Brightfire says "Ash, what's going on? Stillwater said you needed help?"

"Yes, convince them to go through the gate!"

Brightfire says "Aww! I thought there was a fight going on!"

"If there was a fight that I couldn't handle, what could you do?"

Brightfire says "Ouch! Rude!"

"Just talk to them!"

Luckily, some of the elves recognize Brightfire, so it doesn't take her long to convince them. Once the elves have gone through the gate I have to order Brightfire to go with them. After she goes through, I close the gate, leaving just me and the lionman.

Grimgar says "You don't smell like a human or an elf! What are you? What do you plan to do with me?!"

"Technically, I am a beast. As for you, you are free. Go, do whatever you want!"

Grimgar says "What?! Really??"

"Yes. My only goal was to free the elves. You were just a bonus."

Grimgar says "You have my thanks regardless of the reason! However, I feel obliged to tell you that my tribe is at war with the humans. If you give me my freedom it will mean the deaths of more humans!"

"Are they attacking your people or are you attacking them?"

Grimgar says "They are invading our lands and trying to drive us out of them."

"Then I have no problem with freeing you. I won't lose any sleep over the humans you kill."

Grimgar says "My name is Grimgar. If you ever run into others of my tribe you can use my name to avoid problems. That elf called you Ash, right?"

"Yes, my name is Ash."

Grimgar says "Then, thank you for my freedom, Ash! Before I go, could you show me what you really look like??"

"Sure, I guess."

So I drop my shapeshift and as soon as he sees me, for some reason, Grimgar kneels. There is a look of adoration on his face that makes me nervous and not sure how to respond. So, I quickly shapeshift back to my human form and motion for him to get up.

"Grimgar, why did you kneel to me?"

Grimgar says "Because, according to the legend of our tribe, you should be a supreme being!!"

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"What are you talking about?"

Grimgar says "The legend is from thousands of years ago, but we still keep true to it. At that time a being saved our ancestors and helped them evolve to what we are now. In our most sacred place, there is a wall carved with that being’s image. It looks exactly like your true form!"

"Huh, to be honest I don't really know what I am. It is a long story, but this isn't my original form."

To my surprise, Grimgar picks up his slave collar and puts it back around his own neck.

"What are you doing?!"

Grimgar says "To have met you is fate. Until I have a chance to learn about you I will act as your slave. My race is known for its strength, those of us who get enslaved are most often used as bodyguards. So, as long as I follow you around, no one should question it."

"Why would you suddenly want to follow me?"

Grimgar says "You said it was a long story. So I will follow you until you have time to tell it to me. It could be very important for my tribe, I just can't ignore this chance."

"Alright, I guess that will work."

Grimgar says "Then, for the time being, I will call you master. Is it alright if I ask what your goals are?"

"I am working to save the elves. Come, we will talk while we walk back to the city. Although, we should probably use a different gate."

As we walk I tell Grimgar about the situation of the elves and about the ship. This leads to me telling him about the peninsula and the situation there. By the time I am done telling him all of that we have circled the city and entered through the opposite gate.

Then I take him with me back to the inn and confirm that keeping my slave with me won't be a problem. Once we are in the room I use a little mana to put up a ward that will prevent anyone from listening in. It probably won't stop someone from listening with magic, but it should alert me.

"Grimgar, are you familiar with the human legends about summoning heroes from other worlds?"

Grimgar says "I have heard of it, but I don't know much about it."

"Well, that is how my story starts. I was summoned from another world. However, in my case things worked a bit differently."

Grimgar says "Then, you aren't from this world?!"

"Nope!"

As I start telling him about Krenocia and how she summoned me I take food out of my pouch. As we eat dinner I tell him how I was placed into the body of one of his tribe. Then I do my best to explain all the things that have happened to me since then.

Grimgar says "You have gone through all of this in a year?!"

"Um, yeah. I guess it has been about that long."

Grimgar says "That is amazing! What's worse is I get the feeling you aren't telling me everything!"

"No, I am not. I am trying to stick to what is related to my current form. That is what you want to learn about right?"

Grimgar says "Yes! Absolutely! It seems that the most important aspect is being able to work on your core, right?"

"Yes. That is the best way. I don't recommend trying to go through the crazy path of evolutions that I took!"

Grimgar says "Then can you teach me how to work on my core?"

"Sure, but it will take a couple of days at least."

Grimgar says "No problem! However, if possible, I want you to keep teaching me until I am good enough to teach others!"

"You want to go back and teach your tribe?"

Grimgar says "Yes! I think this is our best chance of being able to resist the humans!"

"Well, alright. You do realize that means going to the magic kingdom with me? Maybe even joining us on the ship for a time?"

Grimgar says "Whatever it takes! I will do anything for my tribe!"

"Alright. I respect your desire to help your people! I will also count it as a way to thank your tribe for the use of one of their bodies!"

Grimgar says "Thank you, master! When can we start?"

"I still have some things to do tonight. We can start after I am done. For now, get some rest."

Grimgar says "As you command!"

Looking outside, I verify that it is already dark out, then I open the window. With Grimgar watching me I shapeshift into an eagle and leave through the window. An eagle isn't great for flying at night, but thanks to the city being bright I can manage.