Another tall figure came to the front and stood at the edge of the rise. p-Jack Taylor walked forward and said, “I’ve learned your nefarious comrade that looked like Mayard Klarje was in fact of Shapechanger ilk, but he told me your true identity Klarje. I know it’s really you looking like a youth.”
Longbeard shouted, “Jack Taylor, you are a scumbag! After all Gnome-town and Dry Creek have done for you!”
Bailiwick uttered a phrase and pointed toward Longbeard. The stout Captain shivered briefly and then was unable to speak. The Hold Spell took full effect.
The Man in Black said derisively, “You are truly a coward, Mayard Klarje. You try to save yourself by forcing a Shapechanger to take your appearance and then travel as a youth. But you’ll receive no mercy. This day you’ll pay for many transgressions, not the least of which is the fall of my father Big Boy and Uncle Tiny.”
Then a kobold wearing a ragtag collection of small furs stepped forward and added, “You’ll pay for my father Narg!”
Donovan Eleven-names muttered, “Your Uncle Mayard isn’t a very popular guy in these parts, Rhiann. I’m afraid we’ve had it. Looks like they’ve brought their entire force from Dry Creek just to wipe us out.”
Bailiwick pointed toward Donovan and muttered harsh phrases. A mauve ray headed toward the Gnomish lieutenant, but Rhiann touched Donovan’s shoulder and uttered a Protection dweomer. The Hold Spell failed. Donovan stopped moving and gave the appearance he was disabled.
Bailiwick screamed, “You can’t stop all of them Mayard!”
Rhiann answered, “I’m not Mayard Klarje.”
The Kobolds shouted louder and worked themselves into a frenzy.
Dibbit ‘Dead-Eye” Six-names took aim. The sorcerer was shielded but the Gnomish archer had a clear shot at Jack Taylor. Dibbit fired. The arrow struck the visage of Jack Taylor in the chest. p-Jack clutched his chest and fell off the little escarpment and landed with a thud. He drew his last breath and changed into the increasingly familiar amorphous bipedal form.
benjamintowe 