Navage the Vengeful

Ambassador Dagel, no longer wanting to dwell on his failure in swaying the mind of his diplomatic guest Sassalos who had departed High-Rain, wanted nothing more than to lay his head down for the night. The swelling of negative thoughts inside of Dagel's mind needed to be cast out at least until tomorrow for when he could begin anew. At least Dagel could take comfort in King Faradays naivety for if his king but only knew of his ambassadors' under-dealings outside of High-Rain then all his risks would be dashed.

Dagel would transfer his failing effort to coax his guest from the Golden City to meet with his king in the lap of Sheriff Bertrum. In Dagel's prior plan, Bertrum played no part. So now, Burtrum would take all of the blame for ruining his meeting between King Faraday and the ambassador from the Golden City. There was no doubt in Dagel's mind that King Faraday would cast aside any aspirations of his failure, when considering that it was Bertrum who was truly to blame. Then Dagel would be on the winning side once more with full support for another trip to meet with Sassalos, the Sun-Lizard. Things would work out in his favor once more in Dagel's mind at least.

The inner turmoil in Dagel's thoughts had to subside for the night. There would always be setbacks in plans as well as aspirations. It was overcoming those setbacks that mattered to Dagel as he laid in his bed ready to put them to rest. Though as much weight was on Dagel's mind his worry at least lessened the more his spindly face sank into his soft satin pillow.

This was until a loud screeching voice echoed in the darkness of Dagel's drifting mind. The screeching was calling to him from outside his hallway windowsill.

The screeching voice said, "Wake up Dagel! I have a message for you. Wake up Dagel!" The abrasive voice continued to harass Dagel until it could be ignored no further!

Dagel in his alarmed state ran to the hallway window, which was just outside his bedroom. Dagel saw the putrid yellow creature on the ledge outside the window just as it was about to squawk again. An upset Dagel would have none of it as he nervously unlatched the window in order to open it!

The vile creature's elongated fanged grin revealed its glee in tormenting Dagel.

"You can't sleep yet Dagel! Kazal has found out of your failure to keep the Sun-Lizard as your guest. Not even for a day! What failure!", the putrid miniature yellow skinned dragon mocked.

"What caused the Sun-lizard to depart High-Rain so quickly? Did your guest even make King Faradays acquaintance?", the annoying dragon went on.

Dagel angrily answered the yellow scaled pest out of frustration as well as exhaustion," I don't answer to you Fevre, you mockery of a dragon! Why don't you hasten with your master's message for me so that I can reclaim my sleep?"

It was then that Dagel noticed a small gray trinket shaped like a man hanging on a rope around Fevre's neck. The beady red eyes of Fevre caught Dagel looking at the small trinket which hung around his neck.

"Very well, though before I do that, please allow me to hand you over a keepsake from Kazal.", then before Dagel could reply, the impish yellow dragon withdrew the necklace with the man shaped talisman from around his neck. Fevre then offered the necklace to Dagel, saying," My master who had been inhabiting the great dragon Navage the Vengeful once again was spying over High-Rain from above the peaks of the Rainbow Mountains." Fevre seeing Dagel's hesitation in taking the necklace from his boney yellow claws spoke with impunity," Kazal had instructed me to give you, his necklace. That means that you must take it!"

Dagel more in fear of what Kazal would do to him rather than his simp dragon, took the necklace from Fevre. "Thats good, you are catching on.", Fevre related, then the yellow dragon continued on recounting what his master had witnessed from the skies above the Rainbow Mountains," My master, the Lord of Dragons while inhabiting the body of Navage saw with the dragons increased sight a lone figure was leaving the city of High-Rain. Kazal then feeling his dragons' instincts swooped downward to get a closer view. It was then that Kazal with Navages black flickering tongue smelled the slain body that was shot with one of your guests' arrows. Navage's incredible smell had identified a taint of poison circulating within the veins of the slain body. Kazal through Navage could also identify the poisons type trickle within the fairy like magickal blood of the slain body."

"It did not take my master long to conclude that your plan with the bandits you hired had been bungled. Kazal had guessed the bandit killed by the Sun-Lizard had to have been the changeling.", Fevre concluded.

Dagel held the gray man portion of the necklace tightly in his hands not recognizing the line of reasoning presented to him. The impish yellow dragon waited for confirmation from Dagel that the bandit killed was indeed the changling.

"Yes...it was the changeling...". Dagel said as his answer trailed off.

Fevre also inquired, "It was also the Sun-Lizard that shot the changeling with one of his golden arrows.

"Yes.", Dagel then corrected himself, "Though Sassalos did not use a golden arrow. I was told by my son that the changeling bandit was shot with a red poisoned tipped arrow. The red arrow did pierce the changelings very heart."

"So, the body is intact...meaning it was not badly burnt or destroyed beyond recognition.", Fevre contended.

Dagel unsure of what Fevre was alluding to replied, "the body is still recognizable. Why?"

Fevre snapped back, "Never mind, you must visit with the remaining bandits in order to help free them. Though before you free the bandits, relay to them what is going to happen with the changeling's body. Where will the changeling's body be taken? Is this understood?"

"I already know, the Changelig will be taken to Nowhere Hill where it will be placed in a grave reserved for outsiders to High-Rain. Though I don't quite understand how you expect me to help the other two bandit's escape. You will have to explain that part to me in more detail.", Dagel conceded.

"It is very easy Dagel, all you have to do is place that homunculus attached to the necklace on the floor before you leave the cell area where the bandits are being held. The rest will be taken care of by the gray man shaped figure for which the rope is tied around. Understand?", Fevre asked almost threateningly.

In conclusion the impish yellow dragon prepared to fly off in the night. Though before it did a warning was given, "Do not fail in the instructions given to you because if you do my masters penalty will be most severe."

Then as Fevre's dragon wings started to carry him off in the night another message was given to Dagel. Though this message came in the form of a toxic bile that was released from the dragon's throat! The sulfuric smelling toxic bile coated the hinges of one of the windows. Dagel began to gag from the gastral bile as it filled his nostrils! As Dagel reeled from the overwhelming stench he franticly pushed open the other window to increase the ventilation in order to let the rotting odder escape. Dagel had to rest up for his challenging day tomorrow, as his eyes teered from Fevres yellow spew, which dripped in from the windows ledge. Dagel tried not to vomit from the toxic smell which permeated the small area outside his bedroom of his chambers. The ambassador slammed his bedroom door shut in order to prevent the vile smell from seeping into his quarters. Then the ambassador went back to bed in order to try to salvage some sleep from the night.

The body of the bandit changeling had been brought to the morgue after it was declared dead. Where the very next day the body was shown to sheriff Bertrum by the morgue's mortician. The stiff carcass of the changeling had not been altered in the slightest when the mortician removed the white sheet covering it. The red arrows shaft that was still halfway buried inside of the bandit's chest from whence it punctured the heart of the changeling.

"I need to find out the name of this unfortunate soul.", Bertrum said as he looked down at the still body of the changeling.

"Is he even a citizen of High-Rain?", the mortician asked.

"I don't think any of the bandits are citizens of High-Rain. Though I need to know for sure. My next stop will be to meet with the jailed bandits themselves, where I will question them about their deceased cohort.", Bertrum related.

"I hope that you do find out his origins soon enough. That would help me out a lot on my end for what to do with this body.", the mortician admitted.

Bertram then averts his eyes from the corpse of the changeling as he strokes his black beard in thought. The mortician seeing the sheriff no longer interested in viewing the deceased body begins to cover it once again with the long white sheet.

"I will say that in all the years that I have worked here, we have never received the corpse of a changeling. That isn't to say that there has never been any changeling citizenry. Though in all the funeral precessions, family members whom I have set up funeral arrangements, not once have I ever met a true changeling. Or if they were a changeling it was never revealed to me.", the mortician recounts.

Bertram admitted while still in thought," Despite this bandit's deeds, he may have a family member to claim him. I don't know his past deeds or what made him turn to crime. He's surely paid the ultimate price for all his past crimes. My only hope now is that this deceased fellow's jailed brothers will enlighten me on where I can put their friend to rest."

"You do know that I am preparing to send the bandits body to Nowhere Hill. I have no other recourse, unless this body can be properly identified.", the mortician replied.

Bertram simply smiled answering back, "Then I will have to hurry in order to question the bandits concerning the whereabouts of their changeling. Is it possible for you not to commit the changeling's body to Nowhere Hill?"

The Mortician blankly answered," I can hold off doing my paperwork until the end of the day. Though, unless I have someone come forth to proclaim this body or the Kings decree within that time, I will have to commit this body to Nowhere Hill."

"Understood, goodbye.", Bertram told the mortician.

Inside of High-Rain castle itself ambassador Dagel awoke from his poor sleep. Dagel hurriedly changed, into his formal attire as ambassador. Once donning his elegant white robe, Dagel tucked the necklace with the gray figurine on it underneath his robe where the link of the necklace was partially seen around the collar of his red shirt. Only the gray figurine was purposely kept hidden. Then in order to get his day underway, as well as escape the lingering smell that hung around his chambers, the ambassador bolted out his front door. Dagel despite his disturbed sleep was wide awake with frenzy! The ambassador was fueled by purpose as well as fear from Fevres warning to him. Dagel began racing to find a maid from one of the hallways as they tidied up the royal chambers. Upon, spotting one of the lowlifes, Dagel yelled at a rather young plump maid, "You! I had an accident last night which needs your immediate attention!"

The wretched maid had the audacity to ask," What kind of accident?"

The temerity of this wench to question a superior's orders Dagel thought to himself before shouting at the poor women," If you must know precisely...vomit...now please go in my chambers to clean it up! I have very important matters to attend to! Goodbye!"

Then from behind Dagel a most familiar voice called out to him, "Father! I need to talk with you most urgently!"

Dagel recognizing Cassian's voice instantly turned around to greet his son. Usually, Dagel would admire his sons rugged features as well as his rank because it reminded him of when he was finding success at that age. Unfortunately, Dagel hadn't the time to reminisce days gone by for there was so much still to attend too.

"Father, are you all, right? You look tired.", Dagel's son asked concernedly.

"I did not have a comforting sleep last night. Though as you can imagine there is a lot on my mind as I am sure is on yours. You will have to be quick with your concerns my son. So, what is it?", a curt Dagel told his son not being entirely truthful about the evening prior.

"Where are you heading off too in such a hurry? You are usually still getting ready in your room at this time.", Cassian asked.

"I haven't the luxury this time. Though to answer your question, I was going to meet with the council of King Faraday.", Dagel again curtly replied.

"What for?", Cassian asked dully.

"I have to put something on record concerning the events of last night. It's more of a formality though I need to get it done with before I decide my next move. Though what's with all of these questions? You are beginning to sound like Bertram?", Dagel barked.

"It's about Bertram as well as Leon who was not accounted for this morning. I did a head count of the barracks, and he has not returned from his time with Bertrum. How are we going to deal with the both of them?", Cassian inquired.

Dagel sternly answered his son, "First, you must do nothing to either of them, especially Leon." As soon as Dagel warned his son of retaliating against Leon he noted his sons pouting face and began anew, "Now listen boy. I haven't the time to explain this all to you. The situation as it stands with Bertram is a political one. When the situation becomes a military one then you can join in. Until then, do not retaliate against Bertram's nephew. Is that understood?"

A forlorn Cassian begged his father," I want to punish him! I need to punish Leon for all the grief that he and Sheriff Bertram have caused us!"

"You will do nothing out of the ordinary to Leon! I must have sway over the king's opinion. So, if you must have revenge on Leon just order him something unfavorable to do within military protocol. Have him perform guard duty around the perimeter of the castle or something like that. Just don't make it appear as if you are making it personal. This is a delicate matter, and I won't have it jeopardized by your short sightedness. Now if there is nothing else, I must go on about my day.", Dagel insisted.

"I... understand, father.", Cassian said unconvincingly. Though despite his son's compliance Dagel knew that his son was completely ignorant as to why he was complying.

Dagel felt that he needed to bolster his son's confidence in some way. So, thinking rather quickly, Dagel offered up a task that would help not only him but his son as well," I have an errand for you to do before you get back to your men. It would help me out immensely."

Cassian looked at his father with keen interest as he was told, "Go to the mortuary in order to obtain the morticians paperwork concerning the body. Once you have the morticians note, return it to me. If you do not find me in the council chambers, then I will be at the jail house."

"What if you're not at the jail house?", Cassian plainly asked.

An irritated Dagel implored his son," I will not leave until you meet me there. I just don't want you to hand the morticians note to anyone else but me. Now go!"

Without another word to his father, Cassian made an about face in order to march towards the mortuary. While Dagel proceeded to the council chambers.

Bertram made it a point to pass by the Last Resort rooming house where the bandits last stayed in order to question the proprietor when he noticed a sign on the door which read ' Temporary Closed for Repairs'.

Upon remembering the incident, the night before when Sassalos shot one of his golden arrows threw the window where the bandits were hiding out there was some fire damage. Though, Bertram thought it odd that the entire rooming house would be shut down the next day for it. Also, there were no signs of construction workers outside the building to fix up the one bedroom that was damaged. Whether the construction carriages filled with carpentry tools or plank wood would arrive either later or tomorrow Bertram did not know. Though what was known was that the building had no traffic at all now. So, while the vacancy of the Last Resort rooming house was a curiosity, Bertram did not want to delay his questioning of the two remaining bandits inside the jailhouse of High-Rain castle.

As for the captured bandits inside the jailhouse within the confines of High-Rain castle, they were not expecting anyone to pay them a visit this morning. The taller of the two bandits was admiring the view through the barred window from inside his cell. The other bandit who was a dwarf seemed dour on his current situation as he sat like a stump on a log which happened to be a long bench along the wall inside his cell.

"It is quite a way down from our little bird's nest up here.", Gafferty related to the dwarf.

"Don't you mean bird cage?", the dwarf grumpily replied.

"It all depends on your point of view I guess.", Gafferty retorted.

"Why are you so optimistic right now? Surely, even your delusional self can see that we are sunk.", Gafferty heard the despondent dwarf tell him.

"If I had my lute then I'd sing to you a different tune.", Gafferty gleefully replied as he whistled like a bird out the barred window.

"I would break your lute with my single-handed axe if you did.", the bitter dwarf countered.

Gafferty finally realizing the sad state of his fellow bandit ceased his bird whistling. Then the taller Gafferty willed the smile from his face as he let go the bars of the window in order to consul his friend.

"I know that your heart is heavy with grief Lo-pole.", Gafferty said as he sat beside his friend. "That is why I am trying to brighten your mood. I miss Quick Change too...in my way...", Gafferty's words trail off until he reclaims his train of thought," ...his death will not be in vain."

Lo-Pole realizing the sincerity of his friends' words responds in a low voice," How?"

Gafferty spontaneously jumps up saying, "You can mourn your way! There's nothing wrong with that! I offer you another way for you to morn our dear departed!", the brash bandit says as he does a little jig with his feet before saying," We can sing and dance and carry on! We can grin and bear the burden that Quicks pain was swift as can be! Though we both miss him Quicks time with us will not be soon forgotten! I will always be thinking of Quick, every step of the way!", Gafferty finally says before humbly bowing before his dwarfish friend.

"I understand your way, but I still need more time.", Lo-Pole pleeds.

"I understand...", Gafferty concedes as he raises his head from his bow. Then Gafferty makes his way to look out the barred window once again. Albeit this time he will observe the outside of the jail more mindfully.

Then both bandits hear a lock which opens the front door to the jail cells, which is followed by a voice shouting," What's all the racket in here? As I was conferring with the gentlemen who is paying you lot a visit, I heard whistling followed by some stupid jig!"

Then the guard abruptly says, "Anyway never mind, Ambassador Dagel is here to pay you lot a visit for some reason."

"Though, I don't know why.", the burly guard says before he introduces Dagel before leaving them alone.

Dagel answers as the large guards question in vain, "I am just trying to get some information."

The only reply back from the guard was, "Let me know when you're done.", followed by the slam of the thick door being closed once more.

To Dagel's surprise, Gafferty gives him a small but courteous bow before asking, "Do what do we owe you a man of such distinction the honor of your visit?"

In actuality, Dagel had never met any of the bandits now imprisoned. The bandits were hired third person by one of his colleagues. Dagel only learned about the bandit's capabilities through correspondence with that third party. The bandit's hideout at the Last Resort rooming house, the items that the bandits were supposed to steal and in what order were supplied by Dagel. The whole plan was set up by Dagel while executed by the now two of the three bandits.

Dagel then responded to the overly flattering Gafferty in a low voice," Let me be as clear as I can possibly be with the both of you. Everything that happens after I leave this jail will be beyond my reasoning. Though ask me anything that you like in-between now and then. I will try to answer it as sincerely as I can."

However discreetly as he can, Dagel begins to pull awkwardly the roped necklace from around his neck. Upon seeing what the ambassador is trying to do Gafferty with one of his hands behind his back singles Lo- Pole to take notice with the backward wave of his hand.

Unbeknownst to Gafferty, the dwarf had already taken notice of the situation even before signaled by his companion. So, Lo-Pole was already ready when Gafferty asked of him while still facing the ambassador, "Lò-Pole, do you have any questions that you would like to ask?"

"Only one...", Lo-Pole said as he made his way over beside Gafferty," What are the crimes that we are being charged with?"

"Thats a good question...", the ambassador said as he tried to tuck his chin in while lifting the necklace over his head. The process not only looked awkward because Dagel was hesitant to be noticed the tucked in chin of Dagel's long face was as comical as it was ineffective.

Gafferty decided to give some sideways advice to Dagel, by way of a comment to Lo-Pole in order to help him remove the necklace from around his neck.

"You are mistaken as usual; we haven't committed any crimes. Why would you even suggest such a thing?", Gafferty then continued," I am sure if the ambassador straightens up, he can provide us with the truth about our innocence."

Dagel noted that the line straighten up was used again by Lo-Pole, who also said," The ambassador has long sleeves, but they aren't long enough to get us out of here. We are sunk I tell you."

Dagel was picking up on the exchange when Gafferty replied in earnest so he would get it," Long sleeves, that's a funny line coming from someone so short in stature as well as thought."

Dagel finally realized what he had to do when he raised his opposite arm which blocked the view from the door leading out of the cell area. Then Dagel pulled up over his head with the necklace where he slowly lowered both his robed hands obfuscate the necklace which was held tightly in his hands.

"Please, please, don't fight amongst yourselves. I will gladly answer you both.", Dagel answered as he dropped the necklace to the floor to mask any noise it made as it landed," I made a plea to the king this morning to lower the charges placed on you. Which to answer your friend's question (referring to Lo-Pole) happen to be theft and conspiracy at the moment."

"Oh, that's all.", Lo-Pole said as he noticed the miniscule man shaped end of the necklace as it laid at the bottom in between the bars bottom end.

When Lo-Pole backed away from the bars he appeared to want to get close enough to grab the peculiar necklace when Dagel waved his not to do that. As Gafferty reafirmed the ambassadors suggestion with a shaking of his head Lo-Pole stopped advancing towards the necklace.

Thats when Dagel with a swift foot kicked the necklace to the inside of the cage saying loudly, "Well I hope That I have answered all of your questions! Though I must mention to you before I leave that your deceased changeling will be most likely buried in Nowhere Hill tomorrow."

Gafferty said in a low voice, "Nowhere Hill...", as Lo-Pole frowned at the small necklace while shaking his head in disbelief. The dwarf's hopes seemingly dashed again at the sight of what appeared to him a worthless object.

A relieved Dagel trying to calm his nerves quickly was making his way out of the jailhouse when Bertrum brushed past him. Though before Dagel realized who it was a voice called to him, "Father, I have the morticians note for you!"

Bertram went up to the same guard who let Dagel in the cell room. The same cell area where Dagel had just laid down Kazals mystical necklace. A necklace placed by Dagel at the whim of Kazal in order to free the two remaining bandits. Dagel screamed out in his mind for this not to happen as he might be implicated in helping to free the bandits!

A paralyzed Dagel watched as the large guard led Bertram to the door to the cell area in preparation to let him in when...a loud crash came from within the cell area!

The guard was able to see what was happening threw the tiny, barred window of the thick oak door as he said in disbelief, "There's a giant rock creature freeing the prisoners!"

Bertram wanting to see for himself urged the large guard to open the door to the cells! However, the guard rejecting the offer gave the door key to Bertram and ran away as fast as he could to get reinforcements or so he said!

Bertram then realized as soon as he looked inside the cell area threw the barred window slit that the guard was right in his fear not to open the door. For what Betram beheld was a large hulking gray giant stone creature being directed by the bandits towards the back wall of their cell. The gray giant having already teared away the front bars of the bandit's prison cell was now being encouraged the bust open the rear walls as well. Bertram had little doubt that stone giant could do it.

The large guard to the bandit's cell was now returning with reinforcements as well as renewed courage. However, the guards return was too late as the gray giant ramrodded the rear walls of the cell the bandits were inside! The impact from the creature only busted out a trunk shaped hole in the middle of the wall. Thats when the large guard reclaimed his keys in order get in the fray! It was too little too late as the gray giant again smashed the rear wall! This time the stone giant smashed the rear wall all the way through! Then while holding the two bandits under its thick arms leapt out the hole wear a wall used to be!

The guard yelled out, "Incredible!", as he burst open the thick oak door to the cell area!

"I totally agree with that statement!", Bertram then added, "Let's go see where they landed!"

As Bertram and the large guard went to see out of the demolished rear wall of the cell the bandits had escaped through many more guards filed inside the cell area to bear witness of this hulking gray creature.

The only person in the jailhouse wanting no part of the view was Dagel who fled the jailhouse with his son Cassian!

"The creature's landed on the ramparts!", the large guard shouted!

The ramparts were not that far down from where Bertram was looking but still it was a long fall for any normal man. Yet, this supernatural stone giant was able to endure such an arduous landing without injury.

Bertram watched as the guards from either side of the castle's ramparts tried to rush the gray giant!

The long shadow of the giant dissuaded either side from charging at it despite their superior numbers.

The large guard tried to bolster the knight's courage in attempting to attack the gray man," Go on fight! Don't let the creature escape with the prisoners!"

The hulking gray giant's body could easily tackle the knights despite having to hold the two bandits in each of them. It was curious to Bertram that the gray giant did not make any attempts to attack the knights in any such way.

Thats when something else appeared from the distance!

The object was easily recognizable to everyone watching from above the cell to down on the ramparts as men shouted from all directions, " A dragon approaches!", "A dragon is incoming!", "Dragon incoming!"

Then new shouting commenced from all around like," Take defensive measures!", " Archers at the ready!"

The clay man with his bandits in tow was now an afterthought as the perilous flames of the dragon signaled its dread approach!

The large guard beside Bertram declared, "We have to retreat inside the castle walls for protection!"

Bertram wanted to keep watching but the protocols concerning dragon attacks dictated that everyone not in defense of the castle had to take cover. So, since Bertram was simply a non-combative citizen in this instant, had to take cover.

The bandits noticed the looming dragon swooping towards them as well. They were now not only freighted but confused by the appearance of the dragon.

"I don't get it. Why is the big guy here not jumping from the ramparts?", Lo-Pole asked.

Gafferty hypothesized, "I think this is a team effort. Don't ask me how or why but I think our liberator is waiting for a lift from that incoming dragon."

A volley of arrows was shot out from the castle walls in the direction of the dragon! The dragons body seemed to angle slowly like a giant kite when one watched from as far away as the bandits did as it avoided streams of arrows being shot at it!

The dragon then shot off two bursts of fire as it descended at the rear of its attack with its outstretched wings now tucked behind its straightened-out body! The dragon that was soaring was now diving downward! The fireballs it released were coming in fast as new ones were added by the dragon's breath during its descent!

The bandits watched as they felt the explosions of heat hit the two towers adjacent to them! Then in slow motion the gray giant leapt from the ramparts! The bandits screamed out, unsure if they would survive this much longer fall at this greater height as a large portion of the sky as well as the castle wall was swallowed up in shadow! Then in an instant the gray giant was snatched up by the giant talon like a toy in comparison to the towering red dragon!

The dragon spoke in a rupturing voice," Navage has you now! Though before I depart with you let me leave a reminder to all that would dare challenge me!"

"I can't believe this is happening!", Lo-Pole screamed out.

I do believe that Quick Changes spirit is looking over us!", Gafferty shouted!

"I do believe you just this once!", Lo-Pole screamingly admits!

As the dragon shoots up towards the sky in preparation for one final parting blow towards the castle of High-Rain the bandits cover their eyes out of fright from looking down to what would be there doom if let go.

The dragon Navage prepares to shoot one final fireball of destruction at he intended! From out of nowhere where not even the arrows from the castle can reach his new heights a small projectile shoots up at the dragon then bursts apart like a shattering star in front of Navage! The dragon screams at the overabundance of exploding energy that lights up the sky for miles! The bandits not seeing what has happened begin to fall while still in the grip of the gray giant who was seemingly unaffected by the starburst! Though as the gray giant plummets, the bandits feel the force of inertia as it compresses their skulls!

Navage, still unable to see, smells the bandit's flesh while in the grip of the gray giant. The dragon's sense of smell tracks behind the falling stone giant who holds onto the bandits like a vice. The weight of the gray giant is descending to fast a voice lurking in the recesses of Navages mind remarks.

A chance must be taken in order to catch the bandits! The command to release them is thought of inside Navages mind then no sooner thought then done the gray giant lets go of the bandits. The voice inside Navage cannot see the bandits either nor its golem which careens downward toward the ground like a meteor! The choice is made not to shrink the golem down to its miniature size once more to perhaps avert its massive crash! No, the voice in unison with Navage lets the dragon search with its breath for the free-falling bandits!

Navage smells the bandits as they fall then instantly catches up to the dwarf where it catches him with a swat of its gigantic talon! Lo-Pole now smothered in the scaled palm of the dragon is lucky to not have been swatted away like a pebble or rushed in the dragon's grip.

Somehow, Gafferty sees Navage catch Lo-Pole but also has the wherewithal to know that the dragon is blind or is having trouble otherwise it would have caught him by now. Gafferty instinctively shuts his eyes to scream out, "I am here! Navage the Vengeful! I am falling not far from you! Navage, I am here! Nava...", then before the bandit can finish calling the dragon's name, he is expertly caught in Navages other talon. Gafferty catch is handled much more delicately than his friends while still being otherwise smothered.

A large crash landing occurs when the stone giant meets the ground at last! The crash landing leaves a long-lasting cloud of dust in the air. Where a newly formed crater is birthed open a holding where all that remains are broken pieces of the giant.

No remorse is given to the once animated golem by the voice inside the recesses of Navages mind as both return from whence, they came with their ill got possessions. Only no one save they know for what ill intended purposes their true intent.

Bertram who could hardly hear the clerk affirmed to him, "That is correct...though I don't have a name I do have a residence where the man was staying not long after he was killed."

"I will definitely need that location...", the clerk said as he sorted through his paperwork. Then the clerk asked, "Yet you do not have a name...?"

Bertrum began to wonder if he ought to have gone to question the bandits at the jailhouse first as he would have more information to give the clerk. Though just before Bertram was about to tell the clerk about that part, he was asked by said clerk," Let me have that address then..."

"The building where was the rooming house between East and West Avenue. I believe it is called the Last Resort.", Bertram went on, "You know the low rent place where more long-term residency is required. Not the more luxurious High-Rain Resort which is used exclusively for visitors to the city."

"Do you have a numbered mailing address...?", Mumbled the clerk in his low voice.

Bertrum fumbled through his pockets to precure his small note pad to see if he had jotted some digits to the more approximate the location of the resort. A screeching sound was heard by Bertram who was holding his note pad. The sound was that if the clerks chair as it was being pushed back to allow the shrunken man to slowly rise from it.

"It should be easy enough to locate the Last Resort's records...", the clerk said as he slowly shuffled towards a large black filing cabinet behind him.

The clerk was saying something else to either Bertram or himself that was practically inaudible because the clerks low voice was so far away. In the meantime, Bertram stuffed his notepad back in his pocket seeing as how the clerk evidently had no need for a mailing address to the Last Resort.

Finally, the clerk began to shuffle back to Bertram's location with a folder filled with papers. Then after ever so slowly easing back into his chair the clerk placed the folder on his desk where he proceeded to open it.

"As I was saying...without a name I will not be able to find out if this person....", Bertram wanted to clarify that it would be based on the duration of time that the three gentlemen were staying at the rooming house. Then when those names appeared, cross reference each of those names with other names in your records. Though Bertram hesitant to encroach on the clerks handling of things out of respect. However long and tedious it was taking.

"It looks like...during the last month...the resort was not lived in save for two men...", the clerk mentioned.

Bertram thought two himself, the clerk only mentioned two names, yet the bandits that stayed at the resort totaled in three. Instinctively, Bertram felt that he was on to something as the bandit who Sassalos shot with his golden arrow was a changeling after all. Maybe, the other two bandits smuggled the changeling while in the form of a mouse in their pockets as they came and went.

Bertram who was deep in thought finally heard the low voice if the clerk as he asked," Would you care for their names...?"

"Why yes, I would thank you so much.", Bertram answered kindly.

"