- Epilogue -
The elves left the village as quietly as they came. Ahead rode the King, his hand steady on the neck of his steed, his mind finally at peace. The warriors followed, escorting their fallen comrade to his final destination. Their silver heads were bowed in respect, their weapons unsullied by the villagers' blood as Justice had been done in agreement of the laws between them and the people of the settlement.
They took Murdoch with them; the rain drowned out his cries, as though denying him the very right to speak. No villager ever saw him again, though rumour went that he served his penance in the Dark Woods until the Elvenking deemed his fault redeemed.
Rhett's body was found on the banks of the black river that ran through the woods. It bore no mark of elven weapons, and his face, twisted in horror even after his death, served to warn the children away from Mirkwood.
Dion remained the mayor of the village for many years. Under his care the settlement prospered, commercial agreements were made and stores and trades maintained even as Darkness claimed the lands.
Selvig helped Dion throughout the years. He and Cillan remained in the village, gaining respect in the eyes of the people with the new mayor's help and their daughter's reputation.
Seren honoured her promise to the Elvenking several years later – but that is another story.
- The End -