Elle exited the makeshift clinic she set up in town. Her healing abilities were put to good use once they all got back to Everhart. Luckily there were no more encounters between the cave system and town. Typhus and Armand spent the first few clearing buildings to make sure there were no nasty surprises and arguing whether to go look for Deacon. Armand seemed the most adamant, saying he was their responsibility and leaving him to the wolves was akin to killing him. Typhus was of the opinion as a champion for a lapsed god, he will most likely survive. Elle on the other hand was worried. She knew Deacon knew nothing of this world and could get into real trouble. He needed guidance, the kind they could provide for this region of the kingdom. They haven’t talked to him about it yet but this trio part of the conclave. A coalition of the main three races of this kingdom. Deacon might be able to tip the scales in what was heating up to be a war against the Vasilly Empire to the south.

Back at the Inn, Elle settles in after a long day of magical healing. They found out from the towns folk that the kobolds were conducting sacrifice rituals to increase their size. Several people lost family members and were injured trying to prevent them from being taken. Now that the dark rituals have been stopped, the town is trying to heal both mentally and physically. Robert sits down next to Elle and says:

“I haven’t properly thanked all of you for what you did.”

“No thanks necessary. You helped us out a great deal. May I ask you a question?”

“I was drunk.” Robert said with no hesitation.

“What?” Elle replied.

“How did someone with my stellar fighting prowess get caught up in all that? That was going to be your question correct? I had just finished my tour of the border skirmishes to the south and was drinking my way back home. I know, appalling. It so happens this was my last stop before I reached the family manor. I said goodbye to my brothers in arms as they departed for other locales. War changes you. I thought I could find forgiveness at the bottom of a mug. Several bleary-eyed days later I awoke in that blasted cage.”

Elle looked down at his hand, grasping a mug so tightly. She looked back up at him.

“Water, I assure you. I may have been able to save some lives that day. I will never forgive myself.”

The two just silently drank for the next few minutes until Armand and Typhus arrived. The two newcomers grabbed a meal and joined them. Still arguing, Elle had to intercede:

“What is it now?” she said.

“He still wants to go digging in that hole.” Typhus said.

“I know it’s a long shot several days past, but if he’s still down there…” he trailed off.

“You barely knew him for less than a week.” Elle said.

“But something tells me he’s important. You know besides the obvious.” Armand replied.

“Are you talking about the glowing guy who fell in the pit?” Robert interjected.

“Nonstop.” Typhus said.

Just then a child came running into the Inn. He ran right up to the keep the spoke something in his ear. Then he popped back up and ran out of the Inn. What was odd was the Inn keep gave him a copper to do so. He finished wiping out the mug in his left hand, something apparently all innkeepers do, and sauntered over to there table.

“Master Nicklelash, I believe you’ll want to go outside. Several members of your house are coming down the main road.” He said and walked away.

Robert got up immediately to go outside. The other three looked at each other and mouthed “Master?” they to stood up and headed to the door. No sooner did they get outside; they saw Deacon leading a line of ten to fifteen people into town from the north end. The opposite end from where the cave system was. Armand beamed with excitement, Elle wore a crafty smile, and Typhus just stood their mouth agape.

“So, I see you all got out ok. Is this the town those people were from? Its pretty standard for a fantasy town. No wall though, probably how they got sacked. Got anything to ea…woah!” he tried to go on, but Armand wrapped him up in a huge man hug.

“How did you escape? Who are these people? Where did you get this bag?” Elle asked all at once then just started starring at the bag and mumbling to herself.

“Are you some kind of demon? I demand you tell me. No one is this lucky.” Typhus added.

“Typhus, I have something for you.” With a flourish Deacon pulled the tapestry out of his bag and handed it to a dumbfounded Typhus who immediately grabbed it and ran back into the inn.

“Come inside, we’ll get you a meal and you can tell us all about it.” Armand said.

“I knew it!” Elle exclaimed, “That’s a bag of many things, isn’t it? I haven’t seen one that strong since my childhood when we were being taught by the Conservator of the North.”

“Well, its not Wang’s six demon bag if that’s what you mean.” Deacon quipped.

Several minutes pass. Robert came into the Inn with Fairfax and the young master. They headed over to the table. Introductions were made and Robert patted his little brother on the back.

“Thank you for saving us.” He said.

“Thank you for being so brave.” Deacon replied. Fairfax took the boy away at that time and Robert sat down.

“Thank you isn’t nearly enough. First you free me from the clutches of the kobolds then you miraculously save my brother and attendants from marauders. Fairfax wouldn’t tell me what happened to my parents so I can only assume the worst. Will you tell me?” Robert said.

“They were killed by a man named Qie Lao.” Deacon said flatly and with a deep scowl.

“If only I had been there instead of drunk.” Robert admonished himself, Elle put a calming hand on his shoulder as he choked back tears, “I assume you took care of him.”

“He ran.” Deacon said, “I brought everyone here since he made it clear he would be coming back with reinforcements.”

“I thank you for all you have done. In speaking with Fairfax, he made it clear you need training. I would be glad to teach you all I know.”

“What do you mean made it clear?” Deacon asked. The others all practically face palmed at the same time.

“I mean no offense when I say this, we have both seen you fight. Its like watching a drunk try to mate with a statue, all fury with little to show for it.”

“That obvious?” Deacon asked. The entire table all nodded at once.