Petty Squabble [ROUND 3] [Goldhenge]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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Parsley was the first to regain his composure.

"Right," he said, calmly. "Sir Archibald has gone mad and run off with Stein's weapon. I expect the demon's given him a rather nasty illusion and he's bought right into it."

"My baby is not a weapon!" Clarice shouted angrily. "We have to get her back from that crazy robot!"

"Aye, that's what I was sayin'," Parsley replied. "We can't let Archibald loose with such a destructive weapon. We'll have to get it back from him. Unless you've got something that can disable it, Stein?"

"Um," Tom's eyes shifted around awkwardly. "Nnnooo?"

"I pray it doesn't come to destroyin' it, not until the demon's illusion is broken. Even if it be a lie, the thought of harmin' a child is too much for me. But we'll need a plan. Tell me everything you know about the weapon, Stein."

Tom racked his brains for an answer that would keep the crazy demon hunter from becoming a violent and crazy demon hunter.

"I, uh... didn't make it. I found it. When I was making my lair. I was, studying it?"

Parsley stared at him fiercely. For a moment, Tom was worried that it hadn't worked.

"Stein, you damn fool! Why didn't you mention this sooner? It all makes perfect sense now. Why the demon chose this village."

"Uh... It does?" Tom asked.

"You must have uncovered a holy artifact! The demons want to destroy it, but they can't risk drawin' too close to it. So they need to use illusions to fool a human into doing the deed for them."

Parsley ran for the RV's door.

"I'll try to catch him on foot. Much as it displeases me to take my eyes off ye, Stein, that artifact is far too important to trust to Archibald's reckless hands." He turned to Clarice and tipped his hat. "Milady, keep a close eye on this scoundrel. I know not what he's told ye, but he's a devious one."

And before either Broderburg could reply, Parsley dashed off into the city.