1


           

Rova 1: Sunday


            The Swallowtail Festival began promptly, as scheduled, on the first day of autumn, a sunny Sunday in Rova. That is to say, the Festival hadn't begun yet officially, as word of mouth conveyed that there would be opening speeches in the church square first. People in the rest of town were generally wandering that way, the townsfolk dressed in their fine festival clothes, talking and laughing and being excited - especially the children. After all, the Swallowtail Festival only came once a year!
            The square before the church quickly became crowded as locals and travelers arrived, and several merchant tents featuring food, clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs were there to meet them. A stage had been set up in front of the church but was currently bare.

2


            The turnout for the opening speeches was quite respectable, and the four keynote speakers each delivered short but well-received welcomes to the festival. Mayor Deverin's friendly attitude and excitement proved contagious as she welcomed visitors to town and joked about how even Larz Rovanky, the local tanner (and notorious workaholic) managed to tear himself away from the tannery to attend, much to everyone's but Larz's amusement.
            Sheriff Hemlock, a bald, dark-skinned Shoanti with a grim face, brought the crowd down a bit with his dour mood, his reminder to be safe around the evening's bonfire, and his request for a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the fire that claimed the town's previous church five years ago.
            Fortunately, the flamboyant Cyrdak Drokkus was more than up to the challenge of bringing the crowd's mood back up with his rousing anecdotes as he delivered a not-completely-irreverent recap of the long process the town went through to finance and construct the new cathedral. He threw in a bit of self-promotion at the end, inviting everyone to stop by the Sandpoint Theater the following evening to check out his new production of "The Harpy's Curse," revealing that the lead role of Avisera the harpy queen would be played by none other than the famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda!
            Finally, Father Zantus stepped up to give a short speech thanking everyone for coming before declaring the Swallowtail Festival underway.

3


            Andok arrived early in the morning - still covered in the dust of the road, he stood politely listening to the speeches, backpack slung over his shoulder. He is recognizable as one of the Shoanti, towering over the other people in the square, with those familiar with their totems recognizing the Sklar-Quah sun motif prominently decorating his shaved head.
            The local references and inside jokes in the speeches went noted but not understood by him, but he gives the same rousing applause at the end as everyone else. He peers about intently, trying to take in as much of the town as possible. "Sandpoint..." he says quietly, allowing the feel of the word roll off of his tongue. As the festivities begin, he stands, uncertain as to where to go or what to do first.
            Leaving Andok to his quiet contemplation of the gathering crowd, Amismara hurried to an edge of the town square. She moved to several vantage points, trying to find where she might take some sketches of the event. Quickly piecing together a small drawing pad and clipping some parchment in place, she unwrapped her set of colored pencils and set to work.
            Mayor Deverin's fine words were captured in raised arms and the happy hops of the nearby children. Sheriff Hemlock's sad remembrances and moment of silence were reflected on the right hand side of the sketch: bowed heads and a note to darken the clouds slightly in the later painting.
            Amismara's eyes kept coming back to a large, red-headed northerner in the crowd. The man was so huge he was a challenge to put in perspective, and the locals seemed to be giving him plenty of space. But when his booming laugh greeted Cyrdak's antics, she decided he simply must be included, and it seems as if the townspeople felt similarly, as they began to gather round the massive stranger. "Lovely, just wonderful" Amismara said to herself. She then whispered a quiet prayer to Shelyn, thanking her for the friendliness of the locals and asking her help in capturing the full range of emotion on display today.
            With a smile and a growing enthusiasm to join in the fun herself, she put away her sketches and supplies, and walked happily into the crowd. She'd meet up with the Mayor later, and offer her help in blessing the new church. But for now, it was time to rejoice, dance, and meet some new friends.

4


            There was no shortage of interesting stalls, festival food, storytellers or games of chance, skill, fortitude or strength filling the little town to bursting. Colorful Varisian fire-eaters and starknife jugglers vied with acrobats, clowns on stilts and strangers from all corners of Varisia - and even beyond - to catch the eye. Children ran in giggling packs through the crowds, playing whistleball and tag and games incomprehensible to adults. A group of them had taken over an alley for their game of hopsquares and were chanting,
"Here comes crazy-man Das Korvut,
Mad as a cut snake in a wagon rut.
See how his chops go bouncity-bounce?
How many people has he trounced?
One! Two! Three! Four..."

            The locals who heard them chided them, warning them to beware Das Korvut's temper and heavy hand, but the children only laughed and scrambled away. Outside the alleys the teeming streets were filled with merchants hawking wares from near and far, everything from weapons from the fabled dwarven city of Janderhoff to fine clothes in the style of Magnimar and Korvosa to liquor distilled by the mysterious elves of the Mierani Forest - or at least, so it was claimed. Glassblowers from the Sandpoint Glassworks showed off their beautiful and fragile work, while florists, farmers and other more humble tradesmen coaxed townsfolk and travelers alike into examining their wares.
            Everywhere there seemed to be some sort of game - balancing on rails while holding a pumpkin, tug-o-war by an ale cart, the onlookers spilling frothy brew as they cheered the contestants on, footraces down Main Street and up River Street with free pastries for the winners, horseshoes for the elderly and children and weightlifting for the young and strong, spearthrowing and archery and hammertossing, dice in the alleys and catching a greased piglet in a pen in the market square. There was the Dragon Race in which colored lizards with cloth wings were goaded down a track with money changing hands as bets were won and lost. There was the Devil Hunt, in which festivalgoers were invited to shoot down the Sandpoint Devil. There was the Goblin Toss and the Lighthouse Smash, and there was music and dancing and tales so tall they were bigger than the Old Light. Magicians and illusionists performed tricks to the delight of old and young alike, and Varisian fortune tellers sent people off happier, if a bit of silver poorer.
            Hawkers cried their wares on every corner: frybread, pasties, grilled stuffed peppers, savories and sweets, but there would be free food in the Church Square at noon, and no one wanted to be too full for that! And if amid the merriment the townsfolk seemed to be smiling too widely, laughing too hard, well, those who knew their history knew why, and those who didn't were too busy enjoying themselves to notice.
            Many of the passers-by stopped behind Amismara to admire her sketches, but aside from some curious children, no one disturbed her as she concentrated on capturing the festival life. The Shoanti who had come to town mostly towered over the other festivalgoers, conspicuous with their bald heads and tattoos, and adults unconsciously gave them a certain berth while children followed them, daring each other to run up and poke them, then scamper away through the masses.
            Standing in the middle of the crowd, Hrolfr stands and takes in his surroundings. He is observant during the first few speeches, but his smile broadens when Cyrdak Drokkus goes on stage and tells his tall tales, and his deep laughter soon rings throughout the town square. His mood only gets better from there on as he wanders through the crowd, taking in the ambience, the children playing and the adults enjoying the festivities, not to mention the performers and entertainers.
            It does not take long before he has a cup of ale in his hand, and not much longer before he is sucked into the games. For some reason, he is a popular contestant in the games involving strength, and he is especially interested in the goblin tossing.
            Amismara found the glass work to be magnificent, and spent a good while perusing the various items. But soon she was drawn to the sounds of the various games. One sign caught her eye, and she found she had to read it twice to make sure she had it right. "Goblin Toss?", she asked herself, "What in Shelyn's flowing tail is a Goblin Toss?"
            "Why, it's just what it sounds like - just put down a copper coin and toss those goblins into the fire before they can tear up your home." A big man with a neat beard, still more brown than gray, bounced a beanbag "goblin" in one sinewy hand, giving Amismara an oddly fierce grin. "Sorry, Sister, I couldn't help but overhear. I'm the one runnin' this game. Name's Hosk, Daviren Hosk." He gestured at the playing field, which was smack in the center of the Sandpoint market square; he had to raise his voice to compete with the squealing of the greased pigs in the pen nearby.
            "See yonder board with the flames painted on? Three holes for three fireplaces, or campfires if you like. The kids try the big one that's closest, and the middle one's for the ladies." Noting Hrolfr's interest, he added, "That bitty one way down there's for the men what think they can toss three goblins that straight. Get all three in, and there's a prize in it for ya!" He transferred his smile to a balding man with a comfortable stomach, who had been listening to Hosk's pitch.
            "That's right, folks," the man said, grinning himself. "I'm Chod Bevuk from the meat market here in town," he gestured at the closed butcher's shop at the east end of the square, "and I'm puttin' up a taste of my famous jerky for them that win." He looked quite pleased with himself, as well he might; the listeners had heard people talking about his jerky all over the festival.
            He hooked his thumbs under his suspenders and rocked back on his heels, his grin widening; the onlookers could see he was missing the little finger on his left hand. "Let me tell you, it warn't easy to make, neither. Made from real goblins! Daverin here hunted 'em down and I done seasoned 'em up for the festival!" Nearby locals rolled their eyes, one of them shouting, "Quit yer lying, Chod!" But the young children squealed with horrified glee, tugging on their parents' sleeves and asking if it was really for real goblin meat? Master Bevuk merely patted the barrel of jerky he was leaning against, promising a small bag to the winners for taste-testing.
            Hosk raised a goblin beanbag; its oversized head lolled, nearly obscuring the name written on its body: Murgo. "So who wants to clean out the camp of Murgo, Gubbug and Rigg here?" he asked, patting the cask holding the goblins. A line of eager festivalgoers called out, crowding around him.
            Returning the men's grins, Hrolfr says "A good jerky is no mean prize. I accept your challenge". His accent is typical of the Ulfen, a hard pronounciation mixed with a sing-song intonation. He fishes into his pouch for a copper coin, which he then tosses to Davien Hosk.
            Despite the crowd of hands pushing money at him, Hosk caught the coin in the air and dropped it into the large leather pouch at his waist. The adults around Hrolfr made way for the exotic-seeming man, whispering to each other and watching him with fascination. Hosk passed him the three goblins, then dug into the cask for another three. "Who wants to throw Hoghead, Tump and Nub?" he asked the children, passing out more goblins as Hrolfr took aim and threw.
            The first goblin smacked against the painted boards and fell to the ground, eliciting groans of disappointment from the bystanders. The next two went neatly through the hole, however, and the onlookers cheered a bit and clapped their hands. Bevuk said, "Not quite enough for a taste of goblin jerky, but you still get something to remember us by!" Grinning, he passed Hrolfr a small tin butterfly clasp. "Unless you'd care to try again?" he added, raising his eyebrows and gesturing towards the goblin cask.
            Andok slowly gravitates towards the large red-head, fascinated by the game of chance. "If he considers himself done, I would be honored by the opportunity to take my chances, stall warden," the large Shoanti says softly.
            Hrolfr, very audibly disappointed at his first near miss, seems much more satisfied with his two last throws. "Be my guest", he says, grinning broadly at the large man in front of him before stepping aside to let him through.
            "Put up a copper and you're in the game," Hosk agreed, tossing three more goblins with their names written on their bellies at Andok. He, Bevuk and the children stepped back as the menacing Shoanti prepared to throw.
            Andok's first goblin sailed neatly into the "fireplace," eliciting approving shouts from the bystanders, but his next two goblins hit the boards and fell to the ground, where a boy ran to gather them and those in the buckets behind the boards up and return them to Hosk's cask. Bevuk glanced at the tin butterfly in his hand, then up at the towering barbarian, and swallowed nervously.
            Andok reverently takes the butterfly from Bevuk's hand and bows low to him. "Truly, even this trinket is more than I deserve. I thank you kindly, sir," he says in slow, careful Common.
            "Well! Not at all, not at all," Bevuk exclaimed, pulling out a handkerchief and mopping his brow in relief. "Better luck next time, eh?"
            A small, very pale child tugs at Hrolfr's sleeve. "Why didn't you tear the goblin apart, when you had the chance?" Her voice has a high pitch and her eyes are piercing. "Now it will just go and get more and the little bastards are going to be all over the place!"
            At second glance the little person is not a child at all, but a little gnome... small even for gnomes. Her skin is almost white, but with a pattern of snow crystals, as if it was brocade fabric. Her hair is white with a pale blue tone as is her clothing... she would be almost colourless, was it not for her very, very long knitted scarf: all the colours of the rainbow and a few more, in patches of random length and in no apparent order. She looks reproachful at Hrolfr and crosses her arms, as if she was a schoolmistress looking at a badly behaving boy.
            Hrolfr is quite taken aback at the gnome's initial onslaught, and her comments on the goblins provoke an obvious (albeit short-lived) facial reaction. His surprised look, however, is soon replaced by a smile as he softly answers: "Yah, it is not my usual way of dealing with the nasty little buggers, but I am afraid that Master Hosk would be upset had I ripped his goblins' head off. I am Hrolfr, son of Ketil. Some call me the Rover."
            Andok turns away from the stall and to the altercation between Hrolfr and the gnome. "Your arm had more luck than mine, Rover. A good eye for distances." He bows again. "Andok, of the Shoanti tribe called the Sklar-Quah - the Sun Tribe, I believe, in your tongue."
            Hosk's attention was pulled from the game at the gnome's words, and he laughed and slapped his leg. "She sure knows how to deal with goblins," he said approvingly. Hunkering down, he smiled at her, the skin around his eyes crinkling. "Don't you worry, little miss. These ain't real goblins, they's just toys."
            "Oh, toys!...Is it normal for adult human men to play with toys?" the gnome asks with an expression of genuine wonder.
            Amismara had watched the large northerner make his throws, laughing with him and hoping he'd wear the little tin butterfly. She also watched Andok's throws, his gracious acceptance, and decided to meet up again with her companion from the road. She arrived in time to hear the question about men and toys, and she burst into surprised laughter.
            "They won't admit it, but it is normal…and good! And I think the least we can do is join them." She introduced herself to Todd and Hrolfr, and gave a gentle bow of re-meeting to Andok.
            "I shall test my skill, Master Hosk. And if Shelyn smiles upon me, we will celebrate my victory at dinner tonight, the four of us!" She paid her coin and held out her glaive, asking Hrolfr and Andok, "Would one of you please attend to this for me?"
            "Oh!... I can hold that for You... I think!" said the gnome.
            "Alright", Amismara laughed, "here you go. The feathers of Shelyn match your wonderful scarf!."
            "So it does and... oh! Shiny!... And heavy!" for a moment the gnome looks as she is about to lose her balance, but then she regains control of her little legs. "By the way, I'm Todd"
            Both the stallkeepers and the nearest bystanders backed away from the gnome with the wobbling glaive, and attention was split between watching Todd balance the much too tall weapon and watching Amismara throw in the space Todd had cleared.
            The lovely cleric took careful aim, but it seemed Shelyn's attention was elsewhere as well; while her first and last goblins flew dead center into the bucket "fire," the middle one got away.
            Master Bevuk was all too pleased to pin the little tin butterfly on Amismara's sky blue scarf. Master Hosk laughed as Bevuk fussed with the pin, saying, "Not even the gods can predict those little ba... er, blighters!"
            The gnome hand the glaive back, still looking rather fascinated. Then she looks up "I'll have a go!" and toss a coin to master Hosk.
            Master Hosk caught the coin and handed over three goblins, their names written neatly on their bellies. Taking in the gnome's tiny stature and how she had her arms full with the beanbags, he kindly directed her to the children's line.
            Todd promptly tossed each and every one of her goblins into the "fire," causing the children around her to cheer and the adults to clap their hands indulgently. Hosk slapped his thigh and said, "I was right the first time - you know how to handle goblins! Chod, give 'er her prize."
            Bevuk ceremoniously lifted the lid of his barrel, plucking out a little bag tied with string and presenting it to Todd with a flourish. "Compliments of the meat market - eat those goblins up!" he said with a wink. The bag smelled of the most savory jerky spices imaginable.
            "Thank you!... it doesn't smell like goblins" the gnome looks confused and a little reluctant, but trys a jerky. "Interesting!... would You care for one?" and holds the bag out to Amismara. Todd still looks confused an also a little unhappy.
            "Just a bite for now. Let's save the rest. It was made to be preserved, and used on travels." She takes a bite and smiles warmly at the gnome. "You're right. It doesn't smell like goblins."
            Todd tugs the bag away under her scarf. She goes quiet for a moment, then she tugs Amismaras slew and whispers "Amismara... why was I got this and You got the pretty butterfly?" She looks a little Bewildered and genuinely confused.
            "You recieved your prize for your excellent throwing, little one," Andok says smoothly, interrupting. He leans very far down to be closer to Todd's level, and holds out his hand, his butterfly clasp in his hand. "Take it," he says, holding it towards her. "I imagine it will look better on you than on me anyhow." The giant Shoanti nods sagely at her, encouragingly.
            Todd tilts her head and looks intensively at Andok. Then she leans a little forward, so there noses almost touch... Andok can feel that her breath is a bit chilly. "I think it looked good on you... but thank you" She takes the butterfly with her cold, little hand and pins it on her scarf with a big smile. Then her face turns bewildered again "I still don't get it though... You missed and got the pretty butterfly but I hit what I was suppose to hit and got the meat... this is a strange game... would You like to taste?" She produces the bag of jerky and holds it out to Andok.
            Andok smiles at Todd's offer, but shakes his head, gesturing to the parade of food coming out. "One day, Todd, but now let us eat the fresh food. The jerky will wait, but that pinkfish..." Andok wanders away before finishing his sentence, enamored of the feast that is rolling on by.

5


            When the noon bells rang out, the group found themselves following the crowd back to the church square, where people were milling about with an expectant look. Before long, Father Zantus and his acolytes carefully wheeled a large covered wagon into the square, and then Father Zantus took the stage again, gesturing for quiet.
            "Desna was born from the western ocean, and brought to land by a powerful storm," he intoned, his voice ringing across the church square. "When She first fell to earth, it was a blind girlchild who found Her, and who nursed Her back to health. As a reward for her aid, Desna transformed the child into an immortal butterfly! Let us now praise the thousand children of Desna!" Even as he spoke the last words, his acolytes pulled away the wagon's cover, releasing a furious storm of swallowtail butterflies that swarmed into the crisp autumn air in a spiraling riot of color. There was a great cheer from the crowd, and children ran everywhere, trying in vain to catch the quick butterflies.
            Shortly thereafter, men and women carrying food began to file into the square, loudly proclaiming what taverns the fare came from as they passed out free food to everyone. Each brought its best dishes to feed the hungry crowd, laying out a banquet fit for a king. The crowd descended on the tables set up in the square, and plates and tankards were filled with mouth-watering delicacies. There was lobster chowder from the Hagfish, peppercorn venison from the White Deer, beer and roast boar stuffed with apples and mushrooms from Cracktooth's Tavern, and the Rusty Dragon's remarkable curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead, which easily overshadowed the other offerings as the darling of the lunch - yet again, by the talk of the town.
            When Andok returns, it is carrying a precariously stacked plate with at least one of everything available piled on top of it. His face is very serious as he begins to tuck in with a gusto.
            Hrolfrs smile widens even more as he sees the food marching by, and he takes a small while to take in the smells. Starting off with familiar boar and beer, he also wanders round to sample the more exotic dishes. When he has done a quick tour around the banquet, he gravitates towards the gnome, Andok and Amismara as he has a feeling that they will provide the most interesting company at the festival ... there is a certain air of adventure around them!
            Todd leaves the table, to return a while later with a rather extensive collection of different plates a beer-mug and a wine-goblet. With a bit of trouble she gets it all up on the table, where after she climbs on to the table herself, ties a napkin around her neck and starts to munch away.

6


            While the individual words might be lost in the chatter of many voices in a crowd, a change of tone might be noticed. A group of people sitting nearby seems to speak in angry or at least unfriendly tones to a man standing nearby.
            He is human, though of build he is a large bear of a man. On his large frame the muscles seem appropriate, for what might look over-much on a less tall person. His head is clean-shaven, skin light but with the tan of one who spends a lot of time outdoors.
            Clad in leather armor, with a somewhat worn green cloak over his shoulders, his only weapon seem to be a large oaken staff which he holds like a wandering staff.
            Beside him stands a creature that in the light of day cannot be mistaken for anything but what it is, namely a large wolf. Its pelt is dark grey, with white paws. Currently its attention seems to be on the angry group, its ears partially laid back though it isn't showing teeth yet.
            Amismara followed Andok and Todd through the bountiful feast, trying to decide what to eat. The roast boar was too much to pass up, and she put a reasonable portion on her plate. And then just a bite or two more. Heading back through the crowd to re-join the others, her attention was focused on sampling a few morsels and dealing with a small trickle of grease trying to make its way from fingers to elbow on her right arm.
            She stopped short as she saw the wolf, its ears folded back. A thought snapped into her mind unbidden: "Great. I'm covered in pork fat!"
            Taking another moment, she guessed that the animal's presence was related to the large man with the staff. Another Shoanti! It seemed the townspeople were a bit worried, and by the look of both man and beast, she couldn't quite blame them. But given her good mood and the spirit of the day, she decided to take a chance:
            "Well met, traveler", she hailed in a friendly tone. "I brought some food for you and your friend, but I wasn't sure if it was appropriate. Does he eat cooked food, or does he prefer a more natural diet?" To the townspeople she added as a smiling aside "If he doesn't want it, I'll take care of it. It smells delightful!"
            As the commotion starts, Todd stands up with a chicken-drumstick in one hand and the beer-mug in the other, to see what it is all about.
            Any who approached found that the crowd had pressed back away from the wolf, while those behind them were pressing forward to see what was going on. Murmurs of "Shoanti" and "wolf" ran through the onlookers, and facing the huge man stood a stout middle-aged woman in scale mail, looking rather cross. "You'll have to leash and muzzle your animal while you're in town," she scolded up at the Shoanti, her hand touching the hilt of her shortsword. "You're scaring the festivalfolk, so you just mind the beast doesn't snap at a child or someone, or we'll have to put it down. By order of the Sandpoint guards," she added as an afterthought.
            Andok follows Amismara to greet the newcomer to the festival, making a respectful bow to the guards. "Hail, brother," Andok greets the other Shoanti in their native tongue. "The townsfolks aren't familiar with our ways, and surprises make the herd uneasy." He makes a cautious move to pet the wolf. "You and I know that we have nothing to fear - but these are farmers and tradesmen. They know the wolf differently than we do. Come to our table, we will speak of our travels and dine well."
            The tall man, turns his head, smiling to Andok and replies in their native tongue. "Hail brother, it would seem they have grown..distant from nature. I will gladly join you. I am Cael Moonsinger, and my companion is Silverpaw"
            Returning his gaze to the guards, he speaks to them in a polite and gentle tone of voice, even though it is still deep. "She will not harm anyone that does not try to harm her, I will keep her near me." Placing a large hand on the wolf's neck, scritching her gently, it seems to have quite a calming effect on her.
            Now faced with two unnerving Shoanti, the guard let go of her sword and plucked up a whistle hanging from her neck.
            "Can we pet her?" twin girls asked in unison from the crowd, looking excited. The guard rounded on them, shaking her finger.
            "You girls aren't to touch that wolf! Do you want to lose your fingers like the Gumper boy?"
            "But mooooom!" one of the girls pouted, while the other said, "He just lost them in the sawmill, he wasn't bit by a wolf!"
            "Don't you argue," the guard said firmly, turning back to Cael. "Master Moonsinger, you may have control over your animal, but the festivalgoers don't know that, and you're frightening them. Please at least leash it, or I'll have to escort you out of town." Despite her small stature compared to the huge Shoanti, she appeared to be quite serious. The tense picture was ruined a little by butterflies landing here and there on everyone. It struck Amismara that it would make a lovely painting.
            To herself, she said "I must remember this, and make some sketches after lunch!" To the others she said, encouragingly "Come friends, let us help Master Moonsinger comply with the guard and enjoy the rest of the day. Would you like to use my scarf as a leash? Its blue will go well with the wolf's grey!"
            Sending a smile to Amismara, Cael nods. "My thanks for your kindness, I belive she won't mind that." With the guard looking at the two girls, he sends them a friendly wink. The wolf seems to pick up the mood from him, ears moving forward again.
            The guard gave the blue scarf a dubious look, but appeared mollified when Cael tied it around Silverpaw's neck. "You folks enjoy the Festival, all right?" She turned to address the twins, but they were already gone, giggling and chasing butterflies like the rest of the children who weren't currently stuffing themselves. With a cluck of exasperation, the guard continued her rounds through the town.
            With Silverpaw ostensibly leashed, the group drew little more attention than the rest of the sometimes strange festivalgoers. The smell of spiced potatoes and cider hung in the air with a table full of food from Risa's Place nearby, and the games continued apace throughout the town. A one-legged man was telling a tall tale with much gesticulation over by the Hagfish's table, and a man with such bright blue eyes, bronzed skin and long red hair that one might be forgiven for suspecting he had gnomish blood was performing feats of magic on a corner of the stage, quaffing from a tankard with one hand while he did it. Everywhere there were new sights, sounds, smells and, most of all, people. It was a bit much for those who had been raised away from such a concentration of humanity.

7


            When Amismara arrives at the table with the newcomer, Todd crawls down from the table and faces the wolf with the biggest smile... "Nice doggy! Want a piece of chicken?" She holds out a drumstick and moves to cuttle the wolf at the same time.
            "Watch your fingers, Todd!" Amismara says with a laugh.
            While the lure of the drumstick are no doubt tempting, Silverpaw gently noses Todd first, taking a good sniff of her scent. Then, with an amiable "Wruff" she closes her jaws on the entire drumstick, without taking the giver's fingers in the process.
            Cael chuckles softly and ruffles the wolf behind the ears while settling down at the table. "Made a new friend, did you girl?"
            Hrolfr, with a curious yet guarded look, slowly approaches Cael and Silverpaw.  "I've never seen a wolf this easy around people.  I've seen my share in the north, mostly they avoided people, unless they were hungry enough.  It's an impressive looking animal." His curiosity finally gets the better of him, and he sidles up to Todd to get a better look.
            Todd is more or less lost for the world, fascinated by the "nice doggy", patting Silverpaw and looking as she is about to go into an all-out cuttle.
            After a few minutes focused on her food, Amismara looks around for a cloth with which to wipe her fingers. Finding nothing, she uses the inside hem of her traveling cloak with practiced ease. Turning her attention back to her new friends, the crowd and then the sky, she sighs contentedly, "Ah! What a beautiful day!"
            "Indeed. As though nature herself celebrated too." Andok smiles widely, looking over the happy bustle of the crowd. "This is a good place."
            It was true; the town was safer by far than Riddleport and more congenial than Magnimar, though the Festival had made it seem almost as crowded as those cities. People smiled at each other and spoke easily with friend and stranger alike. The more perceptive among the group noticed that sometimes the smiles seemed a little too wide, the laughter too loud and long, but as the noon hour wore on more and more of the festivalgoers returned to buying trinkets and playing games. People were also filing in and out of the great cathedral doors, admiring the huge new building that had been built so very quickly.
            Todd is preoccupied with Silverpaw, forgetting about eating herself, feeding the wolf, scratching her behind the ears and telling her what a nice doggy she is... one could get the impression that Todd never have seen a wolf before and that she has no idea what a wolf is.
            Andok takes a look at the cathedral, clearly impressed with it's size and beauty. "I would be interested to gaze upon the reason for the festivities," he says simply. "Once all are done partaking in the delicious food, of course."
            "What? Are we leaving? Can I just finish my... oh! All gone! Ok, let's go see it!" Todd looks a bit confused but very happy.
            "That is an excellent idea, Andok", says Amismara, slightly distracted. "I will join you as well". The too-wide smiles and forced laughter of some townspeople had finally caught her attention.
            *How selfish of me* she thought to herself. *These people are building a new church because they lost their last to flames. Along with friends and family! I will speak with Father Zanthus about this, and see if can do anything to help.*

8


            The cathedral was easily the largest and most impressive building in Sandpoint, and the townsfolk seemed both awed by and gut-bustingly proud of it. Built over the foundations of the previous chapel, it gathered under its eaves the six most commonly worshipped deities in the region, providing shrines for them in a communal forum. Great stained-glass windows cast colored light down on the churchgoers, who spoke in hushed voices as they had a look around and, more often than not, left an offering at one of the shrines. Facing the heart of the town to the south were the shrines of civilization, Erastil and Abadar. To the west, offering a view of the Old Light and the sea beyond, were the shrines of Shelyn and Gozreh. To the east, offering a view of the Boneyard and the rising sun, were the shrines of Sarenrae and Desna. And the core of the cathedral was an open-air courtyard surrounding a set of seven standing stones, themselves surrounding a circular stone altar, where Father Zantus was preaching to the visitors who ventured into the courtyard. Here and there, butterflies flitted through the shaft of light from the open roof.
            From their meal, right into the cathedral, Cael has been quiet and mostly looking around at the mighty structure. Not gawking with open mouth, but this is clearly something he has never seen the like of.
            Silverpaw on the other hand is quite disinterested in the buildings, seeming more like she has taken Todd under her protection, as if she was an pup needing gentle supervision.
            Hrolfr enters the cathedral, and seems quietly overawed with the intricate details of the imposing structure. He walks quietly into the cathedral while taking in the scenery, casting a long glance at each shrine. His glance at the shrine of Desna is longer than the others, as he mutters a quiet prayer. As a sudden afterthought, he puts his hand in his sash and pulls out the butterfly he won at the goblin toss and attaches it to his cloak.
            The bright autumn sun shone through the stained glass images of Shelyn's colorful bird and Gozreh's dew-laden leaf, casting a spray of color across the stone floor on either side of those entering or departing. A handful of acolytes moved from shrine to shrine, collecting offerings and speaking a word or two with those who seemed in need of it. All in all, it was a peaceful refuge from the boisterous crowd outside.
            In a pause between sermons, Amismara was able to catch Father Zantus for a moment. He had a friendly demeanor and face creased not with lines of worry, but of living. He took in the group with shrewd eyes, raising his brows at the weapons and wolf, but only saying, “Welcome to our new cathedral, my children. I see at least one of you is touched by Shelyn’s grace – perhaps you others have come to convert?” He smiled at them, half-joking and half-hopeful.
            "Thank you for your kind welcome, Father Zantus", Amismara replied. "If any place could instantly convert the heart to worship, it would be this one! The cathedral is beautiful…my congratulations on its completion, and my gratitude for your hospitality."
            Father Zantus beamed, the corners of his eyes wrinkled with smile lines. “Why, thank you, my child! We are very proud of it, as I’m sure you’ve seen. It’s just what this town needs,” he added, a shadow passing over his expression. Then he shook his head as though shaking off a bad thought. “I’m glad you’ve found Sandpoint hospitable – let me guess, you’re staying at the Rusty Dragon?” He chuckled. “Not that the White Deer isn’t very fine as well. In fact,” he eyed Andok and Cael, “the White Deer’s innkeep is a Shoanti, as well. Of the Shriikirri-quah, I believe.” He clapped his hands together, smiling ruefully. “But that’s neither here nor there. Tell me, what can I do for you on this, the loveliest of Desna’s holy days?”
            "I hadn't thought of a place to sleep, yet! I was too focused on the fun and food!" said Amismara. "Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time, and I imagine Desna must be proud of your work. I can't help but notice, however, a slight undercurrent among the townspeople… trepidation, perhaps? Or is it just sadness? I don't mean to pry, but since you asked if there was anything you could do, I'll risk broaching a sensitive subject. What is this shadow upon the hearts of Sandpoint? And, most importantly, is there anything I can do to help, as a small measure of gratitude for your hospitality?"
            Father Zantus glanced about, then lowered his voice. “You’re a perceptive woman. Well, our town has had its share of ups and downs since it was founded some forty years ago, but… well, we’re all trying to put the Late Unpleasantness behind us.” Raising his voice again, he gestured to encompass all the shrines and churchgoers. “And so we have, with the building of this cathedral. It symbolizes our hopes and prayers for the future, and I’m sure the gods smile down on our endeavors.” He smiled at Amismara. “People need time and peace to forget, that’s all. Thank you for your generous offer, but today is a day for everyone to enjoy themselves. Go, enjoy the rest of the Festival. If you plan to stay in Sandpoint much longer, perhaps you could give a sermon or two to our resident Shelynites another day.”
            "Thank you, Father" said Amismara, bowing slightly. "I'll be in Sandpoint for a few days at least. I look forward to enjoying more of your town's food, views and friendship." Placing her hand on Zantus's arm, she added, smiling, "And the wisdom of its priest. I will return to the festival and forget about the past for now. You are right: today is for celebration."
            Did the Father hesitate at the implication that Amismara would question him about the past later, or was it perhaps the effect of her hand on his arm? Regardless, he nodded. "You flatter me, child. I'll be giving another sermon by the standing stones shortly, if any of you care to stay and listen," he said, eyeing the Shoanti and Ulfen hopefully. ''Otherwise, perhaps you will return to the church square this evening for the final ceremony of consecration? I have a special reading planned for the occasion." With a final benediction, Father Zantus returned to his duties, leaving the group to explore the town.
            Amismara turned away as well, promising to come to the reading later in the evening. She crossed the newly made floor to rejoin Andok and Hrolfr. Todd is doing her best to keep up.

9


            Andok nods to Hrolfr as he looks at the Shrines. "I am always amazed by the number of gods that are worshipped in these lands," he says. "Truly great, the number of causes that warrant a deity in these southern lands."
            Hrolfs shrugs at the Sho-antis comment, although he cannot entirely get rid of the uneasy look on his face. "I've always found it wise to pay your respect to the relevant gods when undertaking an important task or embarking on a long journey. How is it among your people?"
            "It varies. Some speak of spirits of the dead leading them, others follow significant nature totems to their clans. We once warred with a clan that took a monstrous sea octopus as their god, so fearsome was it in their eyes." He points toward the tattoo on his forehead. "I am a Sklar-Quah, one of what Southerners call the 'Sun Clan.' While some of my more war-like brothers may view the sun as an unforgiving bleacher of the bones of wars past, leaving the Cinderlands has tempered my view. It is also the quiet grower of plants, nurturer of life here in the south. An interesting view for one of my blood, I know," he smiles wryly. "A Shoanti abroad is certainly odd enough, but a thoughtful one? My father would bury me in the sand to cook if he saw me."
            "Well, thoughtful one, we will put you to better use!" said Amismara as she joined them. "I suggest we engage the friendly locals in a game of slightly inebriated singing. We shall need a judge, and only a contemplative outsider will do!" She hooked each one of the large men by the arm, turned both to the door, and said over her shoulder "Todd, will you do the honor of choosing the field of play? We follow your lead."
            Hrolfr smiles broadly and his booming laugh echoes throughtout the cathedral for a few short moments before he hears his own echo and exhibits a sheepish look at his irreverent behaviour. He quickly collects himself and grins quietly at himself before answering: "That, ma'am, sounds like a worthy undertaking. Lead on." He has difficulty keeping his low basso hum under control on the way out of the cathedral.
            "Field of play? What are we playing?" Todd looks confused "I thought You were going to sing.... Perhaps You can do that in the marked square... I have seen others do that" Todds face is brightening "I like singing!" showing a mouth full of pearly whites in a big smile.
            "I shall attempt to undertake my new role as an impartial judge with the balance I strive for in all things," Andok says in mock seriousness. He calls over his shoulder to Cael in Shoanti. "Come, clan-brother! The city-folk want to sing!"
            The other Shoanti looks up from his musings about the large structure, the finely decorated glass, and nots to Andok. "Aye, the partaking of something to wet the throat for us who don't sing does sound fine. C'mere girl.." he calls out to Silverpaw.
            As the wolf already follow Todd, good-naturedly watching over her, it's hardly needed to encourage her leaving the cathedral.
            As the five (six with Silverpaw) left the cathedral, Amismara once again felt that sense of happy camaraderie that had played such an important role in her life.

10


            Amid the hubbub of the crowd, singing could be heard here and there, ranging from the rough but enthusiastic voices raised by the beer-barrels to minstrels plying their trade to the accompaniment of various instruments. But it was impossible not to hear the high, pure voice coming from the now-cleared table the Rusty Dragon had served lunch at. Approaching it, the singer proved to be a beautiful and exotic-looking woman with her dark hair in myriad braids tied with tiny bells. She finished her song to much applause from the onlookers, then bowed with a flourish, making her hair tinkle. "Who's up next?"
            "No fair, Ameiko! No one can beat you!" called a man from the crowd, making others laugh - but the general feeling seemed to be of agreement. Ameiko waved them off, laughing herself.
            "Come on, fellas, it's not a competition. This isn't Cyrdak you're talking to." The crowd laughed, and Ameiko hopped down from the table she'd been standing on. "Let's hear a song! How about you, stranger?" She pointed at Hrolfr, who jutted up above most of the onlookers, and heads turned to stare. "Do you have any ballads from the icy north to sing?"
            Hrolfr is quick to take up the challenge, and sings a not too long ballad in Common about Olaf the White, who comes upon a group of fey maidens who tempt him at every turn, offering mystical items in turn for his favours. As Olaf knew this would doom him forever, he rejected every offer, thus leaving the maidens no choice but to stab him. The tune is a simple one, well suited to a northern basso and the refrain is simple enough to enable the crowd to sing along, should they be so inclined.
            Amismara was so inclined. She joined in happily, singing loudly once she picked up the words.
            With Amismara's encouragement, once they'd picked up the tune and the words people began joining in, and Ameiko added to the music with her lute. The unfamiliar song proved popular, and the crowd kept singing the refrain after Hrolfr had finished. Ameiko smiled up at Hrolfr, still plucking at her lute. "That's a new song to me, and that's worth a discount at the Rusty Dragon if you need a place to stay, stranger."
            She turned to Amismara and the others, her almond eyes twinkling with good humor. "And do you have new songs to sing or stories to tell, friends? That discount can be yours, too! Surely such an _interesting_ group knows one or two we haven't heard before, right folks?" The crowd left off singing and shouted encouragement.
            "I know a song!" with a big smile Todd climbs up the table and starts to... sing? something that almost can not be comprehended within the boundaries of human understanding... if words could kill, it would be something like this. Todd looks as if she is doing her utmost to make this a good song, smiling, articulating and gesticulating... and as loud as she can. The 'song' is obviously in gnomish.
            At Todd's raucous outburst of song, the easy smile Andok had been wearing became a little strained. He moved next to Cael, and spoke again in Shoanti.
            "By the Sun's fire, the little one sings like a tiger in heat. Is this normal for one of her stature? I haven't met one like her before."
            "I am unsure, I have never before experienced one of the little folk..sing before" Cael remarks in a low tone to Andok. "'twas a good rendering of that song you did, but singing was never a talent of mine".
            The onlookers quailed, and somewhere a small child started to cry. Ameiko gamely plucked at her lute, perhaps hoping to find some kind of tune to follow, but had to give up and stare at the gnome along with everyone else. Nearby stray dogs fled, yipping at the horrible cacophony.
            Silverpaw had her ears twitching, looking as if she was about to howl out during the song but Cael's hand on her head must have had some soothing effect. Instead, she attempts to distract Todd by giving her a good washing of the face with her tongue, like an affectionate mother would her cub.
            Todd obviously likes Silverpaw's attention and puts her little arms around the wolf: "You like my song? I'll sing You lots more!"
            When Todd's song is done, Andok claps enthusiastically and smiles widely, not least because that means that someone else will sing, to dull the memory.
            Her eyes watering slightly, and still wearing a look of shock, Amismara took up Andok's applause.
            The considerably thinned crowd let out a collective sigh of relief, and there was an uncertain smattering of applause - except from another gnome in the audience, who was standing on a nearby table and clapping enthusiastically, making the loose blue sleeves of his robes flap like a frantic chicken. Oddly enough, there was a frying pan leaned against his leg. The wrinkled old gnome called to Todd, "I haven't heard that song in years! Do another!" People looked at him in horror, and someone hissed, "Parooh, no!"
            Todd smiles happily and bows to the audience "I'm so glad You like my song... I know lots more! Perhaps I can sing another one a little later on?"
            "Yes, later we'll hear some more", Amismara said smiling, putting her hand on Silverpaw's back for mock support.
            Ameiko tried to summon a smile. "That was definitely... new." She looked a little worried, possibly thinking that if Todd sang at the Rusty Dragon she'd empty the inn. Parooh the gnome, however, rubbed his gnarled hands together gleefully. "Hot damn, I'll be there!"
            Todd turns to the audience with a big smile and says "Does anyone else want to sing a song?" obviously ready to go again herself.
            Amismara turned hopefully to look at the rest of the crowd.
            "I have a few old favorites," Ameiko said hurriedly, strumming her lute, but she hesitated as she looked around. "Unless anyone else wants a turn? Anyone new," she clarified.
            Andok begins clapping at the suggestion of 'old favorites.' "Sing one!" he yells to Ameiko. And quickly, he thinks, but has the courtesy to stay quiet.
            Hrolf also claps, but he can't help smiling at Todd's somewhat exotic performance, although he would admit that he has heard worse. Some of the more rowdy Ulfen festivities usually get quite interesting during the early hours of the following morning, just before the women come in to drag their respective husbands home by their ears.
            "Does anyone know the one about smashing goblins? Not the one with the rocks, the other one, with the funny refrain?" a halfling called out.
            To Amissmara he said, "Can you help me eat these cookies? I've gone a found too much and I'm just a halfling after all.
            "I don't know many jokes, but I'm an expert on cookies. I'd love one! But I must say", Amismara added nibbling, "I've never heard a halfling admit that they're full."
            "ohh, I'm not full, I just expect to be full soon and am planning ahead. It's very important we halflings plan ahead and be ready for anything life throws our way. Are you here for the festival??? I'm not, unfortunately, I'm here on boring old business."
            A dozen others joined Andok and Hrolfr in clapping, eager for another song (or at least, eager for one that wasn't Todd's). Ameiko shot a grin at them and began to sing. Her voice rose easily over the hubbub around them, her clear tones lifting spirits and drawing in more people. She sang a ballad of star-crossed lovers, a Varisian dancer and a young Magnimaran noble separated again and again by fate, but holding onto their love. It was a crowd-pleaser, and Ameiko sang several more before repeating her offer to give a discount to any who had a stirring tale to tell or a new song to sing at the Rusty Dragon. Much to the disappointment of the audience (especially the young men), she declined requests for more songs and slipped away, heading back toward her inn.

11


            As the sun began to set, the town guards passed through the streets, announcing that the final consecration of the cathedral would begin shortly. People flocked to the church square once more, laughing and happy after a long day of festivities. Tired children rode their parents' shoulders and couples young and old held hands, meandering through the lantern-lit town and into the crowd surrounding the stage in front of the cathedral. People jostled for a good view, and a few butterflies perched here and there where people hadn't managed to sit themselves.
            A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, sent a shock through the excited crowd. A stray dog that had crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep started awake, the the buzz of conversation quickly hushed as all heads turned toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus had taken the stage. He cleared his throat, took a breath to speak - and suddenly a woman's scream sliced through the air.
            A few moments later another scream rose, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rose - high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sounded not quite human. The crowd parted and something low to the ground raced by, giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gave a pained yelp and then collapsed with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pooled around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song began, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices. Of the group, only Evan and Todd could understand the words:
"Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog and cut the horse,
Goblins eat and take by force!

"Goblins race and goblins jump.
Goblins slash and goblins bump.
Burn the skin and mash the head,
Goblins here and you be dead!

"Chase the baby, catch the pup.
Bonk the head to shut it up.
Bones be cracked, flesh be stewed,
We be goblins! You be food!"

            Sharper-eyed than the panicking crowd around them, the group spotted the shape that had raced by hiding under the edge of the wagon - a single goblin, licking the blood from its strange, hole-punched blade as it looked around excitedly, seeking out a new target.
            The crowd surged about, people crashing into each other and shouting as they tried to flee in every direction, resulting in utter chaos. Nearby a goblin climbed onto a table laden with food and began stuffing salmon into its pockets, cackling with glee. There were signs of other goblins in the mob of people, scattering humans as they waved their rusty weapons and gave chase. Amismara was the first to see a knot of them scampering near the group, happily slashing at the legs of the innocent festivalgoers and laughing at their screams.
            Shocked and appalled, Amismara raises her glaive in the air and shouts "Shelyn, bestow your blessing on these friends and families as they fight to protect their homes!"
            Amismara's voice was drowned out by the shrieking crowd, and she was interrupted in her ritual gesturing as people thundered into her and all around her like stampeding cattle, forcing her to fight to keep her balance and position.
            The goblin under the nearby wagon climbed up onto the seat and leapt onto a man's head, singing its raspy song triumphantly as it hauled on his ears, trying to steer him out into the crowd. The man screamed, trying desperately to haul the goblin off his head before it brought its rusty blade to bear on him. The knot of goblins headed toward the group resolved itself into two of the little monsters, who scrambled towards the oddly not-fleeing group belligerently, managing to approach despite being tripped over more than once by the crush of people trying to get away. A commotion to the north revealed yet another goblin chasing a small child their way. The goblin on the table gleefully paused in packing its pockets with salmon to pour the dregs of various tankards into its needle-toothed maw.
            Hrolfrs quiet but happy look is replaced by a hard-faced snarl as soon as he can hear the guttural song of the goblins. He pauses for a moment when he realizes his chain-mail shirt and his great bearded axe are still in his room in the tavern, but he quickly collects himself and grabs the hilt of the shortsword hanging at his belt. He then proceeds to first jog then, run at the nearest goblin in order to put it out of its' misery.
            He didn't have far to go, stepping into a gap in the crowd to protect Amismara, Evan and Todd, but the ugly little monster nearest him gave him a cut with its hole-punched blade, what Hrolfr knew to be called a "dogslicer" (appropriately enough, considering the demonstration of its use that the first goblin they'd spotted had given.)
            Todd, who was still facing the stage, didn't seem to realize her peril, too surprised by the sudden turn of events to react. Evan, however, had spotted the goblin stuffing its face on top of a nearby table.
            "THE FOOD...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"
            The halfling whipped out a tiny crossbow, loading it with startling speed.
            Andok grimly frowned at the mayhem around him. "Weapons out!" he yelled to the crowd. "Younglings and elders, get away!" He moves swiftly and with purpose towards the nearest goblin.
            He moved to flank the goblin distracted by Hrolfr. The crowd needed no encouragement to get away, but there were few people among the festivalgoers who had weapons, most concentrating on getting away from the goblins that seemed to be popping up everywhere.
            Cael apparently had his hands full calming Silverpaw and keeping people from falling over the wolf. The mob of yelling, terrified people in their festival finest pushed against the group, and though most of them were able to keep their feet, Amismara and Todd were overrun, heedless people trampling over them in their haste to get away. The sound of whistles rose over the din, some town watchmen calling for aid both in the square and to the south, down Church Street. Near the stage, the Shoanti Sheriff of Sandpoint grimly skewered a goblin on his sword, calling to the shocked acolytes to retreat into the cathedral, though the doors were already clogged with people trying to reach the holy building's sanctuary. Here and there people lay on the ground, groaning, having fallen beneath the trampling feet of the mob. The horrid goblin song seemed to rise from all over town.
            Seeing Hrolfr turn his attention to the goblin to the south, Amismara pauses to see if it will be safe to stand up.
            Meanwhile, the goblins ran amuck everywhere. The one riding a man's head stabbed him in the throat, then leapt from shoulder to shoulder over the terrified crowd, grinning evilly and licking the blood from its dogslicer again as it dropped to the dirt road by Cael. The goblin nearest Amismara took advantage of her hesitation to lunge at her while she was down, giving her several bad cuts with its dogslicer before she fended it off.
            A screaming child ran past, a goblin in close pursuit, and despite her wounds and awkward position, Amismara swung her glaive at it to save the child. It smacked the goblin in the face, knocking it silly, and it was unable to retaliate effectively, slashing at Amismara's double-image. The goblin on the table finally looked up, its shirt and pockets bulging with stolen food. Seeing the knot of adventurers failing to flee, it lobbed a tankard at Cael's head. The clay tankard missed Cael but cracked against a fleeing merchant's skull, knocking the woman over. The goblin responsible nearly fell off the table laughing.
            Obviously thinking the unarmored man to be easy prey, the goblin between Andok and Hrolfr sidled away from the Ulfen and stabbed at Andok, only to find that the Shoanti wasn't where he'd been a moment before, having twisted aside easily.
            Seeing as Cael has a good shot at the goblin between them, Hrolfr twirls his shortsword in his hand in a half arc, until the blade faces downward. He follows this up by a powerful overhand strike at the goblin south of him. As he strikes down, he lets out a feral bellow coming from the bottom of his stomach. His snarl is replaced by an ominous-looking grin.
            The fast little monster jumped aside, and after an exchange of attacks neither one was blooded yet. With goblins on two sides now, Amismara scrambled to her feet, avoiding the attack of one of the little monsters but unable to evade the second, whose dizziness appeared to have passed as it cackled and danced about, wet dogslicer held high.
            Todd took advantage of the goblins' distraction with Amismara to hop to her feet and dart away through the thinning crowd. Turning, she held out her finger like a crossbow and took aim through the running legs. A blast of icicle-laden freezing air shot out and froze the dancing goblin, and it dropped to the ground with a gurgle.
            Evan slipped through the crowd and under the tables set with food, his tiny crossbow held ready. Peeking out from under the long table, he took aim at the tankard-throwing goblin, but at the last moment someone ran between the tables, ruining his shot.
            Andok swings his fists in mighty arcs, trying to take down as many goblins as possible. He is stone-faced and implacable in his quiet fury.
            The goblin facing him squealed with surprise at the unarmed man's attack, but moved with that frightening speed goblins were known for to dodge away.
            While the attack was by no means anticipated by Cael, he is served by not having finery to wear and not being lodged in any inn, so he is wearing his leather armor. He grips his staff and starts to wield it to bash some goblin head.
            Unfortunately the press of the crowd prevented Cael from using his quarterstaff to full effect, especially since the goblin deliberately ducked behind whatever people were running past.
            Silverpaw reacts to her "youngling" being threatened, with a full-throated growl she attempts to take out Todd's attacker.
            Seeing that the goblin nearest Todd had been dealt with, the wolf turned on the one harassing her big Shoanti friend. She darted out and bit its leg, jerking it off its feet. It waved its dogslicer desperately to avoid being trampled by the escaping festivalgoers, but quickly bounced up again, slashing Silverpaw when she got too close. It picked up the goblin song, brandishing its blade fiercely.
            Grabbing a handful of horseapples, the one Hrolfr was facing blew a raspberry at him and lobbed the smelly turd. It smacked into the Ulfen, and the goblin pointed and shrieked with laughter before realizing that it had a handful of horseshit, whereupon it industriously began wiping its hand on the unfortunates who came too near.
            The tankard-thrower hadn't missed that Evan was trying to shoot it, and after shattering another clay tankard uselessly against the table Evan was hiding under, it hopped down to face him, drawing its rusty weapon. It would have looked more threatening if it wasn't nearly round and dripping grease from all the food it had stolen.
            While trading blows with the nasty little goblin he'd chosen, Andok was a fraction too slow in parrying and suffered a cut for his troubles.
            As the goblin seems quite fast, Hrolfr changes his tactics, choosing his moment carefully and attempting to skewer the little bugger with as fast a strike as he is capable of.
            His new attack took the goblin by surprise, punching a hole right through its leather-scrap armor. It looked down at the wound stupidly, as if wondering why it was leaking blood, then slumped to the ground.
            Reeling from her many cuts, Amismara tried to blink the blood out of her eyes and gain her bearings. "I'm about to die", she thought to herself, feeling strangely calm. "Shelyn, bring your healing grace", she whispered through dirt-caked lips.
            Shelyn heard her, and new strength flowed into her limbs as her cuts closed and vanished as though they'd never been, though her clothes had seen better days. Meanwhile Todd pointed her little finger and promptly froze the goblin Cael and Silverpaw were circling.
            Evan curses his bad fortune, this must be the most eagle eyed goblin in the realm. Evan slips back under the table within his move action and slips under another table and tries to sneak attack shoot again.
            Bad fortune indeed; without his armor, Evan was vulnerable to the goblin's blade as he sidled away. He fired his tiny crossbow at the monster, but the bolt stuck in its bulging leather armor, pulling a hunk of salmon with it when the goblin yanked it out.
            Andok makes a daring choice, darting back and leaving an opening for the goblin he is currently dueling to attack him. Moving quickly, he circles all the way around his prey, trapping the goblin in between himself and the Ulfen warrior.
            It managed to give Andok a few cuts as he circled it, but with its attention divided it was no match for the Shoanti. A rapid series of kicks left it cross-eyed and groaning in the dirt.
            With the crowd no longer...er..crowding him, Cael feels free to strike another blow at the goblin before him with his staff. Though not roaring out, there is a fierce determination on his face now that bodes ill for the goblin invaders.
            Silverpaw does not give up easily, having set her eyes on the goblin before her. Not even it slicing at her has changed its status from "prey". She snarls and tries bite it hard, if possible rip its throat out.
            Even blue-lipped and frozen as it was, the little monster was still dangerous, and it managed to keep both Cael and Silverpaw at bay, stomping on an end of the blue scarf Silverpaw wore and slashing her when she tried to nip in and get ahold of the goblin again. Teeth chattering too hard to sing anymore, it still didn't seem to understand the danger it was in. But then, goblins weren't known to be especially smart. Cunning, but not smart.
            The last of the goblins that had assaulted them hadn't noticed that the battle was going against them, either. It pattered after Evan, grinning evilly as it slashed at the halfling. <"Burn the skin and mash the head, goblins here and you be dead!"> it sang gleefully in Goblin, licking its wrinkly green lips.
            Screams continued to sound from every direction as the townsfolk were beset by their own goblins.
            Hrolfr does not waste time, and yanks his blade out while pressing his boot against the goblin's limp torso. He has a quick look around the battlefield, and then charges at the goblin following Evan, letting out a loud, feral war-cry in the process, hoping to distract the goblin and force its' attention to more places at once.
            Taking a deep breath of relief and , Amismara mind turned quickly to her comrades. Poor Evan seemed in the most trouble, so she gritted her teeth, gripped her glaive tightly, and strode over to help. "I owe you for the cookie, friend!"
            The Ulfen warrior and cleric of Shelyn made short work of the greasy goblin who had been harrasing Evan. Food sagged from its pockets as it lay bleeding into the dirt under the table.
            Andok takes a quick moment to judge which goblin he can take care of at the moment. Eyes narrowed, he makes a snap decision, and charges the goblin.
            "Dance all ya' want, you little pest and sing too, but your fun is about to come to an end!" he growls, making another attempt at striking the half-frozen goblin that seems to elude his staff.
            Silverpaw has not quite forgotten her prey either, the messing with her scarf making her snap at the goblin's arm that is now in her proximity.
            Surrounded and outnumbered, the last goblin fell before their anger as well, giving them a moment to breathe. There was chaos all around them as people ran to and fro, sometimes chased by goblins and sometimes not, merchants trying to keep goblins away from their booths and move wagons with rearing horses, which the goblins scattered before. A goblin had clambered up onto the cloth top of a booth and was about to jump onto the woman wielding a rolling pin below when the cloth ripped, sending the goblin tumbling into the steaming pots below with a clatter. Glass shattered as rocks went sailing into the beautiful glass windows of the cathedral, as well as several homes. A goblin chased a puppy into an alley, only to emerge again at full speed with a pack of dogs on its tail. Here and there people lay wailing, victims of the goblins' slashing dogslicers. Some people lay quite still. The goblin song sounded everywhere, and despite the efforts of the town guard, the goblins ran amuck throughout the town, stealing and breaking things and slashing at people indiscriminately.
            Amismara viewed the mayhem with disgust and anger. At the sight of the bleeding townspeople, she was spurred to action. "If we can clear an area of wounded goblins, I can heal many of these people, perhaps saving their lives! It will also rejuvenate us in our effort defeat the remaining creatures." She hacked at one of the dying goblins to hasten it on its way, and moved so that the party members and as many townspeople as possible were within range of her coming magic.
            Andok nods sagely at Amismara's suggestion, and proceeds to grab downed goblins and drag them out of the range. He is not gentle about it.
            Todd moves closer to Amismara "I'll cover You!". She stretch out her hand in the direction of the nearest goblin and lets out a light blue ray that, for a short moment, leaves a misty trail in the air.
            Hrolfr takes a deep breath before engaging the next goblin. His face has lost the feral snarl, which is replaced by a grim look of determination. This promises to be a long day, and he is determined to have enough energy for disposing of any goblin that might cross his path.
            "Thanks for the help everyone, that sure was some surprise!!" said Evan.

12


            Before long the downed goblins had been dragged away or killed, and protected by Todd, Amismara called upon Shelyn's grace to heal those around her who had been wounded. The wounded felt a rush of energy burst from Amismara, and even some of the festivalgoers who had been struck down stirred, climbing groggily to their feet. Hrolfr and Evan raced off to aid the imperiled chaos of people, driving off more than one goblin from its intended prey. The town guards also ran to and fro, protecting innocent people from ugly fates, but here and there goblins gathered in packs, much harder to ward off than the single ones that skittered through the night. Nearby a goblin leapt from a rooftop at a fat fleeing merchant, but missed and hit the ground with a sickening crack.
            Suddenly there was a bloom of light from just south of the church square. Shrieks of "Fire!" joined the screams and uproar of the festivalgoers, and excited goblin jabber and laughs rose above it all. Evan peeked around the corner of a building and saw that a pack of goblins had lit the wagon with fuel for the bonfire and were pushing it closer to the nearest wall. Flames licked the wood, blackening it. A singing goblin behind them cracked a whip at festivalgoers who got too close.
            Evan sprang from his hiding spot and ran full tilt towards the burning wagon, skidding under it and grabbing at the wagon tongue. Unfortunately, that left him under a burning wagon with goblins just beside him.
            Face grimly set, Andok breaks into a run, charging right at the goblins. He heads towards the center of the pack, mind racing with the dangerous results of failure.
            Amismara let out a clipped "Yep" in response to Hrolfr's shout. It didn't convey the sense of dread that was rising within her. "Not another fire", she thought to herself. "Poor Sandpoint."
            She quickly moved closer to the goblins, not quite breaking into a run as Evan had. She still needed to focus. As she moved, small currents of air began to stir her clothing. Her hair began to blow, and then to rise slightly with an electrical charge. She planted her feet firmly, pointed at the nearest goblin, and let loose a crackling arc of electricity that sailed from her finger towards the grunting pest.
            "Let go of that cart!" she yelled.
            The goblin she had fired at leapt backwards as her tiny lightning bolt crackled past, making the other goblins bray with laughter. Otherwise they ignored Amismara's order.
            Hrolfr appears horrified as the goblins' plan dawns on him. He shouts "Stop that cart! Now!" and charges towards the cart-pushing goblins, starting with the little whip-cracking bastard in the rear.
            Todd lifts her hand and sends off an icy bolt toward the rear goblin.
            The singing goblin yowled briefly as Todd's freezing bolt hit it, then picked up its song again. The other goblins laughed at its distress, making it scowl and add extra vile fates for those who opposed the goblins into its song. In Goblin, a lot of words rhymed with "dead," "killed" and similar sentiments.
"Goblins eat the baby pup,
Goblins light and burn you up!
Wait until the blood be spilled,
We be hungry, you be killed!"
            With a final shove to keep the wagon rolling toward the building, the goblins grabbed burning brands from the fire and circled Andok, laughing and jeering. They didn't seem to be taking the party's attack seriously, instead poking at Andok with their torches, trying to set him on fire. Quick as he was, he was nearly surrounded, and one of them seared him while the others whooped. They were like horrible little devils dancing in the flickering firelight. The one with the whip tried to tangle his legs, but he jumped over the lash, landing ready to kick some ass. Seeing its ploy had failed, the whip-wielding singer pulled a vial of green liquid from its pocket, sneering at the party.
            Evan wrenched the wagon tongue hard to the side, and the wheels turned sharply, halting the wagon before it hit the side of the wooden building. Frightened faces peeked out of the windows as Evan scrambled out from under the wagon before he could be scorched.
            Andok steels himself for the goblin's next attack, striking carefully and with purpose at the threatening foes.
            Several hard chops with his hands and a hard kick later, the goblin he had chosen to drop lay twitching on the ground.
            Amismara yelled, "Andok! Wait!" She hurried over to help the Shoanti, hoping to protect him from the maniacal little freaks. A brief blur of multi-colored feathers swirl around the monk and then sink into his skin. A faint glow of divine light remains.
            Seeing his newfound friends in a precarious situation, Hrolfr determinedly picks up the pace and charges at the goblin between Andok and Evan.
            He and the goblin feinted and slashed at each other, but Hrolfr was unable to land a telling blow on the quick little monster.
            Todd, on the other hand, let loose another shard of ice that zipped around her companions and the torch-wielding goblins and smashed into the whip-holder before it could do more than raise the vial to its mouth. Its song cut off abruptly as it fell, the vial rolling out of its hand and into the dust, where it lay still stoppered.
            With two of their number down so suddenly, Andok still glowing a little, and without the goblin song to give them courage, the remaining goblins scattered in every direction, their little fire game forgotten. Elsewhere a goblin threw a torch at a fleeing mother, only to accidentally hit one of its fellows, who burst into flame and ran about screeching. Goblins surrounded a barrel in which a man was hiding, hammering on it with the hilts of their dogslicers.
            Despite the madness tide seemed to be turning now, with the streets mostly clear of festivalgoers apart from those of the townsfolk who had decided to fight back. Here a woman with short auburn hair chased goblins away from where they were looting a fruit stand, ducking a hail of autumn fruit behind a shield and jabbing with a sword; there a powerfully muscled bald man with mighty muttonchops defended a home from any goblins that came near with great sweeps of his huge hammer. Sheriff Hemlock had gone somewhere, leaving three town guards to protect the cathedral and all the people inside.
            Father Zantus darted over to the party from behind a stall, looking everywhichway nervously. "Thank you for what you're doing - we could never have held off so many goblins without you! Let Desna see the virtue in you, and may She bless you for your kindness." The wounded felt a wave of warmth and energy flow through them, taking their pains with it as it left. With a final benediction, Father Zantus hurried over towards the sound of pained wailing to the south.
            Here and there, the sounds of battle, clanging swords, calls and whistles of and for support by the town guard, and shrieking and singing goblins echoed through the streets, but at the festival itself most of the citizens had fled. A few goblins remained behind to scavenge food, and many more lay dead (not least thanks to the party), along with a few unfortunate citizens.
            "YEEHAW!!! ooops, gotta be quiet!" Evan looks to where he can be of help. Maybe it's time to fight fire with fire, Evan gets a burning torch of his own and tries to be of service to Andok and even the odds.
            "There are a few of these foul creatures left to chase off, but then I would like to speak to the town leaders. If, as Father Zanthus says, they could not have held off this many goblins without us, why has the town been safe until now? What has changed: either with the goblins or with the town?" Amismara wiped a bit of sweat from her forehead and looked expectantly at the others.
            "I sure hope it doesn't have anything to do with one of us." Evan said.
            "How about killing the rest of the goblins before we do anything else?" asked Todd.
            "Agreed. I'd sooner take care of this while the town stands." answered Andok.
            Hrolfr brandishes his short sword. "Let's get the rest of them."
            "Yes, let's!" Amismara agrees.
            "Does anyone need to gear up? All my posessions are in my room at the inn, but I'm ready to go if everyone one else is." Evan said.

13


            The party ran after the scattering goblins, chasing them away from the festival grounds and toward the north gate. The darkness in the streets seemed more oppressive away from the bright burning wagon. As they approached the gate, a scream and the frantic barking of a dog drew their attention. In front of the inn with a carved white wooden deer standing before the door, a man with the fine clothing of a noble cowered behind a rain barrel, calling for help. It looked as though he had been cut off from reaching the safety of the inn. He was defended by a hunting dog, who held at bay a goblin mounted on a hideous rat-like thing Hrolfr recognized as a goblin dog. The goblin wore the skin of a dog draped over its head and shoulders, and like the other goblins they had seen, its blade was punched with large, irregular holes - only this blade was on the end of a long shaft. Hrolfr recognized this, too - a horsechopper!
            Before they could reach the scene, the goblin dog darted past the dog defending the man behind the barrel while the goblin riding it spun its horsechopper and stabbed the dog through the back. The dog crashed to the ground, dying, as the goblin's kin who themselves had been cowering nearby from the dog cheered and emerged from behind stalls, out of crates and fallen barrels, and in one case, with great difficulty, a large rainspout. They ran to surround the frightened man and the dying dog, and didn't appear to notice the party approaching, despite Evan's torch.
            Hrolfr, without uttering a sound, runs towards the group of three goblins.
            Andok moves past his friends, readying himself for an attack upon the goblins.
            "There seems to be no end of the little pests.." Cael growls, a more full-throated growl comming from Silverpaw. The two of them acts as if they shared minds, charging at the nearest goblin.
            Startled by the sudden attack out of nowhere, the goblin's makeshift scraps of armor saved it from Silverpaw's teeth, but Cael smacked it sharply in the head with his quarterstaff.
            Todd Lets off another ice-shard at the goblin-dog.
            The ugly animal squealed with surprised pain as the icicle cut its mangy hide. Amismara sent a spark of lightning crackling into the nearest goblin Cael and Silverpaw weren't dealing with. The goblins' confusion was complete, and Evan took advantage of it to shoot their leader in the chest with his small crossbow.
            "Sure wish I had a dagger." Evan said.
            As Hrolfr gets closer to the group, he puts his free hand in front of him while raising his shortsword for a powerful stab from chest height. Determination in his eyes, he finally bends his knees and slides toward the goblin, ramming the clueless creature in the chest with his blade.
            The goblin slid off his blade with a choking sound, little red eyes wide as it realized its danger. It was too late, though - Andok cracked his quarterstaff against it until it dropped into the dirt.
            Cael tried mightily to pound his goblin in a similar fashion, but it was hopping all over the place, avoiding his deadliest blows.
            The mounted goblin Evan had shot wasn't out of the fight yet. Its goblin dog mount loped up the street while the rider shot at Andok, but the monk was too canny to be struck.
            In typical goblin fashion, the goblin Amismara had zapped ignored its imperiled fellow and ran past the cowering nobleman to attack Hrolfr while his back was turned. The one it left behind still managed to cut Cael with its rusty, but wickedly sharp, dogslicer. The last goblin ran over to attack Hrolfr, keeping him from feeling too safe with goblins cutting at him on either side.
            Todd sent yet another bolt of ice into the receding goblin dog, and its yapping grew more shrill.
            "You can borrow my dagger", Amismara said grimly to Evan. "Give it back bloody."
            Evan took the dagger and ran along the edge of the fighting, keeping to the tables that stood before the vendors' stalls and tents that lined the street.
            "Thank the gods you've come!" the nobleman cried from behind his barrel. "They killed my dog! Does anyone have another sword?"
            Hrolfr yanks out his shortsword and turns to face the remaining goblins, looking for an opening.
            He had no trouble finding one; the goblin he attacked couldn't match his swordsmanship. It held a bloody hand up to its face, then stuck its tongue out and tasted it. It promptly began to spit and cough; goblin blood wasn't as tasty as human blood, it looked like.
            Andok glared at the mounted archer that missed it's shot. Without saying a word, he charged across the square at it, swinging his quarterstaff heavily at it's head.
            This goblin seemed a cut above the rest. It met Andok's charge with equanimity, guiding its goblin dog to dart around him, an evil sneer on its face.
            Cael couldn't seem to hit the sproinging goblin that danced around him. It shouted taunts that, though the exact meaning was unclear to his untrained ear, managed to convey "nyah nyah!"
            The archer and its goblin dog turned on Andok, the goblin dropping its bow to bring its top-heavy horsechopper to bear. Quick though they were, the Shoanti was quicker, and survived their onslaught unharmed.
            Encouraged by Andok's departure, two goblins moved to surround Hrolfr, and while he was distracted with one, the other moved in to cut at his legs. It didn't manage to hamstring him, but it hurt!
            The dancing goblin suddenly turned dangerous as it leapt at Cael, managing to stab him badly before Silverpaw drove it off, screeching as the wolf bit it. Cael fell to the ground, bleeding.
            Todd moves close enough to use Ice Shards and shoot the goblin-dog again.
            The icicle punched into the ugly goblin dog, which was now quite bloody and even uglier, but it was only a small icicle and the goblin dog only snapped at the air angrily where it had hit.
            "I have nothing extra, but what weapons we have we'll deliver through these horrible creatures!" Amismara shouted grimly. "Defend yourself or flee as best you can!"
            "Cael!", Amismara shouted in alarm. Her dancer's feet adjusted course deftly, and she moved to attack the goblin that had cut the Shoanti druid down. "It's going to be alright", she said, more to herself than to her bleeding friend.
            Her fierce retaliation caught the capering goblin by surprise, and with strong, sure sweeps of her glaive she made a ruin of its little body.
            Darting out from his hiding place, Evan sped straight for the nearest goblin menacing Hrolfr. It tried to cut him as he moved into position, only for its typically goblin-quality dogslicer to snap as Evan parried. It managed to avoid Evan's dagger, but now it was unarmed and looking quite alarmed.
            With one of the goblins that had been keeping him boxed in downed, the nobleman scurried forward to pry the dogslicer from its paw, looking feverishly in every direction in case of some new attack. From the upper story of the inn behind him, people cheered the party on, yelling insults and throwing garbage at the goblins.
            Hrolfr tries to keep the two goblins occupied, while landing the occasional blow.
            He turned on the goblin that he flanked with Evan, but his focus on keeping the other from landing a blow on him kept him from making a decisive attack.
            Andok continues to circle his opponent, looking for some opening to his defenses.
            With the rapid one-two punch of his quarterstaff Andok was able to thump the goblin hard enough to foul its own attack and that of its goblin dog, but not hard enough to put it out of the fight. The goblin Evan had disarmed scrambled away from him and Hrolfr, ducking under the big man's sword to scoop up the dogslicer of the first goblin that had fallen. The distraction was just enough of an opening for its companion, who leapt up onto Hrolfr's back and sank its dogslicer into his neck. The ranger folded heavily onto the dirt of the street, much to the horror of the onlookers from the inn. The goblin leapt off him and jabbered at its companion triumphantly. Todd and Evan could understand its words: "One more longshanks down, plenty good eating!"
            With her master down, Silverpaw attacks the nearest goblin with a fury that is rarely seen apart from a female protecting her young. She tries to bite and use her claws on the offending litle pest, who may shortly wish he'd just dodged an run.
            The attack scared the ugly grin off the goblin's face, but between its patchwork armor and its defensive thrusts with its rusty blade, the wolf couldn't quite penetrate its defenses.
            Todd moved forward fearlessly, her little finger pointing out of her bundled clothing and long, colorful scarf... which she tripped over, making the sudden flurry of icy wind and snow that blasted from her finger coat the ground instead of the goblins.
            Judging the threat of the remaining goblins greater than that of her bleeding fallen comrades, Amismara chased after them with her glaive, taking down the one Silverpaw was "entertaining" with one sweeping blow. Evan quickly ran around its companion, followed by the nobleman on its far side, boxing it in between the irate party members.
            Things weren't faring as well for Andok. The agile goblin dog and its skilled rider managed to keep him at bay time and time again, while the little monster's horsechopper got some lucky and painful cuts in. They were left circling each other, both sides badly hurt.
            The sudden turn of odds against it proved too much for the goblin surrounded by the rest of the party. It bolted, swerving around Evan and turning to run north - where, everyone realized, the north gate stood gaping open despite the late hour. Silverpaw was after it like a shot, nipping at its heels, and Todd fired another blast of icy cold after it, but the horrid little thing dodged and kept running, wailing all the way.
            With the main threat dealt with, Amismara saw to the fallen, binding their wounds as well as was possible without a healing kit. Evan ran after the fleeing goblin, while the nobleman stood by Amismara, brandishing the bloody dogslicer as though expecting more goblins to come pouring out of nowhere.
            It was a showdown between Andok and the goblin commando; both were wounded, neither willing to give up. Andok lunged forward and, with blurring speed, twirled his quarterstaff around in a whirlwind attack, finally battering the goblin clean off its mount. With its rider lying in the dirt, the goblin dog snarled at Andok but turned tail and ran, heading out the north gate with whatever other goblins had survived the raid. There were cheers from the upper story of the inn as the party took care of the last goblins.

14


            Andok leans heavily on his staff, bleeding and tired. "One here still alive, but defeated," he says slowly and loudly. He hobbles away towards a place to sit comfortably.
            The nobleman finally lowered the goblin's dogslicer, satisfied that the immediate threat was over. He inspected his dead dog, then turned to Amismara, who was working over Cael and Hrolfr. "I must say, never have I seen such prowess in battle! You wielded your weapon with the fury of a valkyrie! I must truly be blessed by the gods to have been saved by one of such rare strength - and beauty." He knelt beside her, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. "You have the most sincere thanks of Lord Aldern Foxglove, my dear."
            Amismara smiled politely at the compliments, but was obviously preoccupied with her comrades. She spoke, trying not to sound impatient.
            "Lord Foxglove, we are all happy to be of service, and would ask this boon from you: please help secure the wounded goblins. I must provide healing to my comrades, and I do not want the mad little beasts to resume their evil slaughter."
            Lord Foxglove released her hand and rose to his feet with a nod, not in the least put off by Amismara's preoccupation. "Of course, my lovely. I'll drag the blighters over by what's left of those stalls, shall I? No doubt there's a bit of rope or cord somewhere that I can use to tie them with." He didn't release the dogslicer as he worked, but dragged the dead and dying goblins into an unceremonious pile by an arm or a leg.
            As she set to work, Amismara pushed two questions to the back of her mind for later: why was the goblin attack so fierce, and why was the north gate open?

15


            The fleeing goblin had no hope of escape with both Silverpaw and Evan on its tail. Evan skidded to a stop, took aim, and fired his hand crossbow at the little monster, catching it in the back. It tripped and fell, and Silverpaw was on it at once, resulting in a mess unfit for civilized eyes. The goblin dog took off at a run, and was quickly lost in the darkness.
            Examination of the gate revealed that it had a simple enough mechanism: the iron-reinforced oak timbers swung shut, and a long, thick bar (currently lying by the wall) could be used to bar the doors from the inside. After sundown the gate should have been closed; there was no sign of why it wasn't.
            With the goblins cleared out of range of Amismara's prayers, she focused her will on the wounded and channeled the power of her goddess into healing their hurts. It took a good deal of effort on her part, holding onto raw divine might for so long, but finally Hrolfr, Andok and Cael stood as whole as they'd been before the fight, not a scar left to remind them of the battle. A few more townsfolk also returned to the waking world and thanked Amismara profusely before hurrying into the White Deer for safety. Some, however, were simply too far gone to save.
            It was always difficult to call on Shelyn's healing love in this way, but this exertion and was exceedingly so. The exhaustion from the fight, the intensity of the emotions, all had left Amismara drained and she began to feel woozy as the power continued to pour through her. The joy of contact with Shelyn, and the gratitude of being able to heal her new, brave friends manifested in a shining, swirling curtain of color before her eyes. But she could feel anew all the pain that was being washed away. And the corpses, dark and immobile and unresponsive to that light were like black stones tied to her heart. Her eyes filled with tears. But she blinked them quickly away to accept the thanks offered from the survivors. "Shelyn keep you and bless you", she whispered hoarsely to each in turn.
            Hrolfr opens his eyes, immediately gropes for his lost shortsword and quickly gets on his feet and into a fighting stance. His eyes dart back and forth over the surrounding area as he tries to get his bearings and some semblance of overview of the situation. The absence of immediate danger, along with the warm and tingly feeling in his recently healed limbs makes him relax. He straightens up and points his sword downward.
            Literally brought back from the brink of death, Cael takes one of Amismara's hand in his large one and gently places its palm against his chest. "I am in blood-debt to you, m'lady." He stands that way for a moment, then picking up the staff he wielded with so little success during the battle.
            "Desna has seen her way to making our paths cross this day. I, too, am indebted to you, shieldmaiden of Shelyn, and my honor demands that I repay it." Hrolfr bows his head to Amismara.
            Whistles and yells sounded elsewhere in the town, and Lord Foxglove glanced about nervously as he wiped his dirty hands on a handkerchief, letting the soiled cloth fall to the ground by the goblin pile. "Again, I can't thank you enough for what you've done. I'll be in town for a few more days; when you get a chance, come see me at the Rusty Dragon on Market Street. I'd love to speak with you again, and perhaps reward you all properly for saving my life." He hurried back to the group standing by the inn as a pack of fleeing goblins ran past howling and yelling, headed for the north gate. Lord Foxglove nodded to the adventurers as he moved toward the White Deer himself. "Remember, the Rusty Dragon! I shall be expecting you."
            Amismara nodded a numb assent to the departing noble and then turned back to her comrades. Seeing them safe and whole was a relief that broke her composure, and she placed her face in her hands and began to cry softly. "I'm sorry, I'll be alright in a minute", she mumbled, trying not to upset them.
            Hrolfrs smile turns rigid at witnessing Amismaras show of emotion, with a slight hint of panic. He regains his composure, but cannot find anything decent to say, so he chooses to stay silent.

16


            While the others gathered around the weeping cleric, Todd ran to help Evan close the great doors of the gates. The doors were heavy, and they weren't quick enough to stop the first group of goblins from escaping into the night, but goblins were heading toward the gate in droves now, so there were plenty left to catch.
            Seeing the gate closed and seemingly guarded, the goblin packs broke apart and scattered down Tomb Street and towards the cliffs to the west, heading back into town. Todd waved her hands and a patch of the road became coated with ice, causing a few of the goblins to slip and fall, piling into eachother and slamming into the gate wall. She and Evan quickly incapacitated one of them while the others fled.
            Two town guards chasing after a pack of goblins managed to stop before they stepped onto Todd's slippery trap. Peering at the doors, one of them frowned. "Why have you unbarred the gate?"
            The other one gave him a look. "Maybe to let the goblins out? Not everyone is looking forward to digging them out of the town's hidey-holes, Haz."
            Haz snorted. "Don't worry, Ollie, I don't think there are any more goblin dogs around to scare you." He nodded with approval at the goblin Todd and Evan had dealt with. "Good point, though. Deverin's going to have to pay Gorvi a _lot_ to get rid of all these goblins."
            "Don't see why. Garbage is garbage," Ollie said with a grin. He pointed at the gate. "You two need help getting those doors open?"
            "The gate was unbarred when we got here... we were trying to close it to prevent the pests from getting out and calling for help from more of there cousins... they must have a nest not too far away... we should find it and exterminate them!"
            This news took both guards by surprise. "The gate was already unbarred? Why in the name of Abadar...?" Ollie said, aghast.
            "That must be how the goblins got in, then," Haz said grimly. He nodded at Todd. "Goblins have been pestering travelers on the Lost Coast Road for a good long while. Stands to reason there's a nest nearby. You're right, we'd better bar the gate."
            More goblins came running up the road, then veered away into the town when they saw the gate was guarded. Haz and Ollie hurriedly helped Todd and Evan bar the gate, then wished them luck before setting off after the goblins that had run off like rats scattering.
            Smiling at Todd, Evan says "How about a little fun, a copper a head says I get more than you!" Evan winks and runs off on the chase.
            Todd is left behind with a confused look on her face, placing a cold finger on her icy lips and saying to herself: "A copper a head... get more what? I don't understand this one! and he is all over the place... and now he is off again... I better look after him so he does not get into trouble again!" and she is off after Evan, absolutely clueless as to this being a competition... killing goblins is not a sport to Todd.
            "Take all the time you need, god-speaker," Andok said comfortingly to Amismara. "You did a mighty thing here, giving life where the goblins would take it." He watches the guards, gnome, and halfling running about, finishing off the fleeing goblins. "I fear the little folk are right though - the enemy came from somewhere, and I suspect many more hide there. Rest today, for tomorrow we must bring the battle to them."
            Amismara's regained her composure as the kind words of Cael, Hrolfr and Andok found their mark. She wiped her cheeks as a smile returned to her face, happy to have helped her friends.
            She peered around the three large men to follow Andok's gaze, and to catch a glimpse of Evan and Todd. She could see Evan running down a street into the distance, glee evident in his every move. And there was Todd: momentarily bemused, but now off after Evan, her long scarf flying along behind her. A short cough of a laugh escaped Amismara, and she shook her head slowly while her smile broadened.
            "I agree", she said to Andok. "Let us go make sure our little friends can join us at the inn. We'll have a big day tomorrow."

The Second Cycle