The Forsaken Hero

The journey to Westfall Village took two weeks–a full week longer than when we made the trip ourselves. The recently freed villagers were slow and weak, many unable to handle a pace faster than a shuffle. Life in a cage was hard on the body and mind, more so when under the cruel thumb of the Circle of Chains.

By the time we led the twenty or so beastkin into the village, they were exhausted, some looking as though they’d collapse the moment we stopped in the village square. Fortunately, their spirits were restored as friends and family came running, a small crowd gathering to welcome them home.

The Circle had raided the village right after we left, and, even though three weeks had passed, signs of the conflict remained. Many homes bore blackened scars of charred wood, windows were cracked or shattered, and deep furrows laced the ground in places, where powerful magical techniques had landed. There was a haunted look in people’s eyes, a sorrow that tainted the welcoming expressions of the villagers.

My stomach twisted into a knot as I looked around, taking in the village. This was the first place I had ever been able to call home, and seeing what the Circle had done to it sent a spike of hot anger through me. For a brief second, I found myself grateful for the slaughter we brought upon them, though I quickly pushed the thought away, feeling a twinge of guilt.

”Ah, the Glory Chasers. Truly, we thank you for returning our people.” I subconsciously relaxed as the familiar voice of the innkeeper Bilev floated over.

”Simply doing what needed to be done,” replied Sorrin with a dip of his head. ”The roads are growing more dangerous by the day, and it wouldn’t be right to send them home without an escort.”

”Regardless, you have helped this village more than we could ever repay. But that won’t stop us from trying, mind you,” the innkeeper replied, wagging a finger at us. ”And now seems as good a time as any. I received your letter, and though the timing is unusual, we’re more than happy to host such a joyous event as a marriage. Allow me to be the first to give my congratulations on your engagement!”

Sorrin and Tana smiled, hands laced together. I floated back, hanging on the edge of the conversation, as villagers approached the two, offering heartfelt well-wishes and gratitude for returning their friends and family. The scene nearly made me tear up, but the warmth of the moment vanished as Fable nudged me from behind, reminding me of one last pressing issue.

I skirted the crowd, finding Bilev with his meaty arms folded across his chest, a satisfied smile on his face. Reaching out, I tugged his sleeve, timidly drawing his attention. His reaction caught me off guard, and I flinched as he turned, a hearty chuckle rumbling deep in his chest.

”Ah, Starlight. It’s good to see you too. From what I heard, we have you more than anyone to thank. Makes me grateful we took you, horns and all.”

I blushed, my tongue growing thick at the sudden praise. ”T-thank you,” I stammered, my tail flicking self-consciously. His words sent a thrill through me, but the feeling felt flat in the wake of what I had to ask.

”Where can I find Ror and Sari’s parents?”

My heart sank as his expression fell, a shadow crossing his face. ”I’m afraid they didn’t make it. Their farm was on the edge of the village, where the Circle struck first. Those bastards attacked hard and fast, killing anyone who managed to throw up a resistance. Dan and Bari, weren’t the kind to let anyone push them around, a trait I used to admire. Now?” he shrugged, though there was no energy in the motion. ”They’ll be sorely missed, and not just by their children.”

His words pressed upon me with the weight of a mountain. Even after Alverin revealed he’d been watching me the whole time, I hadn’t even considered they would strike here, or the devastation that would cause for those who cared for me. Now, because of me, Ror and Sari had lost their family, becoming as alone as I in this world. I felt like crying, and nearly did so, but a groan from Ror drew my gaze. He looked so frail and vulnerable, as lost as I had been after escaping from Lord Byron.

Bilev followed my gaze, letting out a heavy sigh. ”Thank you for bringing him back, but I remember the boy having a sister. Is she among the others?”

I shook my head, tail falling limp to the ground. ”I-I tried, but I just wasn’t enough. She wasn’t with the others, and there’s reason to think she was taken to Brithlite. I was planning on asking Ror once he awoke, but it’s already been a few days....”

”I see,” the innkeeper said. He was quiet for a moment, eyes locked on the sleeping foxkin, before he spoke, his tone rising with forced optimism. ”In that case, why don’t you let me look after him? You need not worry about the boy, or the girl once you find her. I’ll be sure they find a place to call home here. This might be a small village, but we look after our own.”

”Thank you.”

Oddly enough, I found myself believing his reassurance. The sorrow and tension flowed from my body as he gently lifted Ror from Fable’s back. Finding ourselves alone once more, my wolf padded over to me, pushing his large head beneath my limp palm, an expectant whine in his throat.

”Fine, thanks for your help too,” I said, rubbing the space between his horns.

The wolf growled contentedly, moving his head so I scratched just where he wanted, a spot right behind his left horn. I didn’t know where I’d be without him, and if all he wanted was a loving pet now and then, I could hardly refuse.

”Starlight, there’s something we should talk about,” Tana said, a ripple of excitement in her voice as she slipped away from the celebrating villagers. Sorrin, at her side, shared her energy, a touch of hesitation in his grin.

”Rasce and Dyson should be getting here tomorrow, and we talked with Bilev just now. He said the town could ’use a bit of cheer, and the sooner the better.’”

Sorrin chuckled at her rough imitation of the middle-aged man’s voice. ”So we were thinking of having the ceremony the day after.”

”So soon?” I asked, eyes widening in surprise. I didn’t have any idea what went into a wedding, but from the little I knew of the tradition in my old world, didn’t it take months to plan and prepare?

”Yeah, it’s kind of sudden,” Tana admitted, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. ”But honestly, I can’t bear the thought of waiting any longer.” Her eyes flickered to Sorrin, holding a touch of longing.

Sorrin’s smile was a bit forced, his own flush deepening. After a beat of uncomfortable silence, they both laughed, the sound a little too bright. Sorrin leaned in, his kiss on her cheek lingering slightly longer than expected

”Anyway, that’s all we had for now. What are you planning to do?” Tana asked.

Her unexpected question twisted my stomach into a knot, and I found myself running a hand over my horn self-consciously. ”I...honestly, I’m not sure,” I admitted, avoiding their eyes. ”Is there anything I can help with for the wedding? I know I’ll just get in the way, but–”

”Starlight,” Tana said, her voice tinged with a gentleness that almost masked the sadness. ”You would never get in the way. Ever. But right now, Bilev’s got the villagers on it, as a way to thank us. Not even we have much to do, aside from show up and play our part.”

”Oh,” I said, feeling a rush of disappointment. After all they’d done for me, both Sorrin and Tana, I’d longed to repay them, even in this small way. Suddenly, an idea struck me, my tail giving a little jump of excitement. ”Flowers!”

”Flowers?” Sorrin cocked his head, his furry ears twitching curiously.

Tana’s eyes lit up, and she clasped her hands together before her chest. ”Flowers! That’s a great idea, Starlight! Why don’t we gather some tomorrow, before Rasce and Dyson show up?”

I nodded eagerly, a thrill of anticipation warming me. The idea of wandering through the woods with Tana, searching for wildflowers, felt just like the time we went shopping together–a memory I still cherished. But, as I opened my mouth to agree, Sorrin frowned, his forehead creasing in thought.

”That might not be the best idea,” he said, a touch of hesitation in his voice. ”You already agreed to meet with the tailor to adjust your dress, and after that with the cook, to discuss the banquet.”

”Oh,” Tana said, the joy fading from her eyes. ”I guess business comes first.”

”It’s alright,” I said quickly, not wanting to disappoint her. ”I don’t have anything else to do, so Fable and I can go and find some. I know it won’t be the same, but I want to help. Please let me do this much for you.”

The shadow passed as quickly as it had come, and Tana clapped her hands in delight. ”That would be wonderful. Are you sure you’ll be alright going alone?”

I nodded, but paused as something itched at the back of my mind. I stared at them, completely lost as to what it was, until Fable nudged my leg, eyes carrying a good-natured grin his wolfen lips couldn’t quite make. ”Oh! What kind of flowers do you like?”

”All of them, as long as they’re from you,” she said, reaching out to squeeze my hand. ”This really means a lot to me, Starlight. Thank you.”