"Lady Oni," called out Elma as I stepped out of my home to get some fresh air and stretch my legs. " Lord Vlar of Stormhold is here and wishes an audience with you." "Lord Vlar..." Oh! Thank you, Elma. Tell him I shall see him momentarily. "I will let him know," she replied. "He is in the Angels Sanctuary." "Wonder what he wants," I mused to myself. I strolled across the soft grass that compassed the center of the Eternal Realm. The fresh air and activity cleared my head as I had been working on the very mundane task of straightening up my home. It seems even in this realm, stuff gets thrown about as well. 'Ello, Lady Oni," Vlar quipped off in his jovial manner as he came out the door. "Good evening, Vlar," I replied pleasantly. "What brings you to our Realm?" "Oh... Aaa.. Was wondering if you could help me with some planning for the fights tonight in Stormhold." "Sure, I replied. "The distraction will do me some good," I mumbled to myself. I was tired of cleaning up junk. "Wha..Did you say something?" Vlar questioned. "Nay, just getting something off my tongue. When do you wish to go?" "Well, now of course. If you be ready." "Am now," I replied as I adjusted my bear mask. For once, someone else got to be the taxi, and I must admit it felt good having Vlar use his energy for my benefit. We traveled to Oello to do some shopping. This place reminds me of a ghost town. Usually, everyone you look at has a faraway look in their eyes and do not respond to your conversation. We went to the inn so Vlar could buy some non-descript object. A fellow in a grey robe rode up too close to me. "Good evening, I called out to him. *Notices grey robed fellow going through your pack and takes a gold coin*. "Hello," he said as he ran off "FRANZ, WHERE ARE YOU? Come and teach these rascals some etiquette and manners and speech.. They could strike a conversation up as you did while you went about your 'trade'. Thieves in Sosaria are so pathetic now." "I have just been robbed, Vlar," I exclaimed. "Oh! What did you lose?" "A single coin." We both laughed as we left the 'ghost town' of Oello and arrived in Stormhold. We spent some time at the tower used to hold the fights setting up tables and all manner of foodstuffs for the participants and spectators. I am surprised Vlar left any pies for he does so love them. But I have to commend him on his stalwart denial of his lust for pie eating. Although, he did stare hungrily from time to time at the table holding the pies. Walls of stone are great for helping a friend not to succomb to his weaknesses. *Out of sight: hopefully, out of mind* We finished up and left the fight tower. My mind had a troubling feeling I could not put my finger on. I stopped and cleared my thought and focused on the area. "There are elves about, Vlar." "Here in Stormhold?" "Aye, To the south. Vlar pulled out his pocket sundial. "Hmm, we still have time before everyone comes. We best take care of these elves. They could cause trouble later." "Indeed, they could," I replied. "Can you see where they are?" "Take you right to them I can." Vlar's 'pets' took care of the magic throwing menace as I disarmed the axer elf with a few 'friends' of mine. We returned to the fight tower, and soon the place was filled with participants and spectators. The 'festivities' were started. I must say these were the best matches I had seen in a long time if ever. Everyone performed valiantly, and I was glad I had come. Also, no one came to 'disrupt' the festivities and for that I was very pleased. I hated to see anyone fall. But in the end, only one can remain. That feeling came again. The one i could not put my finger on earlier. Once again I sought to see those unseen. Stormhold had been invaded. The two we had taken earlier must have been scouts. The main army had waited till all no one was around to disrupt their movement No doubt other scouts had been sent forward to make sure all was clear. "Many elves to the south," I whispered to Vlar. "STORMHOLD IS BEING INVADED BY ELVES. TO ARMS," cried out Vlar. Warriors drew their weapons and mounted up. Mages readied their spells. I saw bards hurriedly tuning their instruments. Dragons, bears and all sorts of noble beasts were called forth from the stables. Everyone sallied forth to break the siege. It was a battle royale. Explosions, bolts, blood-letting yells and the heavy clanking of steel could be heard. The elves assaulted the front gate with remorseless pounding, but were unable to gain a foothold. The storm broke on the hold, but the hold held against the storm. This whole Realm will ever be safe with valiant warriors such as these to defend her in times of great trial and tribulation. I am so proud to have been able stand and lend my aid to such a valiant host. You performed incredibly well. I wish to echo Lord Vlar's words: THANK YOU ALL FOR DEFENDING THE TOWN OF STORMHOLD AND THIS WHOLE REALM. Oh! And Vlar, Dauntless informed me he wishes your would stay in the saddle more. He said his hide stays in better shape.
