The Tales of Baelin Pawtrodder

I had earned my riches and fame in the land of giants. I had helped the city of Phlan plant a solid foothold in their lost kingdom. I had served the queen of the giants personally in her honor guard and given esteemed titles and wealth. We had fought all manner of creature and amassed a wealth unlike any my family had ever seen. You can bet, I had scars a plenty by the time I came to miss my kin back in Hill Haven. It was then that I said my goodbyes, knowing that I must return home.
Laughter came again, but it took years for the pain of my countless adventures to pass and for the peaceful land full of streams to finally wash away all the aches and sadness from the hard years I had spent away. With my great wealth, I was able to buy back some of our ranch land that my family was forced to sell in my absence. No longer was I the fool, but I was the proud son who had returned. I took up the family trade of our Pawtrodder name and we continued to raise the very best riding dogs in all of Hill Haven.
I remember the morning of the burning clear as any other, the day we first saw the massive black pools of smoke off in the distance. At first, we thought that a forest fire was burning only a few miles from our ancestral home, but the outriders we sent soon found that the sky was black from smoke from fires three score of miles away or more. Ash soon found its way on to and into everything.
Slowly reports came in from our distant neighbors. The Dragon Army was coming. It was rolling out across the land enslaving, eating and burning all that they came upon. Not slowed down by terrain the winged half dragon minions devoured the land in flame and breath.
A counsel was called and I was surprised to be expected to come, for where I was once the cause of ruin, I was now looked up to for my experienced fighting skills. I sat quiet and listened to the elders debate, should we stay and fight? Stay and hide? Head south east to the coast and look for boats to carry us across the sea? Tempers became heated and I clutched my good luck amulet, the only thing I still carried day to day beyond that wonderful sword. I looked at the map from the distance and thought spoke to my sword. I asked it for its collective wisdom on how dragon’s fought and what it could tell me about our new enemies. It gave me a flash of insight… I saw at once that all the things they spoke of would lead us to death and ruin.
Uncle Bruno and cousin Darnius were shouting at each other as was everyone else. There is no way that anyone would listen to me with so much noise. But gone was the young pup who’s dull wits destroyed half our herd. I grabbed my sword and yanked it from its sheath, The spirit of the Dragon’s roar burst in to the room shaking the very walls, commanding silence from everyone and knocking some right out of their seats.
With a quiet voice I pointed to the map and explained. “Everyone who still lives will be going to the southeastern coast, but there will be too many to get passage. To stand against the dragon army is death and pointless. There is no such thing as a wasted noble death.” I pointed at the map to the Northern wilderness... the expanse on paper was too large to imagine, hundreds of miles across. but on the other side was a settlement of humans named Compass which had a port. “you will take dogs and travel northeast to the northern wilderness, the trees will give you cover from the flying monsters. Once across you will find the Human town of Compass and you can buy passage to the east to either the city of phlan or the town of Fairfax. We will make our way in time to Lomar, they have beaten the dragons once they can do it again. I will donate all my gold so that you can buy passage. You must take only that which will keep you alive.”
My uncle spoke after a silence ”You speak as if you won’t becoming with us.”
I replied “I won’t be. The dragon army will come here by the singsong stream. Even they have thirst and no other body of water could support so many troops. Many Holbytlan will be going south east through our lands and the only way some of them will have a chance of making it, is if the dragon army is slowed down. I will stay here and do that. I do not intend to die, I can’t hope to beat them or even make a dent, but I will be able to make them reexamine their path.” If all goes well, I will beat you to Lomar and try to secure a home within from the queen. I would expect it to take you five to six months to make it there if you can. I will send messages to Phlan and Fairfax you can ask for those that know me there.”

They were gone within three days, taking only that which was most precious, we sealed most of our family treasures and painting within our homes, burying the entrances of them so that if we perchance could return all would not be lost. The dragon army was slower moving than I expected, as not all of them had wings, and I spent that time crafting and setting every kind of trap I could imagine. Several bands of refugees came through and I gave them what I could. It was a full 4 weeks before the burning came to our ancient home.

Uncle Bruno,
I have had a second outing with the Reverend Nelson and Veressa. I happened upon them by chance as I went hunting in the kobold kingdoms. They along with another Prior of Avar were going to sanctify a long lost temple. The temple was taken over by Orc's who worshipped the god Bane. I do not know much about the god itself, but seeing how Orc's always seem to be on the wrong side of things I lent my hand. Of course I would have felt better had I had my horse, I was able to have one shipped to phlan but it did not yet arrive by the time we had left. Directly west of the Kobold kingdom, which you must take a boat to get to in the first place is an area that was once phlan's mansion district. Inside giant (even by the giant's standards) homes the sounds of Ogres, Trolls and True Giants could be heard in revelry. Nelson and Veressa showed typical giant fear when if came to fighting such as these, like the rest of their lot always afraid of that which is bigger. So we did our best to sneak through. Yes wearing our full armor, but at least the guards were mostly ogres. I did my best to lead because I have noticed that the reverend's faith tends to make him think himself invulnerable. He has suffered, but still is with us so maybe there is some truth to it. I saved the party, as I spotted a towering Hill Giant before he saw us. Maybe he was deep in his cups, but he was enormous. He was at least 20 to 24 feet tall. We quickly ran in the opposite direction into a trio of Ogres. The prior ran forward to engage them and he had battle skill or was just lucky. Knowing that he could not fight them alone I charged with him and we made short work of them. My other two companions mostly tried to missile weapons to great success it was then that I realized that Veressa was not only a spell caster but an elf as well. The Ogres annoyed by the arrows tried to charge the woman and it took no small amount of skill for me to stop his charge and get him to focus solely on me. The flash of an arrow and he fell.
We quickly made our way to giant temple. It was said that at least 40 or 50 years had past since the temple fell. Many Statues of their Orc god were seen about and the place itself was huge. I suppose I should stop saying that things are huge. Everything in the land of giants is huge. Even still this building was one of the largest I had yet seen and I could see clearly the pain and frustration on my two cleric friends faces. Orcs had infested the place and we took the fight to them. I found myself in the position of hamstringing them only to have Veressa or Nelson dispatch them. Many of my thrusts hit their mark but I could not fell them in as quick a time. After a while it became aggravating, watching my skillful assault finished by nelson's heavy mace.
We found two tomes of unholy scripture over a dark ominous alter. After we destroyed them I discovered a hidden vault underneath the alter which contained holy artifacts from before the fall. It took me a moment to get my companions attention. The first artifact was a wonderful two handed Great mace and a holy symbol of divine power. I showed both to the Reverend and he kept them without further discussion. I should mention that I had thought such pettiness was behind us, we had a discussion in which he more or less called me a thief and I responded that if he called me such again that we would come to more than just words. Here he was again keeping both such magical items for his own use. No discussion, no fairness.
As we moved further in the temple we found the high priest waiting for us with some of his elite Orc guards. Of course the Priest was Human. Unlike the folk or dwarves or elves you never know which way a human's morality will blow. Fate was kind and we were able to crush them quickly never allowing a spell to fall. It was also of good fortune that the high priest had a similar enchanted Giant two handed mace which I scooped up. I announced it of course but like so much I say it went unheeded.
From there it was a short trip back to the docks district. As we set down to rest I heard the Reverend shout out his door was locked and when it was finally opened we saw the spectre from the Library had attempted to assault the man when he was to lay to sleep. We dispatched it only to have it reform and tell us that it would take the soul of one innocent person everyday until we gave it back it's book. Then it disappeared. We went to the prior but he offered little substantive advice other than that we should give the book back. The Prior called the book a fetter saying that the ghost was tied to this world through it. For once the Reverend and I had come to agreement that we should take the book to the Library and then destroy the book there before the ghost. It might free it or enrage it, but at least then we might rid ourselves of the thing that ties it to us.
We shall gather a group and handle that soon, But I hear there is a quest to explore an ancient keep as well. Perhaps we will do both.

Your Nephew
Baelin,

Uncle Bruno,
In my latest adventure, more things of interest happened in town, then out.  Well I should say that the fighting in this journey was the worst I have seen thus far but, the character of each of my companions has started to show itself.  I have found the core of the group to be very religious, and conversions seem to be contagious.  Myst has joined the Avarian sisterhood and Nelson and Michael both seemed very happy at the news.  The Avarians are a strange lot.  Full of compassion, and they would die to protect the innocent but are very structured and ordered.   Being around them has made me miss some of our own religious festivals and holidays.  Not that I ever was on the holy path or what not,  but being this far from home, so unlike every one, makes me long for those days.  Of course when the whole of the group starts shifting towards a common belief system then those that are in the direct opposite direction get pushed out. I am grateful for the blessings their god has given me, but I won't worship one to preclude my own.  There may be trouble if they can not see how all gods have their place and not just the one they prescribe to.
As it was the job before us was larger than any other we had faced, or perhaps our difficulty on the last one proved to the council that we needed more resources to complete the tasks at hand.  While we were paid as a whole a 1000 gold for Sokol Keep, this time we were offered 2500 to clear a graveyard. They even offered to pay half up front.  At first I was glad for it, but then the Reverend pointed out the why would they pay more question.  Of course it was a more dangerous job.  The money upfront was for us to hire extra help, and we would be fools not to do it.  However Avarian principles seemed to make it difficult for my companions to pay others for help.  They did not want to risk anyone else's lives and would therefore put themselves at even more risk.  I had to do my best to persuade them that help was needed.  Even going so far as to pay for the extra help out of my own share.  They could spend my money easily enough but were reluctant to touch their own coin.
When all was said and done there was well over a dozen of us casting off in small row boats. ( I once again had to leave my horse back in the stables.)  When we arrived at the docks on the other side of the river we found a stowaway.  A small giant child had come along.  Even though a Giant he was only about a man's size, but he had youth and vigor in his eyes.  The other's started telling him that it was too dangerous, that he should go home. The boy would have none of it.  He proclaimed his skills as a torch bearer and as an expert slinger.  When they pushed him about his size he said that he was "one of him" and pointed to me.  The others could not say that he was not big enough, and given my status what could they say?  Still its one thing to have the heart for the battle but if you do not have the skills then you are at a loss.  I could see that we would not be persuading the youth to avoid this danger and decided that if it was his will to go, that I would safeguard him as best I could. 
The first engagement was a bloody affair, and everyone should have gotten the sense that they were good to hire so many.  We fought a score of zombies and skeletons with some ghouls thrown in.  A number of our group fell and there was not much that could be done about it. The boy, whose name was Timmy, was alert and stayed out of danger while providing us with the much needed light that helped us get the better of our foes. Still as with any large scale battle losses happen.  Reverend Nelson did his best to help those he could, praying with such passion that one could not help to be moved.  Our best efforts led us to a tomb that at it's heart was a mystic circle with 5 candles.  Ugnahkar the Half Orc Giant seemed lost at the sight of them.  He was fascinated by the structure of it. 
Stranger still with each fight we lost more and more, and almost every time Timmy was predicting who would and would not make it.  He had astounding accuracy, it was creepy.  I looked on with dread to each person he predicted would not make it, watching brave men's faces cloud over with fear.  Fear in the Giants is always something to see.  You would figure that with the size the gods gave them, they would have the courage to match and yet they do not.  Still as each man's name got called out and his life was snuffed soon after none of us understood it at the time.  Timmy had just got through saying how he though all those who took to dying had already done so and that the rest of us would be safe, when he met the same fate.  It was heart breaking to see one so youth expire.  Only the gods must know why it must be so. At this same point the three holy ones each felt a calling to go inward toward the north.
I carried Timmy's body, it was surprisingly cold and I followed the others.  In the graves we saw another ghost of one of Avar's priests.  It wasn't so much surprising as we knew that we would meet something like it there, having been foretold of the encounter before we came. 
They spent time talking and I spent time digging.  I know I should have listened more but I was more intent on giving Timmy a good resting place.  I used my shield as a shovel and as a tombstone and when it was all said and done I carved his name in the front of it. I wish I could have given him a better send off but it was the best I could do, and a great deal more than any will do for me when my time has come.
At this point the others had gathered information, concerning our quest.  The Ghost said that a vampire and a human necromancer had taken up in the Graveyard and were converting it to a place of evil. The only way to fix this crime would be to find each of a set of the summoning circles and destroy them.  One circle for each type of undead.
That would have been simple enough but then the ghost choose one of our holy member above the other holy members.  To Sister Myst the Ghost gave 5 items of power, no doubt the being's very own goods.  Why it choose the newly faithful instead of those that had sacrificed their lives for so long I do not know.  I also wonder if the other two will be jealous.  Why did the ghost give her the gifts and not them?  The ghost had laid the gifts down.  An enchanted great sword, A full suit of plate mail, a tower shield, a ring of protection and a ring of fortitude. Anyndur walked over immediately to the great sword and picked it up.  It would be hard to say whether his reaction was one of selfish desire or of the Fugue state he often finds himself in.  I saw the ghost's face flash with anger and quickly walked over to guide the sorcerer into putting down the item.  To which he did, then Sister Myst did something shocking.  She asked the ghost if she could share the gifts she received to which the ghost consented.  I guess it was shocking to me to see so much of great value given away without a second thought.  I guess I could learn much from her, and perhaps it is that selflessness that the ghost sensed.  To Michael she gave the great sword, he had been in need of a weapon capable of hurting evil beings and was of great enough size to wield it one handed. To reverend Nelson Smith she gave the suit of Full plate, a better replacement for the one I cobbled together for him.  To Anyndur she gave the ring of fortitude perhaps if his body stays well his mind will follow.  To Wan Chop Cho she gave the ring of protection, he not wearing any armor needing it the most.  Lastly she offered me the enchanted tower shield. I had just given mine away and I admit I was not expecting a replacement so soon.   I know that you have always taught me to be careful of who you get in debt to, but I can not help but think that being in her debt wouldn't be a bad thing. I guess that I should note that Myst kept nothing for herself and stranger still had nothing to give Ugnahkar, which I suppose was divine insight given what would happen with him over the next few days.
Still with a wary heart we made the return trip to town for supplies and that is where things took a darker turn still...
Now I suppose I should speak of the worst of things that had happened to me. I was struck by shadows, wights, and Spectre's.  With each of the three taking a piece of my soul.  The blows of each had an infection about them.  The shadows took my strength though at first I thought they somehow made my armor heavier.  The wight's claw had infected me and I felt my body polluted.  The spectre's claw had passed through my breast plate and had squeezed my heart.  I felt death coming for me, in a slow and steady pace, unavoidible.  I staggered back into town, making my way to the temple, hoping beyond hope that the prior could do something for me.  As I entered I heard Michael's anguished confession to the priest.  He was explaining sins which were not his to keep.  He did his best to explain how he could not stop the boy from joining us and how he died as a result.  The poor man taking too much on himself, but for it's worth I felt better knowing my grief was not alone.   The Prior asked for clarification, "who was the child?" "what were we talking about?"  I explained the tale of Timmy the tanner's son and his ill fate.  The Prior turned white and said that he had already buried Timmy Tanner.  He had died several months before when he went with a bunch of adventurers into the slums and was slain.
I know it sounds like a ghost tale the type that Old Butterman would say, but I swear it is true.  Timmy Tanner was a ghost, and the strange premonitions he had regarding the future of our companions was no doubt his own sense of death.  The thoughts of it made me nauseous, and if I was not in a temple I would have gotten sick right then and there.   
The Prior took 50 gold for his effort to try to cure me but failed in his effort.  He lacked the power to cure wight's rot and the like.  I pretty much felt defeated at that point, knowing that my infections would get the better of me here or out there.  I sat in the quiet of the church thinking about how I didn't think my fate would end like this.  I have done enough reading to know that those who die at a wight's hands become a wight and those who die at a spectre's hands become a spectre.
As I sat there Ugnahkar entered the temple as well as the others.  I was sort of devoid of feeling as you can imagine, and listend to the quiet drum of voices as the Prior was discussing with the others Timmy's fate, I saw the brute Half Orc walk to a holy fountain.  Dazed as I was it took me a moment to realize that the Giant was washing his weapons in the holy waters there.  Of course my first thought was that he was so mindless, and did not know any better.  I ambled over and told him to stop and tried to explain it to him in simple terms.  We don't want to offend anyone, so lets find another place to clean our weapons.  He gave me a snarl and then started to do it again.  My first thought was to challenge him, but given the brute's skill with that axe and my inability to lift my arms, I decided against it.  So instead I went to the Prior and told him of the brute and he rushed over. Now he was flanked by Reverend Nelson Smith, Michael the black and Myst.  One on one and the beast would have no fear, but against the lot he knew he would not win.  The Prior demanded that Ugnahkar leave at once, asking the paladin to escort him out.  The half Orc showed his tusks and snarled and the smashed his Giant Axe down on the fountain cracking it.  The water flowed out among the ground, pouring onto our feet.  There was a moment of shock as the Brute quickly left.  Then at once all three of the faithful followed the brute into the street.  Each of them revealed a little bit of themselves in how they left.  The Reverend was as angry as I have ever seen him, his beard twitching in fury.  Michael the black had a cold look in his eyes, walking with his hand on his hilt.  While Myst looked more worried than anything else, as if she could see the trouble that was ahead.
She stopped Michael and had private words with him, from what I could tell in passing she was making the crusader  promise not to hunt the man down.  I caught up with the Reverend outside on the steps, ready to back him up as I may despite my condition.  When It came down to it I knew that I had an obligation to the Reverend. Despite his gruffness it was his fairness that has allowed me to profit as much as I have. He is an honest man and if it came to blows I would side with him.  I had always hoped that Ugnahkar would rise above what he was, but I guess you can't take the orc out of a half orc. Bad is bad.
The reverend was twitching but he was not the murdering type, his morals demanding that he try to salvage things.  He demanded that Ugnahkar pay for his damages and apologize to which the Brute just grunted.  In anger Nelson gave him the worst punishment that he could do, he swore that he would not heal the man until he made amends.  In our group that was as sure a death sentence as the reverend could give without actually coming to blows.  At that point Michael appeared with Myst and was about to give another tongue lashing to the beast when to our shock the beast stuck his long fat fingers into a pouch on his belt.  The finger came up inky black with some sort of soot and he drew on his forehead the symbol of the dark circles we were set out to destroy. 
The paladin visibly tensed up ready to strike the brute down, only his word given to the Sister holding him in check.  Shocked as they were I spoke at that point urging everyone to go their ways.  I told Ugnahkar that he was on his own and that he could no longer travel with us.  With one last look the Giant turned away going on his own path.  The end of something is always the start of something, though as you said. 
There was not much rest and I could feel the whole of my being slipping away as we left in the morning once more.

My hands shook trying to hold onto my sword as we entered the graveyard once more. Timmy appeared before us as he was before seemingly having no knowledge of his death. It would have been impolite to tell the young man anything of his fate, and so I did my best to ignore his departed status. For him perhaps death may not be such a curse as the others in the cemetery, he did not die in the cemetery and yet he still followed us. Perhaps, he would do so for some time and he certainly showed no hostility to us in anyway. I did my best to treat him no different than before and we found the light he carried with him quite useful.<br />With every fight I found my strength leaving me but we cleared our second tomb without much effort. I was distracted, my mind wandered to the point where I was unaware of several wounds I had received. My mind kept going back to all the stories of Urogalan the protector of the dead and the earth. I was somewhat worried for if I was cursed to rise as a Wight or Spectre, would he still come for me? Or would I be lost? Such were the worries that I had when the reverend found a spy out among the tombstones. A man of normal height was crouched down watching our movements. He wore a hood and was not dressed as a warrior but rather as a scout and procurer.
It was refreshing to see a normal person, and it redoubled my efforts. I would continue on until I could not that is the way it has always been. He agreed to join us in our endeavor and we had a replacement for the giant Half Orc. The very next tomb we entered proved to be my final test with this illness. It was full of Shadows, undead of the substance of shadow itself. We were quickly over run but the lightless fiends they blotted out the torches we were carrying and each touch of their's weakened each of us that were afflicted. Shadows like spectres are intangible and can not be harmed by mundane weapons. The enchanted two handed Mace I had would hurt them, when everyone else's weapons would pass through them like air. Watching the other flail their weapons about with only the Reverend being able to truly hurt the fiends, set me into to a fury. I swung with what ever hate and anger I could and threw myself into the middle of them. Countless hits were scored upon me and I know I dispatched several but then I remember nothing more.
It would seem that I was brought to the edge of death, teetering between both life and the hereafter. Urogalan must have rejected me for I awoke what seemed hours later. My strength felt like it was being restored, and the cold emptiness had left my heart. The battle for my soul had seemingly been won but I was much to out of it for me to know what happened.<br />With my strength restored we were able to finish another tomb for a total of three.
We decided to break at that point, to resupply and put out the call for more help. In the short time I was with Felk Knicket I learned a few things. First, sadly he was raised in the slums of phlan, which means like the other Holbytlan who were raised amongst the giant he feels inferior. Timid may be the better word. Our cousins have a hard time standing as men with the giants about, I wish they could have heard what you said to old Dapher that one time we were about to be attacked by those goblins. When Jijo and the other children tried to get that mouse out of it's hole but kept getting scratched and bit. You said "if such a little creature could fight off one so big, think what a man could do?" I have often thought of that in my dealings with the giants and I am filled with pity when I see one of our cousins who has grown up to accept a lesser place in life. Perhaps I may lead an example that they will be able to look to as I look to your words.
With three of who knows how many tombs done, I am sure to get the chance.

Your Nephew,

Baelin

We set out at once for this area the locals called the Pirate’s Lagoon, which is where the companion of Ham was located. I, of course rode Nameless, my riding dog. And no I will not name him, because we all know it is harder to ride into battle when you get attached to your steed. Along the way our mettle was tested almost immediately as we were attacked by pirates. The battle was quick and fierce but I did not want to do more than rout them because we had less than 2 days to find the prisoner and return, less the witches do whatever it is that witches do. The battle happened too fast and the opponents were too weak to last long against the three of us. I was of course the most skilled among us but the others showed potential.
My fighting companions… had mysterious ways about them… it looked like the one just pulled a blade out of thin air, but the other used that great sword with savage strength. It was surely magical, because it cut through them like butter. I noticed her wounds healed with each strike.
No wonder she fought with little armor, a blade that healed her with each strike would be invaluable. But I also think it would make you reckless in time… Like a troll is savage but unskilled. Though you may disagree uncle, anger can only take you so far in a battle. The skill of a superb cut can disable your foe, as well as any mighty axe.
When we entered the lagoon you could feel the atmosphere change to something dark. It was as if the day became night. I pull from my pack my most valued treasure, Timmy’s torch. And as it has always done since that day it lit on the first try. Yes, the light gave way our position, but I prefer straight up fights.
We moved at a quick pace scouting the land and discovered the coven in a high walled graveyard. I could not be sure what they were doing , perhaps it was the start of a ritual. It seemed right to bring the fight to them so we charged the crowd of them. The witches had no armor but had no fear what so ever. They kept trying to cast spells but could not focus each time I passed by with a charging cut. We gave no quarter but made no progress. Finally I hit one with what should have been a killing blow and I knew then, that it was true that they could not be killed. We were so embroiled in the battle that it took a moment to realize that they were immune, only after I saw one of them reattach it’s head, that I realize we could not win. More to the point, if we fought, we would tire and make a fatal mistake. I knew that if we ran, they would follow us and any chance to find the prisoner would be hampered by the constant running and fighting.
Callie and Clare still fought as though they could win, and I realized that I had to give them a chance to make it. . “Run, I will hold them off” I yelled and it broke through their battle rage. I yelled for them to continue the search while I stay here.. It was an easy matter to strike at those that would follow my companion. My shield deflected most of their spells but I knew I had to get away. The Witches despite their immortality were not healing fastly, The wounds we inflicted were hurting them and the magic only prevented them from dying. They cackled with glee at several points trying to pull me from my steed.
If there is anything I have learned over the year, it is how to run away. I knew that the speed advantage was mine, so I led them in a big circle inside the walled cemetery. As soon as I could, I went through the open gate and use a Malsham’s Wall. If you don’t know what that is I will explain…It is a small stone that is magical. You say the command word and the stone grows to enormous size. With a command word , the stone grows to an colossal Size. After a time the stone crumbles but they are very effective for stopping monsters in their tracks.
With the witches trapped in the graveyard I was able to set out to search for my companions.
Nameless was able to track them to a cave and I left the riding dog outside as riding into a low hanging stone can crack your skull. I was able to catch up to them just after they finished a battle with something. We decided to search the cave which seemed to be enchanted for confusion.

The corridor led to a door that was guarded by a bat winged human sized woman who I could assume was the demon. I hate Demons. She was eleven feet tall and a human might have been tempted… It is a good thing for us that demons are just as racist as everyone else and never are an attractive height.
I hate Demons, because mostly I do not trust myself around them. When they open their mouths and you are start listening to their logic, it will twist you around like a Elvish Pretzel. I asked my companions if they knew much about demons. Did they think this one was a soul stealing demon? They were not sure. I tried to get one of them to go talk to it, because I am not suited for it. Neither of them budged. The demon just stood there watching us, not attacking, not talking to us. Clare told me she could ask the occupant of her sword. I was surprised that her blade like mine had a ghost in it… well mine had ghosts, dragon ghosts. But if that helped her blade’s edge like my ghosts helped my blade then we could probably take the demon.
It was then that demon started talking to us. Thinking about it now, it was probably reading our thoughts.
“Who are you to intrude in affairs you cannot fathom?”
I was stumped for a response. Callie started to say that we were three lost souls, she was going to talk to it. It reminded me of the Ghost of Robert Mercer. You just don’t try to match wits with immortal wits matchers. So I said “eff it” and charged the demon. We scored a dozen hits before it could even react. It crumpled. The others were quick to follow my lead and popping off its head was not a problem, it dissolved to mist, banished from the realm. Thus ended our fight with the Daemon of the Four Sisters.