-----Sol smiles again at this, and then turns his head to look at Sarah at his side. The young warrior's eyes light up as he says, "I'll understand if ye'd like t'stay an' rest too, but I'd like it if ye came with me."
-----Raven nods, "That's what I thought you'd say. As always I agree with your plan." Raven pauses for moment, "Just be careful for you'll be traveling through an unknown land." Raven turns to Lord Howrun, "Lord Howrun, would you have any information on areas of danger between here and Hearthorn?"
-----Sol shrugs at Raven's question to the Lord of Silvergard and adds, "I was just going t'take th' boat back across t'th' other side o' th' river an' follow the bank back t'Nox, but if there's a better way..."
-----The Gorian trails off and looks back at Lord Howrun with interest.
-----"Forgive me for interrupting, but I think I have a better way," a voice says from the trees leading back to the river. Close to where the body of Krondor lays, a man dressed in blue robes and a large blue hat steps out from behind the trees. Behind him follows a procession of horses.
-----The adventurers immediately recognize the man as the Lord Wizard Zepharon. Behind him, Thunder shakes his mane looking across the field making eye contact with Sol. Zepharon lays his hand on Marlexana's neck patting the enchanted steed. Raven's wolf trots across the clearing bounding through the tall grass to his master. More horses belonging to the adventurers' companions also wait.
-----Lord Howrun looks sternly at the wizard and Zepharon bows slightly saying, "Again, Lord Howrun, I apologize for the intrusion. I am Zepharon, Lord Wizard of Hearthorn. Not doubt my beautiful daughter has introduced herself and her valiant companions. They have done much, perhaps more than they realize, to secure the southern region of Hearthorn."
-----"Word comes from the Royal City of Goldren. The Lords of the various Estates have returned to their own. I do not fully know of the conclusions of the Royal Court but Lord Lambert has been acquitted of any accusations of incompetence. Your absence at the Royal Court was noted, however, in light of recent events, it has been overlooked." The Lord Wizard winks at his daughter and holds one arm open to her.
-----"Overlooked?!" Lord Howrun suddenly rumbles and for a moment his demeanor resembles that of a huge angry bear. "Does the Royal Court realize what my very region has been subject to? Does the Royal Court realize how much of my own loyal people have sacrificed and perished while the Court would criticize me for my absence?"
-----"Forgive me once again," the Lord Wizard replies calmly, but respectfully, "I am sure they do not fully understand all that has happened, though soon, I am confident that they will."
-----Lovan steps forward with blazing eyes and the clouds overhead seem to churn. With gritted teeth, the storm priest looks at Howrun and Sol and asks, "Is this one I should send the Rage upon?" He then looks across at the wizard still standing by the horses.
-----Sol hastens to answer the storm priest before the whole clearing explodes, "No, no Lovan. Our enemies have been dealt with for th' moment. I'm sorry if ye still need t'...channel some more, but I'm sure Strator understands. After all, ye did finish th' dragon!" As he speaks, Sol quickly makes his way to Thunder and begins inspecting the horse, nearly always keeping one hand on the steed.
-----The Gorian looks back at the Lord Wizard and asks respectfully, "Sir, ye mentioned that we may have done more than we realize? What did ye mean by that? As far as I knew we did little more than fulfill our mission. An' thank ye so much fer bringing th' horses." By this stage, having finished looking over Thunder, with a final rub of the horse's nose Sol begins giving the others a quick check.
-----As soon as her father's voice floats into her ears Sarah's mouth breaks into a wide grin, and her eyes begin to sparkle. This time she restrains herself from running into her father's arms, waiting until he has made his speech, when he offers his arm, she is there in a second, likening hers in his and beaming up at him. "I missed you." She says seriously. "And I have a lot to tell you about later." She gazes at Sol as he gets reacquainted with Thunder, before making eye contact with her father again.
-----"We should make an effort to find the dragon's lair." Sarah says. "Before someone stumbles upon it." The legends of dragon's wealth are flowing through her head, along with images of piles of gold and magic that would make anyone's head spin.
-----"Oh yes, you did fulfill your mission and in the meantime you exposed the tie between the accusations against Lord Lambert and the true enemies of Altoria!" Zepharon replies to the young warrior. "Sir Greene of Oakwood has nothing but praise for you, my daughter, Raven and Rinda. The region of the Oakwoods has much to celebrate now."
-----Peering skyward, the Lord Wizard adds, "By this time, a relief force has reached the town of Redmarsh to assist in the town's and the region's recovery. The good people of Nox also send their well wishes. It was there that I found your horses in the good care of the Priestess of Solarius."