Part 2: Into the Crypt

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Sleep eventually came over me. When I woke this morning, I realized nothing had transpired during the night. A sigh of gratitude escaped me as I rested a moment longer in my bed.

Cloudbreaker and I went about our same morning routine; got up, washed, dressed, and ate breakfast. We then grabbed our gear for we knew today we needed to collect on the vampire bounty. However seeing that it was still early, we ducked back into Banehammer’s blacksmith shop.

Banehammer, the Dwarf whom I saw smoking yesterday, and the other man I talked with were mighty pleased to see us. The Dwarf however was somewhat disappointed that we hadn’t brought back enough silver for him to coat a great sword for Cloudbreaker. Instead they had to settle with making a silvered halberd for me while Cloudbreaker requested a better sword than the one he had. Banehammer told us by tomorrow morning our weapons would be ready. In the mean time, Cloudbreaker and I had to trust Grendel and Bal Vyr to provide enough protection against the vampires for us...

The Goliath and I wandered on up to the graveyard. As we walked in, Bal Vyr and Grendel were placing the stone tablet back onto the sarcophagus. Cloudbreaker questioned why Bal Vyr had another look when the night before he had already seen what was inside. The Drow muttered something back about ‘you can never be too cautious.’

The graveyard was quite large. Cloudbreaker went about searching for a crypt. As Grendel, Bal Vyr and I stood around waiting for Cloudbreaker to alert us of the location, I noticed the gravekeeper’s home off to the side. The other night when we had come to slay the undead, the gravekeeper made haste to get inside when dark fell upon us. I was curious how he was doing since our fight with the undead.

I walked over to the house and knocked on the door. A squeal was heard, followed by scuttering of feet. Locks being opened and the shifting of a heavy wooden plank was heard. The door creaked open eventually and I looked into the wild and fearful eyes of the grave keeper. He still wore the brown robe from the other night and his hair looked as though he hadn’t washed in a week.

“Y-yes?” The man squeaked out. I put on a pleasant smile, or so I hoped.

“Hi. I was just wanting to see how you were doing. Has the graveyard been any better since we killed the undead?” I asked.

“Oh! Yes, yes! Very good. All good!” the man nervously responded, “Soup almost done. Would you like some?”

I didn’t see the need to refuse the offer. I gave a nod and before entering the house called back to Grendel and Bal Vyr, “There’s hot soup for those interested.” I figured if something weird happened, at least the other’s knew where I went... even if they cared less about my well being.

Crossing the threshold into the grave keeper’s house nearly had me stop dead in my tracks. The stench that somehow managed to escape my nose until I walked in was so foul that I felt my eyes water. I swallowed back my repulsion and forced a smile as I followed the gravekeeper in.

“Almost done. W-would you like some?” the grave keeper asked again while giving the pot a stir.

“Um, no thanks. I actually just had lunch,” lied hoping it wouldn’t cause offence. The grave keeper muttered something nervously as he continued to stir. I watched him as he put the finishing touches on the soup, unsure what else to say.

Then I caught sight of what was causing the sickly smell. Some fingers slipped over the edges of the pot before being stirred back in. A hand!? I remember my head screaming. Wide eyed and disgusted, I stood up and quickly left without another word.

Once outside, I savored the freshness of the air as I commenced to rejoin the others.

“He’s eating people!” I exclaimed.

“What Blackwing?” Cloudbreaker questioned. I was surprised momentarily that he was close by.

“The grave keeper. He’s a cannibal,” I stated. The grave look in Cloudbreaker’s face made my stomach churn as he marched off toward the grave keeper’s house. Quickly I changed direction and followed after the Goliath.

He barged right in without a knock. I was about 20 feet behind him and watched as he got choked up on the smell before hearing him yell at the grave keeper. Screams ensued from the nervous man as Cloudbreaker demanded of him why he was eating dead bodies. As I rounded the corner I saw the Goliath walking toward the gravekeeper with the pot of soup.

“Cloudbreaker!” I shouted.

“What!?” he snapped at me.

“What are you doing with the soup?”

“I’m gonna teach this fool a lesson!”

“Goliath-” Grendel called from behind me before suddenly drive heaving. Once he got his stomach under control he continued, “We have bigger things to concern ourselves with. Let the town guard deal with him.”

“Grendel, he’s eating bodies! Isn’t that something that your order would find punishable!?” Cloudbreaker questioned.

“Yes, but like I said, let the guards deal with it. We are losing precious daylight and don’t need to waste more time,” Grendel then turned on his heels and left. I was somewhat impressed with how civil the crusader was toward the Goliath. It seemed odd, but I agreed. I didn’t want to fight vampires in the dark. Without knowing how long it’d take for us to find the vampires, it was smart for us to focus our efforts while the day was still young.

“Leave the man Cloudbreaker,” I spoke softly, “He’s clearly not in his right mind. It’s abominable what he’s doing, but clearly the curse this graveyard is under has played it’s toll.”

“Blackwing, this is an abomination!”

“Yes, I know. But killing a man who’s clearly mental isn’t right either. He needs help, not death. Let’s not make him our problem. We can use the soup as evidence and let the guards deal with him,” I argued. Cloudbreaker clenched his jaw and reluctantly set the pot down.

“Stop eating the dead!” Cloudbreaker barked at the grave keeper. He then marched out of the house. I looked back once more at the man as he cried in terror. I pitied him, but I didn’t blame Cloudbreaker for yelling at him either.

I caught up to the Goliath when Grendel called out saying he found the crypt entrance. Cloudbreaker said nothing more to me as we joined the others.

The section of graveyard we walked through was lined with grave stones. A lone casket laid open to the left of us. Bal Vyr went to examine it but found nothing of interest. Ahead of us were two stone statues. It was as though they were placed there to guard the crypt. However, instead of the statues coming to life, two zombies crawled up out of the ground.

The undead were much bigger than the ones we fought two nights ago. Let alone nearly impossible to sink my halberd into. Their strength was something to be alarmed by. Each sent Cloudbreaker and Grendel into the ground. Cloudbreaker was up to his head in dirt. That alone was nearly enough to make me want to run and flee, but seeing that one of them had been hurt enough by Grendel’s hammer, I focused my energy into my halberd and charged a fire bolt to it. With a great swing, I sunk my halberd deep into the undead, lighting it on fire for a moment. The creature fell to it’s knees and remained still.

Bal Vyr helped get Cloudbreaker and Grendel out of the ground as I attacked the last creature. I was exhausted from the energy I used to make my hit true on the one zombie, so I cast a minor spell that was particularly unpleasant for undead.

Once all of us were standing on dry ground again, the final zombie dove back into the earth. We all looked about ourselves for a few minutes seeing if the creature would resurface. After thoroughly searching, we decided to commence into the crypt.

There were no torches lit inside, which wasn’t surprising considering it was a tomb. Cloudbreaker entered first and got hit by an arrow. I foolishly ran in beside him and triggered the second arrow. I’m certain I heard Grendel and Bal Vyr chuckle at our misfortune.

Bal Vyr scoured the entry for any further traps. Once satisfied that it was trap free, Cloudbreaker once more lead the way down a set of stairs. I kept close to him and pulled out my rust bag of tricks... or so I hoped. If I was lucky, a bear would be summoned if I needed extra help.

When we reached the bottom, Bal Vyr and Grendel close behind me, a pair of red eyes pierced the darkness. For a moment I thought it was Lash and almost called out, but as I looked closer, there was something different about them.

“Who might you be?” Cloudbreaker asked.

“None shall pass!” The creature hissed. A chill ran through my bones and I reached into my bag to pull a fluff ball out. I felt a light breeze and watched as the red eyes swam toward me.

I tried to stumble backwards, surprised by the quickness of the creature. I then felt it strike me in the stomach. I keeled over as the pain racked my body. I threw the fluff ball and heard the creature take shape. It had to have been small for I couldn’t feel anything as I searched the air blindly. I instructed the animal to attack while side stepping and swinging my halberd at the red eyes.

Stars then danced in my field of vision as something hit me from behind. Another hard attack and somehow I managed to keep on my feet. I slowly turned around to see a very faint silhouette of some being. As I tried to search the features of the person’s face, it became clear that the others were gone. Grendel, Bal Vyr, and most upsettingly, Cloudbreaker; they weren’t there.

With the new creature blocking my exit, and the red eyed being behind me, my only chance was to jump up and over the new creature and run back up the dimly lit stairs. With a great leap, I stretched my wings and brought my legs up and over the being. However it's large hands grabbed my feet and threw me back into the darkness.

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Part 1: The Fight

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Bal Vyr showed up about thirty minutes before midnight. He walked on over to us in the midst of our storytelling and told Cloudbreaker it was time to go. Quickly we both got up to which Bal Vyr took one look at me and said, “Uh, you’re coming?”

“Yep. I’d like to see the fight,” I responded. Cloudbreaker and I had agreed to stay together and I wasn’t about to let that waiver for a moment, even though I trusted Bal Vyr more than Grendel.

The disguised Drow made a face suggesting he was baffled or concerned. “Ărajă, I assure you that the place we’re going isn’t exactly... ‘good’,” Bal Vyr attempted to dissuade me.

“I’m a big girl, I can handle myself. I’m just there to keep an eye on Cloudbreaker. I won’t make a fuss about whatever else is happening,” I replied. Bal Vyr shook his head but dropped it and lead the way.

The fight was located around the docks. We walked into a tavern, or rather a shadier version of a tavern, to which I kept close to Cloudbreaker. Bal Vyr went off to talk to someone whom I assumed was in charge of the fight. As Bal Vyr gestured toward Cloudbreaker, a man approached me.

“Why hello ma’am. Might I interest you in any services tonight?” the smooth talker asked, holding a hand out toward me.

My mouth hung open slightly. I’m not sure if it was out of shock of being solicited in such a way, flattery that I was being solicited, or the fact that his teeth were brilliantly white! Something about them was dazzling, but the smile that coupled it made me uncomfortable.

“No thanks,” I quickly clipped out.

“I’m sure we have a variety of those who’d be quite interested in fulfilling a winged woman’s needs,” he persisted with his hungry smile. With eyes hooded and lips pursed, I stepped closer to Cloudbreaker, not caring if I was invading his personal space.

“I’m not interested,” I stated firmly once more, holding my chin high.

“Is this man bothering you Blackwing?” Cloudbreaker asked. My stoic look broke as I heard my new name. Don’t know why considering he had called me by it all evening in the Inn. Yet a smile appeared on my face as I looked at Cloudbreaker.

“No, I’m fine,” I responded while shaking my head.

“Might I interest you sir?” the dazzling toothed man ventured.

“Ha!” Cloudbreaker let out, “I haven’t seen a Goliath in years, let alone a she Goliath. I doubt you’d have one in your company,” Cloudbreaker retorted. Something in my gut twisted when he said that...I doubt explaining it here would help. I should know better anyways. Whatever this feeling that’s coming over me with Cloudbreaker... I hate it. I hate that I’ve allowed myself to like him. But alas, there are more interesting things for me to report than the woe of whatever I feel towards the Goliath.

The man eventually walked off seeing that he wasn’t peeking our interest. As he walked away, I gave Cloudbreaker his space back.

Soon Bal Vyr came over and instructed us to follow him to the pit. Cloudbreaker handed his sword and gear to Bal Vyr to hold. We then walked through a series of doors and through dimly lit hallways. Eventually Cloudbreaker had to go down a hall with the man running the fight. I followed after Bal Vyr into an open room. We walked along panels that held us high above the pit below. Cloudbreaker was already down there and people were loudly chatting amongst themselves.

We pushed our way through the crowd to stand at the railing. The Goliath spotted us and gave a smile. He definitely looked confident, though I couldn’t help but worry what he’d be up against.

Bal Vyr and I placed bets; I putting 2 platinum on Cloudbreaker. Soon the game master called everyone’s attention, stating that ‘Cloudracker’ was the challenger for the evening. The Goliath, in his usual blunt and forceful self reminded the game master it was Cloudbreaker. The man didn’t seem to care much. He continued on and before I knew it, the gates leading into the pit opened up and out walked two wolves. One was small, while the other one was much larger.

At first I thought it was a regular wolf and a dire wolf teamed together. Both wore identical collars and stalked toward Cloudbreaker. I figured it’d be an easy fight for the Goliath. However, those wolves had to have been familiar with the pit for they fought strategically. They would leap at Cloudbreaker, bite him, then jump away before the Goliath could grab any of them. They weren’t even phased by Cloudbreaker’s dominate posture and the cry he sent at them.

The wolves continued their pattern of jumping and biting to the point where I was beginning to worry. Even Bal Vyr gripped the railings a bit too tightly as we watched our friend slowly weaken.

The game master then asked the crowd if anyone wanted to give ‘Clouder’ a hand. Bal Vyr quickly jumped on that and handed the game master Cloudbreaker’s sword. He even paid 20 gold for the sword to be given to him! However the game master had some kind of agenda he was upholding and didn’t give Cloudbreaker his sword right away. Bal Vyr was quite pissed.

While that exchange was taking place, Cloudbreaker managed to grab the small wolf and crushed it in one of his mighty hugs. He then let it fall limp to the ground. The dire wolf did not like that and charged Cloudbreaker. The Goliath managed to catch the wolf in it’s fury and with a greater effort was able to render the wolf like her pup.

I took in a few quick breaths as I realized I hadn’t been breathing. I let a cheer escape me, but caught myself as the wolves crippled forms inflated and became alive again. I hate that I didn’t think to check the magics in the room when that happened. I was so focused on Cloudbreaker, thinking he wouldn’t survive another 5 minutes with those creatures.

At least when that happened, Cloudbreaker’s sword was finally thrown into the ring. Cloudbreaker made a run for it, going into a rage and becoming bigger. The wolves relentlessly pursued, biting at his legs. Once he had his sword in hand, Cloudbreaker made quick work of the wolves, stabbing each and cutting their heads off. It was gruesome, but the decapitations prevented the wolves from springing back to life that time.

In a roar of victory, Cloudbreaker lifted the dire wolf's head above him in triumph. The crowd cheered, my voice joining in with them. Bal Vyr smiled wildly, thrilled that our comrade was victorious.

“I knew he could do it,” he said matter-of-factly.

The announcer even got his name right when he announced Cloudbreaker as the victor. Bal Vyr and I went and collected our winnings before reuniting with the Goliath. He still had the wolf’s head. We said our farewells to Bal Vyr, noting we’d meet up around noon at the bridge that lead to the graveyard.

I wished I had my healing belt. I hate being helpless. I managed to help Cloudbreaker back to Larland’s Chalice Inn. I propped him against a wall in our room.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” I asked.

“Get me my healing belt and some firewater!” Cloudbreaker grunted. I quickly handed him his magic belt before fetching some alcohol to clean his wounds with. I watched as the rags became crimson with Cloudbreaker’s blood.

“Entertaining, no?” he asked. I looked at him dumbfounded for a moment. For a brief second I thought he meant me watching him clean his wounds was entertaining. The majority of the bite wounds had healed up due to the magic of his belt.

“Huh?” I said at first before realizing he was referring to the fight he had just won, “Oh, yes. Very entertaining,” I lied, “I’m also glad you’re alright. I got worried there for a moment,” I confessed.

I then laid on my back as he began to fiddle with his wolf head. I stared at the ceiling for some time. Part of me didn’t want to fall asleep. As wonderful as yesterday had been, that nightmare still lingered in the back of my mind. Would the mark make me sick again and have me hallucinate once more? Was I beginning to become something else? It was those kind of thoughts that kept me awake for an undetermined amount of time.

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Friend or Foe pt. 4: Blackwing

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Bal Vyr took off after Grendel, shouting back to Cloudbreaker that he’d meet up with him at midnight. Apparently some kind of fight club took place at that time to which men could earn money by fighting each other. There was also mention of a bear there... Cloudbreaker and I took off for the Chalice to wait out the time.

“You know Araja, you and I are the odd man out, in the way of silvered weapons. Perhaps we should just go buy the silver from Bakabba,” Cloudbreaker mentioned.

“I suppose,” I said defeated like. My mind was still thinking about Grendel and what had happened over the past hour and half. The visit to Bakabba didn’t help either.

Upon our return, we tried to offer help in rebuilding her home after Cloudbreaker’s clumsy fall off the bridge earlier. She was quite insistent that because the ‘Devil’ brought it down, that there was no need to rebuild it. I then rummaged through the rubble to see what I could find. I created some light since the sun was down and the night was very much upon the town. I was able to find the silver among some random items that seemed fitting for a mad woman. I also found my tarot cards from earlier.

In the back of my head, I felt compelled to pocket them. I mean, they were right there! She seemed uninterested in gathering her things and so I felt perhaps if I held onto them, I might be able to find someone who could explain them to me. I felt leaving her with 10 platinum pieces would be suffice too.

Cloudbreaker, too, noticed Bakabba’s uninterest in her things that laid in the rubble of her home. Seeing I had the silver he whispered, “We should just take it.” My jaw dropped. I was surprised Cloudbreaker would even suggest such a thought. I felt guilty enough for attempting to pocket 4 cards, yet I pocketed the silver anyways.

The Goliath noticed his tarot cards were still out. He snatched them up and for a moment I thought he was going to keep them too, but instead he went over to Bakabba and asked her to explain the cards. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to keep her distracted so I could leave or if he was earnest to know. Either way, Bakabba’s rambling didn’t get him any where.

As we began to leave, I having pulled out 10 platinum pieces to give Bakabba, she held out her deck of Tarot cards and asked expectantly, "Cards, cards, cards." I tried to feign innocents, but I knew why she said it. Firstly, I thought it odd that she had her deck on her, but not the 8 cards that Cloudbreaker and I drew many hours before hand. Secondly, how’d she know I had the cards? I was certain she was too aloof to take much notice of anything.

Still, I felt ashamed, even if it was because I got caught. I handed over the cards, Cloudbreaker followed suit. Bakabba gave a warm smile and then asked for 300 gold pieces for the silver. Tilj! She really was paying attention, I thought. In fact it was right about there that I really took in the situation and I am still kicking myself about how selfish I had behaved. Bakabba lived in a hut made of driftwood that Cloudbreaker destroyed. I imagine the only way she gets by is doing her ridiculous fate readings. Yet there I was trying to steal her silver and the cards that made her deck. How had I even remotely think that was ‘okay’?

I paid the 30 platinum pieces for the silver and left quickly feeling embarrassed for my unkind behavior. I wasn’t mad at Cloudbreaker for encouraging it. No, I knew better and I acted impulsively. I feel I need to make it up to Bakabba still, but how?

“Let’s go back to the Chalice while we wait til midnight. I could use a drink,” Cloudbreaker suggested. I gave a nod. In fact, with all that happened, an odd resolve came over me.

“Yes, let us go back and have some drinks,” I announced. I was set on trying a pint. The day had started off so merrily and I didn’t want the past few hours to dampen the peace I had been at. If the drink could make me feel merry as the men were last night at the Chalice, then by all means I was ready to give it a go.

We walked in silence for about 5 minutes before Cloudbreaker broke the silence with what was on his mind.

"I hope that Bal Vyr manages to talk some sense into Grendel,” he began to vent, “I have had enough! He tried to kill me on the lake. With one hand he offered to help me onto the boat, and with the other he swung at me! I could have left him to drown you know,” how I wish you had, “Even when I gave in to my anger, I didn’t kill him!

"After saving his life he shows me no gratitude or kinship. So it is settled,” Cloudbreaker said, balling his hands into fists, “I will no longer try to see anything his way, or pander to his ridiculous ideals. I am proud of who I am Araja. I am strong and he is weak. If Grendel ever tries anything like that again I will kill him! I think we will all be the better for it too. He brings nothing to this group but selfishness, greed and conflict. That is not the way of my people, and I will stand for it no longer."

I nodded my head once more. That would be a fight I would not hold Cloudbreaker back on. He also would have me there to help him. I had pledged myself to him hours before, so it surprised me a bit with what Cloudbreaker said next.

"When that time comes, I would hope you will stand beside me, Araja. As my friend and ally."

I grabbed Cloudbreaker’s arm and jerked him around. I couldn’t help but notice how strong he was. However, I managed to stop him and got his attention, making sure he was looking me squarely in the eyes.

"A'aluke Cloudbreaker Kolothiae,” I chided, “I've already told you I will follow you. Unless something prevents me from being there to help you, you can count on my arm."

I quickly released his arm and began to walk again. Cloudbreaker fell into step with me. He kept his head bowed and for a moment I felt somewhat guilty for being so stern with him. But I wanted to make it clear that I meant what I had said.

“I did not mean to doubt you; it is just not my way to take such things for granted,” Cloudbreaker eventually said, “I will not make that mistake again. I respect your loyalty, 'Blackwing'."

I cocked my head. "Blackwing?" I asked. It was peculiar to hear him refer to the mark of my fall.

"Araja is the name you were born with. Blackwing is the name you have earned. Do you dislike it?" Cloudbreaker asked, concern eminent in his voice.

"Um... I guess I'm curious why I’m in need of a new name." About as soon as those words left my mouth, part of me felt stupid. New life. New name. Duh.

"Names carry meaning,” Cloudbreaker began. So mine points out my fall... “The name you are born with is the name that contains the hope that your parents have for you. It is their name truly, not yours. My people have new names bestowed on them, typically by the chief, when they mature. They gain a name that captures what they have become, in the eyes of their peers.

"I have been thinking about what I should call you since the village incident and I've decided upon Blackwing. It is the name I feel fits you best. Araja has no meaning to me, but Blackwing speaks a thousand words and a song about who you are."

Whatever negativity I was feeling toward the new name and the mark of my fall dissipated after Cloudbreaker explained the reason for it. It held meaning to him. It was part of his culture and from how he spoke of the new name, there was something about it that made it seem he was inviting me into his world. When I stated earlier about belonging, it was under the idea of friendship. For whatever reason, this new name was so much more. I was his equal, or something like that. Eh, perhaps I’m over thinking it.

In essence, the new name was exactly what I needed.

"Then yes,” I said, a smile creeping on my lips, “I like the name. I suppose it's fitting, literally, but more in the sense that this is a new life for me. New life, new name. Blackwing.”

A smile broke across Cloudbreaker’s face at my acceptance of the name.

We walked into the Chalice and got situated with a plate of food and pints of ale. I hesitated ever so briefly as I gripped the mug with the amber liquid. I took a quick swig, the bitter drink splashing across my tongue, making me sputter into my drink. I sat the mug back down, blinking wildly while wiping my mouth on my sleeve. Don’t know what I was expecting considering the fermented smell it came with, but I figured it was an acquired taste.

"Now about Grendel,” I stated once I regained my composure, “I agree completely about your thoughts toward him. You are good Cloudbreaker and Grendel... he seems to be rapidly dissolving into darkness," I stabbed a piece of potato a bit too vigorously, a loud clank punctuating my frustration with the crusader, "To think I believed he had good intentions earlier! I'm worried for your life now with him around. If he attacks you again, you can count that I will try to end him or bring the law into play. He needs to answer to his crimes against you."

I took another gulp of the ale and managed to not choke on it. There was something almost sweet about it that time, hidden by the bitterness. "Might I also add that we try to stay together? I may not be strong like you, but together the less likely we'll be caught off guard."

"Absolutely. I do not know what Grendel plans are, but I stand a greater chance of thwarting them with you at my side." I felt a smile spread across my face.

“However,” Cloudbreaker continued, “should he force me to fight again, I will not let the law of this town judge him. Their corruption is manifest. Grendel will answer to me alone."

"You, too, felt something off about them? About the whole 'you can search but don't interfere with them and their investigation' bit?"

"Yes... it does seem secretive. They don’t even truly care about Trickfoot! We are the ones that are responsible for him-” that bit caught me off. Concerned, yes, but responsible for him? He’s an old Gnome who I’m sure was capable of taking care of himself. “The Captain's words make me wary of the whole town guard. Not to mention how suspiciously Mathison acted. For all we know, the guards are involved in Trickfoot's disappearance," Cloudbreaker whispered.

Another gulp. It was about there that I felt some warmth in my stomach. Despite the gravity of the conversation, part of me didn’t feel so forlorn. In fact I was somewhat optimistic.

"It might be pertinent that we seek out the Mayor. He was one of the names that the druidess mentioned if I remember correctly.” With the town guard becoming increasingly less trustworthy, it was tempting to just side with the wood Elves and fulfill the request of the Druidess.

“You know, I am beginning to lose faith in this town. Surely I couldn’t condemn all of the people due to the supposed corruption of their guards. Dale for instance has been downright charming, but perhaps the Druidess was right to hate what this town has done to her woods."

I let out a sigh. I didn't want to side with the Druidess, but I hated the authority of the town, "I don't know Cloudbreaker," I said with a shake of my head, "I don't like the guards and I don't like that Druidess. Perhaps upon finding the Mayor, he might oblige us with a run down of their dealings with the Elves..."

"Perhaps...,” Cloudbreaker said through a mouth full of food. He took a drink from his pint before continuing, “I must confess. I have no intention to do what the Druidess demanded of us, but I am coming to understand her point of view. And what power would this Mayor have?" Cloudbreaker asked.

I pondered for a moment. I didn’t want to jump right in and explain how the structure of government was here, for it could very well be different.

"Well, if Athvala is anything like the world I came from, the Mayor is similar to what a chief is for you. The Guard Captain, if I'm correct, is basically second in command. The Mayor oversees the town, delegates power to the guards to uphold the laws and keep the city crime free, and does his best to make sure the well being of the citizens are met. They have the final say as to what is law.

“Again, that’s how I know it to be in the world I was last in and Athvala does look similar in structure," I finished. Cloudbreaker nodded as I took another drink of my ale. Seeing the stern look on his face mingled with the merriment of the folk around us, I figured it was time to change the subject, "You know, let's enjoy ourselves before you go off to fight tonight," I declared. Cloudbreaker gave a warm smile and that lightness I felt earlier that morning coursed through me once more.

I had made sure to only drink the one pint for I didn't want to become like Timmy and make a fool of myself. I'm not sure if it was the ale, the pleasant company Cloudbreaker and I found ourselves with, or a combination of the two that washed away the troubles of the day. Merriment was obtained and I thoroughly enjoyed it! All of us shared stories, trying to one up the other with the most intense or bizarre situation encountered. I held back on some of my more unbelievable tales, like when I was turned into a lizard or how I managed surviving my skull being ripped off and every part of my body mangled. Rather I talked about destroying some Giants, much to Cloudbreaker’s enjoyment, and the night Podunk was demolished, though leaving the demolished part out: “We killed the werewolves, stopped the ritual, and everyone went back to live happily ever after!” I had regaled a bit too gaily. If only that was the exact outcome. But that’s in the past and very much out of my control now. It’s pointless to dwell on the ‘what if’s’ or ‘if only I had...’

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Friend or Foe pt. 3: Foe

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We quickly found Grendel and Bal Vyr. The Drow was disguised as a woman when we met up. We mentioned how we hadn’t been able to find any reasonably priced silver to which Grendel and Bal Vyr pulled out their silvered weapons. The priests from St. Cuthbert apparently bestowed upon them silvered weapons to aid them in the fight against the vampires. Too bad they didn’t think to grab something for Cloudbreaker and myself, but whatever.

We were about to go off to fight some vampires while we had daylight on our side, but I reminded them that we hadn’t found Trickfoot. Grendel could care less about the Gnome, saying he’s of no benefit to us and a liability. I could agree to that since he was small, but I figured a quick search wouldn’t do us any harm and would make my conscience feel better knowing I had tried. Bal Vyr mentioned that the a Gnome he met at a brothel hadn’t heard anything about another Gnome in town.

Grendel marched off, clearly having no tolerance for discussing whether or not to search for Trickfoot. The rest of us ducked into a few other Inns and discovered that indeed he was at an Inn that was particular to Fishermen. With it being mid day, we then took our search to the docks to see if any one there had seen Trickfoot the previous night.

After going to the docks and asking around some more, one said that they saw Trickfoot leave with some men after they scared him. He wasn’t sure who the men were though he said they quite possibly could have been some guards.

“I think he knows,” Cloudbreaker stated as the fisherman went back to fixing his net.

“You could break his legs,” Bal Vyr encouraged.

“There’s no need for violence,” I stated. If Cloudbreaker even considered it, then I was certain we’d find ourselves in trouble.

“You see Araja, there you go again being all passive. Hence why I can’t rely on you in a fight,” Bal Vyr shot at me. We bickered some about how ‘violence solves everything’ and ‘it ends with people dead or yourself in trouble.’

“I could threaten to break his legs,” Cloudbreaker mused.

Oh great.

Cloudbreaker looked back and after a moment changed his mind. He then flagged down some guards and asked them if they had seen a gnome. They joked, asking if he had looked down. Once more I was reminded about my distaste for them. Cloudbreaker demanded respect and asked whom they answered to. They then told us that they responded to the Western Gate.

We made our way to the bridge the Western Gate was located at. It was the very bridge Cloudbreaker and I had visited when seeking out Bakabba.

Cloudbreaker began to chat with Lieutenant Mathison, the guard whom we met yesterday when we first entered and told us about the undead and vampire bounty. He was cordial at first, seeming interested in what we needed. However when Cloudbreaker asked him about Trickfoot, he stuttered a bit and said he knew nothing. Cloudbreaker called him out for lying to which Mathison went red.

When the Lieutenant refused to tell us where Trickfoot really was, Cloudbreaker began to threaten him. Mathison then clipped out that he couldn’t explain anything to which he headed back into the guard posts. We all pursued.

Three other guards were in the guard post to which Mathison could be seen shutting his office door behind him. Cloudbreaker started off on the same threat stating, “have you heard of the guard with the broken legs that was thrown into the lake with his armor on?” The guards gave each other confused looks before asking us to leave. Bal Vyr left while Cloudbreaker wouldn’t budge. We were then given a final warning to leave or be arrested.

I grabbed Cloudbreaker by the arm to get him moving, stating that we needed to go figure out a new strategy. Cloudbreaker, who stood his ground, looked me in the eyes with such intensity, a mixture of nervousness and butterflies swept through me. He reiterated how Mathison was lying and though I tried to argue how we’d be useless to Trickfoot if we were in jail, the final words he said to me pierced my resolve to flee.

“Araja, I look after my own.”

He was right. Trickfoot was one of us and Cloudbreaker was determined to find him- protect him. Though I still felt uncomfortable about the idea of being taken hostage for Cloudbreaker’s tactless rescue plan, I had made a decision to follow him, to protect him. So I stood my ground.

Something else to note about the three guards. Granted Cloudbreaker had threatened them, they were the ones to draw their weapons with the promise to attack. When they brought out the manacles, I willingly let them handcuff me. If anything, I was innocent and had no reason to be held. Cloudbreaker however refused to have the manacle be placed upon him. The guards then attacked him.

I was useless to fight, so I figured I’d check on Mathison and see if I could get anywhere with him. I managed to open the door while the guards swarmed Cloudbreaker. I slipped in and shut the door to hopefully get a few moments alone with the Lieutenant. I turned around and found the room empty, the lone window open.

“CLOUDBREAKER! MATHISON IS GONE!!” I shouted, hoping he’d hear me. I then went to open the door again and in the process slipped on the knob which my right hand slipped out. I chuckled to myself as I relished in my freedom.

I pulled my other hand free and opened the door right as Cloudbreaker ran out of the guard house. The three guards took no notice to me. Still, I retreated back into the office and went to the window. I caught sight of Mathison climbing ashore just as a crashing sound pulled my attention to the west bridge. The Goliath had jumped over the bridge and right onto Bakabba’s hut. He then leaped into the lake and proceeded to swim away.

With a flap of my wings, glided down to the shore closest to me and quickly ran to a dock. On my way I could hear guards calling out that there was a fugitive. I shook my head. It was too much of a fiasco really.

As I got to the end of the dock, I noticed a boat had gone out to where Cloudbreaker was. The Goliath looked like he was about to get into the boat, but suddenly ducked down back into the water. I wasn’t sure if I really had witnessed someone swinging a sword at Cloudbreaker, but I readied a spell. In fact, a new spell came to mind, to which I charged a ball of light in my hand. I held onto it, ready to let it loose if I saw the armored man try to strike Cloudbreaker again.

With Cloudbreaker trying to get into the boat and some kind of dispute taking place, the boat flipped. Both Cloudbreaker and the two men disappeared under the water. After a few moments, the dock I was on beginning to get crowded, the boat flipped back over and the man, who was steering the boat, climbed back in. He then sailed away from the spot. I wanted to shout out to him, to chastise him for sailing away when there were still two men somewhere in the water, but words failed me as I watched for Cloudbreaker. I began to count since it had already seemed too long to have not seen him. If I got to 30... well, I honestly didn’t know what I was going to do.

Thankfully Cloudbreaker surfaced after 18 seconds, struggling to hold onto to the other person.

“Grendel! Stop fighting me!” I caught Cloudbreaker shouting before Grendel pushed away and sank under the water. Cloudbreaker dived after him.

I shook my head. Why are you saving him? Let him drown, I thought. I began to count again.

As I neared 24 seconds, a great burst of darkness shot up and out of the lake where Cloudbreaker and Grendel were last seen. I looked on, wide eyed and concerned for the Goliath. I then looked at all the guards and people standing around me and along the shore.

“Someone help! There are two men out there drowning!” There were murmurs of ‘did you not see that burst of darkness?’ I looked around and was pleased to find a row boat a few feet away. I hopped in it, not caring about the fact it wasn’t mine. No one resisted me either.

As I got close to the spot I last saw Cloudbreaker, I heard my name called out by a familiar voice. I called back to the Goliath who then swam toward me. He lugged Grendel’s unconscious body into the boat before climbing in himself.

Grendel’s face was swollen and bruised. Cloudbreaker was bleeding quite a bit himself and was panting great breaths as he rested. I began to row back to shore, slowly.

“Is he dead?”

Cloudbreaker barely moved a finger to Grendel’s neck and gave a nod.

“What was that dark blast out there?” I then asked.

“Whatever it was, it wasn’t from me,” the Goliath responded.

“Can Grendel cast magic?” I asked. Cloudbreaker shrugged.

“Araja,” Cloudbreaker panted as the dock came within 20 feet, “I’ll go peaceable, but only to the Captain of the Guards.” I gave a nod of my head.

“Any other requests before we dock?”

“No manacles. I will not be placed in chains and if they respect that, I will go peaceable to the Captain of the Guards.” Cloudbreaker closed his eyes.

Once the boat was roughly 10 feet from the dock, I stopped rowing. I called out explaining to the guards we’d come peaceable as long as we were taken to the Captain of the Guards and as long as the Goliath received no manacles, adding on that he’d be carrying the unconscious man. The guards honored our request and took us immediately to the Guard Captain.

On the way, we had to walk through the substantial crowd that had generated. Whisperings were heard all around. I heard a child call out, “Look mommy! An Angelic!” The innocents of her voice was endearing but her mother thought otherwise, “No, that there is a demon.” I bit my lip as I was once more reminded of my fall and the mark I bore.

Once at the Guard Captain, we saw Bal Vyr there in the human disguise he first had when we came to Lake Town. He muttered something about bribing guards and what not which explained some of their reasonableness with our requests.

Once we got an audience with the Captain, Cloudbreaker explained what had happened, about how we were searching for our friend Trickfoot. The Captain informed us that it was under investigation, but wouldn’t tell us any details. Then he said something that didn’t settle with me, “You may keep searching for your friend, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the guards and their investigation.”

The Captain of the Guards clearly knew something.

However, before dismissing us, the only other thing he mentioned was that fighting with weapons in city was against the law. I asked him what other laws might there be that we ought to be aware of. That questioned stemmed from Sardik’s Dukedom and how resurrection was deemed as forbidden magic under Pendral’s rule. The Captain informed me I could educate myself on the laws at the town hall.

Before leaving, Cloudbreaker asked if the Guard would oblige him with a letter for Grendel explaining he no longer was fugitive of the law. The Captain smirked and said to have his clerk do it. Something about how he said it had me convinced that the letter wasn’t going to be taken seriously.

We went downstairs and gave the clerk Cloudbreaker’s request for a pardon. I noticed a sour expression pass from the clerk to Cloudbreaker. He disappeared upstairs briefly, before returning and scribbling away on a piece of paper. When he finished, he handed the paper to Cloudbreaker, telling him to go get the Captain’s stamp of approval. I was about to snatch the paper, hoping to read it on the way up, when Cloudbreaker spoke.

“Wait, you want me to take it up, or will you?”

“We can do it!” I said too eagerly. The damage was done, for the clerk looked at me and said that he’d be right back. I face palmed myself.

“What’s wrong Araja?” Cloudbreaker asked.

“I was hoping to read the letter to make sure he was accurate in describing your request before giving it to Grendel.”

“We ought to try to trust that the Guard Captain wouldn’t want Grendel fighting in his town.”

Right. Because Grendel isn’t self serving.

We soon took off with the sealed letter and went to St. Pelor to get Grendel revived. Cloudbreaker said it was a flight of stairs the Crusader had fallen down. The Priest also pointed out that Grendel and Cloudbreaker had been attacked by dark energy. Shortly both were healed, Grendel waking in a fitful rage.

“Grendel, you need to calm down and listen,” I said sternly.

“Silence demon!” he spat at me. I curled my lips back, but held my tongue. “Brother, that there is a fugitive of the law!” Grendel said pointing at Cloudbreaker.

“No Grendel,” Cloudbreaker said firmly, He then passed the letter to the Priest who stated it had the Guard Captain’s seal upon it. He then passed it to Grendel. I watched him read the letter and looked for any signs of calm, but the Crusader kept his lips pursed and his eyes hard.

When Grendel finished he placed the letter into his armor and asked for his helmet. Cloudbreaker confirmed it was at the bottom of the lake. He then asked for a sword. I was certain there was something amiss. Why would he ask for a sword when he had a perfectly usable silvered mace at his side?

“Why do you need the sword Grendel?” I asked accusingly.

“Because I want a sword,” he clipped out. I eyed him as the priest took him down stairs into their armory.

“So, do you think that’s it?” Cloudbreaker asked. I shook my head slowly.

“I’m almost certain that he’ll attack you again.,” I said gravely.

“But the letter-,” Cloudbreaker began.

“It’s Grendel!” I seethed, “You and I both know he has his own sense of Justice and for all I know he may very well ignore the guy who’s considered the ‘Law.’”

Cloudbreaker’s eyes hooded over in thought. “Then I must not let him catch me off guard..” He then unsheathed his sword.

“Put that away!” I hissed. Cloudbreaker simply placed his sword in front of him and braced his hands on the pommel. Very much non threatening, but a clear statement that he would not be taken off guard.

A few minutes later Grendel returned, a new helmet adorning his head and a sword at his side. He barely looked our way before heading out the door. Cloudbreaker recommended that Bal Vyr and I go next, perhaps talking some sense into Grendel. There was no way I would be able to talk sense into Grendel. I only had venom to spew at him. I also knew my words meant nothing to him after that terrible debate three days ago.

Grendel lead us over to the cemetery. However, night was about to be upon us in a matter of minutes. Bal Vyr also pointed out how none of us had potions, Cloudbreaker saying his healing belt needed to charge too. So the vampires were postponed another night.

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