The Tree’s Root was filled with the sounds of celebration. Cheers roared across the tavern, broken singing surged from those who could never quite remember the songs they were trying to perform, and the slurred speech of drunken comforts blended together in a murmur that settled over everyone like a thick blanket. Helbram could smell alcohol in the air, some of it the familiar cheap swill that carried scents of wheat, mixed with the spiced, sweet smell of heated mead. Above all that, was the warmth that he felt within the common room. The sheer amount of people contributed to that, but it was their closeness that was the true source of their comfort.

  This was a celebration of the fallen, a time for stories of those who could no longer speak of themselves, and within those tales Helbram heard laughter and seen tears alike, yet none had been shed upon faces filled with sorrow. No, they streaked down grins and smirks a plenty, and as such the names of the fallen were carried by wings of levity. Perhaps it would have been offputting to some, but as Helbram looked outside into the cold void of winter’s night, the light within was a hearth ablaze with a fire that burned away the darkness that had shrouded his heart.

  He sat alone at a table that was moved to the side of the common room. While Kiki and Pius were filling pints and plates at the bar, the middle was open and practically bursting with people trying, and failing, to dance as a group. He couldn’t recognize any of the steps, and they were too far gone for him to tell if what they were doing was some sort of Osgillian routine, or merely the drunken steps of those carried by the fervor of their delight. In Leaf’s case, at least, he could tell that his friend was doing what he always did when he tried to dance, and that was to make himself look like he had lost all the bones in his legs and was just trying to stay upright. Laughter roared at the sight of it, and to Helbram’s surprise, Merida was perhaps the loudest of them. The Druid’s filter had long been worn away by drink, and her usual reserved demeanor was cracked by a silly smile and a blush on her cheeks.

  Helbram was more amused by the fact that it took only a relatively small amount of ale to put a now Third Layer Awoken into such a state, and he made a mental note to give Leaf endless amounts of grief for it later. As for himself, he was only on his second mug, and had settled on sipping at it like he would his tea. The celebration was in full swing, and perhaps on other nights he may have been in the middle of it, but on this one, he was more inclined to drink it all in from the side. Elly and Jahora had made no mention of his earlier promise to show them his own drunken steps, and were more preoccupied with guiding Aria and Serena through a more refined and controlled dance. Camilla was with them too, the once sickly woman standing tall and proud with a face that, while still too thin, no longer held the sunken eyes and cheeks of days past. Felix watched over them, seated much like Helbram was at his own table across the room, and the two of them shared a nod when their eyes met.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Calvus leaned against Marcia. The couple was seated at another table with Alba, and though the man was clearly drunk, held his composure in front of Portia and Cato. That did not stop him from being loose with his lips, however.

  “If you need anything, anything at all, you just have to ask,” he said, a slight slur to his voice.

  Marcia patted his chest and smiled at Alba. “Though my husband has repeated this for the upteenth time this night, it remains true, we are here for you, truly.”

  “I know.” Alba rubbed the cheeks of her children and they leaned against her, clearly drowsy at this time of night. “And I am grateful for it, but I’ll have my feet beneath me soon enough, my children need me to.” She covered their ears and pressed them against her. “But I won’t say no to them having some new playmates, and given that you haven’t touched a lick of ale… I should be expecting one to be along soon, right?”

  Marcia’s face flushed the deepest red, and she looked down to the ground before giving a shy nod.

  A grin spread across Alba’s face, and for the rest of the night, the light was once faded from her eyes had returned.

  Helbram turned his attention away from them, not wanting to intrude on the moment. When he faced everything again, he felt distant. He was happy, of course; after all they had done, this night was proof that all their efforts, all their pain, had been worth it. The laughs of villagers, the smiles of his friends, and the comfort that they all took with one another, even in the face of tragedy, was an empowering sight. Yet… while the warmth of such flames brushed against his skin, he could not feel them burning within. A hollow feeling was there instead, one that pulled him back from the joy that filled everyone’s hearts.

  He waited until everyone’s eyes were turned to Leaf over a particularly reckless move that was more stumble than dance. When the hunter tripped, he turned it into a roll and sprang to his feet, the most deft move that he had done that day. A wave of cheers followed and crashed through the tavern, brushing against Helbram back as he returned to his room.

  His boots removed, Helbram sat on his bed and stared out the window. Snow fell gently within night’s embrace, and through the mass of clouds a small opening had formed to show the twin moons beyond, casting a ray of pale light upon some area of the forest out of his sight. Nothing was going through his mind at that moment, and that was what he preferred, but such nothingness has a tendency to be fleeting. Weight pulled at his eyelids, and with those same blank thoughts he rested his head against his pillow. Slumber took him right after.

  The tunnel awaited him.

  Its depths remained concealed, the ruins that the cavernous surroundings branched from concealed by unmoving shadows beyond. Screams did not come, and instead the steady drip of water from the stalactites above bounced along the narrowed confines. He did not wear his armor in this dream, and could feel the wet stone beneath him send chills through his feet and up his legs. He faced the nothingness beyond, but could feel the eyes that bored into his back behind him… knew who those eyes belonged to.

  “I know what you all would say,” he began. “You would say that what happened was not my fault, that there was nothing that I could have done to prevent what had happened. You would say that I should not feel guilty for the envy that I felt, that in my position all of you would feel the same. You would tell me to forgive myself, but…” His hands shook and he looked at the ground. “I can’t.”

  He turned around and the world around hims shifted. Darkness was replaced by the red sky of the evening sun, and the narrowed caverns around him crumbled into the detailed stone masonry of a massive bridge that overlooked a vast ocean beyond. The winds rushed around him, carrying the sounds of seagulls' cries and the chatter of a distant, unseen crowd blending with the crash of waves beneath them. Wet stone was replaced by sun baked brick beneath his feet, and it was this warmth that stilled the trembles that quaked his body. In front of him stood the light of stars long gone.

  Faranine, Hadrian… Simon.

  Gone were the faceless shapes from nightmares past, and instead he remembered them as they were that day on the bridge. The bright smile that Faranine had after she had wiped her tears, ring glimmering on her finger. The joy upon Hadrian’s face as his hand was wrapped around his now fiance. The grin that cracked Simon’s face, filled with a mischief that would build until he stood in front of those two to pronounce them husband and wife, but no doubt in the most embarrassing way possible. Eyes that looked towards a future that was still bright across the horizon.

  The sight did not give Helbram peace. In many ways, the sorrow in his chest grew sharper, dug deeper than the nightmare ever could, yet he looked on, branding what he saw into his mind so that he would never forget it.

  “But, I now have the strength to look at you as you were, as you always had been. For now… that will be enough.”

  None of them responded to his words before the world around him faded away, leaving him within the empty void of his mind. Id did not appear, and for that, he was thankful, for as he stood within that boundless nothingness, a deeper slumber finally took him.

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  A week had passed since the celebration, and Helbram now stood next to Bessie as he and Leaf led her out of the stables, strapped to their wagon. Refitted with new Aether crystals, the light that flowed through the grooves of the magitech carriage was a brighter green this morning, and the auroc that pulled had an equally bright disposition upon realizing her burden was not as heavy as before, even with the scores of supplies that had been packed onto the floating platform.

  They guided Bessie into the alley and Leaf started to double check and adjust the harness around the bovine. Meanwhile, Helbram let his gaze wander to what was happening within the alley.

  Geroth and Romina, along with Snow and Shadow, were at the mouth of the pathway, sitting down and facing towards them. The cubs wiggled in place from unspent energy, but remained seated under their parents’ watchful presence. Elly, Jahora, and Merida were speaking with Camilla about something he couldn’t quite make out, but whatever it was made the women smile. At their sides were Aria and Serena, who did not say much to one another, but held each other’s hands, unwilling to let go of each other.

  “A bittersweet sight.”

  Helbram faced Felix, who approached with Pius and Kiki at his side.

  “Indeed,” Helbram said, “It is tempting me to stay a while longer, but winter has let up somewhat and now would be the best time to set off.”

  “That it has, but it is a shame, you would have made for a fine member of our village.”

  Helbram snorted. “There is only room for one dower sort here, and it is not me.”

  “Hear hear,” Kiki said, “Gods know how much more work you would have put me through if you did stay, anyhow.” The goblin smith held up a bundle wrapped in black cloth for him to take. “I still don’t know if I want to call you a smith’s nightmare or a dream. Rarely does our work get put through such rigorous use.”

  “For most,” Leaf chimed in, “for Helbram? It’s just a matter of when, not if.”

  “Which is why I am grateful for the skilled hands that have restored it.” Helbram took the bundle and placed it onto the wagon, smiling at his reflection gleaming across his helmet. “It is almost as if this was freshly forged.”

  “Much of it had to be,” Kiki said, “and let’s not even talk about the spear, a new one was a necessity due to how you left the last one.”

  “It was put to good use, I assure you.”

  “No doubt.” Kiki walked up and patted his leg. “Japes aside, it will feel quite empty when you’re gone, and I know Geoffery will sorely miss your help hand around the forge.”

  “He will make due, he has quite the mentor, after all.”

  The smith beamed at him and stepped back, letting Pius take her place. The innkeep held out a bottle wrapped in parchment and a soft cloth bag.

  Helbram raised an eyebrow, “Mead and spices? You have already given us some to take on the road.” He pointed towards a small box at the back of the carriage.”

  “Consider these to be of more premium stock, for special occasions,” Pius said, “Just because one is on the road does not mean they cannot have a few extra comforts.”

  Helbram took the gifts. “This is true, and very much appreciated. We are already missing your cooking.”

  “The longing will be even worse on the days that Leaf cooks, that’s for certain.” Jahora walked up and examined the magitech engine.

  The hunter poked his head out from the back of the wagon and frowned. “You know, maybe I don’t need to do that particular task if you all seem to hate it so much.”

  “And rob us of the sight of you cursing and fussing over a flame?” Elly walked past Leaf and lay her bag of books into the bed of the wagon. “Perish the thought.”

  He grumbled and resumed his double checks of their inventory.

  Pius laughed. “He has learned plenty, I am sure the food will be palatable, at the very least.”

  “One can only hope,” Helbram said.

  The innkeep and smith shook hands and embraced the rest of the party before stepping back to the side. Camilla and the girls approached then, both of them still unwilling to let each other go. The mother knelt down and placed a hand on her daughter’s head.

  “Come now, Serena, you know you shouldn’t make this any harder on her.”

  The girl shook, and the tears that had been welling within her eyes started to spill. Aria’s followed soon after.

  “I know, but…” Serena shook her head, sniffed, and wiped her face before looking back to her friend. “We’ll see each other again, right?”

  Aria did not bother to wipe her face, and her lips trembled as she pulled Serena into a hug. “Yes.”

  Her friend returned her embrace, and while they cried into each other’s arms, Camilla faced Helbram.

  “I hope you don’t intend to make Aria a liar,” she said.

  Helbram snorted. “I would not dream of it, perhaps when we are done with Whitebridge we can make the journey back. Using a much more expedient pace.”

  “And so the burden of the promise is now onto you.” Camilla brought Helbram into a hug, the movement quick enough to catch him off guard. “All of you will always be welcome here, don’t forget that.”

  Helbram returned the embrace and stepped back. “I will not… thank you.”

  Camilla smiled at him and went to say her farewells to the rest of the party. Aria and Serana let each other go during this time, but they still stared at one another as Aria made her way to Jahora and Elly’s side. The women rubbed her back and ruffled her hair, which calmed the sobs that shook the girl’s shoulders.

  Finally, Merida approached, the wolves at her side.

  “Are you sure you do not wish to accompany us?” Helbram asked. “There is still plenty of room on the wagon, so long as you do not mind Leaf’s snoring.”

  “Oi! That was you last time!”

  Merida giggled, but shook her head. “Tempting as that offer is, I am a Druid, and it would be neglectful of my duties to leave before ensuring this place has truly healed. Alatash and Anivata are still recovering, and I would make sure that such beings are allowed to thrive before I satisfy my own curiosities.”

  “Understandable, your presence will be dearly missed.” Helbram cast a glance at Leaf, who looked away when their eyes met. The warrior then looked at the wolves. “All of you.”

  “Actually, there is a request that I, well, we would make of you,” Merida motioned her staff at Snow and Shadow. “The children, may they accompany you on your journey?”

  Aria’s eyes brightened at the words, and Helbram knew that there was no way that he could refuse. He looked at Geroth and Romina, searching their eyes. “Are you sure?”

  The Enlightened wolves huffed and nodded simultaneously.

  “Snow and Shadow were birthed on the road,” Merida said, “And as such, their parents believe that their fate lies beyond returning to the boundaries of the Glasswood.”

  “... they are still quite young.” Helbram said.

  “Indeed, and perhaps that is for the best. While Geroth and Romina had no qualms about their duties, they see no reason to bind their children to such a path before they have a chance to see what else is out there, and thus, they turn to you.”

  He knelt down in front of the cubs, who squirmed with excitement. “What say you two? Are you ready to walk the paths of adventurers?”

  The barks were the only answers he needed.

  “Then we welcome you.”

  The cubs turned to their parents, who rubbed their snouts against their children a final time before huffing at them with a look that told them to be on their best behavior. They barked back in response, and with a final brush against her parent’s faces, Snow ran to Aria and hopped excitedly around her feet. The girl wasted no time in picking up the white cub and letting her lick her face, giggling all the while.

  “We’ll make sure Aria treats them properly,” Jahora told Merida with a smile.

  “Yes, it will be a good exercise in responsibility,” Elly added, “Perhaps they will be less excitable when you next meet them.”

  “Not too much, I hope. Some mischief is only natural, after all.” The Druid picked up Shadow and walked up to Leaf, who tensed at her approach. She placed the black cub into his arms, her hand lingering against his for a moment. “Take care of them.”

  The hunter let her stay close and nodded. “I will.” He looked at Geroth and Romina. “I swear it.”

  The huffs from the parents told Helbram that they had expected it.

  After the final checks were made, the now larger party started to board the wagon. Farewells were exchanged, and Aria and Serena shared another tearful embrace. Before Helbram got into the driver’s seat, Felix held out his hand.

  “Godspeed Helbram, keep pressing on.”

  Helbram clasped the commander’s wrist. “The same to you. Till we meet again.”

  Leaf hopped into the front the same time as him and took the reins. The corner of his eye lingered on Merida for a moment.

  “You have anything left to say?” Helbram asked.

  The hunter shook his head. “But I’ll have more when we next meet… onwards?”

  Helbram looked ahead. “Onwards.”

  Hedge Knight Arc 5: Blood of the Warden

  End

  Author's Note: And that is another Arc in the books! This one... well this one definitely got away from me. Would you believe me that I originally started this as a low stakes, happier arc? Then I added lore, but decided that I needed to give that lore the proper context and then have characters reflect those kinds of lore, and then I threw in an alien horde on top of it so these elements are present from early on, and it just kept building and building and building... and needless to say, this Arc got quite long in the tooth >.>

  I'm not angry about it though, and overall I like what I've written quite a bit, but I'm definitely gonna be trying to keep the scope of the future arcs after this more contained so the pacing remains relatively consistent.

  I'm also aware that the outcome of this arc is very bittersweet, and Helbram's continued lack of power is no doubt going to rub many people the wrong way, especially since he gave away a chance to progress in power at the very end here. I get it, and, given recent ratings and reviews, I understand that this is leading many people to thinking that I'm labeling the story in the wrong genre or that I'm just baiting people to drag things out or that I'm writing Helbram as a gimmick that I can't drop or any combination of that. The only thing that I can say is that I'm not doing any of those things, and that I have a plan, but I can't really prove anything until said plan is done, so these complaints are understandable.

  Believe me, the temptation to flip the switch and do what everyone wants me to do is there. Its always there poking at me and no doubt it may result in better ratings, more popularity, and perhaps even get me to a position to where I can write full time. However, the moment I do that, the moment I give in, is the moment that this story loses the reason I am writing it. I'm not shy about listening to feedback, hopefully all of you know this, but unfortunately this is the one thing that I really just can't change, and one that I need to see written as I originally intended. Everything else? Fair game. I welcome critique of all kinds, it's just in this one thing I can't change. I wish I could write faster to get to where I want to be so I can execute the plan I have quicker, but unfortunately that isn't in the cards for me at the moment, so the only thing I can do is press on as I have.

  So, please, I know some of my decisions are causing all kinds of frustration, but I ask you all to trust me to tell this story as only I can, to the best of my ability.

  This story will carry on, and I've planned out the next Arc already, but we will be focusing on rewrites of Arc 2 for an official release now too.

  To mentally prepare for the grind that is no doubt going to kick my ass, I'm just going to take a week off to clear my head.

  However, please leave your thoughts on this arc. What did it do well? What did it not do so well? My emotional diatribe aside, I do want to hear what you think.

  Also, no new chapter next week as I’m trying to revise Book 2 over the next week, got to get that rolling.

  Till next update everyone, have a good one.