The Ballad of Adler Young, Canto 2.5

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SpoilerWell, Photobucket has been down all day and I've got to get this done NOW. See a version with pictures at https://adleryoung.tumblr.com or https://www.patreon.com/posts/20469652 (Patreon tends to get overwhelmed on the 1st of the month, so you might have difficulty loading the page there tonight. I posted it but then got a timeout error when I tried to go put nav links on the previous page.)

>Avogadro: What the neatherhells kind of girlish punch was that? Is His Highness really a descendent of the Lacktail? You know that His Highness did not study the arts of war of anything as he was a bastard but, Great Fuma, that was more like a slap not a punch!
when Avogadro was in the lowfolk world, he was bullied constantly, so he'd very much well know what a mighty punch felt like

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I had barely gone a dozen paces when I heard Avogadro's voice behind me again.

"You call that a punch?" he snapped. "I have been pummeled by lowfolk with more impact than that! I am appalled that any so-called scion of Irenaeus should pack such a weak whallop. Turn and face me, you noodle-armed vixen defiler! You shall pay for your misdeeds this day!"

From now on punch first, ask questions later!

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I pivoted and slugged the irritating mole a resounding blow that had the momentum of my whole body behind it. He hit the ground, and I paused a moment to make sure he was out cold before I proceeded on my way.

As I rounded a corner, I saw that the pie fight was still going on in the plaza where ValKon was being held. This Vulpitanian foolishness stood between me and my exit!

I strode forward, grimly determined that no airborne pastry would deter me from my goal.

>Adler: March through the city bold as brass. Civilians, guards, and soldiers alike shrink away in terror. It's as if the rage-fueled spirit of Irenaeus himself were walking the streets again.
>Adler Keep taking no crap from anyone as you march
Adler, storm right through a mess of pie fighters in a free-for-all. Be shielded from pies and other airborne objects by your tangible aura of pure rage.

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I raised my arms and radiated pure Irenaeid Irritability as I stalked across the plaza. Pies flew away from me, as if in terror at my presence.

The other side of the plaza was in view. I was not far from making my escape from the city.

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Under the contest table:

Glenholm Webb, notice Adler. Deduce what's going on. Also deduce the best course of action is to "get the heck out of there".

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In the Hall of Ancestors:

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"Yes Sir, Marshal, Sir," Angus babbled nervously into a small scrying sphere. "Sorry to disturb you, Sir, but I'm in the Coronation Chamber .. yes, I know that .. well, you see, I'm not sure how I got here .. but I woke up on the steps and saw Prince Adler leaving the Hall .. yes, it was definitely him. He spoke to me. I thought it was suspicious. No, I didn't pursue because how's he gonna get across town by himself? No, I didn't think of that .. but Sir! Sir!! The point is, I'm in the Coronation Chamber, and something TERRIBLE seems to have happened, Sir."