I: The Late Sovereign

A scream echoed throughout the tiny village. Outside it, an elderly lady scurried through the fields, as well as her short elderly-lady legs would, losing various knick-knacks along the way. Behind her, a huge lumbering giant chased after her. Furious, the beastly man swung his arms at the woman, terribly failing to reach her. As his enormous arm flew like a pendulum toward her, she would duck the other direction, creating a zig-zag path through the fields.

She reached the village, gasping for breath in order to form her last word, "Help..." before she fainted. The good women of the small village brought her inside a cottage, as the men grabbed swords and torches and pitchforks; they warded off the monster, who retreated angrily.

"Thank you ever so much," smiled the old lady. "That horrible giant has been after me for a long time now. Don't let him find me."
"Why would he chase you like that?" asked the village elder.
"I don't know," she lied.

Gizmo sat thoughtfully, as he was wont to do lately, and stared the table in front of him. On it was an inkwell, a feather, and several leaves of paper. At the top of the paper read, "The Further Adventures of the Bards," but the truth was that Bards had no further adventures.
"Hmmph. Perhaps Adventure herself will visit me, the Muse of the Ages, and bring me SOME sort of chapter to put into my books," he said. "...That was a good line. I've got to write it down."
Just then, there came a knock at the door. The Lady, reclining in a nearby room, glided across the floor to the door, and opened it. Outside stood Scheaun, armored for battle and sword drawn.
"'Sup, Bro... oke? River? Lady? How are ya?" he fumbled, expecting Gizmo.
"Good! Come in," she replied. Gizmo got up from his usual seat and joined his old friend in his den.
"What brings you my way?" he asked.
"I've just come from Robert's Dale. Apparently, some giant was causing chaos by chasing some old lady around."
"That's terrible... I guess?" replied the Lady. She looked to Gizmo for support, and he shrugged in agreement with her indecision.
"She could have deserved it," Gizmo pointed out.
"It doesn't appear that way. I got in touch with Badger and Scott, and they're open to helping us out."
"Seeing as it's almost sundown, it would be rude for me not to invite for the night. We can set out tomorrow."
"Absolutely," answered Scheaun. "Thanks."

The next day, the three met the two in King Carl's Square, the public area just outside the castle. It is the busiest street in all of Bamah, and was only recently named for the late sovereign.
"Hey guys! How are you?" asked Badger. "Where's Schaff and Dumon? Or Paddy or Holden?"
"I never got to them, well, I got to Holden. He said he would tell the others, and that they would arrive if they could," answered Scheaun.
"Cool," answered Scott, and off they rode. The five horses made the normally longer trip in a much shorter time frame. They approached the village and were greeted by its elder. He was a crumbly old man, dressed in a dark green and wearing an odd golden chain around his neck.
"Ahh, the Bards! Heroes of Bamah time and again! Welcome back to our humble town," he cried. "How may we help you?"
"You know exactly why we're here," growled Scheaun. The elder looked horrified. Suddenly, Scheaun broke into a hearty laugh. The other, rightly confused Bards watched as he dismounted and hugged the old man. "Enday! So good to see you!" The old man's frown was quickly replaced by a chuckling smile.
The student and his former mentor walked off as the other Bards dismounted and decided to visit their good friends, the Begharts.
"Scheaun, my boy, how are you?" asked Enday.
"Good, Doctor, good. I see you are the same. But, first, tell me about this woman."
"She was nasty-looking at first glance. She tore through the middle of town, afraid for her life, and blamelessly too. The ogre of a man nearly caught her up several times, but our finest leaders warded him off."
"Nasty-looking how?"
"Sickly grey hair... cold green eyes... tattered clothes. We have no idea where she is from, either."
By a strange stroke of luck, the woman in question was taken in by the Begharts. The other four Bards entered as she was finishing her evening meal. She sat at a table opposite the doorway and watched them enter, at first with curiosity, then dread and recognition, followed by malevolence, then sadness.
"My word, the Bards? I am not worthy of such attention," she said.
"Are you sure?" asked Gizmo. He was the first in the door, and he saw every emotion pass through her face.
"But of course! I am just an old country hermit! What could I have done?"
"You tell us," said Scott. Badger cut him a threatening but curious glance, as if to say, "Stop it. Whatever you're doing. What are you doing? Never mind, I don't care. Just stop."
"Well, I don't quite know! You should ask that treacherous giant!"
"Do you know where he is?" Asked Scott.
"No, just the direction. He ran off into the forests beyond the plains."
"Thank you," said Gizmo, and he left her alone, as one by one, each of the four followed him into the Begharts' kitchen. 
"You smell it too? She reeks of lies," Gizmo told Scott, who nodded.

As the Bards began to prepare for sleep, they compared notes.
"The woman herself has something to hide," Scott told Scheaun.
"Whatever it is, she is hiding it well. She has said nothing to any of the townsfolk. They don't even know her name," he replied.
Gizmo, who had been staring off into the night sky, suddenly turned to them.
"Whatever it is, the giant obviously wants it... or her. This happened when, four days ago? I am honestly surprised he hasn't come back yet. We may be here at the most opportune moment. There is nothing we can do tonight, that is, unless the giant pays us a visit."
He didn't. The next morning came and went, as did the next. The Bards remained in the village and agreed to one more day before setting up an alarm system. However, it was not to be. Exactly one week after the incident, around noon, the giant returned. Young children playing on the outskirts of the village spotted him, and ran to the Begharts'. The Bards leapt into action. The giant shook the ground as he came within striking distance.
"Stay back, you malevolent beast! You have no further business here!" threatened Gizmo.
"ARRGH!" came the reply. Needless to say, the giant did not stay back. His eyes were green with a glowing gloss, and his veins protruded in a nasty manner. The Bards leapt into action. Badger fired an arrow into the giant's left shoulder, while Gizmo cut his right ankle. The behemoth fell, and Scott restrained him with a bit of magic. However, the brute grew in strength. The veins pulsed more rapidly, and the giant stood. The old woman hid behind the Lady, but the giant lumbered over to her. Just then, Schaff and Dumon rode in. Schaff drew his sword, dashing into the way, but the beast swung, sending him flying across the village.
"NO!" yelled Dumon, and she and the Lady took off after him. The beast, meanwhile, grabbed the woman, threw her over his back, and ran off into the forest. Badger and Scheaun tossed arrow after arrow at him, but to no avail. 
"Is he okay?" asked Scott.
"Yeah, just bruised," Schaff replied.
"I really doubt that we've seen the end of him," muttered Gizmo.
"Where were you guys?"asked Badger.
"Evidently some royal visitor is coming to Bamah. I don't know who she is, but she sounds important," answered Dumon.
"Yeah, that's why Paddy and Holden aren't here," Schaff concurred. "They're in Ni Aps, making sure she gets here in one piece."
"You should get back to Bamah, then," said Scheaun. "I think the five of us can handle the investigation."
"Yeah, but, could we wait for tomorrow?" asked Scott, looking off at the distant sunset. The Bards each mumbled an assent, as the sun dipped beneath the sheets of the horizon.

A Bard Christmas, Part 2

Holden and Odin rambled along the frosty plains, northbound to the Elven King's fortress.
"What is this odd contraption in the middle of your steel sleigh?" asked the bearded king.
"It's a radio. It's supposed to play music, but there aren't any towers to send it to us," Holden replied.
"So, it gathers music from magical towers? Are there creatures who play music in these towers? I assume you can choose which tower to listen to, but, how does it get the music?"
"That... that's basically it."
"Fascinating. What happened to these magical towers?"
"Well, they're not exactly magical, and they don't really even exist yet."
The bearded king looked shocked, then smiled impishly (which is actually an insult to elves; I have a scar on my arm to prove it) as he laughed and said, "Sorcery? I like you."
"Thanks?" laughed Holden, suspiciously.

Meanwhile, the other Bards gathered their weapons and gear.
"What's the quickest way to the castle?" Scott asked Schaff.
"The way we came. We'll have to cross a river, but after that, it's just a small forest."
"All right, then. Does everyone have a ride?" asked Gizmo. He turned to Paddy and Freddy. "Yes? Good. Best of luck, you three. To Bamah!" With that, Scott, Schaff, and Gizmo took off, with their respective passengers in tow.
Paddy and Freddy mounted their horses in the windy squall. Le'ash approached them and said, "Your horses aren't gonna catch that truck." Her eyes faded white, like the snow falling around her.
"Then, what do you suggest?" asked Paddy. Suddenly, a strong breeze blew from the opposite direction. The three and their horses were caught in a tornado-like whirlwind that took them high into the sky. Le'ash guided herself onto Freddy's horse, and as they righted themselves, the wind sent them flying towards the Northern Elven Kingdom.
"That sounds like a good idea to me," yelled Paddy to his counterparts, "I never would have thought of this."

Odin leaned back in his seat, dozing off to the hum of the truck's engine. He was this close to slumber, when Holden slammed on the brakes, forcing the truck to a sudden stop (which is not easy, if you've ever driven a large truck.)
"Whoa! What's this?" cried King Krampus. "Why have we stopped?"
"That," said Holden, pointing to a large black line on the horizon. It was an army of
"TROLLS!" interrupted the king. (I was getting to that. Rude.)
The long black train was speckled with sparks of orange flame, as they marched on the distant city.
"Trolls!? In Hiemalia Ventorum? This hasn't happened in ages!" he stammered. "Why are we sitting here? Get to my palace, NOW!!!"
Holden floored it. As they approached the outer walls, the armies noticed the dark orange spot on the horizon, moving faster than them.
"Wha' is tha'?" cried a troll sergeant.
"Iss a... a... ah dunno. A flaming... wha'ever ih tis, geh tit!" yelled the field general.
Holden noticed that the trolls were both headed for him and not protected from their rear. He sped around the large army, slid into a turn, and bowled half of the troop over.
"What are you do--woah! Hahaha!" laughed Odin, as he realized what was happening as Holden slaughtered the trolls.
Just then, Le'ash, Freddy, and Paddy flew in. Paddy drew his bow and took out the trolls that Holden missed (which were not many.) They landed next to the truck.
"This is going to happen in Bamah, also. We need your help to defend the town; Schaff's armies aren't ready," pleaded Freddy to the Elven King.
"Fine. I see what what must be done. For your sakes, I will bring my armies, but I simply MUST return this child to safety!" Replied Odin, as he snatched up the young animal from the bed of Holden's truck.
"I was totally gonna ask him that! Word-snatcher!" snapped Paddy. "Aww, just kidding."
Not too long after, the King rode out to the Bards on his gleaming white stallion.
"Are we ready?" he asked.
"We won't make it there in time!" said Holden.
"Nonsense! General? To Bamah!" Then, a large squadron of elves on horseback marched out of the city in rows. As each row came out of the city, it took to the skies, flying in grids toward the kingdom of men. Odin looked at the Bards and held his palm out to them. He raised his hand, and they lifted off the ground. Together, they all flew to Bamah.

Before Scott could bring his steed to a halt, Badger leapt into the air, drew an arrow, and placed it between a troll's eyes. Tumbling to the ground, she stood and took out several trolls before they knew she was there. Then, Schaff and Gizmo rode in on either side, wielding swords, and taking out trolls like 15-year-old rednecks take out mailboxes whenever they're bored. The six Bards met in the center of the troll band, climbed down from their horses, and drew their weapons. Schaff, Gizmo, and Scott took off, forming a front line, as Dumon and Badger tossed arrows over their heads. The Lady, realizing that she had not yet truly taken part in combat, stepped back and looked around. She thought to herself, "What exactly can the Princess of Water Nymphs do on land?" She smiled as she spotted icicles hanging from a tree.
As Gizmo took out troll after troll, he felt himself surrounded by the enemy and losing hope fast. Then, as he turned to take out a troll behind him, he attacking foe was impaled by a frozen sword. The troll fell, revealing The Lady, armed with the aforementioned sword. The two shared a smile and a glance, before she yelled, "duck!" Gizmo obeyed, and the Lady swung, even though she was a couple of yards away. The blade lengthened until the frost itself detached from the blade; and icicle flew through the air like a dart, splitting the troll's skull.
Schaff finished off his last foe and looked to Scott, who did likewise.
"We're still too far from the castle. I like this flanking idea, but we need to move, even if the elves don't make it there first," Schaff told Gizmo.
"I know. Let's ride!" he replied, as the six mounted their horses.
"Allons-y!" laughed Badger.

The six approached the southern gate of the wall surrounding the city. It was wide open, and obvious signs of battle littered the streets. They looked ahead, at the open square in front of the castle, and saw a fierce battle between, man, elf, and troll. The elves had arrived on time! Laughing victoriously, the Bards rode into the back of the battle.
The battle was fierce, unlike anything this side of Middle-Earth. Not a troll was spared who did not flee for his life, and the cause was victorious. Several, but not many, men and elves died that day, but they were honored as all heroes are. The Bards, bloodied but vigilant, celebrated. Odin Krampus and King Schaff exchanged thanks and renewed the alliance between the two kingdoms--neither would be bothered by trolls again, but as no one can see the future, they prepared for it.
Later that day, the Bards gathered for dinner, and shared laughs about the day's events.
"This is one of those stories you should write down, Gizmo!" said Dumon.
"Yeah! I know you've gathered the others, but you should make this one special!" replied Freddy.
"Wait... what stories?" asked Le'ash.
Gizmo smiled. "They haven't told you, have they?"

The old man's eyes were closed, but his smile was the same as it was that day. As he was flooded with beautiful memories, his daughter kept him from falling asleep.
"Dad?" she whispered. "Dad? The kids are asleep."
"Oh! Yes, well. You know me. Stories always come to an end, and I must see them through," he replied as he got up from his chair.
"That you always have. Are you coming downstairs?"
"Why, yes. I want another mug of cider!" The old man took his time leaving. He smiled as he watched his grandchildren dreaming, and he slowly closed the door behind him.

A Bard Christmas, Part 1

The old man sat by the fire, snoring comfortably as he dreamed of an endless fountain of hot cider. He was wrapped in a red and green knit blanket and lay sideways on the sofa, mouth agape with his own unconsciousness.
Suddenly, the door behind him flew open, and in ran three loud young children, followed by their mother and a strong gust of icy wind.
"Shhh! Quiet! Grandpa's sleeping!" she whispered. (The mother, not the wind, although if the wind should whisper to you, you should listen.)
"No, too late. I'm long past any point of returning to sleep," called the grandfather. "Is it bedtime yet?" He somewhat waddled into the kitchen where the mother stood, pouring a mug of cider.
"Yes, dad. Would you mind? They love your stories."
"Seems to me you aren't the only one to do that anymore," he replied. He turned to the stairs and began to climb them. He paused for a moment, deep in thought, but continued up the carpeted slope.

"Where did we leave off? Hmm?" the old man asked his grandchildren.
"The weasel! The weasel!" cried the youngest, whose farthest memory was the tales from the summer before.
"Yeah! The weasel guy showed up, and Gizmo wrote all those stories down!" yelled his grandson, dramatically portraying each event as he mentioned it.
"Ahh yes!" remembered the old man. "Well, you see, the Bards themselves moved on. I'm not entirely sure how, but I do remember one specific instance when they came together again."

It was a snowy night, much like the one that the old man slept through. In fact, it was EXACTLY like that night; it makes for a more dramatic transition, an easier visualization, and a more sinister intro. If this were a movie, I would take the camera out their window, fade in the logo, and fade in the dark shadow on the right.
This dark shadow was a walking figure. Huddled in a dark green cloak, he (or she, for all you know) struggled through the ankle-deep snow. He (or she) was blinded by the swirling winds around him, and bitter cold lined his bearded face (so yes, it is a "he." Or, a very ugly "she." But it's my story, so it's a "he.") In front of him, a cabin in the woods (true story) became a beacon of hope, a lighthouse to guide him to shelter. As he approached the door, he began to black out. Before he knew it, he made it to the hut. The door opened, and several pairs of hands helped him get to the fire. Removing his cloak and boots, they sat him down in a highback chair with a tub of warm water at his feet. A soft cry came from his cloak, and the hosts found a small fawn there. Only, this wasn't so much a deer as it was a caribou. Everyone, save the bearded hero, was surprised and crowded around; in fact, the bearded man smiled. Paddy, whose home the two intruded upon, burst out, "So why ya got a caribou?"
The others in the cottage stood and looked at the highback chair. Gizmo, Freddy, Holden, and The Lady of the River (as well as the Lady's right-hand maiden, a river nymph who left the palace as soon as she found that her long-lost friend was alive... such a huge back story.) who had all four gathered at Paddy for the solstice, pondered who this strange man must be. The man met their puzzled faces.
"I am Odin Krampus, King of the Northern Elves," he said. "This is the last of the magic caribou who roamed our  domain. Her parents are dead, and I must return her to Hiemalia Ventorum, the capital of my kingdom. If you will, I wish to stay the night."
"Of course," said Paddy. "There's plenty of room, and food too. We're all here for the solstice."
"My thanks," replied Odin.
The night went on as the Bards had planned. Gizmo sang a few high-spirited tunes, and there was, as Paddy had said, plenty of food. None left hungry, even the fawn. The group exchanged handmade gifts, and all had a jolly time.

The next day, Odin packed to leave. Paddy and Holden approached him.
"Are you headed north?" asked Holden.
"Yes, I must leave now to make it by sundown."
"Oh, I wish you could have stayed a day longer," replied Paddy. "We're lighting candles and filling socks with candy."
"That sounds dreadful," said Odin.
"It is," replied Paddy.
"Could I come with you?" asked Holden.
"Can you leave now?"
"Well, no. Wait, yes. We can take my car. I traded it in for a giant 4x4 truck."
"That's actually a great idea. I planned on taking this long journey which, in and of itself, would have taken 10, 12 hours. And that's not even the director's cut."
"I see what you did there," joked Holden.
The two climbed into Holden's large truck. They took off to the north.

Later in the day, Schaff and Dumon arrived at Paddy's home, to continue the fun of sock-filling and candle-lighting (Gizmo used up half the box of flints just lighting them) but Schaff was enthralled by the story of Odin. "So he just had, this, gazelle, I mean fawn, I mean, caribou-thing?"
"Yeah," replied Paddy. "It was definitely a thing."
"I used to hear about these things when I was little. My dad loved the elves. Both kingdoms were invaded by trolls, at two different times, so they helped each other defeat them. It was those magic caribou that really helped. They can fly AND talk. They're like, people, birds, and deer. All in one."

The last two to join the party, Badger and Scott, did not arrive to have fun.
"Schaff! Trolls have been spotted heading toward the castle!" cried Badger, throwing the door open.
"What!?"
"The armies are far from ready; our only hope is for us to get there and defend it ourselves!"
"No, it's not," replied Gizmo. "Someone could head north, and get those elves. Paddy, why not take Freddy? Seeing as you gave Odin shelter, and since there is good will between both kingdoms, call it a favor?"
"Right," said Badger. "The rest of us could head south."
The Lady's maiden, Le'ash, offered to go with Freddy, and it was decided then.
"Just like old times," commented Gizmo, as he pulled his brilliant, gleaming sword from his hilt.

But Wait, There's More...

When Kawan had seemingly won, and Gizmo and the Lady ran off to bring back Badger, the story took an odd turn of events. Scott, Badger's beau, and Dumon, left Bamah to tell Mama Sinkus, Karli, and Kati the bad news. Badger was, at this point, dead.


Scott figured that telling the sisters first would be less of a challenge than breaking a mother's heart, so upon arriving at Fort Ni Aps, The two sought out Kati and Karli. They did find Karli, but evidently Kati was with Mama Sinkus.
"Oh. Ok then, we'll all go there," said Scott.
"Why?"
"We have bad news for... all three of you," said Dumon. She held back a cry that Scott could not.
"What... happened?" asked Karli, but by the time she said that, it was clear.


The three wept for what seemed an eternity, but they grew stronger for it. The next day, they set off for Mama Sinkus' home. Before they left Fort Ni Aps, a hooded stranger stopped them.
"It is not smart for you to return to Bamah," he said.
"It is not smart for you to stand in our way," retorted Scott. "You DO know who we are...?"
"Yes, and I still advise against your return."
"Then let come what dangers that may." With that, the three rode past him.


Before the three got to Mama Sinkus' house, the three were again stopped by a hooded stranger. However, this one was slightly different than the first.
"You shouldn't be here..."
"Why not?" barked Karli.
"Kawan wants your heads."
"He can come get them from us," retorted Dumon.


Not long after, Scott, Dumon, and Karli were advancing up the steps of Mama Sinkus's house. Kati, smiling brighter than the sun, ran out to meet them.
"You're just in time!"
"For what?" was all Scott could stammer, before being yanked inside by the beyond jubilous sister.
Inside, his heart leapt at what could only be described as a miracle. The three travelers were face-to-face with the remaining Bards, Holden, Paddy, Schaff, Gizmo, and Badger. Scott and Badger embraced like the estranged lovers they were, and immediately Badger went from him to Dumon, and then to Karli.
"What... how?" said Scott, dumbfounded. Badger then recounted the entire tale, with sound effects added in by Paddy and Schaff. The reunion was more joyful than anyone could imagine.


Just then, the two hooded strangers walked in. Removing their hoods, their faces showed wonder and confusion.
"But... Kawan... and--"
"--and you were dead--"
"--but how?"
"Hold on. First of all, who are you?" inquired Gizmo.
"I'm Clarence," said Clarence.
"And I'm Wesel," said Wesel.
"We've been following the three of you, trying to warn you about Kawan..."
"He... You were all in prison," said Wesel.
"I refuse to tell this entire tale AGAIN," said Badger angrily.
"Why don't I just write down everything that happened, just for you two?" asked Gizmo. "Like, everything, from that time we fought the dragon, till now?"
The group thought.
"That way, we can actually tell EVERYONE!" said Paddy.
"everyone...?" echoed Dumon.
"Yeah, that's not a bad idea," said Scott.


"Thus, the Tales of the Bards were born," said the elderly man. "Gizmo made sure everyone knew every detail of ALL the stories, and the Bards lived on, forever after."
"But, Grand-daddy, you didn't say 'happily forever after'," remarked one of his starry-eyed children.
"I know. But, you're not ALWAYS happy, are you?"
"Well, no..."
"They weren't always happy, either. But, they had each other, and when they were together, that was when they were happiest. Now, I believe it's time for all of you to go to sleep. Dreams, my boys and girls, are the stories we make when we cannot live our own."

The Wrath of Kawan

Badger was dead. The Bards were broken.


Kawan was King of Bamah. He imposed law that made the Bards fugitives, and had them locked up in the dungeons that Schaff had never seen. Paddy, Holden, Schaff, Scheaun, and Freddy were in a single cell: they were alone but together. Gizmo had not been seen or heard from since That Day. Badger was dead. The Bards were broken.


Gizmo and the Lady sought refuge with Jacob Corona, as they had heard of the Bards' plight. The Day After That Day, the two had found the Queen of the Trees.
"Mother! We need your help!" cried the Lady.
"You were looking for it, my dear. How can I be of service?"
"A friend of mine is dead, and the other friends of mine are being torn apart because of it," said Gizmo.
The Queen smiled. "Your friend is dead, but I can bring her back. Because of your friend's heroism, I doubt Abram and Sarai will have a problem with it."
A river flowed from nowhere, just beside them. Two dolphins swam up to the three, and stood. As they stood, they took their true form. They became Abram and Sarai.
"My son," boomed Abram, "Your selflessness and bravery will be rewarded--as will your friends'. As you have requested, Badger will be returned to you at the time you need it most--soon."
Sarai nodded. "She will find you, so keep on the lookout. Do not go searching for her. She will be a spirit-clone, but she will be Badger." The two disappeared.
"Good luck, sweetie," said the Queen, as she returned to the trees. "Defeat the Dark One."
Gizmo and the Lady then saw Jacob Corona, not far from them. Normally odd, he was resolute.
"You guys need somewhere to stay? Besides the dungeon, of course. Your friends are there, but it's kinda cold."


Gizmo sat by the fire in Jacob's fireplace. He strummed on an old lyre, and the Lady listened intently. He sang a mournful song, but transitioned into an uplifting one at the bridge. It was the most beautiful piece Gizmo ever sang. Just then, two dark figures approached. Jacob Corona, stepping into the light, said, "We have company." It was Badger. Gizmo smiled.
"Let us destroy the Dark One... tomorrow."


The three--Gizmo, the Lady, and Badger--wandered into town. The Lady and Badger, cloaked, led Gizmo to the castle in chains. Badger stopped at the gate.
"I have the one called Gizmo! Where is my reward?" screamed the Lady.
"Lead him this way," called Qarsinn, as he opened the gates. The four traveled to the dungeon, where Badger disrobed the cloak and ran Qarsinn through with her sword.
"Did you miss me? I didn't miss you."
"Okay, enough," said Gizmo as he was unchained. "I'll go find Kawan. You two free the others."
Gizmo made his way to King Carl's old room. He threw open the door to find Kawan already dressed for combat.
"You have returned," he growled. "Gizmo the Bard. I've heard of you. You're not that great. Brave, for sure, strong, courageous, the whole nine yards. But you are not very smart. You shouldn't have come back."
"Well, so goes for Badger, but I hate that for you too. Wait... no, I don't."
"She's... alive...? HOW???" Kawan screamed.
"My girlfriend's a goddess. Literally."


The Lady grabbed Qarsinn's keys. Badger, running in front of the Lady, killed the evil guards Kawan installed. They vanished as she struck them, turning into a red mist. The two finally found the Bards, whose cell was the only one inhabited in the entire complex. Badger slung the jail door wide.
"Lift up your faces, you broken heroes. Today comes vengeance. Now is the time for your bravery! I'm back!" The Bards looked up in astonishment. Badger's speech and presence lifted their hopes.
Releasing her friends from their chains, Badger led the six to the castle armory. There, she found her old sword, stolen by Qarsinn on That Day. She handed it to Schaff.
"You're gonna need this."


Gizmo and Kawan stood in the middle of the room. Kawan was still stunned, but his anger presided over his surprise.
"No! You lie! I killed her. This cannot be happening! The prophecy!" he fumed.
"How did the end of that prophecy read, exactly?" remarked Gizmo.
"I will kill you!"
The two fought. Gizmo grabbed a shield from the wall, and dodged every blow confidently. Gizmo, who had collected his wits, easily beat the desperate villain. Gizmo had Kawan by the throat, but refused to kill him.
"This is not my fight," he said.


Schaff flew up the stairs faster than anyone before him. He reached the top and saw Gizmo with Kawan in his hand.
"Finish him!" cried Schaff.
"I was about to say the same thing."
Schaff smiled. "I appreciate that. But, revenge isn't always the answer."
Gizmo dropped Kawan and began to leave the room. Kawan immediately jumped, grabbed his sword, and leaped at Gizmo. Gizmo turned, and at the same moment, both Gizmo and Schaff lunged at Kawan, running him through together. Kawan was dead.


Badger was not.


However, the Bards were still broken. Little changed from That Day, despite their enormous victory. They were unified once more, knowing that they would never be alone, but they knew that they would not always be together, either. Abram and Sarai came to the group after they all met at King Carl's room.
"Such is life, my children," said Abram. "You must take peace in that you won't always be together. That is the other side of things."
"Yes. Abram is right," concurred Sarai. "You will never be alone. However, you must learn to stand strong apart from the group."
The Bards saw the truth in this, even though they resisted it. They grew together, and as Abram and Sarai told them, they eventually separated. However, the Bards together lived on as legends. They never forgot each other, stayed in touch, and remembered everything, but fate was fate. The Bards were never broken again.

What the Bards Found at Koma

The day after King Carl's death, the Bards met at Holden's house to discuss everything. It was clear that  Schaff wanted revenge for his father's death; each Bard agreed to support him in that effort. Badger, reminded of the bounty on Kawan's head and her actions toward that end, hid her past. She felt it better to not say anything; it would neither help nor hurt. Holden brought up an important fact.
"We have absolutely no idea how to find him, though."
Everyone in the room shared looks with each other and with the table. Then, Gizmo spoke up.
"I may know someone. He and I go back a long time, but he's an excellent warrior. He taught me to track, and might just be the best there is."
"Ok. You do that, and we'll go find out more about Kawan's people," replied Schaff. "That may help us when we finally meet."
Gizmo left Holden's to find Scheaun (That is another story.)
The other Bards gathered their gear and traveled to Koma. It was not on any map that Schaff had seen, but was located in an old book--an atlas--the oldest book in the kingdom's library.


The Bards--Badger, Schaff, Holden, Dumon, Paddy, and Scott--arrived in Koma, the home of Kawan's people. It was an old set of ruins, rugged green landscapes littered with large grey stones. The shadows hid the locals from the strange outsiders. No one made themselves seen, much less any help. The large boulders were carved so that they were hospitable inside. Despite the random placement of the stones, a large structure stood proudly at the center of the ruins. The Bards approached it.
The building itself was a marvel. Like a temple, it stood thin and very tall. Several steps led up to an open doorway, which was wide, but narrowed to a point at the top. An overhang above the door was large enough for someone to stand.
The Bards climbed the steps. The ghostly silence penetrated the hearts of the heroes, and they were quiet themselves. Entering the stone temple, they found a long, dark room with a giant altar at the far end. A hooded figure rose from his kneeling position by the altar.
"You've arrived," uttered a familiar voice. "He said you'd come."
The figure turned. The man looked exactly like Qabel, but with a moustache and long goatee. The Bards, stunned, stopped.
"Are you...?" stammered Schaff.
"Qabel is my brother," the evil man smirked. "He is helping your new king move in."
Schaff started. "You don't mean..."
"Yes. Your father took his kingdom; now he is taking your fathers'. He is brilliant, isn't he? Kawan knew you'd come, so he swept behind you to take Bamah. Kawan is the ruler of Bamah."
Paddy turned, and saw Kawan atop the steps. "Guys..."
"Now then. Badger, we have unfinished business. Draw your sword and fight me. But first, Qarsinn, take them outside," he said.
A red light glowed from the little light that was in the room, and from Qarsinn, the evil priest, himself. His eyes caught fire and he floated toward the Bards. The group exited the room, but Schaff stopped.
"I won't let you fight alone," he said.
"Schaff, this is my fight. I was hired to kill him a long time ago. I didn't tell you because this is bigger than any one of us. If I die, it is your fight."
Qarsinn shoved Schaff out of the room. As soon as everyone was outside, the doors slammed shut.


Badger drew her sword and Kawan followed suit.
"Who hired you?" asked Kawan, in an eerily calm tone.
"I don't know," she replied.
"I do."
"Who?"
"The man that just separated you from your friends. Qabel is actually dead. Qarsinn is a spirit-clone. Of the many things that the mighty Komaan, the god we worship... you know him as Chadde... taught me, the science of cloning is the best." He put down his sword, for Badger was piqued by his words.
"It's actually pretty simple. If you're faithful, he will do anything for you."
Kawan pulled a cord beside the altar. A ceiling-high curtain fell to reveal a tapestry of the same height. On it was the visage of Chadde.
"We killed him."
"That you did, which is why I've come. Vengeance is everything! Don't you see?" Kawan picked up his sword again.
Badger, angry, lunged at Kawan. He defended that first shot, turned, and struck her leg. She lunged again, and the two exchanged several shots. Then, Badger forced his sword down. Stepping on the flat blade, she jumped, turned, and cut his face. Kawan sliced at her, and cut her across her stomach. Another series of parries led the two up a set of stairs, and onto the platform above the door; they were in view of the whole group. Kawan spun Badger's hand so that she lost her sword, and stabbed her through her middle. She fell to her knees, and over. The doors flew open, and the Bards, led by Schaff, immediately ran to her side. Kawan left for the castle in Bamah. When the Bards reached the spot where Badger died, they only found Kawan's sword. Confused but emotionally drained, Schaff and Scott dropped to their knees and sobbed. The other Bards began to cry also.


The Bards silently returned to Dumon's Flat. Gizmo, with the Lady and Scheaun, arrived, only to see a teary Scott and Schaff being comforted by the other Bards. Fox, Kat, and Haley were there, but upon hearing the news, Fox and Kat left, never to be heard from again. They "did not want any part of this violence," and no one denied their logic. Unfortunately, Haley felt the same way, despite her love for Holden. She eventually left, as well.
Dumon was afraid. She had begun to feel for Schaff the way she felt for Paddy. They separated themselves from each other, but not from the group itself. The Bards were falling apart.


EPILOGUE
Gizmo took the Lady outside and told her, "I'm sorry I got you into this. This is dangerous work, and our world will never be the same."
"As far as I'm concerned," she replied, "I was involved from the beginning. Have you heard of spirit-clones?" She, a deity in herself, knew about the Triad of Abram, Sarah, and Chadde, the story, and the victory of the Bards. She also knew everything else there was to know about the Triad. "I will talk to my mom and dad. We'll see what they can do." Gizmo smiled and embraced her. The two snuck off to see the Queen of the Trees.

The Lady of the River

Growing up in Bamah, one of Gizmo's favorite comrades was another boy named Scheaun. Together, they fought monsters, dragons, and creatures beyond that of other children's imaginations. One time, Gizmo was running through the forest. Scheaun bet Gizmo that he could find him, no matter where he went, so Gizmo traveled to the only place he knew he could hide. He found a clearing in a deep forest, on the Bamah River. A small pool formed where the river turned; a large, hollow tree root formed a bay  so that anyone who was small enough could climb in, hide, and not be seen. Gizmo waited there, watching the path he came by. Then, Scheaun climbed up behind him.
"Whatcha lookin for?"
A stunned Gizmo made Scheaun smile. The two backed out, and Scheaun began to explain how he found Gizmo. They practiced their tracking and combat every day, until once, it began raining. The two were at Gizmo's father, now known as the Knight of Bamah's, house, when Scheaun's parents entered. The two boys were "trained" in reading people's emotions, and it was obvious that the parents came with bad news. The nomadic village elders were banishing them for some reason, unknown to the two at the time; nevertheless, the family was moving to theother side of the River Bamah. It was for this reason that Gizmo's father, later Head Elder, removed the council from power.
The news was heartbreaking to the boys, but they knew somehow that they would meet again.


The day after King Carl's death, the Bards met at Holden's house to discuss everything. It was clear that  Schaff wanted revenge for his father's death; each Bard agreed to support him in that effort. Badger, reminded of the bounty on Kawan's head and her actions toward that end, hid her past. She felt it better to not say anything; it would neither help nor hurt. Holden brought up an important fact.
"We have absolutely no idea how to find him, though."
Everyone in the room shared looks with each other and with the table. Then, Gizmo spoke up.
"I may know someone. He and I go back a long time, but he's an excellent warrior. He taught me to track, and might just be the best there is."
"Ok. You do that, and we'll go find out more about Kawan's people," replied Schaff. "That may help us when we finally meet."
Gizmo left to find Scheaun. He only knew that Scheaun lived on the Bamah River, but he had no idea if Scheaun was even alive, much less where he lived. So, Gizmo traveled to the pool where Scheaun taught him the proper art of tracking. There, he found it just as serene as the first time he had seen it.
Looking around, he saw a flash of light from deeper in the forest. Gizmo followed it, and as he traveled deeper, it began to wobble. Suddenly, Gizmo found himself in a clearing. A stump sat in the middle of the clearing, and tied to it was a lightly-dressed maiden. Her face was covered by a skin pouch, and a single vine tied her hands and feet. Gizmo removed the bag from her head, and found the most dazzling creature he had ever seen. She was a fair-skinned being, with blonde hair that shone like the sun. Gizmo was taken back for a moment, but he cut her loose.
"Thank you," she said, and hugged Gizmo till he could not breathe.
"No problem. Now, uh, could you tell me what exactly happened?"
"I am the Princess of the River, the Lady Bamah. Well, I am basically the river. My dad is the Great Sea up North, and my mother is the Queen of the Trees. They're not together anymore, but it's an odd combination. As for the whole being tied down thing, there's an evil priest who headed this way. He's from the Koma region, and I tried to stop him, but he was really strong."
"What, uh, kinda curse?" Gizmo began to slowly look up.
"Oh. Yeah, that." A giant spider approached from behind the Lady. Gizmo thrust her behind him with one arm and drew his sword with the other. The spider reared up on its hind legs, and slammed at the Bard with its front legs. Gizmo dodged one and sliced through the other. The spider fell over, and without wasting a moment, Gizmo cut through the other front leg, and stabbed the beast through its head.
The Lady again hugged Gizmo, only this time, of fright.
"Thank you, uh..."
"Gizmo," replied Gizmo. The two kissed for a moment, but after that moment, Gizmo was no longer alone. The couple returned to the pool, hand in hand, when The Lady stopped.
"How do you know this place?" she asked.
"My friend and I would explore this place when I was younger. It was my favorite place in the world."
"This is where I was born. I remember a specific little boy running around this place when I was little, too. A second boy came looking for him, but couldn't find him. I pointed the first boy out to him." Gizmo was in shock.
"I think that was me! Err, the first boy!"
"Who was the second?"
Just then, a giant hydra sprang from the river. It swept at Gizmo, who removed one of the two heads. As two replaced the first one, a dark figure flew through the air and removed all three heads at once. The creature fell over, dead. The figure landed in the river not far from the couple, who approached it. The figure turned and smiled.
"Him." said Gizmo.
"Gizmo!" cried Scheaun. The two embraced as only separated friends could.
"I've literally been looking for you!" said Gizmo.
"Really? Well, ya literally found me!"
"Shut up."
"Who is this?"
"The Lady of the River. Basically, the personification of the Bamah River."
The Lady smiled as Gizmo introduced her to his long-lost friend.
"I want to stay with you, but I can't," said the Lady as she hugged Gizmo one last time. "Lady of the River things, you know."
"Oh, yeah. No, I understand," he replied.
"Will you come visit me?"
"Of course." As she walked to the river, it began to reced so that she could not touch it physically. Each step she took was on dry land. She broke down and began to sob. Gizmo rushed to her side and held her tight. Her tears streamed down his shoulder and mixed with the river she could not have.
"It was the priest," was all she could mutter.
Scheaun looked on, and realized one reason why Gizmo needed him.

However, Gizmo soon explained the second reason.
"So you need me to find the man who killed King Carl."
"Yes. And to catch up, of course. It's not meant to be so one-sided."
"I see."
The three began to return to Bamah, when a warm wind began to stir the tree leaves into a whirl. They took the form of a woman, and the Lady ran to her. The two embraced.
"Daughter, you know who removed you from the river, but you know not how. You are no longer one with the River; while still immortal and powerful, you cannot come into contact with the Bamah River ever again," she said. "He is an evil priest, and you two are on the search for him." This was to Gizmo and Scheaun. "He is with the Dark One, and even more darkness is to be feared. You must stop him."
Gizmo and Scheaun exchanged glances, nodded and bowed.
"With all due respect, your highness, the Bards will destroy him." The Queen nodded and the leaves flew away. The three adventurers pressed forward to Bamah.