{"id":305,"date":"2024-11-22T03:14:37","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T03:14:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=305"},"modified":"2024-11-22T04:04:58","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T04:04:58","slug":"elrin-daun-and-the-grumbsy-gang-chapter-19-the-battle-between-friendship-and-apollo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=305","title":{"rendered":"Elrin Daun and the Grumbsy Gang – Chapter 19: The Battle Between Friendship and Apollo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen we partied with that scaly man and his tiny friends for a week,\u201d I explained to Barney and the gang. \u201cThe dragon monk had some of the best healing herbs I\u2019ve ever seen. Syrielle, Vergusson and the others were fine in like a day or two. Not that that stopped Verg from drinking. And she needed to prove she could do it too so she drank right alongside him. So they actually took more like 4 days to recover fully and then after that we just partied even harder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ending details were never everyone\u2019s favorite. The juicy details of the battle itself were always far more entertaining. But still, they always appreciated hearing about the cool down. Unfortunately Glish proudly announced, \u201cThis dude got his ass beat twice by a hafflin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst of all,\u201d I snapped at that little shit. \u201cBrendan sucker punched me twice. And I still beat his ass one of those times.\u201d The way he tried to fudge the facts when myself and that little shit fought a total of 4 times.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah and he kicked your ass a whole different time without the sucker punch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was quick to remind him of the real truth. \u201cAnd I destroyed him a whole different time from that. And I was super drunk that time he didn\u2019t sucker punch me so it might as well have been a sucker punch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStill a bitch,\u201d Glish raised his glass to toast and everyone did because they suck.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I stopped being the center of attention and went back to chatting with my friends about their lives. Barney was talking about some girl he met yesterday. Which is good because for a few weeks he started ranting about his ex-girlfriend back in Eurome. He dated her for several years. Then she seduced a rich dude and decided money was better than love. It was a whole thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He managed not to publicly talk about the fact she had pulled him away from a bad crowd he fell in with before he was a teenager. When she left him, he fell right back in, until he realized the older you get, the more those bad crowds expect of you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A life of crime was only going to cause him pain. So he had to run, and found himself on a boat to Kayos. Believing the growing economy would leave a lot of room for work. Things aren\u2019t always that simple unfortunately.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Some people think they\u2019ve seen him steal around town. When I asked, he didn\u2019t answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t make him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our friend Todd eventually rolled in as well and wanted to hear all about the stories. When I gave him the details of the Dragon man we allied with, Roan interjected to say, \u201cAnd we didn\u2019t like him because we already have a tall red friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo you don\u2019t,\u201d Blondos was sitting at the bar for the first time in months.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cZorthos!\u201d I was too excited when I saw him not to shout or call him by his alias.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make this weird,\u201d Despite not seeing me since the battle with Him he didn\u2019t want to act like he missed me. I actually hadn\u2019t seen Nydorri either now that I think about it. They both disappeared into the woods for a short while after our defeat, each vowing to grow stronger.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight\u2026 Well I\u2019ll leave you alone,\u201d I waved and turned to walk away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surprisingly, he continued the conversation. “Have you been training at all? \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I took a second to respond. “You think Syrielle would let me stop?”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The blonde face smirked, “We still carrying dead weight?”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah I\u2019m still pretty useless. But I bet I could kick Glish\u2019s ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lighter than you,\u201d The hellkin shrugged. \u201cLess weight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I chuckled the hurt feelings away. “What about you? Any stronger?”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nodded, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to fight me right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he abruptly stopped talking. And I did leave him alone from there, returning to my friendlier drinking buddies. It was good to see him acting more and more talkative, but he was also growing more and more pushy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson and Todd were getting themselves all worked up over whether or not a tree outside looked like a wiener. The pair of them took off out of the door. I\u2019ve seen the tree Todd was talking about, it does look like a wiener.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish probably would have gone after them, but he was too busy arguing with Barney about which one of them cheated in a drinking game a few weeks ago.The hafflin was getting pissed off because people didn\u2019t want to play with him after Barney started telling everyone Glish didn\u2019t play fair. Problem was, Barney cheated sometimes. It happens when you hang with a sketchy crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile I was playing games with Roan. Who was definitely cheating. The bastard never played anything fair. So when I played him, the game was who could break the rules the most without the other noticing. In the middle of the classic drinking game of thumbs, which we roped a couple of farmers into, Roan promptly pointed behind me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At first I believed it to be a con. But when he stood to his feet I realized he wasn\u2019t joking.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blondos was gone, but Zorthos was being dragged out of the Titan\u2019s Trap by a group of about 8 knights in full plate armor. I ran after them. When the helkin spotted us coming he shouted, \u201cYeah my boys are coming, they ready to buck right now ya see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the knights smacked him in the face. \u201cShut up. You don\u2019t have any friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, where are you going with my\u2026\u201d The moment I had been waiting for was finally here before me, \u201cFRIEND!\u201d The wind blew just as I said it and chills ran down all of our spines.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOooh see I got friends,\u201d Zorthos declared proudly. \u201cBIIIITTTCCCHHH!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wearing a long golden cape, and wielding the largest sword, the apparent leader stepped forward. \u201cUh\u2026 we are arresting him.\u201d He didn\u2019t think he needed to explain himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor what? What crime has he committed?\u201d My voice was fierce, almost more fierce than it needed to be. Most likely an overcompensation from the fact that I wanted to give my Deer Friend a hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The red caped knight took a moment to think about it. Which was weird. He should know the answer to my question. \u201cHe\u2019s committing demon magic, he came up on our radar.\u201d I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a word in the standard tongue, but I\u2019m guessing it means something.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As his impromptu lawyer I quickly asked, \u201cDo you have proof he\u2019s committing demon magic?\u201d <\/span>Of course he fucking is I\u2019ve seen him do it a lot<\/span><\/i>. But I gotta have my boys back. Especially now that we\u2019re officially friends, \u201cI require proof.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth will come out in his trial,\u201d He huffed in frustration at me then waved to his cohorts. The other knights continued to drag the devil man away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I continued to follow as angrily as I could. \u201cAre you just taking him away now? Do you have any authority? Let me see some papers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In an attempt to out lawyer him I clarified, \u201cNo, you don\u2019t have authority?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I won’t show you my papers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes were on me as I complained, and mine were on the not so compliant leader, so no one’s eyes were on Zorthos. Who was suddenly absent. In his place, was the precise duplicate of the man arresting him. The clear doppelganger looked at the true knight and shouted \u201cAhhh it’s the demon Zorthos he\u2019s taking me in, I\u2019m the good guy!” the demonic captive in knightly glamour yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The guards were not fooled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Changing back into his helkin form, Zorthos addressed his friends, \u201cDon\u2019t worry guys,\u201d He showed no signs of being upset that his super awesome plan failed, \u201cThis isn\u2019t the first time I\u2019ve been arrested\u2026 unjustly.\u201d His eyes lit up in flames when he said the last word.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are from the Church of Apollo,\u201d The leader informed us, I don’t know why it took him so long. It kinda felt like he just forgot his own identity for a moment. \u201cWe\u2019ve been instructed by our high priest to bring this criminal in to be judged before Apollo himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoooo,\u201d Glish complained having arrived at my side.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not an authority figure,\u201d Roan argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knight rolled his eyes and continued to drag Zorthos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we even know you represent Apollo?\u201d I complained, \u201cYou haven\u2019t even told us your own name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Artemis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without hesitating I said, \u201cSo why would I respect your authority when You\u2019re not even named after the right god.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knight of Apollo suddenly stopped and stared at the ground. \u201cWait? What?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan explained, \u201cYou\u2019re literally named after a completely different god dude.\u201d When Artemis grew horrified by the realization the sailor shook his head in disbelief. \u201cWe can\u2019t be the first people to point this out to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt matters not,\u201d Artemis shouted. \u201cMy parents’ decisions are not my own. In the name of the name of the Grand Church of Apollo. We will bring this demon to justice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I, Elrin Daun of Gladland The Fighting Writer, a name that was my own decision, and friend of Zorthos, was not going to just let them go, \u201cWhere are you taking him? I would like to speak to your high priest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knight grunted, \u201cAbout a hundred miles South.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cAlright well we\u2019re coming.\u201d I started following them as they walked. It was awkward, they couldn\u2019t really do anything about me walking with them on my own town. \u201cSo what kind of punishment do you plan on giving him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cThe usual punishment,\u201d He was bewildered by the question. \u201cBurning him at the stake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Perfect. Zorthos is immune to fire. He\u2019d survive their execution just fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo just to clarify,\u201d I had to be sure. \u201cThat\u2019s your only punishment?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust making sure. You\u2019re promising me that the only thing you\u2019ll do to him is burn him at the stake. That\u2019s all you\u2019ll do to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was very confused. \u201cYes\u2026 until he’s dead.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d I laughed. \u201cCarry on then.\u201d I was drunk yet confident I outsmarted him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan thankfully asked, \u201cSo is there an option for trial by combat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Artemis nodded. \u201cWe have a variety of trial options which have been explained to him. He has the option to do the trial down South on the holy grounds themselves. Or we can do the trial here. He is the one to choose from there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo get Vergusson or Syrielle guys,\u201d Zorthos requested of us. \u201cUnless you got a way to bribe these dirtbags.\u201d He spat on the ground and looked the leader in the eye. \u201cMaybe with jars of farts because I bet they like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having seen all of my allies in battle I understand why most would request the assistance of the barbarian and the samurai. Besides Him, they were as fierce as any warrior I\u2019d ever seen. But in many ways Zorthos was one of the most powerful warriors that walks the land. \u201cWhy do you need them? Wouldn\u2019t you want to defend your own honor in battle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> His helkin eyebrows squinted letting me know he thought I was dumb, \u201cI like winning, and Artemis is an Aresian. Has been for years.\u201d He wagged his horned head. \u201cAnd I think he might know how to use that god of his. I could see it with my Hell Eyes. He\u2019s old, but he\u2019s still strong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kneeling next to him I softly said, \u201cZorthos. Our friends may be stronger, and faster with their weapons, but the things you can do\u2026 I don\u2019t think you realize just how powerful you really are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight\u2026\u201d He clearly already understood what I was talking about and was ready to tell me why I was wrong. \u201cBut I’m not as good with weapons as they are. I’m cool because of the demon magic. So like\u2026 Probably not the best time to use that shit\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo where is Syrielle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I honestly didn\u2019t know. \u201cOn one of her training benders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked at Glish, \u201cVergusson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hafflin pounded his chest, \u201cI got this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Zorthos was stern. \u201cWhere is Vergusson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knights of Apollo ended our conversation abruptly to cart him off towards the new inn on the outside of town. We awkwardly followed not realizing they had a room there and were planning on leaving in the morning. So we went back to the Titan\u2019s Trap.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan revisited the idea of busting him out even though he asked that we don\u2019t do that initially. That\u2019s when we really started to think about the repercussions of those actions. I discussed with Trant what jurisdiction this church of Apollo has out here in these parts. His reply was super useful, \u201cThis is the frontier. There is no law here, we’re just trying to stay alive.\u201d He scrunched his shoulders almost apologetically, \u201cChurches arrest people all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe should arrest them in the name of something else,\u201d Roan barked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That idea seemed perfect to me. \u201cWe should do that. Let\u2019s arrest them in the name of every other god.\u201d People appeared enthused by that idea. \u201cWe should arrest all of them in the name of every other god because multiple gods outweighs one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuys I got it,\u201d Glish snapped his fingers with the confidence of someone that has an idea even remotely worthwhile. \u201cWe already arrested him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know why I was so disappointed in his stupidity considering he’s an idiot, \u201cNo, because we already didn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay so we\u2019re gonna break him out?\u201d Roan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I nodded, \u201cAre we gonna be sneaky about it?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we should be blunt,\u201d Glish suggested. He was awful at planning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yarrick finally shared his thoughts. \u201cIf we kill some of them, without proving his innocence or without killing everybody. They\u2019re just gonna come back.\u201d I literally didn\u2019t see him for the rest of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At this point we all characteristically began to talk over each other going in circles trying to figure out what we think is the best option for us as a team. We discussed plans to kill them all. Finding a ridiculously good lawyer and going to court with a judge. Sticking to trial by combat. Someone suggested a triple threat match. We also discussed breaking him out the sneaky way and claiming he ran off.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI say we just let the courts decide,\u201d Glish suddenly suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan snapped before I did, \u201cWe already said we don\u2019t know any lawyers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo I mean just like\u2026\u201d Glish shrugged his shoulders. \u201cLet the system figure it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy the fuck would we trust the system?\u201d I complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh so we just automatically assume they’re corrupt without even checking it out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re being a douche right now,\u201d I shut him up hard. He just pouted like he always does and walked away. Roan and I continued to bicker over what the plan of action. Thankfully, Vergusson finally came marching back inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVerg!\u201d I shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The half-orc was confident we were talking about the same thing. \u201cIt was definitely a wiener, I don\u2019t know why I doubted anyone. I mean the way the roots formed balls on the bottom. The gods crafted a masterpiece that day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDude,\u201d I jumped right over to him. \u201cWe need you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds about right.\u201d Vergusson picked his nose.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cZorthos was taken,\u201d I told him. \u201cThere\u2019s a group of knights, one of them is an Aresian. Zorthos thinks he’s got a little magic too. We might fight all of them, but they\u2019re offering trial by combat and the big Z wants you to fight for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDope.\u201d The half-orc started marching away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait, you’re gonna challenge him now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, they just walked all the way to my hood I\u2019m gonna fuck his ass up right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I grabbed his shoulder to stop him, \u201cHold on. They said they\u2019ll meet us in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg was frustrated about waiting, but we were able to convince him. Knowing that a battle awaited him in the morning he prepared by heading into the Titan\u2019s Trap and ordering all of the troll.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

None of us tried to talk him out of it, we just joined him. We bickered back and forth with no productive ideas being thrown forward. There were a lot of ideas, but they would produce nothing. After a few moments, Busty Betty came bursting through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey uh guys,\u201d She was pointing frantically outside. \u201cNydorri is here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We all agreed, \u201cShit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I dashed outside and towards the other inn, where I found the elf planting seeds around the building. \u201cNydorri what the fuck are you doing?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span> \u201cIf you think I\u2019m gonna let them keep him in there\u2026\u201d She never even considered discontinuing the planting of her devious plot. \u201cI\u2019ll kill them all if I have to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe might not have to kill anybody\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d She doesn\u2019t like killing so she did seem eager to listen.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cDiplomacy,\u201d I explained. \u201cOr like trial by combat or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stared at the ground for a moment holding one of the seeds in her hand. \u201cOkay\u2026 I don\u2019t know what those things are, and if they don\u2019t work I\u2019m killing them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d I nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When I explained that the trial would be tomorrow she explained she\u2019ll return with the fury of a thousand wolves. I don\u2019t know if that was a metaphor or not. She might actually know that many wolves.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shortly after that I finally passed out. When I woke up I dashed quickly to Roan\u2019s room at the Titan\u2019s Trap Inn. He was grumpy to wake up but ready to go, and we quickly sprinted to the big oak tree just outside of town. There was a large clearing near it where the knights said they would meet us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were of course there bright and early, with Zorthos all tied up. Roan and I were the first of our allies to arrive. Nydorri came dragging Vergusson shortly after. Glish was following the two of them loudly declaring his eagerness to fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My helkin friend stood proudly, \u201cSee Fartemis. I told you they would come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I laughed a lot at the nickname.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri came over to me, pointing at Vergusson but looking at the knights with rage, \u201cThis shit head woulda been too hungover to get here in time if I didn\u2019t wake him up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ready to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing a berry couldn\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson was cracking his neck ready to fight all of the knights immediately but we managed to stop him. Despite his thirst for combat he was pretty compliant when we needed him to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As this was going on I didn\u2019t notice Roan had started talking shit to Fartemis and the knights. \u201cI\u2019m a man of Poseidon,\u201d The sailor crossed his arms. \u201cAnd Poseidon is a mightier god than Apollo so isn\u2019t my word worth more than yours?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere the sun shines Apollo rules.\u201d Was the reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026 Aren\u2019t we by the sea?\u201d The sailor\u2019s arms were crossed with as pompous a face as I\u2019ve ever seen. \u201cI\u2019m gonna go pull Poseidon out. We\u2019ll see who rules.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fartemis wasn\u2019t impressed by the argument and approached the rest of us. \u201cWe haven\u2019t got all day. The journey is long once his guilt is determined. Has his chosen champion arrived?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe champion was chosen the day Kayos spat him out and said, <\/span>I\u2019m just not seeing enough carnage out here,<\/span><\/i>\u201d I pointed at Vergusson who took several seconds to realize I was talking about him. Then he growled but not mightily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Fartemis nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll be ready to battle him soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then once it\u2019s over you promise our friend will be free?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> The knight of Apollo was quick and proud to explain. \u201cWe have made an agreement to have trial by combat. And I will honor the results.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I laughed at this, \u201cYou have no honor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean,\u201d He seemed pretty hurt for such a stoic guy, \u201cI\u2019m pretty honorable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish added, \u201cThey seem like nice guys to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Roan agreed. \u201cThey are well within the laws they believe in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re the assholes in this situation,\u201d Glish quipped.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re well aware who are the assholes in this situation,\u201d I snapped at the tiny one. Then I frustratedly addressed Roan, \u201cAnd you said people who follow laws are turds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd turds can\u2019t be nice?\u201d He didn\u2019t have a great argument. But he won.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I heard Zorthos talking shit to one of the knights. The helkin made a nasty comment about the man\u2019s beard, prompting him to poke the devilman with his spear and taunt, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you fight me you pussy?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos was happy to reply, \u201cWhy dirty my hands on such a little bitch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fartemis wasn\u2019t happy with his knight, \u201cDon\u2019t touch him. Show more dignity than that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After verbally ripping his man apart he walked over to their equipment and pulled out a large burlap sack. Then he walked into the middle of the clearing and began pouring out a silver magical dust in an 8 meter by 8 meter circle on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish curiously walked over to him, \u201cWhat\u2019s that powder do?\u201d He knelt down inspecting it. \u201cYou know I\u2019m just a hafflin. I just like to know things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s a magical dust,\u201d Fartemis replied as if we couldn\u2019t have guessed that. \u201cIt protects the sanctity of the trial to ensure everything is done fairly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNobody from the outside, can interrupt,\u201d Fartemis finished the circle. \u201cArrow, spells, meteors. All of that will be stopped as long as the duel is commencing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish\u2019s mind raced. \u201cSo if an evil wizard comes by and starts launching magical shit at the town, if you put this dust around it, it\u2019ll protect the town?\u201d The haflin was asking reasonable questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d The knight pondered. \u201cI don\u2019t know, I’ve never tried that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish shrugged, \u201cOkay,\u201d and walked away pompously.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee Fartemis,\u201d Zorthos shouted from the ground with his hands tied up. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of stuff you don\u2019t know. Like not all helkins are bad guys.\u201d Then he snickered pretty hard to himself so several of us on his squad snickered too.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot all of them,\u201d Fartemis replied sternly. \u201cBut definitely the ones who cast demon magic are.\u201d His argument was at least consistent.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An annoyed Nydorri spoke up, \u201cSays who?\u201d Taking too many steps towards them she shouted, \u201cIt’s just fire from his hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s pulling power straight from Hades,\u201d Fartemis argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I raised my finger. \u201cHades is just another god.\u201d I looked around at his stupid followers. \u201cHades is just a god who guides the dead to the underworld.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes but what he trickles out of the underworld\u2026 Ugh,\u201d He moaned like a teenage girl. \u201cIt’s not even worth the argument. Go away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My frustration was building. His ignorance was unacceptable. \u201cYou can\u2019t counter because you have no argument. You just have more people so you think you’re cool.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho’s the douchebag now song boy?\u201d Glish interjected.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I glared furiously at the black smith. \u201cWhy are you on his side?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were mean to me,\u201d He whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah in private because you were being an asshole,\u201d I told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that makes it okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s better than when we\u2019re arguing with someone about the fate of our best friend.\u201d After I said that he pouted and walked away. Which is a classic Glish move when he loses an argument and wants to act like the victim.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knights lined up ready to commence the ceremonies. Fartemis walked into the circle stretching out for the battle. The other knights formed a semicircle on their side and we formed a semicircle also on their side awkwardly standing in between them and making a bit of a scene about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was really uncomfortable and there was a whole other empty half circle.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Great Orc Warrior<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Put this conflict to an end<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Swing that Mighty maul<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

And save our Demon Friend<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I nudged the knight next to me with a smile, \u201cI get to say friend now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFartemis you\u2019re so bad at praying,\u201d Zorthos mocked. \u201cEvery day when the sun goes up and shines on your house Apollo goes, <\/span>\u2018oh wow I didn\u2019t shine on Fartemis\u2019s house because I hate him.\u2019<\/span><\/i>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson marched into the circle opposite our greatest enemy without stretching out or prepping at all. The half-orc was never not prepared for combat. He lived and breathed that shit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fartemis bowed. \u201cKnow that if you yield. I will spare your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Barbarian laughed. \u201cOkay then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knight pulled out his giant sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCompensating for something.\u201d Zorthos shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop being so good at this,\u201d Fartemis finally truly complained about losing all of the trash talking exchanges with his prisoner.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lazily, Verg pulled out his great ax while cracking his neck. With no more words between them the battle began. Fartemis charged, missing his first swing. Verg swung his ax into the knight’s chest. Apollo\u2019s warrior just barely turned in time to avoid a direct hit but there was still impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The damage was clear. \u201cYeah go Verg!\u201d Nydorri cheered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg gonna give it to ya<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Yeah he gonna give to ya<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Verg gonna give it to ya<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Verg followed up his attack was deflected. Once they\u2019d reset they\u2019d shown themselves to be quite even. Verg was a bit faster, but the night was more technically sound. After a few moments, he seemed to figure out the patterns in the half-orc\u2019s movements.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then, Apollo\u2019s knight stabbed our special boy in the chest. Verg shrugged off the damage and smacked Fartemis in the side. The knight kicked the barbarian\u2019s stomach to pull his sword out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFartemis if you give up now we\u2019ll let your friends go,\u201d The helkin prisoner yelled. \u201cWe\u2019ll kill you though because you suck.\u201d A knight struck him with the butt of his spear. I almost started the brawl right then and there, but kept my emotions in check.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fartemis pressed forward, landing another clean strike. But it only served to enrage the half-orc who frenzied forward swinging his weapon wildly. This gave the more skilled warrior the chance to dance around slicing and dicing. Mostly delivering shallow flesh wounds, until he managed to stab Verg in the stomach again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time the young warrior of the Doomrock clan grabbed the knight of Apollo’s hands at the hilt of the sword and brought his ax into his foes stomach. Then he did it again and again until Fartmeis dropped.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The battle was won, and Zorthos was free to go. As the knights untied the helkin I shouted, \u201cI guess we know what was more powerful in The Battle Between Friendship and Apollo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was good,\u201d Roan patted me on the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks dude.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt had a nice ring to it. I really liked it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate the support.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Zorthos was finally free he immediately dashed over to Fartemis as the knight was being healed by one of his compatriots. Just as he had begun to regain consciousness the helkin farted on his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I can do this again,\u201d Vergusson urged the devilman to stop as blood spurted out of him. Roan had stabilized every wound with the cross on his left and Nydorri was rubbing cream on the rest of him, but he was gonna be hurting for a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got it,\u201d Glish announced, marching toward the battle arena, not realizing there was no challenge to be had. At least, not yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos spun around addressing the knights. \u201cSmell ya later Apollo freaks. Get out of my town.\u201d He proceeded to taunt them with a variety of funny faces.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t even live here,\u201d Glish very stupidly pointed out. Gods, what a shitty friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fartemis rose to his feet and I promptly ran over to kneel down behind him while Roan dashed towards him to push him over performing the perfect table top.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grunted angrily, once, then ignored the hilarious prank we just pulled. The Knight of Apollo got up again and faced Zorthos. \u201cYou\u2019re innocent for now. Don\u2019t do anything else or we will return for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, I\u2019m not that cute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before we left, I noticed a man on a horse dragging a couple of people behind him tied up by ropes. One was a woman I barely recognized, and the other was Barney. The rider was a hooded man in all black. A deep cold whisper from the ranger declared \u201cThese are the thieves you asked me to find.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Fartemis tossed him a bag. \u201cAs promised, thrice the amount they took.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamnit Barney,\u201d I whispered to myself as we made eye contact with each other. \u201cFartemis, may I ask what this man has done?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor the love of Apollo!\u201d The frustration on his face was precisely what I wanted. \u201cHe stole gold from us. We caught him red handed but the sneaky bastards got away from us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey took our boy,\u201d Barney gestured at Zorthos. \u201cAnd I needed the coin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scrunching his face the helkin clarified, \u201cI never said <\/span>WE<\/span><\/i> were boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho is she?\u201d I asked about the woman with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish patted me on the knee, \u201cThat\u2019s Tiffany. She\u2019s trouble. I like her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Being Barney\u2019s friend I complained, \u201cWell we gonna do something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan was not for it. \u201cI ain\u2019t fightin them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d I marched right over to Barney and ordered him, \u201cDemand a trial by combat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cHuh\u2026\u201d He wasn’t sure what I was talking about. \u201cTrial by combat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> The smallest of the knights walked over to Fartemis, \u201cLet me fight this fool.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His leader agreed. \u201cGet it done, Yorus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> I hopped onto the combat stage without caring for the insult. \u201cCan we get this over with? I\u2019m looking to celebrate the freedom of my friend.\u201d I gestured towards the Titan\u2019s Trap, \u201cWe got a lot to do tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fartemis nodded to Yorus. \u201cFinish him quick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knight nodded back and walked into the battle area. In all my fights, I had never defeated a knight. There had only been a few of them so far, but they all won. Of course, they could have been particularly badass knights. And from the sound of things, so was Yorus. Though that could be quite subjective especially in the land of Kayos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though standing there in his full plate armor, with the golden crest of Apollo on his breastplate I felt a bit differently about him. Holding a sword twice as heavy as mine. But waving it around with one hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t entertain him\u201d Fartemis announced. \u201cThis is barely worth our time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> Yoris held his hand over his face cover. \u201cIf I slay you today, I promise it is with honor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He closed his helmet and walked forward. I nodded and walked forward as well. Our swords immediately clashed. Both of us came out aggressive but my blade clanked off his armor forcing me to hop out of the way of his strike. I was on the back foot immediately without a ton of room to move.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t my first time defending from relentless pressure and I doubt it would be the last. But this was different. He was stronger, more armored, than most of my previous foes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though, he was sloppy. Our speed was equal, even with the difference in the blades, and the extra armor, but I could see my technique was notably superior. Syrielle had trained me well, and I was able to conserve my movements while forcing him to swing frantically.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After patiently fighting with calculated aggression for what felt like an eternity, I noticed his pace begin to slow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was an opening, and I took my chance to deflect his sword far enough away to grab his hand, before he could bring it back. As I attempted to stab my rapier into the opening of his armor, his free hand grabbed mine. My stab missed, but he didn\u2019t notice my leg go between both of his and trip him to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My sword whacked him several times before he got to his feet. Each strike clearly hurt the man inside, but I couldn\u2019t get a good angle on the openings. He swung again, but this time after I hopped out of the way, I hopped back in with a slash to the head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wobbled and I continued what I was doing. His sword was blocking mine, but once again his eyes were off my feet. My legs shuffled between his once more, and he began to stumble but frantically stayed up right.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During his frantic movements, my blade slid through the opening in his neck. I pulled it out before he could swing at me and he fell to the ground from the momentum of his own attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As blood squirted from his throat I pointed my sword at Fartemis. Then I dropped it and ran over to my foe. He dropped his sword as well and held his hands up to me in a plea for help. Both of us knew it was over, and he could tell my lethal intentions ended the second I dropped the sword. While his leader seemed like a prick, Yorus showed me nothing but respect.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I dragged him quickly out of the circle as their healers came sprinting over, but Nydorri was already on him rubbing her cream on his neck. \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine,\u201d She told them. \u201cBut I\u2019m not giving him a berry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When I stood up, Fartemis held his hand out. \u201cThank you for doing the honorable thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cI bet you wonder what it\u2019s like to do that?\u201d I ignored his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d As if he\u2019s never cussed in his life he declared, \u201cFucking hate you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From behind us a very obnoxious little man shouted, \u201cExcuse me!\u201d Glish\u2019s sword was in one hand, and his hammer was in the other. \u201cY\u2019all think we\u2019re done. I see another guilty person over there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walking away from me and over to Tiffany, Fartemis asked the blacksmith, \u201cYou wish to fight on behalf of this woman here? Do you even know her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hafflin snickered, \u201cShe\u2019s been banging a few of my buddies. I\u2019d prefer it if they didn\u2019t end up like that guy,\u201d His sword was pointing directly at me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sycophantic leader of the knights nodded. \u201cFine. One more trial for today. Sir Conrad.\u201d Fartemis looked to another knight who stepped forward. \u201cDon\u2019t let this one fool you. They\u2019re far stronger than we thought. But Apollo must get his justice today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he did get justice?\u201d I argued. \u201cDo you not understand the concept of a trial?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell they\u2019ve obviously been committing crimes!\u201d Fartemis shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish yelled, \u201cNot if we win bitch now get Conrad\u2019s pretty ass up here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The largest of the knights walked into the battle arena without a word. He wasn\u2019t massive by most standards, and his sword was just the same size as the one Yorus wielded. But next to Glish he was a titan wielding a colossal blade.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready for the ass whooping of a lifetime?\u201d The hafflin asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No words came in response. Only a savage attack. Glish rolled away with a giggle, and then slammed his hammer on Conrad\u2019s foot. The knight bounced away in pain, only to take yet another one to the knee of his other leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He swung his sword down, but Glish rolled away. <\/span>\u201cBang Bang!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conrad tried to attack again, but awkwardly stumbled as he swung. Glish easily stepped out of the way and lunged through the air, slamming his hammer into the knight\u2019s helmet. The larger warrior just barely dipped away to avoid taking a blunt shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he reset, Glish crouched like he would leap again. Conrad prepared but the tiny warrior came low at him. The knight swung his sword down, but the blacksmith swung his hammer from the side smacking the longer blade out of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conrad leaned back, likely once again preparing for Glish to leap. Instead the hammer smashed into the same knee, bending it completely backwards. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Conrad fell to the ground, Glish rolled over and smashed him several times in the head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his tiny foot on the larger throat Glish slammed his fist to his chest. \u201cNow that\u2019s how we do justice in Grumbsy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As obnoxiously as I could, I waved my hands in front of Fartemis\u2019s face with the maximum amount of pizzaz. \u201cJustice\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grumbled with the frustration of a fucking loser. \u201cAre we done now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I gave him the middle finger and walked away. We quickly released both Barney and Tiffany. She offered to sleep with Glish, but the hafflin explained he was a ride she wouldn\u2019t survive. Then she offered to sleep with me, but I really did not like her at all. She wasn\u2019t nice and she wasn\u2019t really all that fair of a maiden if you asked me. Though I’ve been told I’m “Picky” by nearly everyone I know.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then we wasted no time to celebrate the victories we had, and most of all, friendship. Except for Vergusson who had to go lay down for a while. Zorthos danced, celebrated and bought troll for everyone. For the first time in his life he had more than acquaintances. He finally had friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And we all celebrated alongside him. Much of the population of Grumbsy joined in not realizing what we were celebrating. But not many could pass up some free troll. Plus we\u2019re fun to party with.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Trant saw Zorthos at the bar he asked why he was so worn out, The drunken helkin replied, \u201cAh\u2026 Frickin Tuesdays,\u201d and continued with the party. Not the first time the world had beaten him down. Certainly won\u2019t be the last.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo did you see me kick that dude\u2019s ass?\u201d Glish announced hopping up on the stool next to me. \u201cMuch bigger than your guy and I did it so much faster than you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I shook my head at the claim he was cooler than me, \u201cThey give you the easiest match up. It was so stupid to have the tall one fight you. He has to go all the way down here to get to you.\u201d I wagged my hands down low.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> He nodded, \u201cI sense jealousy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah I\u2019m jealous of the easy match up,\u201d It was a rather petty argument by me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy guy was way cooler than your guy,\u201d Glish pumped his fists.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I pointed at the hammer. \u201cYou had a better knight fighting weapon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t argue with that,\u201d He said as if he won the argument. He held out his mug of troll and I just decided to cheer him to a successful day. Both of us had been training, the improvements we\u2019ve made were extremely apparent.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not long into the party, those damn knight\u2019s of Apollo came rolling in as if it wasn\u2019t weird they were there. Busty Betty treated them with the politeness of any other. Zorthos left as soon as he saw them come in.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan started bickering with them and I heard him shout, \u201cOkay if you won\u2019t arm wrestle. Then a drink off. My best versus your best. Who can drink the most\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I quietly reminded him, \u201cDude, that\u2019s still Vergusson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter : Next Chapter   \u201cThen we partied with that scaly man and his tiny friends for a week,\u201d I explained to Barney and the gang. \u201cThe dragon monk had some of the best healing herbs I\u2019ve ever seen. Syrielle, Vergusson and the others were fine in like a day or two. Not that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=305"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":311,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305\/revisions\/311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}