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Barracker felt happy about the outcome of the party’s decision.  James had shown once again why he was put in charge and led the party.  He was decisive and cunning in the face of Danger and really had a way with words.  With hard times arriving at Valhiem’s door, under the vampire’s stone faced expression and body language, the Paladin did feel like a rack of nerves, but it was until his leader spoke up that his tensions eased.  Not fully disappeared but eased off, soothing the Paladins concerns.  They will not be abandoned. Mother Anne.  The children.  The orphanage.  James cared.  'We, Second Chance just have to examine the situation first,' was the leaders answer.  His captain didn’t show his care so loudly as others, but he really did have so much about the welfare of his team in his mind, that was clear.

Then there was Zell.  He’d given a concerned, friendly pat on the Paladin’s shoulder upon first viewing the city.  That was enough between fighters to have the understanding and show concern. The swordsman suggested that they head to a hill-top overlooking the city.  It was a smart idea, conserving some energy, overlooking the battlefield and in a position to move swiftly when ready.  It was quite clever.  He and James were very alike in how they thought. 

Adam spoke up next, about getting a letter inside the city’s walls with the help of Sil, Fenna’s companion and friend to Second Chance.  He had also brought up a clever use of his magic, that impressed Barracker by growing bushes and grasslands environment to cover them from danger, eyes kept off from being seen by the enemy forces.  The Paladin nodded in agreement.  The use of his bear as a last distraction was a good idea, and such ferocious power when fighting Zigmund, he would have to ask him about it sometime.

Fenna agreed to use the help of Sil, her connection with the Falcon was uncanny.  Unreal.  They seemed so in sync with how each of them were feeling, it was cool to witness such things.  He had only heard about highly skilled specialized rangers being one with an animal.  Now he was witnessing it everyday.

Clive the mysterious arrival of the man had been a great entrance to helping Second Chance.  A friend of the group, and another chosen one from another world, fighting on the side for his loved ones.  His tenacity to protect others had struck a chord with Barracker.  This was the reason why he had become a Paladin.  His tactics were to bring reinforcements to the battle of Valhiem, a great addition.  [Color=Green][i]We could do with the extra fighting power.[/i][/color]

Then there was lastly, MacKensie.  The pure soul of the group, always checking up on everyone, being considerate of feelings and putting a smile on everyone's face. Gladly needed through these rough times.  A beacon of virtue and honour.  She truly cared for others and showed mercy and kindness like mother Iris.  She was the heart of Second Chance.

These were his comrades and it had been an honour to fight alongside them. His brothers and sisters in arms.

They arrived at the edge of the Mazy Hillocks, this was going to be a long day.  All he could think about was his family, how scared they might be, how he wasn’t there to promise them he would protect them.  He helped set up camp, put down bed rolls for those needing rest for their injuries.  But he couldn’t stay still, pacing around the outskirts of the camp in his own world.  [Color=Green][i]Mother.  Isabella.  Eren.  Tyrion.  Areleth.[/i][/color]  Often he would climb the nearby tree to see what was happening around the city more clearly.  From what he could tell it was just a constant bombardment of catapults.  After a couple of hours he managed to settle a little, at least for a short period.  That's when his mind came back to the word ‘Baphomet’ and he realised there was no better time than now.  He waited for a moment to act when Zell was on the edge of the camp alone and approached him. 

[Color=Green]“It has been a long day,”[/color] he said as he came to stand beside the swordsman.  The Paladin looked around making sure that the two of them were alone, then gazed into the distance at Valhiem.  [Color=Green]“I have come to the conclusion you like, well…  more than like.  You are possibly in love with MacKensie.  You also care for Second Chance, and doing good by them, which I applaud.”[/color]  The Paladin listened to Zell’s response, then continued to press the urgent matter of why he was having this talk.  [Color=Green]“These are great things to hold dear to your heart, being righteous and doing good by others.  So I don’t understand…”[/color]  He turned to look him in the eye.  [Color=Green]“Please tell me, why Baphomet was mentioned outside the temple of Hades.  I heard you say it just before the end of the battle with Zigmund.”[/color]  The Paladin gave the cornered accused time to speak his defence, then wheeled off some short history behind the name.  [Color=Green]“He is one of the most powerful devils in hell.  A prince of the oblivion plane.  In this world, his name holds enormous weight in our history and folklore, and I could not wish the fate of my worst enemy to fall in his grasp.  He has tricked strong warriors, more righteous than most down a dark path, just for a flicker of his strength.  In the mythic age, a group of fully ascended warriors could not handle a full frontal attack against the devil.  His ways into this world are from the dark domain and evil.  He is as smart as he is powerful, immortal and wise, ruthless and destructive.  That is why I urge you to tell me why Baphomet has come from your mouth.”[/color]  he waited for Zell's reaction and beckoned him to spill the details.  [Color=Green]“I urge you to leave nothing out and tell me, every detail is important.  If you truly wish the best for yourself, your love and your friends.”[/color]

He pressed as hard as he could, staying close to Zell, unwilling to back down.  This was the Paladin coming out of him,  He had a duty and moral obligation to The Quinity and The Empire, that ran alongside his duties to his new friends and party.  Baphomet could never be allowed to roam free in this world.  Even as just a name.