6.49 – Last Report

6.49 – Last Report

The trip back to Tarenhelm wasn't the most enjoyable of treks. Aches plagued her with every step, and though her ego stung for it, Sofia and Jordan were the ones who ended up dragging the chieftain's corpse with them, not her. She could've handled the task—she was hardly that bad off—but Jordan and Sofia had overruled her.

One long and unwieldy trip later, they were standing in front of the Baron's manor, with a servant having hurried away to fetch him. Seeing how they were lugging along an enormous monster corpse—which had barely fit inside the enchanted wagon—they would hardly be hosted inside the building. Though the chieftain wasn't bleeding anymore, it would still leave a mess.

When the portly Baron hurried out to meet them all, his eyes widened with every step closer.

"My ... my word! What is that thing?"

The Baron likely [Inspected] the deceased monster as he made that exclamation, but Natalie answered anyway.

"Level four goblin chieftain," she said dryly. "Your raiding problem has officially been taken care of."

"Level four!" He boggled at the five of them. "Aren't you first-years? Level twos?"

"It was a hard fight," Natalie said. "Not too bad, though." As was obvious, seeing how all five of them were on their feet. Even Natalie was only somewhat injured—more superficially than anything. Just needed to sleep it off.

He stared a second longer before shaking his head to clear it. A group of level twos taking down a level four was an impressive feat, and that was without mentioning Greed's involvement. Though they would be withholding those specifics from the Baron. Rampant gods sponsoring monsters was sensitive information; Tenet would expect discretion. If they felt inclined to inform the Baron afterward, that would be the academy's choice.

"Well," the Baron finally said. "Excellent job. I'm glad to see the five of you came out alright." He gave Natalie a particular look; it must be easy to see she was the most banged up. Not unusual for the front-line guardian of a team.

"Took a few hits," Natalie said. "I'll be fine."

"Very good." He frowned down at the chieftain. "That thing is a goblin?"

"Apparently."

"How large was the camp?"

"Large," Natalie said. "Even after the previous raids, nearly two dozen were left over."

"Then let me thank you for your help. You've done a great service for Tarenhelm."

"Just our duty," Natalie said, a bit awkwardly.

"I presume you'll be sticking around for the festivities?"

"Festivities?"

He seemed surprised she didn't know what he was talking about. "It's customary to celebrate such a success. The citizens won't have to worry about being assaulted on the roads any longer. A small gathering. Everyone's been waiting for it. Food, drink, games. The usual. Nothing outrageous."

"I think Tenet wants us back as soon as possible?"

"Nonsense," the Baron said easily. "If you'll forgive me for speaking plainly, but as much as providing a service, sending delvers out is for visibility and Tenet's image as much as anything. They'll want you five mingling with the cityfolk, accepting their thanks, making the academy look good." He laughed. "And as far as the townsfolk care, they'll take any excuse for some excitement." He inclined his head. "Unless you aren't feeling well? If you need to rest, that's perfectly understandable."

"That's not it," Natalie said. She glanced at Liz, who nodded, confirming what the Baron was saying—he wasn't just talking them into staying an additional night. Apparently, it was customary to celebrate and mingle with the town, not to head straight back to Tenet. She looked at her other teammates next to check their reactions.

Jordan ended up shrugging. "Don't see why not," she said. She faced the Baron. "Thank you for hosting us."

"Of course!" He laughed. "My daughter would've been distraught if you packed up and left immediately. She's been smitten by the 'Tenet delvers,' I'll tell you that. Talking my ear off these past few days."

Not so subtly, several pairs of eyes turned to Natalie.

"Right," Natalie said.

Alaina would be there.

That ... would definitely not be a problem.

"I'll let you five get cleaned up," the Baron said. "And thank you again for the help. I expect festivities will pick up within a few hours—everyone's been on standby for the good news." He turned, eyes searching out for a servant, who he gestured to approach. "Now, dealing with all of this unpleasantness. Let me get to that."