Chapter 54: Homecoming

Chapter 54: Homecoming

Return to your village with the Archdukes thanks, Dame Vesivua said with the dignity of a bored city official.

Just like at the previous village, there was no fanfare, no trumpets, or speeches, not even any medals of recognition. The only reward was a purse of coins for the village chief, given to Veil. The notion that the chief had gained more out of this than Dallion himself burned the boy up inside. What calmed him down was the knowing that there wasnt anything much to spend the money on until the next travelling merchant arrived.

Return the gear that was given to you and return with the Sevens blessings. The Dame finished, then slowly rode off, followed by the majority of the group, leaving only the Cleric behind.

You could have at least waited a minute, Dallion grumbled internally.

Dartbows and emblems, the Cleric said.

Gloria and Veil handed theirs over without hesitation. Dallion did with fifty percent hesitation. It would have been nice to keep the emblem. With it the village chief would have no hold over himDallion could fail a thousand times in an awakened state and still he wouldnt have his powers sealed. Just holding it filled him with power.

I dont suppose I can keep this as a reward? Dallion asked, looking at the pendant in the palm of his hand. It was just a piece of jewelry, a decoration like a game achievement back on Earth and at the same time it wasnt.

No. The Cleric grabbed it. Emblems belong to the Order.

Well, it was worth a try. Dallion let out a forced laugh.

You two head back, the Cleric said to Veil and Gloria. I have something to discuss with Dallion.

First name basis?

Dallion didnt know whether to feel honored or worried. The Luor siblings were of a similar opinion, for they left with as little as a wave. It was better for everyone that way, for one thing it avoided the awkwardness of meeting the village chief. As far as the Luor family, and the village itself, were concerned, they were still supposed to hate Dallions guts.

You never said who taught you how to make rockets. The Cleric pulled down his hood.

Of course! Lin grinned. Of course, Dallion knew that was hardly the case. His brother was a constant handful. So, what happened? Were there monsters? Did you fight a lot?

How about we leave that for a bit later, okay? Dallion laughed. Im sure mom and dad also want to hear.

Okay but not too long!

Dallions parents greeted him in a much more reasonable way. His mother, visibly relieved at his safe return, managed to hold back her tears. Meanwhile, his father itched to give him a bear hug, only deciding against it since Linner was on Dallions shoulders. As it turned out, sometimes carrying ones brother came with unexpected benefits.

Wheres grandpa? Dallion looked about.

He and the other elders were called to the chiefs house when the young master Veil arrived, Dallions father explained.

Young master Veil? Reality smacked Dallion in the face. Here, every member of the Luor family was viewed as nobility.

We were scared that you hadnt survived, Dallions mother explained. Bless the young master for telling us youre coming. He even gave us a copper coin to celebrate the occasion.

Giving my own reward to my family as charity? Dallion knew that it was the only way his family could get anything out of the situation they were in, but even so couldnt help but feel slightly insulted.

Yeah, hes all heart. Did the chief call for me?

No. Dallions mother shook her head. The elder convinced him to delay that for tomorrow. You have today to spend with us.

Great. That means Ill get to hear everything that happened while I was gone. And also, Ill tell a few stories of my own.

Yaaaay! Linner yelled with joy from Dallions back.

And when were done talking, Ill go do some practice with an old friend.