to."

The cleric waved them away and rested wearily on his bed. He was such a disappointment. Not only to himself, but to Nara. He thought about trying to find her and explain his actions, but he didn't think he could face her. He had no explanation for his deeds today. He thought he followed a strict moral code, but he knew it was a big lie. He thought he was better then this, but apparently he only did good deeds and lived an honorable life when it was convenient.

A soft hand brushed his hair. He knew it was Tyris. He felt comforted by her touch. She drew close and whispered in his ear. "Its alright, I know you can do better. ". Fetch didn't know if she meant do better in the arena or in life in general.

He whispered back, "I promise... I will do better...I have to do better..."