The new elements

Chapter 7: a new objective

Several days later they arrive back in the capitol with the refugees and are greeted at the gate by the commander.

Welcome back, how did the mission go?

Clay answers the commander in a cold way without looking at him.

It was a success...

Cassidy stops next to the commander.

Please excuse him, his father... didnt make it.

I see... that's unfortunate. Take the refugees to the barracks for now, we'll figure out what to do with them tomorrow.

When they sit down for dinner, they realize that Danir isn't with them.

Has anybody seen Danir?

Kalea nods.

He said he had some personal business to take care of and that he would be back soon.

Nissa emerges from the kitchen with a large tray of food.

You don't have to do this mother, you're a guest here.

Nonsense, my heroes deserve a feast.

Brix doesn't hesitate and starts putting food on his plate.

You mother is great Clay, we should have brought her here sooner!

Yes... we should have.

Kalea notices the sadness in Clay's voice and changes the subject.

Nissa, what do you think of the city?

It sure is different from back home. I didn't recognize half of the ingredients in the kitchen so discovering things like that is exciting.

Cassidy hugs Nissa.

Well, we're happy to have you here!

They all have a family dinner together. Afterwards Danir joins them.

Where have you been?

I went to go see my father.

How did that go?

Better than expected, seems like my mother talked some sense into him.

That's good, why did you go see him?

I wanted to ask him for help with the people from your village. As a way to apologize to me he arranged for them to stay at a settlement just outside of the city. All of the villagers will have a home and a job harvesting crystals from one of the mines or they can go back to woodwork since there's a forest nearby. It may not be ideal, but at least they'll have a home and a way to sustain themselves.

Clay gets up and embraces him.

Thank you.

Like Liram said, family takes care of each other. Tomorrow there will be an escort to take them there so make sure everybody is ready to go.

Nissa gets up.

I'll go tell them right now, I'm grateful.

The next morning, they get woken up by one of the soldiers from the city guard.

Sorry to disturb you so early but you're expected at the parliament building for a meeting with the city council. Your escort will be waiting for you at the compound entrance.

Cassidy panics as soon as the soldier closes the door.

We're in trouble because we left without authorization, aren't we?

Clay lets out a sigh.

Maybe. But we accomplished the mission and saved... almost everybody, they can't refute that. Let's stay positive and go see what they have to say.