The next day, the priests from the Grand Vault of Abadar, the Temple of Sarenrae, and the Pantheon of Many made an announcement to the sick crowds that gathered in front of the churches. They revealed that a cure for blood veil had been made and that they would be handing out the cure for free. Although vials of the cure were limited, the priests also revealed how the cure was able to spread from those who took it. Riots nearly broke out in a rush to get to the cure but the Korvosan Guard had been informed of the cure's existence beforehand, and there were plenty of guards ready to restore order and direct the sick to the cure. Word also started to spread that Falenas Wayerden was the one to create the cure with the help of Ishani Dhatri.
As for Alexander, he was fortunate that he and Silana didn't have to risk being caught in a crowd at one of the temples. Instead, Falenas had reached out to Griffin, who in turn invited the adventurers and their families to his family's estate so that they could take the cure there. Falenas had created another batch of the cure to share in what remained of his former lab. Aside from Griffin with Tiran, Alexander was the only one who had family to bring. He knew that Viera and Takota didn't have family of her own, and while Ishani (who Griffin also invited) didn't know how to get in touch with his older sister, Verik explained that while there were plenty of Vancaskerkins around, he was the only one who called Korvosa home.
When Alexander took the cure, he grimaced at the bitter taste and worried about having Silana drink from a vial. Fortunately, Falenas was quick to remind him that the cure could be transferred by touch, and by patting Silana on the top of her head, Alexander had made sure that she was safe from blood veil. Afterwards, Griffin called for a quick meeting with his companions. Alexander sent Silana to the estate's backyard to play with Duke while Tiran left to meet with Ausio, who continued to stay with the Vosslers for the time being. Ishani quietly made his way to the door only for Griffin to hold his hand up.
"And where do you think you're going?"
"I'm…" Ishani paused. "Why did you invite me to begin with? I'm immune to blood veil now and didn't have any family that I could bring."
"As it so happens, we're about to divide some of the treasure we found fighting the cultists of Urgathoa," Griffin explained. "I want to make sure that you get a fair cut along with everyone else."
"But I didn't fight," Ishani protested. "I don't-"
"You went into a dangerous situation and did your part to keep us alive," Alexander told Ishani, patting the priest on the back. "I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say you can and should take what we were able to find beneath the hospice."
The other adventurers nodded in agreement with Viera speaking up. "Who knows, maybe you'll join us on more adventures one day."
"Well, if you all insist that I stay," Ishani said and stepped back to rejoin his friends. "How does this work?"
"I'm still working on selling the valuables that we found but I was able to determine that there were plenty of magical items to go around, and not all of them are of dark magic," Griffin said and walked over to a table covered by a thick red cloth.
Griffin pulled the cloth off the table, revealing the magical items that the group would split among themselves. There were five breastplates along with a dark belt and headband. Alexander recognized that there was a dark cloak that Andaisin wore along with two wands, two scrolls, and three sticks of incense. The adventurers gathered around the table with Griffin taking his place at the head of the table. Alexander nodded toward the noble, signaling for him to begin explaining what each item was so that the adventurers could decide who got what.
"Didn't Andaisin wear that cloak?" Verik questioned with a frown, gesturing toward the dark cloak with his hand.
"She did, but much like the cloak I claimed, it's not inherently evil," Griffin explained. "It has the same power, making the wearer more resilient."
"It could be something for Alexander," Viera suggested.
"Maybe," Alexander said with a nod. "Is there anything that you think would be better suited for me?"
"This belt might be what you're looking for," Griffin said. "Wearing this belt gives the wearer more stamina, allowing them to keep on going in a fight."
"That would be useful," Alexander stroked his chin in thought. "This is a tough decision."
"Maybe I can help," Verik said. "It doesn't take too much effort to shoot arrows while everyone else is fighting for their lives. You can take the belt and I can take the cloak in case of an emergency."
"That sounds like a good idea," Alexander nodded in agreement as no other adventurers raised any objections.
"Is there anything we can do about the color of my new cloak?" Verik asked Griffin. "Didn't you say that Tiran knew a tailor that could help with changing its appearance?"
"I'll see that you get in touch with him," Griffin told Verik. "I've been meaning to follow up with him on my own cloak and there's also other projects I have in mind…"
"What of the wands and scrolls?" Falenas asked.
"One of the wands can heal injuries while the others can cure diseases instantly," Griffin explained. "As for the scrolls, they're divine in nature, so only Viera or Ishani could use them."
"You can have the scrolls, Ishani," Viera told the priest with a smile. "Spellcasting isn't really something I focus on."
"If no one else objects, I'd be happy to claim the scrolls," Ishani said quietly.
"And I'll take the wand for curing diseases," Falenas quickly nodded. "That'll be quite useful in case of an emergency."
"In that case, I would like to have the remaining wand just in case," Griffin said. "That leaves a headband that makes one's willpower stronger, several breastplates that are magically enchanted, and sticks of incense that can help in meditation. Takota, Viera, you both haven't claimed anything for yourself."
Viera glanced at Takota, who grunted quietly. "I'll take one of the breastplates."
"I can take the headband then," Viera said with a nod.
"If I may, would it be alright if I claimed the sticks of incense?" Ishani asked. "I know I have the scrolls but I do meditate quite a bit as part of working at the Temple of Sarenrae."
The room grew quiet and Griffin nodded. "It looks like there are no objections. Alexander, do you have any suggestions on what to do with the remaining breastplates?"
"I imagine my armor is more durable than what we've found," Alexander noted, thinking for several seconds. "I'd say we can the other four to Verik, Viera, Ishani, and yourself Griffin."
"A sound plan," Griffin said with a smile. "Take whatever items are yours and I'll be sure to get in touch with everyone when the merchants are done selling what we've looted, but from what they've estimated, we may each receive close to a thousand gold."
Verik let out a cheer at the amount of gold the adventurers would soon receive and stepped forward along with everyone as they claimed their magical items. Alexander grabbed his new belt with a faint smile. The gold he made from adventuring would go a long way to making life for his family better. He could save some of the gold for Silana's education and in case of emergencies while the rest of the gold would go toward taking care of minor improvements along the house. In the future, Alexander thought that it would be possible to sell the old house and home to a safer neighborhood within Korvosa. The state he found his home in the aftermath of Eodred II's death was still in the back of his mind, and with Korvosa's future under Ileosa's reign uncertain, he wanted to do what he could to avoid Silana seeing her home destroyed again.
"With that settled, what can we do now?" Alexander asked no one in particular. "We have the cure and we have the temples to give it out but there's still much work to be done."
"Actually, there isn't much more we can do," Falenas said. "I'm currently reaching out to several other alchemists across the city to share my notes, but other than ensuring that the cure spreads by going out and socializing with others, there isn't anything that we as adventurers can do."
"There are still people sick and dying," Viera noted with a frown. "I don't like that we can't do anything to help them."
"I'm afraid that Falenas is right for the most part," Ishani admitted with a sigh. "All we can do now is wait for everyone else to take the cure. Eventually, blood veil will be eradicated, but there's nothing that we can do to speed the process up in a significant manner."
"How long will it take before we can say that Korvosa no longer has to worry about blood veil?" Griffin asked.
"Given the population of eighteen and a half thousand people living in Korvosa, and accounting for the amount of those capable of making the cure," Falenas thought out loud, nodding along as he did the calculations. "It'll be a little longer than a month before a significant enough portion of the population is immune to blood veil."
"You have to be making those numbers up," Verik said.
"I could explain the math but it will take time and no doubt go over some of your heads."
"There's no need, Falenas," Alexander shook his head. "For now, we'll take this time as a break. We'll do what we can to help out anyone in need but let's not stress over something that's out of our control."
"So, that's it then?" Viera asked. "Are we not going to do anything else?"
"I imagine that there will be more for us to do, although it won't be our typical work," Griffin said, smiling. "I intend to make sure that everyone in Korvosa knows who it was that made the cure for blood veil and everyone that helped out. I'm sure over the coming weeks, all of us will be seen in Korvosa as heroes."
"Are you sure that Ileosa would allow that to happen?" Verik asked, crossing his arms.
"I don't see how she can stop us," Griffin smirked. "The priests already know who it was that came with a cure. It's only a matter of time before word gets out, and from there, we'll have different ways to celebrate."
Alexander nodded quietly, seeing the logic behind Griffin's explanation. Unlike their previous work, which the public wasn't aware of, there would be no way to keep their involvement in coming up with a cure a secret from Korvosa. With how much of an impact blood veil had on Korvosa and the citizens who called the city home, there would be many people thankful for the adventurers and their work. Falenas would receive most of the credit, but with Griffin's influence, the others would be acknowledged for their work, even if the details of how they came to the cure would remain a secret. Alexander wasn't interested in prestige but he wouldn't turn away anyone that wanted to thank him.
Only time would tell of how Alexander's life would change moving forward.
As more people across Korvosa began taking the cure, the city grew more lively. Given that someone who took the cure for blood veil can spread the cure by touch, priests and alchemists told their patients to socialize as much as they can. Alexander felt relieved to see more people out on the streets of Korvosa after people kept to their homes for so long. He passed and bumped into other people while walking on the sidewalks, the markets and stores were all open, and the taverns across the city were lively during the evening. These small changes gave Alexander hope that Korvosa would return to a sense of normalcy sooner rather than later.
After a week since the cure was created, Alexander started to notice that the people of Korvosa were starting to learn about his role in helping the city along with his companions. Some of his neighbors asked about his friends by name even when they had never met. From what Alexander could find out, it was common knowledge that Falenas had come up with the cure with the temples responsible for giving out the cure also mentioning he was part of an adventuring group. It didn't take too long from then for anyone interested to find out that Griffin Vossler was the patron of the group and who each member was. If there was any mention of the fallout Falenas nearly had with the group, Alexander didn't hear it from the gossip and rumors going around. It was awkward being thanked for helping Falenas when all Alexander did was fight against the cultists of Urgathoa, but seeing how he couldn't go into detail about the truth, he simply nodded along to the praise he was given.
Word of the adventurers' exploits continued to spread past Korvosa. Even while taking Silana to the Solado's house, the people of Trail's End greeted him warmly and thanked him for his work in putting an end to blood veil. Aside from Tayce and her family, Alexander hadn't felt particularly welcomed in Trail's End until now. He and Tayce watched Silana and Brienna play with the other children that lived in Trail's End as they ran out, playing with a rough leather-sewn ball. It had been too long since he saw people outside without any worries. It warmed Alexander's heart knowing that Korvosa was moving away from fearing a plague. While blood veil would always be a terrible memory, it was only a small part of the city's history and life would get better over the coming months.
Tayce turned to face Alexander with a smile, placing her hand on his. "You know, I was thinking, but I haven't had a chance to properly thank you and your friends for all you've done."
"Did you have something in mind?" Alexander asked, squeezing her hand gently.
"I was wondering if you could get everyone to Trail's End tomorrow for dinner," Tayce said. "Tell them to bring any friends and family they have, of course."
"I'll pass the word, but at that point, it may get a little crowded," Alexander warned Tayce with a chuckle.
"I'm sure you'll be surprised at how many people will be around," Tayce smirked.
Alexander wasn't sure what Tayce had in mind until he returned to Trail's End the next day, joined by his adventuring companions. Although Alexander had let them know that family was invited, only Griffin had invited Tiran and he had brought along Silana. When they arrived at Trail's End, they were surprised to find that the entire neighborhood had been out preparing for a large celebration. Homemade Varisian-styled food was set out on tables in the streets with the aroma making Alexander's stomach grumble in hunger. Children played together and couples danced to a small band playing lighthearted music. Much to Alexander's surprise, Ruan led the band, playing his ocarina. Seeing his support reminded Alexander of the lives saved from the vile blood veil.
Alexander grabbed a plate of smoked meat and stuffed rolls for himself and another plate for Silana. They had taken a seat with Tayce and her children when a Varisian man approached Alexander, presenting a fine red scarf with intricate patterns sewn across the cloth. He had taken the gift with a nod and a smile, but before he could start eating, a woman approached him, offering a fine tunic bundled up tightly. Again, Alexander accepted the gift and noticed that the rest of his companions were given gifts as well and he quickly realized that there were more people than he thought lived at Trail's End. He turned to Tayce, noticing her smirk, and knew that she had spent a long time planning what he thought would be a simple dinner to surprise him and his friends.
The celebration continued well into the evening with vibrant torches lighting up the streets. After eating, Silana had left Alexander to join Tayce's children and the other children at the party in playing games. At a different table, Verik, Tiran, and Falenas were playing a card game with a harrow deck that Falenas had been given as a gift for creating a cure for blood veil. Although Alexander was confident that harrow was more useful for fortune telling than for gambling, that didn't stop Tiran and Verik from making up rules as they played. Not far from them, Ishani and Takota sat together, quietly talking with one another away from any potential eavesdroppers. The music and dancing continued and Alexander was surprised to see that Griffin and Viera had stepped up to join in. Griffin had neglected to fake his injury but Alexander wasn't worried about anyone spreading rumors. He was simply happy to see two of his friends enjoying their time with each other after everything they've been through.
After some small talk throughout the night, Alexander glanced toward the dancers before looking back to Tayce.
"Should we get up and join them?" Alexander questioned with a warm smile.
"Maybe in a moment," Tayce answered, hesitating. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you."
"Is that so?"
"After everything that's happened, I've made plans to take my children to Magnimar," Tayce revealed, her voice growing quiet. "We're leaving in two weeks."
"Leaving?" Alexander gasped.
"I don't feel like Korvosa is safe for us any longer," Tayce explained.
"There's no more plague though," Alexander pointed out.
"I know, but I have a feeling that more trouble awaits Korvosa," Tayce said. "Alexander, I care for you deeply. If you and Silana want to join us, my children and I would be happy to have you join us, but…"
Alexander frowned when Tayce trailed off. "But?"
"You don't seem like the type of man to run away when there's trouble," Tayce said with a sigh. "I believe that it would be selfish to ask for you to run away with me when Korvosa is your home, and I know that if there are any threats to the city, you'll want to face them yourself with your friends."
Alexander was prepared to debate the point, but in the back of his mind, he knew that Tayce was right. Korvosa was his home and he had fought so hard to keep the city safe. Alexander wasn't sure what came next but he knew that Korvosa's troubles were far from over. If Ileosa was behind blood veil, she would find a way to strike back at the people of Korvosa soon enough and he couldn't stand by and let her do so unopposed. It was tempting to go along with Tayce and her family to Magnimar, especially knowing that doing so would allow him to keep Silana out of harm's way. Before he became an adventurer, Alexander would likely have chosen to escape from Korvosa with Tayce. His happy ending would come another day.
"You're right," Alexander admitted with a sigh. "I'll miss you and your family, Tayce."
"And I'll miss you and Silana," Tayce told Alexander, placing her hand on his cheek. "What we had might not have been long but it was special. There's a part of me that won't ever forget Bayan but at least you helped show me that I could move on."
"I know that feeling," Alexander nodded, speaking softly. "I imagine Myla and Bayan would be glad to see us moving on, finding love, caring for our children."
"Indeed," Tayce said and grabbed Alexander's hand. "We'll still have two weeks together."
"Then how about we get up and dance?"
Alexander and Tayce stood up together and, hand-in-hand, walked over to join the dancing. In two weeks, they would go their separate ways, likely to never see one another again. Yet, they had given each other the push they needed to move on from their loss. For that, Alexander was grateful, and he was going to spend as much time as he could with Tayce before she was gone for good.
"By now, I'm sure you're all aware that the people think of you as heroes, which you are. It's only fair that you are given a fair reward for your services to the people of Korvosa."
"Field Marshal, we were only doing what was right," Griffin said with a smile. "It was our duty to keep this city safe, whether it be from an enemy or a plague."
Alexander nodded in agreement, standing alongside Griffin in Citadel Volshyenek's armory. The armory wasn't large by any means and so Viera, Verik, and Takota stood behind the pair with Falenas and Ishani by the door leaving the room. There were an assortment of weapon racks from swords, shields, and crossbows, along with armor stands that took up most of the space. Cressida addressed the group, standing in front of a table that was covered by a thick cloth.
The weeks have gone by since the cure was developed when Cressida sent a message for each adventure, directing them toward Citadel Volshyenek. The field marshal was correct with public perception of the group. Alexander had seen for himself how strangers on the streets thanked him for helping come up with the cure and heard similar stories from his companions. Reports of blood veil infections have declined rapidly, and while the final death toll was being calculated, the city was confident that the worst of the plague was over. As for why Cressida had summoned the adventurers to Citadel Volshyenek, Alexander already had an idea on what she had in mind from the message she sent him three days ago.
"Be that as it may, I've made my decision," Cressida said. "Some of you have worked with the Korvosan Guard before, and while I won't ask any of you to serve as guards when you've outgrown such a position, there is something else I can do. For your service against Urgathoa's cultists, I deputize each and everyone of you as members of the Korvosan Guard. This will grant you benefits of serving as a guard while giving you the freedom that you've worked with in the past."
Most of the adventurers were shocked by Cressida's announcement but not Alexander. The field marshal had already asked for his opinion regarding certain members of his group being suitable candidates to become deputies. Alexander understood Cressida's concerns, and in the letter he sent back to her, he reassured her that he had complete trust in each of his companions. He was glad to see that his message was enough to convince Cressida to grant deputy status to everyone within the group.
"This is wonderful," Griffin said with a smile. "Thank you very much."
"Just keep doing what you can to keep Korvosa safe," Cressida told the group.
"If I may," Ishani said, slowly raising his hand. "Are you sure that I should be a deputy? I'm a healer, not a fighter."
"And yet you went down into a complex full of cultists that would have murdered you without hesitation," Cressida bluntly pointed out. "At the very least, your status as a deputy should make any law-abiding citizen think twice about harassing you."
"That could be useful," Ishani admitted with a nod. "Very well. I'm not sure how I'll live up to your expectations but I'll try."
"What about me?" Verik asked, hesitant. "Given that, well, you remember, don't you?"
"I do remember that you abandoned your post and tried to start a rebellion against the queen, yes," Cressida turned to Verik with a glare. "However, Alexander has told me that you have been nothing but a model citizen since the Temple of Sarenrae took you in. You haven't earned my forgiveness or my trust, but Alexander vouches for you, and I trust him to keep his word."
"And I can assure you that I will do what I can to keep Verik from disgracing the Korvosan Guard," Alexander said, glancing toward Verik.
"This means a lot to me, Alex," Verik said, grinning widely. "Thank you. I won't let anyone down."
"Is that all there is to discuss?" Falenas asked.
"For now, yes," Cressida answered. "I have work to get back to but I would also like to remind everyone that as deputies, you are allowed to claim a single weapon from Citadel Volshyenek's armory. I've already taken the time to pick out some suitable weapons."
And with that, Cressida pulled the cloth off of the table, revealing an assortment of finely crafted weapons. She nodded toward the adventurers, who made their way over to look at the weapons while she left the armory. Cressida had picked the weapons keeping each of the new deputies in mind. Viera and Verik grabbed a longsword and bow without hesitation. Takota wasn't far behind them, taking a large crossbow, while Griffin surprisingly took a hand crossbow for himself. Alexander grabbed a flail off the table, and after a quick examination, noted the runes across the metal ball and pommel. There was no doubt in his mind that this weapon was enchanted and felt that the rest of the weapons Cressida offered were magical as well. Although there were daggers and crossbows available, Falenas and Ishani didn't step up to claim any weapons for themselves.
"I never got anything like this back as a normal guard," Verik commented in awe, trading out his old bow for his new one. "I can't wait to try this bow out."
"These weapons will be of great help when we have to fight again," Viera nodded in agreement, running her hand carefully across her sword's blade. "I know we should be careful about who we trust given what we discovered about Ileosa but I think we can trust Cressida."
"The field marshal hasn't let us down yet," Takota said quietly.
"Whatever comes next, we can count on Cressida to be an ally," Alexander told the group. "While Ileosa might be plotting something nefarious, Cressida genuinely cares for Korvosa. She's on our side for sure."
Korvosa's future may have been certain, but when it came time to fight, Alexander knew that he and his companions wouldn't be alone. They had earned the trust of the cityfolk through putting an end to blood veil. When it came time to finally deal with whatever Ileosa is plotting, he believed that Korvosa would rally behind the adventurers and stand against her. However, he also knew that their rise in fame would not go unnoticed. It was only a matter of time before Ileosa would have to take note of their actions.
A/N: Getting this chapter written took me longer than I expected. Between working on my master's, writing other projects, and needing to find out how best to end Seven Days to the Grave, there's been a lot going on. Fortunately, I'm glad to have written another chapter.
As I've mentioned before, while I've originally planned for one chapter to finish the story, I'm going to split my notes up to make it two chapters. Next chapter will be the final chapter for Seven Days to the Grave regardless of how long it may be, so that'll be exciting.
Until next time.