He slowly opened his eyes, there was no longer the smoke-filled skies or visible flames off to the side, now he could see a fine stone ceiling overhead, reminiscent of what he had seen when in the Temple of Law in Water Town. The gentle sound of the rain tapping against the window drew his attention to his left, it was an overcast sky and he could see the city was still standing. He groaned as he sat up and moved his legs off the side of the bed, a quick check of his body showed no visible wounds but now healed scars.
"My head feels lighter and my view is much wider without my helmet…it is an odd feeling."
Goblin Slayer stood and searched the room for his armor but only found a fresh set of clothes. After changing he approached the window, there he could see the town was in need of much repair but could already see people down below busy in the courtyard. He heard the of a door opening behind him, he turned and found his friend them with a towel and bowl of water in her hands.
"Oh, you're awake." She set the bowl down on a nearby stand and moved near him, gently placing a hand on his right shoulder. "How, how are you feeling?"
"Fine. No lingering pain. How long was I asleep for?"
"It's been almost three days. It's already past lunch time." Cow Girl saw him looking out the window at the rain and smiled. "It's been raining all this time, thankfully all the fires have been put out."
"And the others?"
"The others have been healed and are resting. There are a few who are awake, but many are also resting."
"Wolf as well?"
"He is sleeping with Snow and their litter nearby. Would you like to see them?"
"Yes. I should check with the others as well, the elf and priestess are generally annoyed if I do not check with them." Goblin Slayer kept a neutral expression on his face as he looked out over the city. "I had a dream."
Cow Girl was a bit surprised by this as she turned to face him, he was not normally one to say what was on his mind and she would have to probe him for more information.
"I saw you and I on the farm, my older sister was there with us as well and…there was a small child."
Cow Girl was at a loss as she heard this, this was the same dream she had so many months ago.
"I had this same dream some time ago, and now it has come back to me while I was resting, I'm not sure what it means though."
"Oh I'm sure you'll figure it out in due time." Cow Girl smiled as she moved her left hand to gently squeeze his right hand while rest her head against his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"Oh, just resting my head, I'm also a bit tired as well." Cow Girl smiled away as she closed her eye, happily enjoying her resting spot.
"You should rest, I can go and check on the others as well as retrieve my armor."
"Just a bit longer…then we can go together." Cow Girl continued to smile as she happily nuzzled her head against his shoulder. "If it works for Snow and Wolf it should work just as well for me and him."
Goblin Slayer was silent as he looked toward his friend then looked back toward the city through the window of the castle, he'd allow his friend to continue to rest while he contemplated the dream he had. After a few minutes, Cow Girl finally relented and decided that they should go and check in with the others, she'd hogged him to herself for even a bit and that was enough for her. They calmly walked down the hall until they came upon a large chamber filled with several chairs and couches, there they saw the other adventurers. Most of them were, such as the young ones and those who had endured quite a bit of damage during the battle, were resting on the couches and chairs but that all came to an abrupt end with the shout from the elven archer.
"ORCBOLG!"
Those who were sleeping were suddenly awoken from their slumber with a start, they looked around to see Goblin Slayer was finally up. Goblin Slayer's party were the first to rush and mob Goblin Slayer, hugs and tears of joy from everyone but they knew they couldn't be the only ones to greet Goblin Slayer.
"Beardcutter! You have to be the most irresponsible, foolhardy, stubborn…" Dwarf Shaman was at first frown ed as he listed off all the negative aspect of Goblin Slayer before smiling and hugging his friend. "…and the most courageous man I have ever known! Bless you lad!"
"What the hell were you thinking going by yourself? We would have been right there with you." Half-Demon Thief was angry yet relieved that Goblin Slayer was alright. "Just like the Lich Queen's castle, the salve camp and the wraith incident…I'm always worried I'm going to lose him."
"I'm so glad that you're alright Goblin Slayer! I was so worried!" Priestess could not hide her tears of relief.
Once his party moved aside Guild Girl, Hero and Sword Maiden were the next to rush in to express their concern and relief that he was okay.
"Goblin Slayer, I saw that monster holding you over the edge and feared the worst! I…I really thought…" Guild Girl had to calm herself and remember that Goblin Slayer was not dead but standing before her.
"That beast kept slamming you into the tower, I don't know how you managed to endure such a beating!" Hero, though concerned for Goblin Slayer, could not help but be impressed with his resilience. "They don't come any tougher than you Goblin Slayer."
"Indeed, when the others told me of what was happening I was truly worried. I am relieved to know that you have emerged victorious." Sword Maiden could not hide the blush that crossed her face, relieved to know that Goblin Slayer had recovered.
"Hey Goblin Slayer!"
The three women and the others turned to see Spearman and Heavy Warrior, the same gruff expression on Spearman's face whenever he spoke with his colleague. Everyone moved aside as the two silvers approached the non-armored Goblin Slayer, a slight look of confusion on his face. Heavy Warrior had a small smile on his face, but Spearman was another story as he continued to scowl, until he extended his hand towards Goblin Slayer.
"Hell of a thing you did last night Goblin Slayer." The scowl became a smirk as he shook his head.
Goblin Slayer looked toward his colleague then nodded as he took his friend's hand and gave it a firm hand shake.
"Couldn't have done a better job myself." Heavy Warrior chuckled as he clapped his friend on the shoulder. "When we get back to Frontier Town, I don't think anyone is going to believe a word of what we tell them!"
"They damn well better. We've gone through hell and back…well metaphorically speaking anyway." High Elf Archer smirked as she spared a glance towards Hero's party, knowing they had actually traveled to hell to fight and returned. "We saved countless villages, battled hideous abominations dreamed up by a deranged madman, and helped save the Capital! If that doesn't warrant some kind of tale or ballad, then I don't know what will."
"Speaking of, I guess they're going to have to add some new lyrics to that ballad they sing about you Beardcutter! Just imagine all the requests that will be coming in for you."
"If it's goblins, I'll deal with them promptly."
Everyone around him broke into laughter, even after saving the world, he was still fixed on dealing with only the goblins. As Goblin Slayer looked around the large room, he noticed that Lizard Priest and his family were still missing.
"I don't see the Priest or the others, are they also sleeping?"
"They're with Wolf and the others. The little one was greatly worried about you and Wolf, she would often be running back and forth to check and see if the two of you were awake." Dwarf Shaman chuckled as he then turned toward High Elf Archer. "But, given how Long-Ears probably alerted everyone in the next kingdom with her voice, I'm sure they'll be along very shortly."
High Elf Archer frowned and was ready to yell at the dwarf, but the heavy footfalls cut them off as a small figure rushed passed many of them and practically tackled Goblin Slayer to the ground, he had fully steadied himself and was easily knocked to the ground.
"Big Brother! You're awake!" Half-Dragon Daughter, now wearing a new blue dress, cried as she hugged her brother.
"So it is true, Milord Goblin Slayer is finally awake." Lizard Priest laughed as he entered the room with Half-dragon Mother at his side. "There are others who are also eager to see you as well."
While Goblin Slayer was still on the ground, Wolf and Snow maneuvered around the others to move toward his side. The two dire wolves pushed their snouts up alongside his head and gently licked at him, to which he smiled and reached out to gently pet their heads.
"I'm glad you are both okay."
"Hang on there Orcbolg, there's still some others to greet."
Goblin Slayer slowly pushed himself to his elbows once his little sister had gotten off him, and then he heard the tiny barks. He looked to see three small pups barking at him as they awkwardly moved closer, he then slowly reached out to gently pet each one; while he did this, Snow was eagerly nuzzling up to his side and back. Goblin Slayer finally got back up on his feet, a small smile ever present on his face as he looked around to see the others well.
"I remember…" He turned toward Half-Dragon Daughter, who looked at him with her wide green eyes. "You had become a dragon and saved me and Wolf…thank you."
Half-Dragon Daughter beamed with pride, it was one thing for him to praise her for defending herself, but to have saved him like he and the others had saved her, she finally felt that she was truly a part of this family.
"My armor, it was damaged in the battle, where can I get it repaired?"
"You're not thinking of going out fighting already, are you?" Cow Girl had a frown on her face like she was a mother scolding her son.
"No, but…I'm more accustomed to having my armor on. It feels…odd without it."
"We already thought ahead on that Goblin Slayer, the king asked the blacksmith to repair your armor." Half-Demon Thief smiled as she motioned off to the side to reveal his armor under a cloth. "We were going to surprise you with it."
Goblin Slayer frowned as he walked over toward the armor set, he carefully examined it picking up the helmet in particular. The damage he had received was now gone, in fact it had been polished to a near mirror like shine, Goblin Slayer himself could easily see his reflection as well as the others. New horns had been affixed to the sides of the helmet as well as a long bright red tassel cascading down the back of it.
"Too clean. Light from a flame would be reflected in a cave, easily giving away our position. It reeks of metal, goblins would pick up on the scent. The tassel is too long, could get caught in the rocks or a tree…"
"Of for…just take the armor for right now Orcbolg, you can dirty it up later if you have to but for now, why not try and look a little bit presentable." High Elf Archer sighed as she placed her hands on her hips while shaking her head.
"Hmm…very well." Goblin Slayer grunted, almost sounding like a child who was pouting.
With armor in hand he moved to put his armor back on piece by piece, making sure the fasteners were properly tightened and the helmet was properly aligned. He grunted in approval as he made a fist with his gloved hand and moved his arm about as if to retrieve his sword and mace.
"Good."
"I feel you are only missing one thing now Beloved."
Goblin Slayer turned, in Cow Girl's hands she carefully held his red sword while Guild Girl had hold of his mace, though it was a bit heavy for her. Goblin Slayer nodded his head taking each weapon and attaching them to his waist, with weapons at his side he finally felt more comfortable. He carefully checked his sides feeling for his tools when he felt a hard object in his back pouch, he reached inside and pulled out an eagle-shaped dagger with a black ribbon around the handle.
"Sister." Goblin Slayer clenched his hand around the blade in its scabbard before carefully attaching it to his side.
"Now there is the Goblin Slayer we've come to respect and trust." Guild Girl as she looked upon the armored figure in his new gear.
"I am glad that you all seem well."
Everyone turned to find the King and a young girl, the Princess, there in the large resting chamber with the others. The Princess happily moved to converse with Priestess, while the King looked upon the rest of the adventurers.
"None of you were obliged to aid me or the people of the Capital, as the King of these lands, you have my eternal gratitude." The King bowed his head toward the adventurers.
The younger ones were shocked by this, to meet the King was one thing, but to have him bow his head and thank them was another. The more experience adventurers returned the bow, more than happy to be of service to the King.
"It's a bit early to celebrate, but we do plan on honoring you all for your efforts and sacrifice." The King smirked but at the same time many could see the saddened expression in his eyes. "There is still quite a bit of clean up throughout the city as well as properly tending to the dead."
"Then maybe we can help." Heavy Warrior smirked as he patted his left shoulder with the bottom of his right fist. "I wouldn't be able to enjoy a good meal and party if there was still quite a bit of work to be done."
"I will gladly take you up on your offer then. I mean to reward each and every one of you." The King smiled then turned his full attention toward Goblin Slayer. "I wanted to make sure your armor was fully repaired for when you woke up. How is it?"
Before Goblin Slayer could reply, his friends eagerly spoke for him, knowing full well that Goblin Slayer had a tendency to be very blunt with his expressions.
"He is truly happy your majesty, now where do we start?" Cow Girl had a large smile on her face, though it was only to hide the nervousness of what her friend might have said.
xxxx
The damage to the city has been extensive, thousands dead and even more injured as well as properly disposing of the remains of the monsters. People from all around the kingdom helped in whatever way they could, even the King himself could see seen diggings graves from his fallen subjects. Those who were more used to the physical labor helped in moving the dead out of the Capital towards the fields outside. Others were busy aiding with the injured or continued rescue efforts for the missing people; for Priestess it reminded her of the time all those adventurers had been brought in after dealing with the Rock Eater in the mines. After three days of working, with hundreds of volunteers aiding in the process, the dead had finally been buried and the corpses of the monsters had been destroyed. On the eight day, the skies finally clear and the sun could be seen shining; there in the grand courtyard of the castle everyone gathered to honor the party of adventurers who had traveled across the frontier to deal with the Necromancer. Around them were the kings knights and guards, the elves, dwarves, lizardmen and cheering people who praised the Hero and these adventurers for coming to their aid.
"This…this is a bit much." Apprentice Cleric fidgeted about as she looked at the hundred of cheering people around them.
"Yeah…I'm sure the Hero is used to all of this, but even still…it's a lot to take in." Rookie Warrior smiled, but was clearly embarrassed to have all these people sheering for them.
"They would have loved this…" Fighter's mind went to Wizard and Warrior who had been lost during their first quest against the goblins. "This victory is as much for them as it is for me."
The others around them also cheering, eagerly raising their weapons high in response to the cheers from the people around them. Spearman was all to happy to receive the praise, as were his comrades and colleagues. Goblin Slayer's party were also waving towards the cheering crowds around them, the only one not responding was Goblin Slayer who calmly looked over the crowds. Off to the side he could see Cow Girl, Guild Girl, the two Half-Dragons as well as Snow and her litter; all of them, save the dire wolves, were smiling and waving. The King and the Princess stood before the group of adventurers, both dressed in their finest, where the King raised his hand for everyone to slowly calm down. It took a few moments, but eventually everyone within the courtyard had settled down to hear the King speak.
"We are gathered here today to not only honor our dead, but these fine warriors who came to the capital to aid us in our time of need. The Hero and her party, the Sword Maiden who was gracious enough to depart Water Town to assist me during my travels and finally this group of adventurers who have traveled far and wide, securing many villages from the horrors of the Necromancer. Each of you is to be lauded for your great accomplishments but there is one among you I truly wish to honor…" The King turned to face Goblin Slayer, now is his new armor, and smiled. "Goblin Slayer would you please step forward?"
Goblin Slayer was hesitant for a few moments, until he felt a gentle push from behind, a quick glance revealed the smiling face from High Elf Archer. He looked toward the others who also smiled and motioned for him to move towards. Goblin slater strode forward with his usual confident stride, off to the side near Guild Girl was the Guild Manager.
"He has certainly come a long way from when I first saw him. He leads a party, even though his attitude is still brisque, he's able to inspire others to follow him." Guild Manager smirked as she watched Goblin Slayer approach the King.
"True, he's still a bit much to work with from time to time, but he really has proven his skill to others." Guild Girl could not help but be proud that now everyone was seeing Goblin Slayer for the adventurer she knew he could be.
Goblin Slayer stopped when he was only a few feet from the King and the Princess, the cheers of the people around them had flared up when Goblin Slayer was summoned before the king but had now calmed themselves once again.
"Goblin Slayer, I have the pleasure thanking you again, before it was in saving my sister and now it is helping to save the Capital. You who organized this group of fellow adventurers to aid those in need around the countryside. You helped motivate everyone to charge forward when things looked their worst. We also have you to thank for the defeat of the Necromancer and for that no amount of thanks is enough."
"Had he been left alive, his experiments would have continued. Other goblins would have been changed and used to destroy other villages."
"Ah yes, as your namesake would suggest, I know you primarily focus on the goblins, but that does not diminish the great accomplishment you have achieved this day. Goblin Slayer, it is with great honor that I wish to bestow upon you the rank of gold and grant to you the position of Captain of the Guards."
"The rank of gold?"
"By defeating the Necromancer, you have helped save the world. Your unorthodox methods are an invaluable tool that many of my knights could use to ensure they are prepared for any and all situations. I wish to honor you as the hero who has saved our lives."
There was a hush of silence over the crowd, his friends and comrades were at a loss for what to say. There was excitement that he going up in rank, finally everyone would see that he was a true adventurer who could be depended upon. While his friends and comrades were indeed excited they were also a bit concerned. As the Captain of the Guards, he would now have to stay within the Capital meaning that their questing would have to come to an end. They were partly saddened by this but would be supportive when Goblin Slayer did agree to this chance of a lifetime.
"Not interested."
There within that massive courtyard, you could have heard a pin drop with the sudden silence that followed Goblin Slayer's comment.
"You…you don't wish to be the Captain of the Guards?" The King was taken aback by Goblin Slayer sudden rejection.
"I do not require the rank of gold or the position of Captain. I am no hero, just the Goblin Slayer."
Before the King or the Princess could properly respond, the rest of Goblin Slayer's friends and comrades rushed to speak with him.
"Please pardon our intrusion, will you excuse us for a moment?" Priestess bowed her head several times toward the King and Princess before turning to face her teacher. "Goblin Slayer, what are you doing?"
"Orcbolg, this is an opportunity of a lifetime! I thought you humans were also striving to raise your ranks and now you have the chance to go up to gold!"
"Goblin Slayer, you'd be given the title of hero, like the fabled heroes who defeated the prior demon lord or like me and my party who defeated the recent one." Hero herself had overly excited when she was given the rank of platinum and the title of hero just a couple years ago.
"I do not need a raise in rank. If I were to become the Captain of the Guards, I'd be kept here and there would be no one to properly deal with the goblins in my absence."
Goblin Slayer's sole purpose of hunting down the goblins exasperated those around him; where others would jump at the opportunity for such a promotion, he found it to be an inconvenience.
"Damn it all Goblin Slayer, here you have the chance to one-up-me and you're going to throw it away to keep hunting goblins." Spearman growled in frustration as he scratched the back of his head. "You need to start thinking about…"
"If I was to accept the rank of gold, I would no longer be able to remain in Frontier Town or continue questing with my party." Goblin Slayer was calm in his delivery as he looked toward everyone around him. "I have come to enjoy the time I spend…with my friends."
Those around Goblin Slayer were shocked by his words, many would have believed that he was simply concerned with the goblins but in actuality he didn't want to leave his friends behind. The King heard this and was of course also stunned but could not keep from smiling. When he was much younger, he could not wait to be King but when he was thrust into the position, he yearned for the days where he was an adventurers and only responsible for himself. Goblin Slayer knew his responsibility was to those he cared for, even willing to turn down a promotion many only dreamed about receiving.
"I can see now where your duty lies Goblin Slayer. I must admit, that I am a bit envious that you are able to continue down the path you choose versus that path many of us are forced to take." The King smiled as he approached Goblin Slayer and extended his hand toward the adventurer. "I shall honor your decision but still wish to thank you and your friends in some fashion. I wish to throw a banquet in your honor and would be delighted if you would join me."
The adventurers looked toward the King, each delighted by the idea of enjoying a feast, but for a brief moment that all turned to shock with the utterance of Goblin Slayer's next words.
"Do as you wish."
"I most certainly will Goblin Slayer." The King laughed as he clapped the young adventurer on his shoulder over and over.
The courtyard once again erupted into celebration as the adventurers exited the courtyard to return to the castle. Though the celebration had taken a bit of a turn with Goblin Slayer's decision, there was still much to be happy about. As the group entered into the castle, Sword Maiden felt her admiration for Goblin Slayer grow even more with his decision, and now she had come to one as well, one she needed to share with the others.
xxxx
"Gather 'round ye lads and lasses, set ye for a while
and listen to me mournful tale about the Dwarven Lands
ets all raise our glasses high to friends and family gone
and lift our voices in another dwarfish drinking song!
Consumption took me mother and me father got the pox
me brother drink the firewine 'till he wound up in a box
me other brother always in trouble met with his demise
me sister has forever closed her smiling, twinkling eyes
Now everbody's died, so until our tears are dried
we'll drink and drink and drink
and then we'll drink some more
we'll dance and sing and fight until the early mornin' light
then we'll throw up, pass out, wake up
and then go drinkin' once again!"
Honor Uncle and Dwarf Shaman happily danced atop the table, arm in arm, as they both raised the mugs then downed then as fast as possible. All around them in the banquet hall the people clapped and cheered as the dwarves sang their song. For the elves they were a bit surprised by the unruly behavior the dwarves presented them with.
"Is your friend always like this?" Elder Brother had to practically shout toward high Elf Archer.
"Nope…never seen anything like this before." High Elf Archer also laughed before nearly falling out of her chair.
"I see you still can't handle your alcohol I see." Elder Brother chuckled as he caught his sister and helped her back to her seat.
Everyone in the banquet hall happily celebrated in their own unique way, as evident by Heavy Warrior doing his best to keep the drunk and surly Female Knight under control. Witch smiled as she tussled the hair of the sleeping Spearman, some seven empty mugs sprawled before him.
"Ye shee that! Ain't no one…gonna beat me…in the game of drinkin!" Female Knight shook her fist at anyone around her who might challenge her.
"Come on now, time to get some water in you." Heavy Warrior wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her back towards him.
"No water…want a kiss." Female Knight still wrapped in his arms turned herself around and draped her arms around his neck. "There's still a red moon…let's mate tonight."
"Water now!"
There was a roar of laughter from everyone, off to the side Goblin Slayer too enjoyed his meal with friends. Nearby were the dire wolf pack happily eating their meat. Cow Girl and Guild Girl were happy to be enjoying this meal with their friends, even though Goblin Slayer kept his helmet on, they knew he too was enjoying himself. The girls were ready to enjoy their wine when they felt a gentle hand on their shoulders, they both turned to see the Sword Maiden.
"May I borrow you both for a moment to speak in private?"
The two girls were a bit surprised but agreed and followed her towards a separate room. They were the first to enter but would not be the last, the Sword Maiden soon summoned others: Priestess, Half-Demon Thief, High Elf Archer and Hero.
"What's this all about! I want to go back to the party!" High Elf Archer still drunk was annoyed they had been pulled away from the festivities.
"Apologies. Once this is over, we can all return to the party but I wish to speak with you all first." The Sword Maiden felt nervous as she clutched her right hand toward her chest. "The last time I was this nervous was when facing the demon lord, but now I face a new challenge…I am going to step down as the Archbishop of Water Town."
The news had a sobering effect for all in this room as they all looked toward the Sword Maiden with disbelief.
"I am going to follow Goblin Slayer's lead and choose to go down a path set before me. I am going to tell him how I truly feel, but I know that I am not the only ones who feels that way." The Sword Maiden smiled as she looked toward the women around her. "That is why I asked you to join me here. I am wondering, if you would listen to…a bit of an unusual suggestion?"
xxxx
Guild Girl had finished writing up her report, she looked up to see the normal going on in the Guild Hall and with no one directly approaching she would now have to time to continue writing in her book. She flipped through many of the pages until she came to a bank page and began to write.
"It's been three months now since the battle for the Capital, summer is nearly at an end and the fall will be upon us soon. We'd only been gone a short amount of time, but already so much has changed that it feels like it was a lifetime ago. The Sword Maiden's request was indeed an unusual one, to share Goblin Slayer between us all. Seven brides to match the seven days of the week as she referred to it. She knew that Goblin Slayer would never choose one person over the others, for it would make the others unhappy. For his part he was a bit confused by the suggestion, but upon hearing that none of us would take no for an answer, he relented and accepted the arrangement."
"The King was indeed shocked to hear about the Sword Maiden stepping down and that the Hero was settling down, but both assured him they would be available to help in whatever manner was needed. The King gladly offered money to help in the construction of their new house, one large enough to sustain this unusual family. We weren't the only ones thinking of starting a family, the moment they got back to town Heavy Warrior and Female Knight announced the engagement. Not to be outdone himself, Spearman announced that he and Witch would be wed very soon. They've already begun construction on their own houses near ours; they argued that since we were all comrades in arms, our future children would also share in that closeness. Lizard Priest and his family have also started construction of their own house as well, so it seems as though they are also eager to expand their family."
"Speaking of the adventurers, Goblin Slayer and the other silver ranked adventurers have become legends around the town. Numerous rookies come to speak directly with Spearman, Heavy Warrior and Goblin Slayer for advice on how they should go about their quests. I heard tales that while we were battling across the countryside, many other adventurers and demons joined forces to battle the horrid monsters of the Necromancer loose in the woods. This had brought into question of rethinking where demons fall in our society and if there is the chance for peaceful negotiations."
"Oh I see, still writing your fictional story I see."
Guild Girl suddenly closed her book, the blush present on her face as she turned toward her right to see the smirking Inspector nearby.
"It, It's not fiction. I'm properly recording the efforts of Goblin Slayer and the others." Guild Girl did her best to maintain a proper and poised appearance. "I want to ensure that when others wish to learn about Goblin Slayer they have adequate material to review."
"Uh huh, given how tightlipped he is, I'm curious as to how you will fill out this book of yours."
"Well…I might have embellished a bit, but this will recount all the great deeds he has accomplished."
"Anyone in particular you want to read this novel?"
"Well…" Guild Girl smiled as she looked down toward her stomach and gently rubbed it with her right hand. "Let's just say it will be meant for others later on."
"Well when you finish, you'll have to let me read it. With that said, what do you plan to call it?"
Guild Girl was actually puzzled by this question, what should she call this book. She could simply call it Goblin Slayer, but there was more to this story than just slaying goblins, in fact she really started recording everything in her book on the day he rescued Wolf.
"Wolf…it started when he rescued a dire wolf and helped it get revenge for its lost family…"
"What's that about a dire wolf?"
"I think I have a title in mind now, I shall call it…" Guild Girl smiled as she inscribed the words upon the cover of her book.
xxxx
The gods above looked toward the game, for now all seemed to be back to normal, and they could return to creating proper challenges for the various adventurers to face. There of course was a bit of a change in regards to the armored adventurer and those that followed him, but for the moment it did not appear that much would change. Illusion was finally ready to begin a new adventurer but noticed Earth Mother off to the side humming as she worked on something with her hands.
"What are you doing? You see overly happy."
"Oh…just working on the creation of new tokens."
"New tokens? How many?"
"Seven." Earth Mother smiled as she finished the initial carvings of the seventh figure and set it beside the others.
"Seven? Who are they? Will they be ready for use soon?"
"Oh it will take some time to properly shape them, so they won't be ready for some time. I can tell you this much, when they are ready, they will play a major role in the game."
"You think so?"
"I guarantee it."
Author's Note: HO…LY…CRAP! Howl of Vengeance has finally come to an end. I want to say thank you to all who have been following the story over these two years and hopefully you aren't disappointed with the outcome of the story. As the old saying goes, where one door closes another opens. My plan is to continue the series in Book 2 and hopefully Book 3, assuming I haven't burned out on the story or bored you all to death. In the meantime, I plan to add some new stories to my Lost Tales fanfiction and will start back up with Book 2 in July. Look forward to Trials of the Dragon this summer.