Chapter 209 - A Home To Return To

I know I said this chapter would be the last one, but I edited it today and it became two chapters... The next one is 100% the last chapter. I'll release it tomorrow so see you then!

It was bittersweet watching Luna depart, yet Hump couldn’t help but smile. His stay in Sheercliff was relatively brief, but it was the longest he’d ever spent in one place. There was no denying that he’d come to like it. So much had happened, some terrible, but much of it had been full of experiences he’d always dreamed about. He had dined with nobles, trained in the pristine grounds of Chosen, and been part of something that mattered. Sure, there were many pompous prats amongst them, and the way they stared down upon the Lower City over tea was a bit snobby, but he had to admit, it was a view to be admired. He’d had a taste of the highlife, quite literally.

Yet it had to come to an end eventually. He returned to the Daston Estate where he met with his party and Vivienne for lunch, where they awaited their appointment with the count and countess. It wasn’t a long wait, and Hump was surprised to find he didn’t feel nervous. He’d faced down warlocks and stared into the eyes of Uvdar’s servant; meeting some nobles just didn’t have the same impact it had in the past.

“Good luck,” Vivienne said as they were leaving. “I’ll be out for most of the afternoon, but I’ll come find you later.”

“Where are you going?” Dylan asked.

“I’m going to have another discussion with Eliana,” Vivienne said. “This time, I intend to get some answers.”

“How do you intend to do that?” Hump asked.

“She was my friend for a long time. Despite being mixed up in all this, I want to believe she’s still in there somewhere.”

Hump found that hard to believe, but he wished her luck anyway.

They were led to the same tearoom Hump had previously met Countess Daston in. He’d been impressed with the durability of the estate. Even the glass windows of this room were intact following the battle. Other than the damage to the grounds, the buildings themselves were untarnished. Whatever magic protected them, it was a marvel, and no doubt incredibly valuable.

Countess Daston and Marcela sat together on the far side of a long table, with a man that Hump took to be the count. He was tall like his wife and daughter, though where they were lean he was built like a mountain. Hump would put him in the category of knight at a guess, though his lessons with his master told him otherwise. Count Benedict Daston was a Chosen of Avaroth, the god of protection and homes. He fought with his fists, warding off enemies and their attacks with only his body for a weapon.

The count pushed his chair back and approached them enthusiastically. “Good afternoon, all of you. Thank you so much for being here.

He extended a hand toward Hump first. “Wizard Humphrey, I cannot express how pleased I am to meet you. Truly.”

Hump shook it. “And you, my lord.”

“I’ve heard much of your feats in Sheercliff and understand I have much to thank you for. You’ve impressed me, lad. More than impressed me. Not only did you save my daughter’s life in Stonebark Forest, but you and your party also saved our city. I’m not sure I have ever been so indebted.”

“I’m just glad I could help,” Hump said, trying his best to sound normal. “Countess Daston, I’m so sorry to hear about your injuries.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Humphrey. It’s going to take some getting used to, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the fate of many others.”

“She’s alive,” the count said, letting out a breath. “That’s what matters.” The count cleared his throat. “Right, please, all of you have a seat. You must join us.” He gestured toward the table. He greeted each of them by name, shaking their hands too.

The conversation was surprisingly casual after that. He asked them about themselves and their backgrounds, taking particular interest in Hump’s time as a hedge wizard and their adventure in Bledsbury. So much so, Hump felt strangely awkward.

“Apologies for the interrogation,” Marcela said, side-eyeing her father. “He’s been looking forward to this all day. I’ve told him of our quest to Stonebark Forest.”

“The dryad was truly an interesting case,” he said. “It’s rare that a dungeon corrupts such a powerful being. You did well to destroy it.”

“What will happen to the dungeons now?” Bud asked.

“It will take some time, but we will clear them,” Countess Daston said. “Initial reconnaissance has revealed that they are significantly weakened since the attack on Sheercliff. We believe the Tree of Damnations in the city were drawing their power from the dungeons in the region.”

“I’ve returned with many of my own men,” the count continued. “We have many tough weeks ahead of us, but I believe the worst is behind us.”

“For now, that is,” Countess Daston added. “The storm Sheercliff faced has passed, though new clouds linger in the distance.”

“You believe Starick’s warning then?” Hump asked.

She nodded. “Believe it, and I can sense them approaching, though it’s impossible for me to say how far off they are. All I know is that we have not seen the last of Anthony and his warlocks.”

“What of Lord Ferrand?” Hump asked.

“A bounty has been placed on his head throughout the kingdom,” Countess Daston said.

“How could he betray us?” Bud asked. “How’s it even possible for a Chosen to fall to the warlocks yet keep his blessings?”

“I believe he did what he thought was right in his own twisted way. Whether that will be enough, I do not know.”

“And Randall? Was he involved too?” Dylan asked.

“No,” Marcela said quickly. “Definitely not. He fought alongside me in the final battle. I saw the moment of his father’s betrayal on his face, and that could not be faked.”

“It would have been different if I’d been here sooner,” the count said, his jaw clenched. “Gods, what kind of man is not there to defend his own home. His own family!”

Countess Daston gripped his hand and smiled at him. “It is not your fault.” She turned to the rest of them. “This information has not yet been made public, but Barrowhill Fortress was overrun."

Silence gripped them for a for seconds, until Bud finally said, “Gods help us.”

Hump picked at his thumbnail, a nervousness building in his stomach that he was growing used to. There truly was no end to the calamity.

“What is that?” Celaine asked.

“Barrowhill Fortress is Alveron’s first stronghold against the Fallen Lands,” Countess Daston said. “It is one of three that stand between it and the rest of the kingdom.”

“The attack seems to have been in coordination with the one here in Sheercliff,” the count said. “Suffice it to say, all forces were required to remain until the situation stabilised.”

“What of the other strongholds?” Bud asked.

“They are well-manned and in good standing. For now, at least, they will hold. The details surrounding the situation are not yet fully understood, but the king has ordered all Chosen to return to their holds. There will be a general call-to-arms.”

“So we’re to be sent to the Fallen Lands?” Dylan asked.

His voice steady, though Hump knew what the druid was thinking. It was the same thing as the rest of them. The Fallen Lands was a place even the most experienced adventurers perished. A place Chosen feared, and that not even the gods had managed to reclaim.”

“It is likely,” Countess Daston said. “Though there are many roles the Chosen must play. You could be defending one of the strongholds, or you could be patrolling regions for monsters.”

“I see,” Dylan said.

“This leads onto the next matter I wish to speak to you all on,” Count Daston said. “I would like to offer your party a permanent place in our service. That would of course include a full salary and armaments. You would be well taken care of, I assure you.”

His expression was eager, but Hump couldn’t help but feel apprehensive at the offer. In fact, the whole thing left a bad taste in his mouth. They had grown stronger, but they would be nothing but fodder in the Fallen Lands.

“May we have some time to discuss this?” Hump asked. “This isn’t a decision we can make lightly.”

The count hid his disappointment well, but Hump noticed a slight shift in his demeanour. “Of course. Take as long as you need. You are under no pressure, I assure you.”

“Thank you,” Hump said.

“It is a most generous offer,” Bud said. “I’ve heard many good things about your reputation, Count Daston.”

At that, the count’s smile returned. “I shall leave the matter in your hands. For now, I believe my wife has some things for you.”

“A few gifts that I hope you will accept,” she said. “The debt Sheercliff owes you is incalculable, but I hope goes a little way in showing our gratitude. I took great care in choosing items I think you will find useful, and each has a card to explain their functions.”

She opened a large strongbox beside her seat, and lifted out a perfectly silver buckler, placing it on the table.

“For Emilia, I have the Thunderclap Buckler.”

The rounded centre was enchanted with a single large rune, while six small, circular formations surrounded it. She slid it over the table toward Emilia, who took it and ran her hand over its surface.

“It’s truly stunning,” Emilia said. “My deepest thanks, my lady. I shall be sure to let my father know of your generosity.”

“Generosity has nothing to do with it. Please pass on my thanks to your brother. I know many lives were saved due to the efforts of he and his men.”

Emilia bowed her head. “I shall let him know.”

Next, she took out a small wooden box from inside and opened it. “Dylan, I have a piece of my own for you.” She took a small, white stone set in a silver broach from inside. It glittered between her fingers, white light gleaming within. “This is a Moon Catcher. The stone was mined from Sheercliff, and though the work of my own blessings and a little help from Sir Isaac of the academy, it has the power to absorb the essence of the moon. It will illuminate even the darkest of places, and be a store of strength for you in your time of need. Its power is replished in moonlight and can be a source of nature for you wherever you are.”

Dylan took it, holding it up to admire it. “It’s beautiful.” He pinned the broach to his chest piece. “I shall treasure it.”

She smiled and moved onto Celaine. “I had some difficulty choosing for you, Celaine. I sense great power from your bow, your cloak is well made, and your dagger intriguing to say the least. There was only one item of silver tier quality that I thought might interest you.” She took out a belt and placed it on the table. It was studded with essence stones, though other than that nothing stood out to Hump to give him a sense of what it was. “This is a Belt of Storage. Each stone can store an item and needs only a thought to be withdrawn. I hope it serves you well.”

It was Hump’s first time seeing a silver tier Belt of Storage. Even the bronze ones were worth a fortune and incredibly difficult to make, the enchantments requiring expertise in both space and dimensional magic.

Countess Daston smiled brightly as her eyes fell on Bud. “I see so much of Rochelle in you, Robert. You are a giant of a man, but you have her smile and her golden locks.”

Hump smirked as Bud’s face reddened.

“To you, I give the Singing Sheath, to keep your blade razor sharp and unbreaking.” The sheat was blue, with pale icy embroidered on the leather, that somehow glimmered like crystal. “Few things will be able to resist the sharpness of your blade, and its edge shall never dull.”

Bud took it and bowed his head. “Thank you, Justine.”

“Whether you join our service or not, you must stay in touch,” she said.

Her gaze finally fell on Hump. “I bring you three gifts this time, Wizard Humphrey.” She took out a gold card and placed it on the table. Words were etched on its surface. “First, this card will grant you access to our private library. You are free to peruse our selection of spellbooks as much as you like, along with anything else that may catch you interest.”

Hump stared at the card, processing what she’d just said. Then he looked up at her. “What, all of it?”

She nodded, her smile widening. “And that’s just the first of three.”

“This one was my idea,” Marcela said, giving him a wink.

Before he could answer, Countess Daston placed a key on the table.

Hump frowned. “What’s this for?”

“You may be a hedge wizard, but I would like to see to it that you are never without a home again. This is a key to your manor.”

Hump blinked. “Manor?”

She nodded. “I’ll have Marcela show it to you later. It’s a beautiful home, and largely undamaged from the battle. I will ensure the repairs are taken care of once we have resources to spare, but I believe you will be quite satisfied already.”

Hump didn’t know what to say. Even many nobles could not afford a house in the Upper City, let alone a manor. For him to have this… It wasn’t exactly a castle, but he’d take it. “Thank you, Countess. It’s a dream come true.”

“I’m glad you like it. Finally, we come to the matter of your staff. Vivienne tells me it was broken and the focus shattered. So, to you, Wizard Humphrey, I give this.”

She placed a staff of dark grey wood on the table, with a clear heartstone for its focus. No, not just a heartstone.

“That’s the core of the Tree of Damnation,” Hump said.

“It is. Functionally, it’s an essence stone, and a powerful one at that. It will make for an excellent focus. The staff itself is made of Etherash, enchanted by Sir Isaac himself. He has graded it a gold tier artifact. I hope it serves you well.”

Hump didn’t dare guess at its value. He was nervous even to hold it. “My lady, this is all too much.”

“Nonsense. The core of the tree was yours to claim already and is the true prize of the artifact. Sir Isaac was more than happy to help with its creation. It’s a staff fit for the White Flame.” She smirked as she said the title. “I am sure your name shall spread far. If there is ever anything else, anything at all, you must seek me out.”

Once more Hump was lost for words, until a little of his street urchin side snuck up on him. He hesitated—even for him it felt wrong to ask—but it was something he was very curious about.

“There is one thing, if I’m not being too presumptuous.”

“Name it,” she said.

“When I was in your vault, I saw what looked to be an enchanting set.”

She rubbed her chin. “I believe I know the item you’re referring to. It’s been unused since before I was born, so I would be glad to find a home for it.”

“I didn’t know you were an enchanter too,” the count said.

Hump shook his head. “Not yet, but I’m practicing.”

“Then it’s settled,” Countess Daston said. “I shall have it sent to you. Now unless there’s anything else you’d like to discuss, Marcela, do you want to show him to his new home?”

Marcela grinned. “I’d love to.”

They said their goodbyes and stepped outside into the hallway.

“I can’t believe he got a house,” Celaine hissed in his ear.

Hump smiled tightly, unable to hide his excitement. She rolled her eyes.

“That much I can believe,” Bud said. “The fact he had the nerve to ask for another item after that though, that was shocking.”

“You better watch yourself,” Hump said. “If you’re not nice to me I won’t let you stay in it.”

They all laughed at that.