The door to the lobby of Awakening Farms opens with what I believe are three Dwarves. I say this because they are between four and five-foot-tall. A good three-foot wide. Arms, from what I can see under the armor, big as my leg. An extra-large, double-sided hammer with a medium-length handle hanging at each of their sides. No shield. No helmet. Thick neatly braided beards squared off just below the chest. Hair tied back behind their heads, but not long. The one on my left has a birdcage in his right hand. Libelle is standing, holding onto the bars, so as not to get bounced around.

Ava stands as the three walks over to our table. “May I help you officers?”

I stood, as Ava was speaking. I am glad to be on the other side of the table. They are not threatening, but there is no doubt that they are intimidating.

The center dwarf speaks as the other dwarf puts Libelle on the table, cage and all. Not sure if Libelle is pouting or mad. “We thought it best if she came home.” He says.

Libelle is mad. I know that look of ‘she knows her rights’ and as she starts to give him an ear full, the center dwarf shuts her up. “No Swarming!” He commands with his finger up next to the cage. Now she’s pouting.

Looking up to me, the center dwarf sizes me up and asks in a commanding voice. “You Doug?” Without even allowing me to answer, he has already nodded to the dwarf that was carrying Libelle.

Already walking around the table, he pulls out a stone tablet that looks like a larger version of the Identifying Stones I have already seen. Places it on the table in front of me. “Right hand in the center.” He says.

“We have already…” He cuts me off mid-sentence. “Put Your Right Hand In The Center!” Looking at me with no uncertain terms that he will help me if I need assistance.

I put my right hand on the stone tablet. Some little lights trace around the edges. When they stop, he picks up the tablet and faces it towards me. “Say your name.” Waiting for me to reply.

“Doug,” I reply. Lights tracing on the edges of the tablet again.

Walking back to where he was standing beside the other two dwarves, he says. “No warrants. No outstanding fines.” He turns taking his place back in the formation they arrived in.

The center dwarf looks between Ava and me. “Bishop Ramos will be waiting at the Church of the Ever-Living Light. You should head there now. Do you need assistance or directions?” he asks, glancing over at me.

Ava, who has not broken her silence, replies. “I will take him.”

The three turning to leave, the one who was carrying Libelle, reaches up and grabs a handful of the side of the cage. Crushing the tiny wires in his hand. Leaving an opening for her to step through. “Out!” is all he says. She rolls out onto the table, coming to a defiant stand. She glares at them as they leave. The dwarf just wadding up the cage in a little ball, putting it into his pocket. I think she could have just stepped out.

We hadn’t moved, but as soon as the door shuts behind them, Libelle blurts out. “I wasn’t swarming. He’s just mad because I heard them talking.” Turning to Ava and me, she continues. “They are watching the town. The children are still going missing.” There is a moment of silence, as what she said sinks in.

Coming in the front door, Marxist breaks the tension. “I have a wagon ready. Would you prefer to drive, or shall I?”

“You may,” Ava replies. Turning to me. “Go with Marxist, I will be there in a moment.” And heads through the hallway behind the counter.

Libelle went the other direction, as I follow Marxist out the front door. Tianna is standing there on a ledge as we exit. I had thought it was to say goodbye, but she mouthed the word “Lie”, as I pass her by. Guess she knows my name’s not Doug.

Picking up the rest of my things, Marxist helping, Ava joins us fairly quickly. Choosing to sit next to me, Marxist up front driving, she asks as we head out. “Have you been to any of the Churches of the Ever-Living Light?”

“I have not. Anything special about it?” I ask.

“I feel like they are more like a school, where you sit and listen to the instruction. I much prefer Our Mother Goddess, her teachings, her harmony. And what of you?” She asks. “I have not heard of becoming God-Children, when you think you are.”

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“Same, same, I would guess.” If that wasn’t an evasion. I’m feeling a bit guilty for not expressing my faith. “There are Faith preachers, they practice healing. I like to listen to the teachers that explain what the scriptures mean. Some believe that there should be harmony and coexistence. Others have gone to war over the differences.” We sit in silence for a few minutes after that.

Making our way through the town, the population density picks up. Ava says it’s because we are closer to the markets and shopping districts. The people being out and about doing business. Most everyone looks human, or at least humanoid to me, with furries mixed in. I wonder if I’m being racist? Probably. I periodically see a group of dwarves, in a set of three. I thought it was the same three at first, but when I saw another set in front of us, I knew they couldn’t have run that fast.

The people change with the scenery. The buildings became grander and stone-type architecture. While the people are more couples and families, gaping like tourists. I haven’t seen any vagrants or people I would have considered in need. But street performers and artists must be a universal thing because I’m starting to see them around.

The crowds thin a bit and I think we are getting closer now. You know what going to church is like. Everyone all acting properly and dignified. Not sure if it’s me, the wagon we’re riding in, Ava and Marxist. I’m seeing the look from some people like I’m doing something I shouldn’t be. And yes, we are slowing to a magnificent stone building with high arches too big for a normal person. We might as well be the Beverly Hillbillies coming to see the Pope at the Vatican. I am a little too self-conscious as Ava and I exit the wagon. I watch Marxist pull away and realize there is not another vehicle or animal in sight. Everyone is on foot.

“I presume this is Doug.” I turn as the Priest…Cleric? Holy Person? In robes, is addressing Ava. “Follow me please. Bishop Ramos is prepared and is waiting in the main hall.” I do not feel good about this at all. Looking down at my hands, Oh dear God, I still have that blue ID band on.

I can see that this Cleric person is leading us straight to what looks like the Main Arch entrance. I just have this bad feeling in my gut, like I’ve been eating something old off a food vendor truck and I’m going to be sick. Walking up some ridiculously large steps to the entrance, I can’t make it and stop. Ava and the Cleric have stopped to look at me. Hell with this, I head back down the stairs.

“Are you feeling okay” Ava is asking me. There are not too many people around, but they are giving me a wide berth.

“I will let Bishop Ramos know that you are here.” The Cleric already heading back up the stairs.

As I’m clenched over, forcing myself not to puke. It takes a few minutes, but I’m feeling better. Ava has been talking to me, no clue what she said. The Cleric is back, don’t know what he wants either.

“WHAT THE HELL?” F***** Cleric stuck me in the hand with a knife. “I’LL BEAT YOUR A** YOU PIECE OF S***!” Ava has ahold of me, wrapping my hand. Unholy Cleric bastard is already back inside.

I hear faint laughter.

“IT’S NOT FUNNY!” I’m still yelling.

“I never said it was.” Ava has my arm pinned in hers, in some wrestling vice lock, while she is tending it and pouring some healing potion, I hope, on it.

It is if they think they are going to get any answers without asking me.

“WELL THEN, TELL THEM, AND WE’LL BOTH KNOW.” Still yelling.

“Tell them what?” Ava asks.

If you want, but you already know.

Looking back at Ava, she’s letting my arm go. “ANSWERS!” I yell. Looking around, there is nobody else close.

*****

Seems I’ve attracted some attention with all my yelling. A crowd started forming and people were looking, but they are dispersing pretty quickly now. I don’t care. Rage is making me feel better.

I see why everyone is walking away. I’ve got the attention of two sets of the Dwarf Musketeers coming at me, each one from a different direction. Ava’s giving me the wide-eyed and shaking her head no, to get me to calm down.

“WHAT?” I yell when they get close enough to talk to me.

One set looks like the Dwarves we meet before. Looking from me to Ava, he says “Ava”.

“Officer.” Is all she says.

We’re all just looking at each other and I’m getting ready to bust. Just then, the door to the knife-wielding Church of the Ever-Living Light opens. We all turn and look. And it slams back shut.

“UNHOLY CLERIC BASTARD STABBED ME IN THE HAND!” I start yelling at the Church from where I’m at. “THEN THE LITTLE BITCH RAN INSIDE!” Looking back at the Dwarf, he’s smiling at that one. “I’M GOING TO BEAT HIS ASS WHEN I FIND HIM!” I think he might have let out a laugh. Working with the limited knowledge that I have. “THEN I’M GOING TO COME BACK WITH PIXIES AND SWARM THEIR ASSES!”

I can see Ava just deadpan staring at me.

“No Swarming!” I hear behind me, as I’m turning to yell back at the church.

“YOU HEAR THAT YOU STABBEN CLERIC BASTARD! I’M GOING TO FIND SOME PIXIES, THEN I’M GOING TO FIND YOU!”

*****

“AHHHHH” A seeming barrel of water jolting me from unconsciousness. I see dirt. And bars.

“Ever seen Pixies Swarm?” The voice asks.

My eyes not adjusting to the light yet. “No!” I answer.

“Do you know any Pixies?” I think it is Jenn’s grandfather, Inquisitor Lightbringer.

“No, just the one I met. Libelle.” I answer.

I hear an exasperated sigh from someone else farther back, that I can’t see. “I told her no Swarming.” Definitely, the Dwarf.

“She said she wasn’t swarming, and you hurt her feelings because of that!” My eyes adjusting. He is sitting on a bench against the back wall, tapping his hammer into his hand.

“And?” He asks.

“I know of a woman who isn’t rational when her feelings are hurt. Better to encourage her to do better.”

“tsk,” he replies, putting his hammer back at his side. I think he’ll set it right, maybe.

“Are you planning or intent on harming the Church of the Ever-Living Light, any of its members including the ‘Stabben Cleric’, or anything else here in Greens Brook?”

“No. I was just mad and saying stuff. Not going to do anything. Tell the Cleric I’m sorry.” I’m sure the Paladin is detecting lies on me.

“Probably best if you avoid the Churches of the Ever-Living Light. As if you were barred from entering. Nothing formal, but some are a little concerned.” He warns me. “Bishop Ramos was divining some information about you and there was a visitation, that caused concern. A presence entered, that was previously unknown, like a heavy fog. Answered the Bishop's questions, using the Bishop's own sacred tools, then left. The divination reveals that you are dual-class, King and Priest. This is causing much discussion, and some fear, the discovery of new classes. The current theory is that there must be different classes, in different territories. Maybe a lost or previously undiscovered class. It is an unknown that we would like to keep to a select few, while it is researched. As such, we would also ask that you refrain from speaking about it. If you are willing, the Church and the Mage guild would like to sponsor you in questing. In return, they would ask that you share information about the classes, as you level.”

I’m not sure I want to tell anyone anything, as I sit in the dirt, considering his offer.

“I can see that you need some time to think about it.” Inquisitor Lightbringer starting to move, to leave. The Dwarf already walking away. “You will be let out in the morning. I would suggest you head home and clean up. We have already settled up with Ava, for her services. No need to bother her with anything.” With that, they are gone. The light dimming in this cell.