Evening fell as the feast grew closer. With the attack nearing an end, the people of Greenest were pooling all of their resources for the celebration. While it might not have been the best idea as most of Greenest were in ruins, it was necessary. Many of the townsfolk had lost their homes and families to the raiders. They needed something to look forward to in life. Some other town would surely come with the help needed to repair the buildings. If not, Calder had nowhere else to go until he learns where the Cult of the Dragon resided. He would be willing to stay in Greenest to aid in the reconstruction efforts.
For the feast, Governor Nighthill insisted that the adventurers wore something nice. The threat was gone and there was no need to be on guard. The leader deemed Calder's leather armor "too rough" for the celebration and offered a set of nicer clothes. It was a simple black tunic, a pair of matching pants, and boots not fit for any long term trekking. Without his longbow and swords, the ranger felt defenseless, a strange feeling even though he was safe in the keep. The raiders were defeated, he reminded himself. The half-elf could stay off guard if only for a hour or two.
Calder departed from the changing chambers provided for him and left to the lobby for the audience hall. For the occasion, the audience hall of the keep had been fitted with tables for all of Greenest to be at. The hallway was silent asides from the occasional patrolling guard. In the lobby, the rest of his friends were gathered. Skylar wore the same robes as she did before, although the half-elf could tell they were cleaner. Zavier was able to provide his own outfit that looked similar to the ranger's wear with the only difference being that his shirt was white. Fargrim, arms crossed, wore a plain brown shirt for the first time since they met.
"Calder, about time," Zavier greeted. "We are to be announced to the people of Greenest within the hour."
"Forgive me," Calder bowed. "I am not accustomed to wearing such fine clothing."
"It's not like you were late or anything," Skylar assured him. "They're making last minute preparations to the food."
"When they should be focusin' their efforts on defendin' th' keep," Fargrim grunted.
"Don't mind my companion," Zavier told everyone. "He just hates that he was left behind on our last task. And that he has to wear a shirt loaned by Escobert."
"Might I remind ye three that there's still a dragon on th' loose!" Fargrim reminded everyone.
"We haven't seen the dragon since last night," Skylar shrugged. "I did forgot about it. Maybe it flew off."
"An' if it comes back?" Fargrim asked. "Don't git me wron'. I'm all fer a good drink an' such, but we're celebratin' too early, ye know? I'm callin' it now, but th' dragon is goin' te return by th' time th' sun sets."
"If the dragon does return, I shall defeat it in battle and save Greenest for good," Zavier declared, grinning with confidence. "You have faith in my abilities as much as I have faith in your potential, do you?"
"Aye, Master Blackwood," Fargrim nodded. "I suppose I did ferget that Greenest is under yer protection. If th' dragon knows that, it would never come fer another attack lest it loses its head!"
"I'm surprised," Calder whispered to Skylar. "I don't think there was a hint of hesitation with Zavier's promise."
"I think it may have something to do with him thinking that the dragon won't possibly return," Skylar giggled silently. "We did a good thing, you know. Saving Greenest."
Calder nodded quietly in agreement, thinking back on Fargrim's words. All day, they have been fighting the raiders, and never once did they see a dragon. The guards all reported fighting one that focused its attention on the keep at night. Yet, with the raiders on the run, the mighty beast too would be gone too. As much as it surprised the ranger, Zavier was right. There was no need to be worried about a threat that was not coming back.
"Now, let us introduce to you our heroes!" Governor Nighthill's voice echoes, the audience hall doors opening.
The audience hall was a large room with two long tables faced towards the gates. At the long table, many of the common folk sat, giving a loud applause to their heroes. They made an open isle for the back of the room, where a smaller table with six sets had been prepared. Two of the seats were occupied by Nighthill and Escobert the Red. The governor was healed enough to make public appearances and clapped with both hands enthusiastically.
Without hesitation, Zavier stepped into the audience hall with long strides, basking in the attention. Just for one night, he could live as a hero. Fargrim, less receptive to the attention, followed after his supposed mentor, looking unease. Skylar was calm, her eyes closed, with Calder behind her. The half-elf was not one for celebrations as large as this. The group of adventurers made their way to the table, where Governor Nighthill and Escobert stood up to stand up with them.
"Without th' aid o' th' brave heroes before ye, Greenest surely would have fallen," Escobert declared as the clapping came to a stop. "We thank ye, strangers, fer sacrificin' so much fer us!"
"It is no problem at all!" Zavier boasted loudly, facing the audience. "As many of you know, I am Zavier Blackwood, the legendary slayer of dragons! My student, Fargrim Torun, and I, knew that we needed to take action, especially with rumors of a dragon flying about. We fought, alongside Calder Notley and Skylar Godwin, a pair of traveling adventurers from the far north, to defeat the raiders. Now, comes the long process of rebuilding for a brighter future!"
Once more, the audience broke out into applause and Zavier took his bow. Calder had to give the man credit where it was due. He certainly had a way with words. If the ranger did not already know that he was a sham, he would have certainly fallen victim to the eloquent speech of his friend. Skylar remained passive while Fargrim, out of respect for his master, joined in on the cheering, clapping and hollering. If only the so-called hero could put his way with words to better use.
"Let us eat!" Governor Nighthill concluded.
For the night, Calder and his friends joined the governor and castellian to eat. Calder sat at the end of the table, next to Skylar. Fargrim was at the other end with Zavier at his side. The dwarf listened in as his mentor told a tale of how he heroically defeated a dragon in its own lair to Escobert, who chuckled along with the story. The ranger did not pay attention, knowing that his friend spoke a false tale. Skylar exchanged pleasant conversation with the governor, asking how Greenest was before the attacks.
With no one to talk to, Calder briefly ate the food provided by the people of Greenest. There were breads, fruits, and wild game hunted by hunters before the attack. The ranger ate the meat, accustomed to the familiar taste. As a hunter, he was used to eating what he hunted. Between the pastries and fruits, the roasted and smoke meat was by far the best part of the meal. The half-elf was glad that the people of Greenest were able to share this meal with him and his companions.
Thinking about the people, Calder looked amongst the crowds gathered in the audience hall. Once more, he saw Linan and her family at the center of one of the tables. Her husband made a full recovery and shared in joyful times with his wife and children. Brother Falconmoon sat along the front of another table, tired from his work as a medic. The ranger made brief eye contact with Robert, who stood guard by the corner of the audience hall. The half-elf could tell that the veteran was missing something, his sister. He feared the worst had become of his family.
Suddenly, the dining came to a halt a loud roar coming from outside the keep. The gathered people looked around, nervous at the sound. The roar echoed out, louder and closer than before. Zavier put on a forced grin, Skylar looked shock, and Fargrim smirked. Calder stood up as another soldier bursted into the audience hall, panting heavily from his sprint. The half-elf could tell that his face was incredibly pale as if he just saw a spirit. With everyone looking at him, the soldier took a deep breath, and gave his warning.
"The dragon is back!" the soldier warned. "To arms, guards!"
A/N: I'm back with not only a new chapter but a cliffhanger. Want to find out what happens next? Find out in the next chapter!
Until next time.