Black Rose Chronicles, chapter 15

Background music by Smartsound

 

After a lengthy talk with Astor she explained she wanted to go back out and try to help once again with this threat from the Undead. He agreed and said that things will be fine and for her to come home as often as she could. Although the lands seemed huge they were not. Many of the locations were within day or two for travels. And with the wagons and ships and even the Lunar Rifts it was easy to fast transport to anywhere in the realm. With that she donned her newly crafted armor and freshly honed weapons. Packed her backpack with a few necessities and she headed over the stone bridge towards the exit of town. She would hop the ship from Hidden Vale to Brittany and then take the ship from there to Ardoris. Might as well head back in that direction since she had already started some work there. She was not too thrilled about doing back there but she did what she had to do

After what seemed like months she walked into Knight’s Watch. Tired, dirty and hungry she trudged to her house by the river. When she walked up she notice that her quaint little house was no longer little. It had been built up to a sprawling stone building.It was near dark and she did not enter the house. Maybe Astor thought her dead after so long away and let someone else build in her place. After a good night’s rest she would seek him out. So she headed to the tavern where she could get a quick meal and a cot upstairs.

When she made her way through the door the tavern was crowded. Many folk stood and sat around. Some gent named Omegaflux was at the piano banging out a lively tune while another named Ozzy Questor was trying in vain to keep up on his bagpipes. The laughter and talk were so loud even over the din of music. Bella saw Astor standing behind the bar and she approached. When the door slammed behind her the noise died down. Many of the faces she did not know or did not know that well, but she kept moving.“Master Cerberus” she said once she found her voice.“Did you give me up for dead?”Smiling across the counter he shook his head in humor“Nay, Milady. I know it would take more than some undead rabble to take you down.”She looked at him for a moment and slapped her hand on the counter.“Then perhaps over a pint you can explain why my house is missing.”All the fellows in the tavern broke into laughter. Some shouting to Astor I told you so and such.He too chuckled at her comment.“Now now Bella. Don’t get your knickers in a twist. You were gone but a month when we all herein town decided that you needed a much better house than you had built.”Putting up his hand to stave off her retort he continued.“Bella we all in appreciation for what you did to help the others build up their homes decidedto make you a grand house indeed. Furnishings and all. So when you come home you can sit backand tell us your tales from your journey.”The man named Ozzy came forward and peeked sideways at her.“Tis a fine fireplace i built ya Miss. Hope it keeps ya warm on cold nights”Others approached and told of the things they did to help as well.Bella couldn’t help but blush, smile and even shed a tear for all the welcomes and thehelp.She looked back at Astor as he stood beaming behind the bar. She pointed a finger at him as ifsaying…I will get you for this. Then immediately rounded the counter and started pouring morepints for all.“Drink up my friends and celebrate my return…..but i have you know I won’t be cleaning up the mess.”

As the revelry continued into the night Bella snuck up the back stairs and found an empty bed in the far corner. She cared not if anyone else came up there. All she wanted was sleep. As soon as her head hit the pillow she was out like a light.The next morning she rose from the bed and quickly made use of the washstand....