The Hogling Arms was alive with energy, the air thick with laughter, music, and the clinking of mugs. Ptolemy, the bard, was perched on a stool near the hearth, his fingers dancing across the strings of his lute as he led the crowd in a raucous rendition of a popular folk song. The patrons, a mix of locals and visitors from nearby villages, sang along with varying degrees of accuracy, their voices rising in unison. The room was packed, and SJ had to weave her way through the crowd to reach the bar.
Kerys, despite her diminutive size, commanded the room with ease. “What’ll it be? The usual?” she asked, already reaching for a glass. Fhyliss noticed SJ waving at her as she weaved through the crowd, carrying a tray expertly above her head full of overflowing tankards.
SJ waved back, grinning. “Sure, the usual sounds great,” SJ replied, leaning against the bar. Kibble, now perched on her shoulder, let out a curious squeak, his pearlescent scales shimmering in the warm light of the tavern. The crackling blue lightning around his jaws drew a few curious glances from nearby patrons, but most were too engrossed in the festivities to pay much attention.
Kerys slid the glass across the bar to SJ. “So, how was Asterfal? Did you get everything sorted with the tower?”
SJ took a sip of the wine, savouring the familiar taste. “Yeah, it’s all taken care of. It turns out that the whole mess was tied to political scheming by the bank. It’s a long story, but hopefully, everything’s resolved now.”
Kerys raised an eyebrow. “The bank, huh? I’m glad you got it sorted out, though. And what’s with Kibble? He looks... different.”
SJ grinned, reaching up to stroke Kibble’s head. “He is. I got this ring from the chancellor—a Ring of Bonding. It strengthened our connection, and he... well, he kind of levelled up. He’s bigger now, and look at this.” She gestured to the faint blue lightning crackling around Kibble’s mouth. “I think he’s got some new abilities, but I’m still figuring it all out.”
Kerys chuckled. “Well, he certainly looks impressive. I bet Cristy will love his new appearance.”
Speaking of Cristy, SJ glanced around the room. “Is she here? I was hoping to catch up with her.”
Kerys shook her head. “Not tonight. She’s been busy with the hunters down in the valley. Several beasts have crossed the borders, and the hunters and some of the guard force have been posted there while the gates are finished. But she’ll be around tomorrow for sure. The festival’s the day after, and she wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
SJ nodded, taking another sip of her ale. “Good. I’ve got a lot to tell her.”
The two friends chatted for a while, catching up on everything that had happened in Killic during SJ’s absence. Kerys filled her in on the latest gossip—who had got into trouble, who had started courting whom, and how the preparations for the festival were coming along. It felt good to be back among friends, and SJ found herself relaxing for the first time in what felt like weeks.
As the night wore on, the crowd in the tavern began to thin out. Ptolemy finished his set with a lively tune that had everyone clapping and stomping their feet, and soon after, the last of the patrons stumbled out into the night, singing loudly as they made their way to their lodgings.
Kerys wiped down the bar and sighed. “Another successful night. I swear, this festival is going to be my death. But it’s worth it. Killic hasn’t been this lively in years.”
SJ smiled. “You’re doing an amazing job, Kerys. Everyone looks like they’re having a great time.”
Kerys waved a hand dismissively, but SJ could see the pride in her eyes. “Thanks. Now, get some rest. You’ve had a long day, and tomorrow’s going to be busy. The festival’s almost here, and there’s still a lot to do. Zigferd has been at his wit's end with you and Alice away.”
SJ nodded, finishing the last of her wine. “You’re right. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
She stepped out into the cool night air. Kibble perched on her shoulder. The streets of Killic were quiet now, the only sound the distant echo of laughter and singing from the last of the festival-goers making their way home. SJ made her way back to her cottage, the familiar path feeling comforting after her time away.
As she approached her home, she noticed a light flickering in the window. Frowning, she quickened her pace. She was sure she had left the cottage dark when she went into town. The door was slightly ajar. She pushed it open cautiously, peering inside.
“Cristy?” she called out, recognising the figure sitting at her kitchen table.
Cristy looked up from where she was oiling her bow, a wide smile spreading across her face. “SJ! You’re back!”
SJ laughed, relief washing over her. “I was just wondering where you were. Kerys said you were in the valley.”
Cristy stood, placing the oiled rag down and wiping her hands on her tunic before walking to SJ and hugging her. “I was, but I wanted to surprise you. I figured you’d be back tonight, so I came over to wait. And look at Kibble! What happened to him?”
SJ explained about the Ring of Bonding and Kibble’s transformation as Cristy examined him with fascination. “This is incredible,” Cristy said, her eyes wide with excitement. “I wish I had something like that for Patch. I wonder what benefits it would bring.”
“Where’s Jay?” SJ asked.
“He is still in the valley. He wanted to come and help. With his level advantage compared to the guard, he is a force to be reckoned with.”
“So, he is enjoying his time here?”
“Yes. He is loving it. I also think he has a crush on one of the orc ladies,” Cristy giggled.
“Really?”
“Yes. He keeps visiting her stall in the market.”
“Is he just not purchasing things?”
“Yes. If you consider the five new pairs of boots he now owns,” Cristy said, pointing.
SJ turned to look at the neat row of large boots by the door.
“Oh,” SJ said, laughing.
The two friends sat up late into the night, talking and laughing as SJ recounted everything that had happened. It felt good to be home, surrounded by the people she cared about. As she finally climbed into bed, Kibble curled up by her head, SJ felt a deep sense of contentment. The festival was just around the corner, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt right in her world.
Alice, Holly and the kids had arrived the following day. The coach had been delayed after incurring a broken wheel. It had taken time for the repairs to be completed in Cuopi before they could start their final leg back to Killic. The house that Alice had assigned the family was on the outskirts of town by the church hall and one of the ones that SJ had been shown previously before she had chosen the cottage. It was perfect for the family, and Alice had promised they could stay there until Holly managed to secure somewhere permanent.
Holly was currently in the Hogling Arms and, after being greeted by Kerys and Fhyliss, was being put through her paces. The inn was already busy even before the lunchtime rush; the number of beings in the town was making a huge difference to trade. Cristy had time off over the festival and wouldn’t be heading back to her hunting duties until it was over. She had taken the boys with her to the training ground to teach them about archery. It was so strange, considering Cristy was half their age. Holly had been reticent at first but eventually had given in to the boys' pleading. Cristy still had her starter bow, which Darren had purchased for her, and it was perfect for them to practice with. Cristy had fitted it with a new string as her previous one had stretched too much, and the wood's suppleness allowed it to be drawn easily.
Darren would be back that evening with Jay, and SJ was looking forward to seeing them both, never mind Alice seeing Darren again. Her trip to Asterfal had been their first time away from each other since they had become an item, and Alice had missed him.
The rest of the day disappeared in a whirlwind of activity—the last preparations for the festival requiring attention. Zigferd’s face of relief when both Alice and SJ had returned to the barracks had been immeasurable. It was apparent he had been struggling to deal with everything in their absence. He had even called in support of Isavil, her diplomatic and calm temperament offsetting Zigferd’s commanding presence.
“This is amazing,” SJ said, lifting the figurine that Zej had handed to her. It was cushioned in a small oaken chest with a soft silken lining. The detail on the mithril was beyond impressive, and the small gemstones that had been added to their eyes were perfectly matched to their colours.
“I have enjoyed crafting it,” Zej said, smiling proudly.
“Right, we better get going. Zigferd will be giving the opening speech soon, and I need to be present. I will then present this to them both afterwards.”
“I’ll just lock up,” Zej said as he closed the smithy doors. He had only recently started to secure the smithy, never bothering previously, but with the increased activity in town, there had been several issues of items disappearing.
As they wound through the streets to the town square, the noise increased. Many of the tables were already full of beings, and Holly, Fhyliss, and Kerys were busy rushing between tables, serving tankards of ale from the inn to the many guests. SJ walked through the crowd to the council table, where she took her seat next to Alice. Cristy had Kibble on her shoulder, and Jay, Lythonian, Zej, and Darren were at the table behind them. The smell of roast hogling filled the air from where three huge spits had been set up, and Floretta was busying herself preparing other food. The skeletons had come up from Farleck, and Floretta was ordering Terrence around as she instructed him on what he needed to do. He had what SJ could only explain as an enormous skeletal grin on his face as he did. Charlotte and Brian were standing with Blossom after SJ had introduced them, probably busy discussing various flowers and other gardening techniques, although Brian wasn't as enthusiastic as Charlotte and SJ had noticed him looking over at the lake on several occasions. SJ would need to introduce him to Setu. She was sure he would love to share in his fishing tales.
“Did you get it?” Alice asked excitedly as SJ sat down. SJ removed the small box and opened it, showing her the figurine.
Alice beamed on seeing it. “That looks perfect.”
“It does. Zej has done an amazing job.”
Nexis had been playing with Ptolemy on the stage, and as they finished, Zigferd walked on from the side, taking centre stage.
It took several moments before everyone noticed him, many already well into their festivities. Eventually, silence fell over the crowd.
Zigferd cleared his throat before he began. “Dear All. Welcome to Killic’s first harvest festival since before the invasion of the hobs. I can see many friendly faces in the crowd today and also many beings I have yet to meet. I am pleased to see so many from the surrounding villages have joined us today for this day of celebration.”
Cheers rose from those present.
“The town has suffered dark times recently, and I hope that we are on our path to a more peaceful period. The expansion is well underway, as you have seen, and we have further work to undertake as our once-small town continues to grow, as well as our trade and other opportunities the expansion will bring to the town. I am not going to talk for long, as I know many of you wish to return to your festivities."
More cheering erupted, and Zigferd again waited for quiet.
"There are several activities for you to share in today, and I know many are looking forward to the tournament that will be held this afternoon on the field by the mill. I would just like to wish all those taking part good luck, and thank you all for your support. Finally, I wish you a prosperous new season.”
As cheers rose from the crowd, SJ stood up and hurried to the stage. Zigferd was about to turn and climb back down when SJ stopped him and ushered him back on. Alice was busy speaking to Isavil, who frowned before standing up and accompanying Alice to the stage.
SJ looked out at the crowd, many already turning back to their conversations. Jay stood, and his voice erupted above the noise.
“Silence,” his voice boomed.
The crowd fell silent in an instant, some wide-eyed faces shocked by the ferocious outburst.
SJ moved forward on the stage with a very confused-looking Zigferd and Isavil while Alice held them in place by their elbows.
“Everyone,” SJ spoke, her voice not having the same authority as Zigferd. “I just wished to take the opportunity to also celebrate the recent marriage of Zigferd and Isavil. I know it may have been some time and that the town is aware, but we never had the opportunity to celebrate it properly with a gift before. Therefore, today, I would like to present them with a belated wedding gift from all in Killic.”
SJ removed the small chest and handed it to Zigferd. Zigferd’s deep frown and look of confusion said it all. Isavil moved beside him as he opened the chest. Both their faces turned into ones of shock on seeing the magnificent figurine that Zej had so lovingly made. SJ watched as she noticed tears welling up in both their eyes. Zigferd removed the figurine from the chest, turned it over in his hands, and carefully looked at the fine detail.
“This is beautiful,” Isavil said through a choked voice full of emotion.
Zigferd, trying to remain stoic as always, could only manage two words before a tear fell. “Thank you."
The gathered crowd again erupted in cheers, and shouts of three cheers began.
As the cheers ended and they were about to leave the stage, where Ptolemy and Nexis were moving back to their spots, a figure came sprinting through the crowd. Cries of dismay rose from those it bundled into in its hurry to reach the stage. SJ recognised the kobold as one of the town guard.
“Sir. Sir,” it called as he ran to the stage.
“What is it?” Zigferd asked, seeing the guard.
The kobold reached him gasping, catching his breath before he continued. “The valley, sir. We are under attack.”
This is the End of Book 4 of Amatherean Tales – One Flew Over The Dragon’s Nest
