The Forsaken Hero

Our travels maintained a consistent schedule, much like the one we had followed during our week-long stay in High Valley. Fyren insisted on rigorous training every day, pushing our party to its limits. As Soltair and Trithe grew more coordinated, he began including my spells in the practice sessions, forcing me to react to random attacks and provide shields, walls, or general interference with my magic.

When we weren’t traveling or training, I immersed myself in studying the spellbooks. Having already committed the first two, Regenerate and Nexus, to memory, I dedicated my focus to the third: a fifth-circle Fate Spell called Blade Ward. While Mirror Sphere could deflect magical attacks, Blade Ward specialized in countering physical ones. My goal was to combine the two spells to create a protective barrier against weapons, spells, and magical techniques.

The week’s journey to Viriden passed swiftly. Each night left me thoroughly exhausted, a result of intense studying, combat practice, and long treks. However, this exhaustion didn’t discourage me; it felt like progress. I quickly mastered Blade Ward in just a few days, and my combat sense continued to improve. Even if I failed to track the others’ movements at high speed, I was capable of landing buff spells at the height of the battle, addressing the problems I’d encountered when we fought the Shadow Demon.

Upon our arrival, the city welcomed us with open arms, turning our visit into a grand celebration. The people of Viriden lined the streets, bubbling with excitement as they cheered our return. Soltair, as usual, reveled in the attention, waving confidently to all, casting small beams of sunlight for the delighted children, and making the young women swoon. I had returned to wearing a cloak, albeit with the cowl down. The magical garment provided protection, as well as hiding the Sunpurge. It would tarnish Soltair’s reputation if his past recklessness were revealed.

As we reached the City Lord’s keep, Lord Griffon stood waiting, a small smile gracing his features. The cheering crowds fell silent as he addressed us, ”Viriden welcomes you! We heard of your triumph over the demonic cults in High Valley and are relieved that you are all safe.”

”Thank you, Lord Griffon,” Soltair replied proudly, ”But this is merely a small part of our duty to this city. Our stay will be brief, but please don’t hesitate to approach us with any problems we can assist with.”

The pleasantries over, Lord Griffon invited us into the keep, where he offered us quarters. Although the sun hung low in the sky, a celebratory banquet was planned in our honor for later. After cleansing the dirt and grime of the journey with a hot bath, I found myself shepherded to a dressing room by several friendly Beastkin maids. Initially hesitant, their warm smiles and laughter quickly put me at ease.

”Lady Xiviyah!” I turned to find the tailor who had crafted my current dresses. She smiled and approached, examining the rich scarlet fabric of my travel dress.

”It appears to have held up well,” she remarked. ”But I couldn’t stop thinking about you after your departure. It’s simply not fitting for such a lovely young lady to wear rags like this to a feast.”

”Oh no, this is more than enough-” I began, but she held up a hand, silencing me.

I began to protest, but she raised a hand to silence me, saying, ”Of course, it’s not enough. So, I took the liberty of designing several pieces more suitable for formal events, like the banquet tonight. Nothing too extravagant, just more appropriate. I’ll have them brought to your room in a few hours, so please be there to allow the maids time to dress you.”

”Thank you,” I stammered, touched by her generosity.

”It’s my pleasure,” she replied with a smile. ”A small favor in gratitude for saving my son. He was one of the soldiers, you know. Tall, with dark eyes, as handsome as the evening sun?”

I shook my head, feeling a bit bashful. ”I’m afraid I don’t remember him, but I’m glad I could help.”

”That’s alright,” she said, chuckling. ”I had hoped he had a chance, but I’ll have to break the news to him.”

”A chance?” I inquired curiously.

”Oh, don’t dwell on it,” she reassured me, ”but I must be going. Your dresses won’t finish themselves!”

Still feeling bewildered, I watched her leave, and the maids continued to fuss around me, taking advantage of the dressing room to brush the tangles from my hair. I allowed them to do as they wished and fell deep into thought.

Our next destination was the Western University, a renowned institution where mages pursued their studies. It was a hallowed ground for mages, akin to what the Divine Throne represented for priests. The university’s library dwarfed Thron’s, and I hoped to spend some time there. Our recent adventures had revealed weaknesses in my abilities that I wanted to strengthen with a wider array of spells. I was particularly interested in summoning magic for self-defense and Life Magic to find a way to heal the Sunpurge afflicting my shoulder.

Once the maids were satisfied with their work, I requested that they escort me to Lord Griffon. I found him in his study, furiously preparing for the banquet and celebration the next day, but he set aside his quill the moment I arrived.

”Here are the scrolls you lent me,” I said, laying them neatly on his desk.

He smiled and leaned back in his chair, interlocking his fingers. ”Already? There’s no rush to return them. I heard your plans had moved forward, so I don’t expect you to have mastered those spells yet. It’s only been a few weeks, after all.”

”Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. There’s no way to know when we’ll be coming back through, and besides, I already have everything I need. Those books are just paper to me now.”

He nodded absently at my words, absorbing them like idle pleasantries. A moment later, his jaw went slack and he stared at me with wide eyes. ”You can’t possibly be saying... That was a sixth-circle spell! The other two were no trifle either!”

I remained calm, ignoring his surprise and dipping my head politely. ”I appreciate your generosity and the kindness of your people. Many of them made great sacrifices at the gate, so I’d like to do something in return.”

Lord Griffon shook off his shock and leaned forward, listening intently as I shared my intentions.

An hour later, I left his office feeling lighter than I had in days. Two Lionkin servants walked me to my quarters, promising to return once the tailor brought my new clothes. Sitting on the bed, I idly curled my hand around my tail. The soft, soothing sensation of rubbing the soft, textured ridges of the scales had long been a habit of mine. Sometimes, I wondered how I survived at all without them.

The past few weeks had been filled with more warmth than any other time I could remember. That was the only way I could describe it, although the words felt lacking. A sort of vibrant, hopeful feeling that pulled the weight from my shoulders. It was so different than the dark, forlorn sorrow that had burdened me since I was a child, I hardly knew how to experience it. Was this what it felt like when one should smile?

I teased the corners of my lips up with my fingers, but found the expression uncomfortable. Looking in a conjured, mirror-like ball of water, it felt almost foreign and unsightly, like a patch of snow in the desert, or a rock in a plowed field. After a few attempts to mimic the natural, flowing smiles of Soltair and Trithe, I gave up. Perhaps a real smile had to come on its own. Maybe I just needed to wait for the right moment.

A gentle knock at the door startled me from my thoughts, and I dropped my hands to my lap. The maids entered at my invitation, followed by the tailor, who had prepared a stunning crimson dress for me. The maids carried stacks of fabric, the rest of the garments she had promised.

I handed them my satchel, allowing them to store the dresses, before surrendering to their eager efforts. By the time the banquet came around, I was dressed and ready, my hair gently curled and clothes perfectly fitted.

As they escorted me to the feast, Fyren joined us in the hallway. He had found something presentable as well, although the cut and style were foreign compared to anything I’d seen in Enusia. If anything, it resembled the fancy dress suits of Earth, albeit with a fantasy twist. The maids looked at his handsome visage, starry-eyed and admiring, until he coughed gently, jolting them to their senses.

”You look beautiful,” he said with a smile. ”Trying to get someone’s attention?”

”Gods no,” I muttered. Not anymore. ”She can have him for all I care.”

”Well, just to be safe, I’d best stick around. There’s going to be plenty of young men at the banquet, all of whom see themselves as potential suitors. Make sure to clearly, if politely, decline anyone you aren’t interested in. This time, I really will help if you get in over your head,” he promised.

”I will, and thank you.”

The maids exchanged hushed words, clearly hoping for some juicy gossip. They chatted about phrases like ’not anymore,’ guessing what it might mean. The attention felt...normal, a welcome change from the stares and animosity I’d experienced before.

Before much longer, we arrived, joining Soltair and Trithe as the people of Viriden welcomed us to their banquet.