–—- ??? —---

  “So…Let me make sure I understand this in its entirety.”

  The sneering voice of Lord Ralfren snaked through the hall.

  "You're telling me that an unknown man, one who wielded some strange magic, appeared from thin air?” The noble frowned at the heroes. “And he called himself a… what was it again?”

  “A wizard,” Jonathan replied, his back stiff as he met the noble's gaze.

  “Ah, yes…’ wizard.” Lord Ralfren moved his mouth slowly as he said the word, as if tasting it. “I have not heard of any path named after that word.” He glanced to either side of him, his eyes tracing the long table.

  “Have any of you?” He asked the gathered council of nobility.

  None of the other nobles answered.

  Lord Ralfren turned his attention back to the Paladin and his friends.

  “It seems not.” He let out a long sigh before continuing. “So, you engaged the Demonlord again in the Imperial Hall of Golvan. Your party was soundly defeated, with only Jonathan the Brave left standing.”

  The noble eyed the heroes, looking for a reaction. The only one he got was a curt nod from Jonathan. He continued.

  “Then, this ‘wizard’ appeared, pulled you from the jaws of defeat, then…” The noble hesitated, his expression one of disbelief. “..rewound time and resurrected every hero that had fallen?”

  Lord Ralfren’s suspicious gaze swept over the party of heroes. They stood lower than the raised platform of the nobility, each fully equipped and stone-faced. Jonathan was positioned in the center of the lineup, and he nodded in affirmation to the noble.

  “That is correct.” He stated.

  Lord Ralfren bit his lip, his eyes squinting. “Now, after your miraculous ‘resurrection’.” He continued. “This stranger proceeded to educate–” The noble gestured, both the word and his movement dripping with mockery. “--you on your many failures. Then, after speaking with you, he made you attempt to defeat the Demonlord again.” The noble frowned. “Which, once again, you failed to do. Is that correct?”

  "Yes," Jonathan replied, jaw tight.

  “I see.” Lord Ralfren looked smug. “And so this repeated over and over and over again. With every attempt by your party ending in death and failure.”

  The noble paused, letting the words sink deeper. “But then the stranger gave your party a practical demonstration. This is the part that confuses me.” Lord Ralfren shook his head in disbelief. “Did the stranger slay the Demonlord?”

  “He did.” Jonathan’s soft reply broke the silence.

  “And yet, you claim your party slew the Demonlord.” Lord Ralfren stroked his thin beard. “Which is it, Jonathan the Brave. How did you manage to kill a dead enemy?”

  Joantahn clenched his teeth, taking steadying breaths. He counted several seconds before responding, his tone level.

  “As I have explained before. Wilbur cut the head off the Demonlord, then, after explaining the tactics that he had demonstrated, rewound our foe.”

  Murmurs and whispers filled the hall as the nobles glanced at one another. Jonathan wanted to scream. They had gone through this section of the story multiple times. Every single time, the nobles would act shocked and appalled.

  “So then,” Ralfren spoke again, and the whispers died. “This ‘wizard’, this ‘Wilbur’, not only resurrected you and your party.” He paused, eyes filled with false disbelief. “But also resurrected our ancient enemy.”

  The air in the room seemed to bristle at the implication. Or at least that is what the nobles presented.

  “Correct,” was all Jonathan could say.

  “I see. This is very troubling.” Ralfren said. “Then your party was forced to fight our ancient enemy again, and again, and again.” Jonathan nodded. “And finally, after countless attempts, you overcame your inadequacies and slew the Demonlord. But–” Lord Ralfren gestured toward Catherine. “--not without a price.”

  Jonathan stiffened even more. Fire grew in his eyes as he stared back at the noble, who smirked at him.

  “Lady Calogera was mortally injured. The stranger was nowhere to be seen, and she perished.”

  The noble stroked his chin again, his head shaking slightly. “And yet, she stands before us today. The strange being known as Wilbur waited until she had died to reappear. Then he brought her back.”

  Silence.

  The noble shook his head, a false sincerity displayed. He turned his eyes to Catherine. “What a cruel method. Allowing someone to pass, then dragging them back. One must wonder what this stranger wishes to gain from such an act. Assuming it happened, that is.”

  Lord Raflren's eyes shifted back to Jonathan. “Any ideas?”

  “I swore on the radiance to speak the truth,” Jonathan replied, his voice flint. “And I have not broken my oath.”

  "Now, Paladin Jonathan, you must understand why we find this quite unbelievable."

  A shrill but silky voice chimed in.

  Jonathan turned his gaze to the golden-robed Cardinal of his order.

  “The implications of performing such a holy act like a sacred resurrection are…” his silken voice hung, his golden eyes glowing as he stared at Jonathan. “Unprecedented. And I am sure Lord Ralfren is not suggesting you have broken your oath of truth. However, perhaps these circumstances have other explanations.”

  "It's what happened," Jonathan stated.

  “So you claim. I am not questioning the truth you believe you have seen.” The Cardinal shifted his gaze to the other person standing before the noble council. The only non-hero summoned to this hearing.

  “Adventurer Rugren, perhaps you can tell us more of this stranger.” The Cardinal asked the broad-shouldered man. “From our reports, the Adventurer's Guild was collecting artifacts, specifically those with locating abilities. The stated purpose was to find a myth from legend, something told in children's fairy tales. Is that correct?”

  Rugren was far more relaxed than the heroes, his posture almost lazy. He chuckled at the Cardinal's words.

  "I wouldn't call him a fairy tale now." He crossed his arms, his expression confident and calm. “But yes, the Adventurers Guild did collect large amounts of relics. After the first city fell and the heroes escaped from their first encounter, we believed that this cycle’s lord had unprecedented strength.” Rugren’s gaze swept the noble table. “It was a long shot, we knew that. However, with how grim our fate appeared, we believed it was worth it.”

  He shifted his gaze back to the Cardinal. “I’m sure the church is well aware of the stories regarding the Glittering Expanse. The shimmering desert where no demon dares to tread.”

  “Of course.” The Cardinal nodded.

  “Then why did the church not assist our venture?” Rugren cocked his head. “Obviously, you must have heard of the tales of a great magical being hidden within the expanse.”

  The Cardinal sighed. “One of many myths passed down through history, Adventurer Rugren. To spend resources on such a venture would be a disservice to the faithful.”

  “Of course.” Rugren rolled his eyes, then glanced at Lord Ralfren. “And I’m sure the imperial nobility maintains a similar stance.”

  The noble eyes narrowed, but he did not reply.

  “Anyway.” Rugren continued. “Even without assistance from the church or nobility, our guild chose to push forward with our plan. We gathered countless relics from any source we could, then they sent me to slip past the oncoming demonic horde. I arrived at the Glittering Expanse and moved as quickly as I could into those accursed sands.”

  He glanced down at his clothes, grimacing. “I swear, a few years from now I’m going to discover a pearl in one of my crevices. That accursed sand invaded every part of me.”

  This got a deep short chuckle from Algorax, but it was quickly stifled by multiple noble glares.

  “And you used one of those and found the stranger?” The Cardinal asked. “Do you remember which one?”

  Rugren shook his head,

  “No, it took dozens before I contacted the ‘wizard’. Let me see, I think it was the Construct of –”

  “I do not think which relic is relevant, Adventurer Rugren,” Catherine interjected.

  “Oh?” Rugren shifted his attention to her. “Why do you say that?”

  Catherine's golden hair bobbed as her gaze shifted between the adventurer and nobles. All now firmly focused on her. Her momentary unease vanished, replaced by a practised posture of confidence.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “While speaking with the stranger, he mentioned that the relics you used were…” she hesitated. “‘Annoying.”

  Rugren raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

  “Yes.” Catherine nodded. “I meant to speak with you privately later, but perhaps I should deliver his warning to you now.”

  The adventurer paused, then nodded. Catherine glanced at the noble table.

  “I believe this warning should be taken by all in attendance.” She looked back at Rugren. “Wilbur warned that your guild gets a ‘pass this time,’ and next time he will ‘chuck the annoyance into another dimension.”

  “Ah. Good to know. Thank you, Lady Calogera.” Rugren replied, then turned back to the nobles. “As the relic I used seems to be a moot point, I will keep that information private. I don’t wish to anger our strange and seemingly private benefactor.”

  He waited for objections, but none seemed to comment.

  “So, I was struggling to survive in the depths of the Glittering Expanse. Energy exhaustion from overusing artifacts plagued my body, but I knew time was limited. I would recover, then immediately channel another relic. This repeated multiple times until, finally, something happened.”

  He shook his head at the memory. “One moment, I was sitting atop a towering dune, heaving from nausea after using a relic. The next moment, I found myself in a sitting room. It happened so fast, my eyes struggled to adjust to the change in light. Once they had, I came face to face with an odd man in eccentric robes colored as if dragged through a field of wildflowers.”

  “And no one else was visible?” The Cardinal asked.

  Rugren sighed. “No. It was just the stranger.” He glanced toward the heroes. “I am sorry if I caused you any harm by annoying him. He seemed completely frustrated with me. As an adventurer, you learn early on that it is unwise to anger powerful entities.” he paused, then added. “Or you don’t learn that, and you wind up unexpectedly dead.” Rugren turned back to the noble table. “But regardless, I made our case to the man. From how I had appeared before him, It was my belief that he was the myth we had been searching for. I begged him to assist us, and he was silent for a moment. Then he raised his hands.” Rugren demonstrated. “Clapped twice, and I was left alone with my thoughts in that chamber.”

  The cardinal leaned forward in interest.

  "And you did not peruse or investigate your surroundings?"

  “Oh, in all the hells, no!” Rugren exclaimed in disbelief. “Why would I ever do something so dumb?”

  The Cardinal opened his mouth to reply, but the adventurer cut him off.

  “I mean no disrespect, but Cardinal, you would not survive as an adventurer. The very idea of ‘investigating’ the property of a man who is capable of moving you untold distances with the mere action of clapping is absurd. One of the unspoken rules of adventuring is that you must keep your nose out of business that does not concern you.”

  He shot a look towards Lord Ralfren. “Speaking of which, why exactly am I here? I was surprised to receive your summons. We adventurers, try to stay away from these types of political games.”

  "This is not some game," Lord Rufrin snarled. “This is a matter concerning the security and safety of the empire, something the adventurers' guild is sworn to.”

  Rugren shrugged. “If it’s the safety of this empire, then I suggest you take my advice.”

  His eyes swept the room. “Lords and ladies, Cardinal and heroes, just leave this matter alone. Listen to what the stranger, this Wilbur the Wizard, has said.”

  Murmurs and scoffing rolled across the assembled hall. Rugren sighed.

  “Or don’t. But I will have no part of this. We were already granted a miracle, let's not push our luck.” He eyed the nobles. “That should be more than enough. I’m done answering questions.”

  “Bold as ever, Adventurer Rugren.” Lord Ralfren sneered. “Just like the heroes, you failed to find any information about this incalculable threat. If any of you had stayed true to your path, perhaps we would have more than just a few stories, a name, and a strange word.”

  "Lord Rulfrin." Rugrim's voice chilled, his eyes narrowing. “Those are heavy words. I stayed true to my role as an adventurer. It is through our guild's efforts that assistance was gained. I would remind this council what our guild does, and the services it lends to the empire."

  Rugren straightened and then faced the heroes. “Thank you for defeating our ancient foe. Your deeds should be spread across the lands and celebrated.” He shot a glare towards the nobles, then refocused on the party. “I wish you blessings and good fortune. May fate smile upon you.”

  He took several steps away, then paused, looking back. “I take my leave, assuming there are no objections?”

  “None.” A middle-aged noblewoman to Lord Ralfren’s left answered. “I believe you have said enough, adventurer.”

  “As is my nature,” Rugren smirked, then strode toward the door.

  Lord Ralfren watched the adventurer go, about to continue his line of questions, when the hall’s door burst open, nearly knocking Rugren down. The adventurer leapt to the side, muscles tense, dagger in hand, ready for any threat.

  “I have been wronged! I demand recompense!” A shrill voice pierced the air.

  The tall figure stomped into the hall, all eyes shifting to him. Pointed ears, dirty dripping clothes, and a face red with anger, the elf made his way into the hall.

  “Well?!” The elf screeched. “What do you have to say? You worthless humans sitting here while a foreign force rampages and pilfers your capital?!”

  The nobles looked shocked, Lord Ralfren the first to recover.

  "Ambassador Lourathon… you’re alive?"

  “Of course I’m alive!” Lourathon sneered. “No thanks to the Empire,” He pointed accusingly towards the heroes, "And no thanks to these pitiful excuses that pass as ‘heroes’. My home was attacked and destroyed!” He glared at everyone in the room. “Incompetent humans! But, by the grace of the divine, I was resurrected to right this wrong in this world.”

  His voice filled with emotion, tears coming to his eyes. “And yet, my home was destroyed once again! Do you lesser beings know no end to your travesties! I will have justice! There will be order in this wretched swatch of land you humans call a kingdom!”

  "Ambassador, what do you mean?" Ralfren asked.

  The elf glared at the noble. “Are you daft? It’s as I said.” He held a hand to his heart. “I stayed in your filthy capital, and your soldiers failed to keep the demons out. My home and life were taken from me.”

  He hung his head, then looked up towards the ceiling.

  “But then the gods looked down and took pity on your pathetic kingdom. My home and I were returned to grace this world.” The elf’s eyes flared with rage. “But then, one of your lowly merchants dared to trespass on my estate.” He signed dramatically. “ Of course, I educated him on his proper place, then ordered him to leave.”

  He glared at the nobles, his face incredulous.

  “But how am I repaid for my kindness? For spending my valuable time on a lesser being?!” He screamed, his face red. “One of you!” He pointed towards a human noble. “Attempt to assassinate me! Dressed in a ridiculous affront to fashion, that man tried to drown me through forced teleportation! The audacity!”

  His voice rose to an even higher octave. “I was unceremoniously flung into one of your soldiers, who at least had the understanding to pull me from those rotten watters.” Lourathon sniffed dramatically, glancing down at his soaked and muddy clothing. “I haven’t even had time to change or cleanse myself of that filth. The sheer suffering I have endured must be avenged immediately!”

  With those words, the hall fell silent, all staring at the drenched elven ambassador.

  The woman who had spoken to Rugrim spoke first, her face a mask of diplomacy.

  "Ambassador Lourathon, the man you spoke of… was he wearing multi-colored robes and a blue conical hat?"

  The elf’s eyes went wide. “So you do know of him! Is he some agent of yours?!” He crossed his arms. “I will have him punished to the full extent of our treaties. This was an attack on my kind, one that must be repaid to the culprit.”

  “Where did you see him?” Lord Ralfren boomed, his voice a touch annoyed with the ambassador's antics.

  The elf sneered. “Where else? In the city you failed to protect.” He met the eyes of the noble. “In Golvan.”

  Lord Ralfren’s chair scraped across the stone as he instantly stood.

  “When was this?!” He demanded from the ambassador, his voice practically punching out.

  “Oh.” The elf looked taken aback, “Uh… less than an hour ago?”

  “Guards!” Armored men appeared in a heartbeat. “Go, send word.” Lord Ralfren ordered, his words rapid. “Gather as many men as you can. Assemble them to march immediately, we must send a contingent to Golvan.”

  “Sir!” The guards saluted, then rushed from the room.

  The noble's eyes snapped to the heroes.

  “It seems, despite your failures, the Radiance has given us another chance to discover the truth.”

  To his right, the Cardinal spoke up. “Paladins of the Order.”

  From the wings, two shining gold-clad figures emerged. The Cardinal met the eyes of Lord Ralfren, who paused for a moment before nodding.

  “Yes, Cardinal?”

  The holy figure turned his attention to them.

  “Paladins, gather what troops you can, reinforce Lord Ralfren’s contingent.”

  With two curt nods, they turned and followed in the guards' wake.

  “It is good to see that at least some of you are not entirely without –”

  “Enough, Ambassador.” Lord Ralfren cut him off from his tirade. “I will arrange for quarters to be assigned to you. Allow me to…” He took in the elf’s soiled state. “Rectify your current undress.”

  He waved toward one of the remaining guards, who instantly appeared at the elf’s side. The dripping and soiled elf protested as he was pulled towards the entrance.

  "But what of my suffering? Will you not repay me for what I have lost?!" He screeched, but was ignored as he was pulled from the hall.

  The door slammed shut behind them as they exited.

  “Should we not go as well?” Jonathan asked, the heroes still standing in a line.

  The nobles, who were all in the midst of rising and leaving, stopped and looked at the paladin.

  "No. You've done quite enough in these matters." The Cardinal replied. "Go rest from your mighty battle. Let those who do not deal in failures handle this situation.” He glanced toward Lord Ralfren, who was having a hushed conversation with several of his peers. The man met the cardinal's eyes, giving him a slight nod. The Cardinal turned back to the heroes.

  “You are dismissed."

  –—- ??? —---

  Jonathan and the heroes were also shepherded from the room. As the doors shut behind them, Darcy stepped in front of Jonathan.

  "Are we just going to take that? Are we just going to let things go as they are? What happened to plan B?"

  The paladin sighed, pushing past her and walking down the hall. The other heroes fell in with him.

  “I was going to make our stance clear,” he rubbed his eyes, “of course, Wilbur had to interfere.”

  “About that.” Catherine jumped into the conversation. “Are we really just going to stay here?”

  Jonathan glanced at her. The normally well put-together fire elementalist looked ragged. Her hair was pulled tight, yet small frizzy strands could be seen. Dark circles ringed her eyes, and her skin was paler than normal. He glanced at his other friends, and they all looked in similar states of exhaustion.

  “We won’t be useful half awake,” Jonathan said slowly. “I, too, want to know what our new… acquaintance… is doing back in Golvan.” He glanced side to side. “But I think we could all use some rest before facing whatever this is.”

  Algorax yawned.

  "Oh, that sounds good to me. I could use some shut-eye."

  This garnered glares from the party.

  “You were sleeping the whole way while I drove that infernal wagon,” Timothy complained.

  “Mmmmm…” Algorax licked his lips. “Wagons… I love wagons. That rhythmic bouncing as you head down the road.” He uttered a sigh of loss. “I miss it already. I had such a pleasant dream of sailing the tranquil sea while we traveled here.”

  Darcy rolled her eyes, but then she yawned as well.

  “Curse you, ya big brute. Now you have me yawning.”

  A high-pitched yawn, the tiny squeak, cut off the berserkers' reply. The party turned their gazes to Marie, who flushed red with embarrassment.

  “Fine,” Catherine grumbled, turning her eyes from the blushing light user. She leveled them at Jonathan. “But, only a few hours, then we need to plan what to do next.”

  The paladin nodded, stifling a yawn of his own. “Agreed.”

  “Assuming we wake up, and the empire’s still here,” Algorax said with a laugh. “What do you think that crazy man’s doing? Why return?”

  “I have no idea…” Jonathan muttered. “But we’re going to find out.”

  –—- ??? —---