It was after midnight and the adults were still discussing the matter and asking questions, the same ones for the most part, over and over, phrased differently, but the same basic questions.

Rishmond, Cantor and the group along with the golem Torg had arrived at Rishmond's and Toby's house about a half hour after sundown, late, but not so late that the adults had begun to search for them. Halmond and Beritrude were definitely not pleased, but also not as angry as they could have been. All that changed when the kids introduced them to Torg. The kids were hurriedly separated from the golem, pushed inside the house and the golem left outside on the elevated porch, Halmond positioned himself in the doorway like a guard, keeping the little golem in his sight, as if the kids hadn't already spent significant time with him on their way home. 

Rishmond took the lead and told the story they had all agreed on before leaving the God Denisisie's chamber beneath the sea, how they'd found an odd crystal sticking part way out of the sand just before they were about to head home and how they'd spent over an hour digging the little golem up. Rishmond did his best to make the story believable and the others pitched in here and there, adding details. The adults had to stop them several times to ask for clarification or stop the kids from all speaking at once in their excitement to get the story out and contribute their part.

"So I can talk to it and it can understand me and talk back?" Halmond had asked at one point.

"Yes. His name is Torg," Rishmond had answered.

"You! Torg! What are you and what is your business here!" Halmond sounded a bit put out, maybe even nervous or anxious.  Not something Rishmond or Toby had ever heard in his voice before.

"Hello," Torg spoke for the first time since their arrival at Rishmond's home. "I am Torg, servant of the God Denisisie. My business here is to find my mistress, and in the interest of helping with that goal the Wizard Rishmond and his team have brought me here to find the Wizard Tybour, who Wizard Rishmond believes might be able to help me on my journey to locate Denisisie and the other Gods. It is my understanding you believe them to be gone from this world, but that cannot be true as the Gods have promised to always be there for mortals. Indeed I was buried in the sand on a beach, unable to activate myself and escape. I do not know how I came to be there but I do know that I have been inactive for over 300 turns. I mean you no harm, in fact I can no more do harm to a mortal than I could fly."

Halmond turned in the doorway and met Beritrude's eyes. They exchanged a silent moment before Halmond said, "A servant of the God Denisisie..." His tone was one of near disbelief. Beritrude glanced back at the kids holding one hand out at them in a gesture telling them to wait right where they were. She stepped forward next to Halmond.

"You're here to look for the Gods? Do you know what happened to them?  Where they went?" Beritrude's tone was very serious and her voice quiet and strained. Finding the Gods and bringing them back would be more than she, or anyone, could hope. Life was good for the most part, but most mortals longed for their return.

A few more questions and Torg was allowed into the house and Beritrude offered him a seat and refreshments. Torg was polite in refusing both, explaining that since he was a construct, he didn't need to sit down to be comfortable, nor did he eat or drink or indeed even breathe. Halmond had gone next door to get someone to summon Wizards, especially Tybour. A fast horse and rider were sent to the castle to spread the word and summon Tybour and Ele Walsing among other Wizards. 

Tybour arrived first through a portal opened just above the roof of the house. He entered the room in his usual fashion, full of energy and expecting to be the person in charge. He addressed Rishmond first, congratulating him on his amazing find, without even asking about it or looking at Torg. He threw an arm around Rishmond and pulled him tight against him, squeezing him hard and speaking loudly about how he knew Rishmond to be destined for greatness. He then greeted Cantor, taking her hand and kissing it, making the young girl blush a bright red. He and Halmond exchanged manly soldier greetings, gripping each other's forearm and clapping each other's shoulders like long lost brothers. 

Then Tybour turned his attention to the short, crystal golem. Torg stood in the middle of the little family room, motionless except his head which had followed Tybour's entrance and movement about the room. 

"Torg, this is the First Mage of Malminar, Tybour Insuritor. Tybour, this is Torg." Rishmond felt it appropriate that proper introductions be given.

"Wizard Tybour, it is my honor to meet you," said the little golem in its odd clippy voice. "Wizard Rishmond has spoken highly of you and has indicated that you are the best Wizard to accompany me on my journey to find where the Gods are and return their attention to you mortals."

Tybour seemed momentarily taken aback by the construct's ability to talk. "Yes. Well. Yes. Of course. Did Rishmond tell you the story of the Blessing?" Tybour looked back at Rishmond while bending close to the golem's face. "We're pretty sure the Gods have been locked away from the mortal realm by their own spell. We don't know why or how, but something went wrong when they were trying to rid us of the Demons, and now the Demons remain, albeit behind their barrier, and the Gods are gone from Rit."

Tybour faced the golem again, his face still just a few centimeters from Torg's. "We've been here over 300 turns, while you were buried in sand, I believe?" The last bit was a question directly to the golem. "Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir. It has been over 300 turns and I have been inactive for all that time, from my own internal calculations as well as from what Wizard Rishmond has told me. However, as you say, you have not been personally in contact with any God in your lifetime, and so would not know their dedication and integrity. The Gods do not make mistakes, nor do they lie, ever."

"Hmmm..," Tybour stood, still looking down at Torg. "Then where might they be? Why do they not answer us? Are they just busy?" Tybour didn't sound angry, just curious as if he was asking questions about where a tardy child had been or why it was late. Rishmond was momentarily confused as to why Tybour was being slightly rude to the little golem.

"I cannot answer for the Gods, Wizard Tybour. I can only tell you what I know to be true, and what I believe to be the case until proven otherwise. Time for the Gods passes differently than for mortals, or even myself. I may be near to immortal, but when compared to a God, my life time is short and finite. When compared to a God's, your's is even more so. No offense intended Good Wizard, just fact. What for you and I is 300 turns may be but a blink in the life time of a God. I cannot even guess at the ultimate purpose of a God's actions or what might cause them to cease contact with mortals for such a long period of time, but I am sure there is a purpose and a reason."

"Tybour?"

"Yes, Rishmond?"

"Do you see the flows of magic inside Torg?  And the blob of what looks like obsidian in his head and the silver sparks shooting off in there like tiny fireworks?"

"Yes, of course." Tybour turned to look at Rishmond, an expression of curiosity on his face. "Is that not what everyone sees?"

"No. I can see it, as can Bollen, but none of the rest of us can," he said, gesturing at the rest of his friends.

"Interesting. Halmond? Berti?"

Both Halmond and Beritrude answered that they could not see the flow of magic Rishmond described.

Tybour began to question Torg about himself, what he was made of and other technical magical questions that Torg answered willingly. When Tybour began to ask about how he'd been made however, Torg could not answer as he did not possess that knowledge. He knew when, and explained his purpose as it had been given to him by the God Denisisie, but he could not give details about how he'd been created.

The crowd had quickly outgrown the little house's capacity to hold everyone arriving. Neighbors, Wizards, and scholars all tried to crowd into the family room and it had quickly become apparent they needed to move to a larger place to accommodate everyone who wanted to come see Torg the golem, hear his story and, more often than not, proffer their opinion on what should be done and who should do it.

That's how they ended up at the local meeting hall, at midnight, with dozens of important people milling about, discussing the state of the Gods and what to do about the golem and its business of finding the Gods.

A number of the local families had, some time around 4 hours after sunset, brought food and drink to share among those gathered. Rishmond and Toby were glad to finally be able to sit and eat, both starving by this time, and be thankfully free of people asking questions that had already been answered. They'd brought acradious brew as well and Rishmond watched Tybour pour himself a cup of the hot, dark brew and then add a generous amount of both sugar and cream. Haningway and Halmond took theirs without adding anything and both men teased Tybour about adding things to his cup of brew. Tybour took the ribbing good-naturedly. 

The Mayor of Retinor had shown up only a few minutes after the group had moved to the meeting hall, asking the same questions the local Captain of the Guard had asked just minutes earlier. Both men were of Alteman descent and were quite interested in why Torg's first destination was the Glittergreen mountains of The Reach, but all that Torg and the kids from Rishmond's group could tell them was that Denisisie was to have traveled there to obtain a holfin crystal. The mayor asked for specifics about the size, shape, purity and other details about the crystal, but Torg had no details to offer.

All of the Researchers for the Malminar Council of Wizards showed up at some point during the evening, some were still around now, but others had been sent on errands to get more information or research some specific detail about Torg, Denisisie or any record about what officially might have been said or recorded about the months, weeks and days leading up to the Blessing, searching for clues that may have been overlooked in the last 300 turns, anything that may enable Torg, or anyone else, to determine where the Gods were and how to bring them back to everyday life in the mortal realm.

Torg answered question after question, tirelessly and without any show of frustration at rehashing information already given. Several times during the evening the constant questioning and badgering brought Rishmond very close to losing his cool and telling those interrogating Torg to back off in no uncertain terms. Rishmond managed to keep his cool. By the time they'd moved to the meeting hall, it seemed Torg had convinced Tybour of his trustworthiness and Tybour himself intervened on several occasions when a person would become a bit too excited or irrational asking questions of Torg. After the initial questioning by Halmond, Beritrude and Tybour as to how the gang had found Torg, the entire focus was on Torg and no one asked anything further of Rishmond's and Cantor's group of friends. It appeared their story was accepted as truth.

The questioning had wound down in the last 30 minutes or so and was now more discussions among different groups standing about the fairly large room. Even this large meeting hall was crowded, less now than earlier, when the furor was at its highest. Most of the curious citizenry had gone home, leaving the debating and planning to those paid to do it, their curiosity about a small crystal person created by a God sated for the time being.

Torg stood in the center of the stage at the front of the room, in the same place and stance as he'd stood all evening. Tybour sat next to him, cross-legged on the stage, talking with Torg as he might have done with any other person, what they might be talking about Rishmond had no idea, he was too far away to hear and using an eavesdropping spell with this many Wizards about would surely get him caught. He watched Tybour and Torg talk as if they were old acquaintances. 

Discussion of the journey Torg was about to take had happened early in the evening and Tybour had signed on fairly quickly after hearing Torg talk about Denisisie's planning for her journey and plan for the Blessing. Tybour indicated that he believed this was their best bet since the Blessing to finally find out what had happened and to find a way to return the Gods to the mortal realm. 

Rishmond had worked to convince Hal and Berti he should be allowed to go as well, as the one who found Torg, granted with the help of his friends, but he pointed out that he and Torg had a special bond. Torg supported that, but was not overly convincing to the mortals. Hal and Berti had said no and stuck with it despite Tybour's agreement that Rishmond should go along.

Toby was of no help either, not only did he not want to go, but he agreed that Rishmond shouldn't go, pointing out that there was fishing to be done, school work to complete and the fact that Rishmond was still in the first year of magic training. Rishmond was not at all happy about that.

The adults had also decided that none of the other in the group of kids that had discovered Torg would be eligible to accompany Torg and Tybour on their journey, mostly on the basis of age. When Tybour pointed out to the parents and other Wizards that in the Tribes of Uhl young men underwent their passage to manhood at 13 turns he was argued silent for comparing the uncivilized Tribes to the standards of a civilized society like Malminar. Cantor was the only one of their group to successfully argue to be included in the party that would journey with Torg to the Glittergreen mountains. Her father was reluctant at first, but she was almost of an age to be able to determine her own life anyway and he was glad to see her taking an interest in what he believed to be adult things instead of hanging out with a number of kids from the neighborhood. Tybour accepted her as part of his expedition as soon as her father agreed she could go.

Slowly during the discussions of the evening a group of people had been identified as those that would accompany Tybour and Torg to The Reaches and the Glittergreen Mountains. Haster Unto, the Alteman Captain of the Guard, one of the snake people that dwell in the Glittergreen Mountains would go as a guide and representative of the Altemen. Major Haningway Drak, of course, as the Second in Command of the Phoenix company and Tybour's right hand man would go, as well at most of the Phoenix Company, the Wizards and soldiers commanded by the First Mage of Malminar. VanLief Aerickson had volunteered as well, he was an experienced explorer and a Researcher for the Malminar Council of Wizards and as such was well qualified to be a part of the expedition. It appeared the company was almost complete and Tybour and Haningway would add the last few members before the expedition headed out of Retinor tomorrow afternoon. 

Rishmond left Toby sleeping on one of the wooden benches and stepped up on the stage to approach Tybour. "Hey. Should be a good trip, yes? Did you decide to go by sea or overland?" Not really the question he wanted to ask, but it was the one he could ask.  

"I think we will go by sea to The Reaches to avoid the Salt Marshes. This time of year especially the Salt Marshes would be especially hard to navigate. Might be a storm or two on the sea, but nothing we couldn't handle really. The Merion tribes that might give us problems will likely be more north, near Dragor Island or Iffe, we won't need to go nearly that far north. Still a lot of marching across the wilds of The Reaches, but that shouldn't be too bad and the Altemen  keep the roads in good shape."

Rishmond avoided looking at Tybour so he wouldn't reveal his extreme disappointment at not going with him. It was bad enough he'd cried earlier when pleading his case with Berti in front of Tybour and the Mayor. 

"Rishmond," said Tybour in a quiet, somber voice. "I... you know I.. If I could have convinced Halmond.." He trailed off, carefully not looking at Rishmond. "You know I want you along. If there was anything I could do to get Halmond and Beritrude to change their minds, you know I would do it." Tybour shifted on his stool to face Rishmond. "You can't blame them. They haven't had you around for very long. Just over a turn isn't long enough. Don't blame them. You know they love you. This is a big deal, a real hunt for the Gods, for the first time a real lead and a real chance to find them and bring them back." He stopped, aware that he was making Rishmond feel even worse about missing out on the journey. 

"I know." Rishmond stared down at his shoes and did not turn to face Tybour.  "I know...," he whispered. He didn't blame them, but he certainly wished they saw it as he did. This was a chance to be in the middle of important events, a chance to live up to his friendship with Tybour, a chance to be the man he was certain he would become. The amount of danger was so small. "I know they think this will be dangerous, but it's not. I can feel it. It's just a trip to the Glittergreen mines, people do that all the time. And they don't have the protection I would have, with you, and Haningway and Phoenix Company soldiers. I know they mean well and I don't blame them, but I wish they would see it the way I do."

Torg shuffled up to Rishmond and reached up to touch Rishmond's waist. "Wizard Rishmond, am I to understand you will not be accompanying me to the Glittergreen Mountains?" It occurred to Rishmond that no one had really relayed the plans they were making to the golem, they'd just asked him lots of questions and made their own plans without his direct input.

"That's right Torg. I can't go. My parents, Halmond and Beritrude, who you met earlier, said I can't go. They're not the only ones, but they are the only ones who matter."

"Why do Halmond and Beritrude get to decide what a Wizard of your talent can and cannot do?" Torg sounded curious, wanting to understand the reasoning.

"They are my parents and I am only sixteen turns of age, still considered too young to make my own decisions. And I respect their decisions. They are only trying to look out for me and do the best they can to keep me safe. It's not their fault, they just don't want me to be in danger."

"At what age do you get to make your own decisions about what you can do?" Again Torg just sounded curious, like he was just trying to understand the reasoning of flesh and blood mortals.

"Officially I will be considered an adult when I become 17 turns of age. But that's not for a while yet." Rishmond considered for a moment the fact that Torg, as a golem, must have little experience with mortal traditions and customs, that and being asleep for the last 300 turns, things are bound to have changed in that time. "It's not just about my age. I've also only been here, in Malminar, and living with Hal and Berti for about the last turn. We became a family soon after I arrived here and that makes them a bit more cautious than they might otherwise be."

"I would like to hear more about your arrival here and what your life was like before you came here to be part of a family with Hal and Berti and Toby," he said the nicknames slowly and purposefully, trying them out. "I don't know if that is pertinent to the current issue though. I cannot go on this journey without you, Wizard Rishmond. My mission when Denisisie left was to await...," Torg paused for a brief moment, "...discovery by a Wizard of sufficient strength and skill to waken me. I am then to serve that Wizard until Denisisie ends my service to that Wizard. I will do everything in my power to never be more than one kilometer from you, Wizard Rishmond. If I am, for any reason, taken more than a kilometer from you, or you from me, I will do everything in my considerable power to return to your side."

Tybour stood suddenly from his stool. "Say that again Torg!?"

"Very well. I would like to hear more about your arrival here and what your life was like before you came here to be part of a family with Hal and Berti and Toby, I don't know if..."

Tybour cut him off quickly, "No, not the whole thing. I didn't mean that you should repeat yourself... " Tybour paused for a moment to rephrase. "Explain about not being able to go without Rishmond, about not being able to be separated from him. Why didn't you tell us this earlier?"

"My mistress left specific instructions that are binding. I must serve the Wizard who can waken me until released from that service by the God Denisisie. I did not mention this beforehand because no one asked and no one informed me that Rishmond would not be allowed to go on this journey. I cannot go further than 1 kilometer from Rishmond willingly and, if forced to do so, I will do everything in my power to return to him. It would make completing the journey impossible. Rishmond must accompany me."

"This does throw a wrench in the works. Are you sure there is no way around this?" Tybour suddenly looked at Rishmond. "I mean, not that I want to go without Rishmond either. I don't, you know I want to bring you along, you're my friend and one of the strongest Wizards I have ever met, but if I don't ask, someone else will. Best we know before they do." Tybour's voice had grown quiet, just enough for Rishmond to hear as he stepped next to Rishmond, pulling the golem in with him in a conspiratorial huddle. "Torg?"

"I know of no way around it. I cannot be reprogrammed and though I may be restrained, it seems contrary to the mission to restrain me just to take me along as I will need to be free to investigate and search for my Mistress and the rest of the Gods. Even if you were to restrain me and attempt to take me along without Rishmond, I would do everything I could to escape and return. I dare say I would succeed despite your best efforts."

Rishmond watched Tybour put on the face he always did when in deep thought. Rishmond addressed Torg with his question, "What if I was to order you to go, Torg?" The question was almost a whisper, but even as quiet as it was it brought Tybour out of his thoughts.

Torg looked up at Rishmond in an odd side-tilt of his head. "That will not work. No more than you ordering me to hurt another mortal or yourself, or me letting you be hurt. The Goddess Denisisie is very very smart and has put parameters in place in my behavior to cover all of the eventualities I can think of. I don't know why she insisted that it be the Wizard who wakened me, but you are that one, and I must perform as instructed by my Mistress."

Rishmond and Tybour sighed in relief. 

"Someone is going to want to attempt to change you, or the one you serve by magic," said Tybour. "Can you think of a way that might work, Torg? An illusion spell that makes them look and sound like Rishmond maybe?"

"Wizard Tybour, I very much doubt any Wizard I have met yet could make such a convincing illusion that it would fool me. Golems perceive the world only as it is, not as we wish it, or as others wish it. Illusion requires that the one being deceived want to believe the illusion in at least a small amount."

"Then we need a plan. Do we inform the Wizard Council now?  Or wait as if we know nothing until the ships are out at sea and Torg returns to Rishmond?" Tybour smiled a mischievous grin with only a little malice. He would find it highly amusing to cause a small bit of grief to those who would not listen to him and take his and Rishmond's side.

Rishmond was used to this side of Tybour's personality. He very much disliked to lose, or be contradicted. Being proven right after someone insisting he was wrong was a particularly enjoyable thing for him. Rishmond didn't think it was wise in this case. "That could cause damage to Torg, or maybe to a boat, or get someone hurt. I don't know if I like that idea."

Tybour continued to grin but said, "Yes, I know. You are correct of course. We will have to bring the Council reps back and let them know, as well as Halmond and Beritrude. Plans will have to change." Tybour reached out and ruffled Rishmond's hair. "Looks like it'll be me and you on a quest after all, eh?" His smile grew even bigger and his eyes twinkled as they did before the two of them did anything the Council would not approve of.

"Berti won't like this. Halmond won't be much pleased either and they will surely think this is something you made up, Tybour, just to get your way."

"Not to worry my young friend." Tybour's tone was jolly, excited by the prospect of being proven right as well as embarking on what may well be the greatest adventure in modern times with his best friend. "Our good friend Torg here will set them straight. I am sure we can convince them with his help."

"Haningway!" Tybour called out in that voice that good soldiers have, the one that carries regardless of the conditions and sounds going on around him. 

Haningway looked up from where he was speaking with the Mayor and a Wizard Rishmond knew was VanLief Aericksen, an unassuming man with a mostly bald head ringed by short cropped gray hair, an important Wizard, highly respected by the Crown and the Wizard Council. He saw Tybour and excused himself to move toward the stage at a brisk walk. 

Tybour turned back to Rishmond and Torg. "Let me do the talking unless they ask you direct questions. Torg, when we gather those here back together, you will need to tell them what you just told Rishmond and me. Not the exact same thing, but the intent, about you not being able to be separated from him and why. You understand?"

"Yes, of course," said Torg in his odd flat tone.

"Rishmond, follow my lead and stick to the truth as we know it right now, don't elaborate, let me do that if it needs doing, alright? And try not to look so pleased with the turn of events." Tybour winked at his young friend.

"Alright, I'll do my best, Ty." Rishmond prepared himself, removing the emotion from his face as much as he could.

"Sir?" Haningway arrived at Tybour's side, one eyebrow up, glancing at the little group of three. It appeared he already suspected something was up. Long service with Tybour had taught him to expect the unexpected.

"Gather the Council members still here, and Halmond and Beritrude. Bring them here to the stage." Tybour gestured to the open space before the stage. "There has been a development." He emphasised the word development. 

Haningway's one eyebrow rose even higher and his head tilted a small bit to the left. "Development? Something I should be aware of before I gather people before you?" Haningway's tone was a bit teasing, inferring that Tybour may be placing too much import on this development and that Tybour may have an over inflated opinion of his own importance to summon these others like courtiers to a king.

"You can judge me afterwards and make fun of me all you want after you hear the news, Major." Tybour didn't take the attitude personally, in fact he relied on Haningway to be the sceptic, keeping Tybour's self-importance in check and being the voice of reason in cases where Tybour let his emotions run away from him. Those cases were not infrequent.

Haningway left the stage to speak to the Mayor and others. Almost everyone left in the hall gathered slowly in front of the stage, waiting to hear what Tybour had to say. All of those left in the hall were familiar to some degree with Tybour and his eccentricities so there was an air of disinterested casual curiosity. The crowd was expecting some drama created by Tybour, and experience conditioned them for it to be typical bravado and a last minute ditch to get his way for Rishmond to go with him. Most weren't opposed to the idea but members of the Wizard's Council had long ago agreed that the less time Rishmond and Tybour spent together, the safer it was for everyone. They had a tendency to encourage each other to be reckless.

Once Tybour determined enough of the crowd had gathered and that the others were on their way, he began, "We have just learned, from our new little friend, Torg, that it will be impossible to successfully embark on this journey without Rishmond." A murmur arose from the crowd, mostly derisive mutters of "Tybour, come on.. "

"Torg is under command from the God Denisisie and that command has obligated him to serve the first Wizard that was able to wake him from his long slumber. That Wizard, as you are all aware, is Rishmond. The Goddess has placed rules around his service that cannot be violated and one of those rules is that the two of them cannot be separated by more than a kilometer. Separation will cause Torg to do everything in his power to return to Rishmond to continue his service. That service can only be ended by the Goddess herself, as you know, an impossibility until Denisisie and the other Gods are returned to us."

"Come now, Tybour," said the Mayor in a tone of disbelief. "Do you expect us to believe that? You and Rishmond pushed for his accompanying you right from the beginning and now, suddenly, after all the opportunities the golem had to inform us of this small issue, you find this out when no one else is around? Enough is enough, it was decided that Rishmond would not be going."

"Ask him yourself, Mayor." Tybour stepped to his right, clearing the space in front of Torg so he was clearly visible to everyone gathered there. "Go ahead Torg."

"I have been set this task by my Mistress, the Goddess Denisisie, to serve the first Wizard capable of waking me from my slumber until such a time as I am freed from that service by the Goddess. As part of that service, I must remain within one kilometer of that Wizard and if separated for any reason must use every power at my disposal to return to him to continue my service to him. Only death or the command of my Mistress can end this onus. I see you have cast the magic to detect falsehoods Mr Mayor, so you can clearly see I am not deceiving you in any way."

Rishmond's heart skipped a small beat as he realised the spell the Mayor was using could detect the lie he and his friends had told about where and how they found Torg if anyone were to start asking the wrong questions. He forced his thoughts away from that, it was too late to worry about that now, and it was unlikely they would begin to rehash that story now that they had a new issue to deal with.

"Is there any way around this?" The Wizard VanLief Aericksen asked, his voice calm and matter of fact.

"We asked that as well," said Tybour. "It doesn't appear there is, but please, ask away."

"A kilometer seems an odd distance. Why a kilometer and not something closer for better protection or whatever reason you have to stay near to serve. A servant that is a kilometer away seems mostly useless to me." The short beastman who asked the question appeared to be of the otter clan, the spectacles perched upon his nose gave him an almost comical look to Rishmond, not that he would ever laugh at a Wizard of the Council.

Torg answered the question as best he could, "The distance allows for proper service, such as delivery of goods, retrieval of documents, books, tomes, etc... Without requiring the Wizard to inconvenience himself by traveling to the proximity of such things as might need to be retrieved. A kilometer seems to be the mostly optimal distance within reason. I can move with incredible swiftness when needed, across a variety of terrain, so returning to Rishmond from a kilometer away is not an arduous task. This also allows for me to be proximal to magical experiments that the Wizard would need to be removed from due to the danger inherent to some magical experimenting. I have been assigned this task in the past, service to a Wizard for an amount of time as a favor and this is how the distance was used then and I assume how my Goddess intended it to be used again."

VanLief Aericksen spoke again, "Can Rishmond, as the Wizard you serve," his voice was deep and his speech measured as if he were addressing a large class of student Wizards at the Academy, "order you to disregard the distance limitation? In effect ordering you to go accomplish the search for the Goddess Denisisie without him?"

Torg turned slightly to face ValLeif, "No. I must obey the parameters set upon me by Denisisie first, and that includes the proximity to the Wizard I serve. Rishmond cannot order me to be separate from him by more than a kilometer and an order that would take me outside that perimeter would force me to tell him I cannot accomplish the task due to the proximity limitation, allowing him to adjust the order, adjust his location or cancel the order."

"So, there are other limitations on your service? Can you elucidate, briefly, on what those might be?" VanLief asked as if at a lecture from some other learned Wizard about a new method of finding water, or a new way to create warmth on a cold day.

"Of course. I cannot harm or kill a mortal unless that mortal is intent on harming Rishmond or that mortal is beholden to a Demon. I cannot allow harm to befall Rishmond through my own inaction. I cannot reveal any secrets entrusted to me by the Goddess Denisisie, even if Rishmond were to ask. I cannot follow any order or execute any action that would cause me to violate the tenants placed upon me by my Goddess. You already know the tenant about my being more than one kilometer distant from Rishmond." 

"Good to know. Thank you Torg. I have no further questions for now."

The group gathered in front of the stage began to talk among themselves, discussing the new information and discussing what changes would need to be made to the plans already underway and what, if anything could be done to work around this new requirement that Rishmond go along on the journey. 

Beritrude spoke up from the middle of the crowd, speaking loudly to be heard over the growing noise of discussions, "Ladies and Gentlemen! Everyone!" the individual conversations ground to a halt at her tone. "There appears to be only one solution to this new problem then."

Rishmond's breath caught in his throat and his heart sped up, waiting for Beritrude to finally give permission for Rishmond to go with Tybour.

"The only solution is that this expedition be delayed until Rishmond is old enough to go."

Objections were voiced from all sides as the gathered all strove to make their opinions heard. No one wanted to put off the search for the Gods, already delayed by over 300 turns.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Tybour's magic enhanced voice cut through the crowd, quieting them immediately. "Let's discuss this rationally and calmly. I am sure Beritrude is not seriously suggesting we delay the search."

"Oh but I am, Tybour." She intentionally did not address him as First Mage, using his first name as if she were speaking to Rishmond or Toby about cleaning their room or doing chores. "Three hundred turns and more have the Gods waited for us and we for them, one more will not make a difference. Life continues. Malminar is secure and prosperous. Rishmond is too young for such a mission. And you sir, too reckless by far to be the protector of my son. The small trips I have allowed you to take my son on, against my better judgement," she shot Halmond a slightly scathing look, "were close to home and supervised by those more responsible than yourself. You are indeed a great First Mage and a friend, but you are not a responsible guardian of a young life."

"As much as it hurts for me to hear you say that," Tybour turned on his charm and smiled at Beritrude, knowing that a direct confrontation with her would not win him any points and would likely cost him his victory here. "I cannot argue with your point. What you say is true. I am not a protector of children, I am a commander of soldiers and can be brash and reckless at times. But what if I can guarantee his safety by not pinning that responsibility on myself, but instead on one I know you trust and respect. Would you feel that Rishmond would be safe in the care of Bantore?"

Beritrude paused mid objection to what Tybour was saying. Bantore would be the perfect guardian for Rishmond. Not that he'd likely agree to an expedition with Tybour, the two were not what one would call friends. Bantore and Halmond had served together in the Phoenix Company underTybour's command. Both had left the service for different reasons, Halmond due to the death of his and Berti's son, Pilip, Bantore due to disagreements with Tybour over the brashness of Tybour's actions with the company that did, on occasion, cause excessive death and injury to soldiers under his command. Bantore and Halmond remained the closest of friends and Bantore had, over the last turn, become like an uncle to Rishmond and Toby. 

"Bantore won't agree to come with you. He will agree with me that Rishmond is just too young and that waiting a turn will not make a difference." Beritrude was certain of it. She liked Tybour as a person, but she was not blinded by his charms and was of the firm belief that if he was just told no more often, and not allowed to talk his way into a yes, he would be a better man for it. Things came far too easy to him and he needed to be reminded of his place in the world a bit. 

A commotion at the entry to the hall drew the rooms attention and a small procession entered through the door. An official looking man stepped into the room and loudly announced, "His Majesty, King Egry Malminar!" Several soldiers and Wizards entered next, clearing the way, their bright red armor and robes identifying them immediately as the King's personal guard. King Egry Malminar entered directly behind them, dressed grandly in bright red and yellow. The King was accompanied by a tall beastman with red fur and a fox like face. He was a giant of a man, at least a foot taller than the King, his huge muscular arms swung casually by his sides as his head was bent toward the King, listening to what he was saying. Haningway followed a few steps behind. The entourage continued through the hall, the crowd parting to make way as they made their way to the stairs at the side of the stage and up onto the stage, leaving the guard behind and crossing to Tybour, Rishmond and Torg.

As one everyone in the hall except the King fell to one knee, heads bowed. "Rise my friends. Let us continue this discussion so that we may solidify our plans and get this exciting expedition underway." The King's voice was a pleasant baritone that carried easily through the hall.

"First Mage Tybour and Major Haningway have kept me informed as to the developments so far, to include the most recent." The King looked over at Tybour and Rishmond smiling fondly. He paused for a moment and scrutinized the little crystal golem, the smile leaving his face, an inscrutable look replacing it. He looked back out at those gathered before the stage, the numbers having recently increased by those who followed him here. "I believe I understand the conditions and the issues. Where are Halmond and Beritrude Bar?"

"Here your Majesty." Halmond spoke up from just in front of the stage. Beritrude stood beside him, her arm around Toby, now awake due to the commotion.

"Ah, hello.  Good to meet you. I know this is informal and sudden, but there is a certain importance around this business. And that must be Toby? Yes. Rishmond's little brother. I apologise that for as many times as I have met Rishmond, I was unable to take the time to meet the rest of his family. It looks like circumstances have remedied that for us this evening." He smiled a charming smile, his words and tone sincere. "I wish it were under better conditions."

"I understand, as parents that you are concerned with Rishmond's participation in this journey, and as a parent myself, I sympathise. I also understand, from the First Mage," he paused for just a moment, "that your objection is out of concern for Rishmond's safety. You have some level of doubt about Tybour's complete dedication to Rishmond's safety ahead of all else, and rightly so. Not that Tybour would willingly endanger Rishmond's life, I think most of us are aware of their deep friendship, but Tybour has a single mindedness when it comes to adventure and action that sometimes puts others in danger. Have I summed up your concerns correctly Ms Beritrude?  May I call you Beritrude?"

"Yes your Majesty." Beritrude spoke respectfully but firmly. King or not, she would not let anyone put Rishmond in harm's way if she could help it. "You may of course call me Beritrude, your Highness. I am concerned with Rishmond's safety, as I am certain you are and as is First Mage Tybour. I am just not convinced he can guarantee it, as you say."

"Ah. Then, what about the proposed compromise? That this good man here," he gestured to the large beastman to his right, "accompany them both with the express purpose to safeguard Rishmond to the exclusion of all else? Would that be a fair compromise?"

Beritrude pulled Toby closer to her and turned to Halmond. The two of them bowed their heads together above Toby's and spoke quietly to each other.

"Your Majesty, one man to look after Rishmond when he is under the influence of First Mage Tybour," said Halmond when he and Beritrude looked up from their conversation, "may not be enough. If anyone could do it it would be Bantore, but can we request another as well?"

"By all means Mr Halmond. Who would you request and how do we find them to press them into service?"

Beritrude spoke up before Halmond could say anything, "Illiar. If Illiar went along, then we would feel as if Rishmond would be safe."

"But... I... She can't!" Stuttered Rishmond. "Not her! She'll boss me around... " His voice faded to nothing as he realized he was speaking in front of the King and other important people. His cheeks felt hot and he could feel sweat beading on the back of his neck and forehead. "I'm sorry your Majesty." Rishmond's voice was quiet and forced.

"You're forgiven, Rishmond," the King said, giving Rishmond a look only a dad could give, of understanding and concern tinged with just a hint of amusement.

"Who is Illiar?" the King asked.

Bantore spoke up in a deep, rich voice, his words a bit clipped and measured, "Illiar is my daughter, your Highness. She and Rishmond are well acquainted. They have spent time around each other over the last turn and it is true that Illiar has assumed a big sister role and believes it is part of her duty as such to watch over Rishmond and curb his more reckless inclinations. I agree that having her along will be a great help in keeping Rishmond out of mischief. She will accept this assignment readily."

Rishmond bowed his head, trying to hide his blushing cheeks. He did not want her going along! At the same time he felt his heart race and his palms sweat. This was going to take a lot of the fun out of this trip. 

"Well then. Does that satisfy any and all conditions you have as Rishmond's parents?" The King raised both eyebrows toward Halmond and Beritrude.

"Yes, your Majesty," both said together. Beritrude shot Tybour a look that should have frozen his heart on the spot and he smiled back his most charming smile. Rishmond missed most of what happened in the next few minutes as the thought of Illiar trying to lord it over him for the entire journey occupied his mind. He found her confounding and confusing. She was beautiful, that much was true and she knew it and used it often to get her way. Not with Rishmond, of course, he knew better, but she could convince any of his friends that she was right and he was wrong just because she was charming and beautiful. She always thought she was right and she more often than not got her way somehow. And she made him crazy! He was never sure what to do or feel around her and he knew it was her fault somehow, but he just couldn't figure out why or how.

Rishmond was roused from his pouting by Tybour pulling him aside, away from the others in the room. "Hey. Cheer up." Tybour kept his voice low and quiet. "We're gonna make the most of this journey, don't you worry. Despite the babysitter squad, we are gonna have a great time and, just think how famous you will be when we find the Gods and bring them home."

Rishmond smiled back at Tybour, his mood lifting. If anyone could still make this trip exciting and full of fun and adventure, Tybout could. It wouldn't be the first time the two of them had conspired to have fun despite the obstacles put in their way. Rishmond loved Hal and Berti, and he knew they thought they were doing the right thing, but they were overly concerned. He could take care of himself, and with Tybour, there was nothing they couldn't handle together.