The big smith loosed another wheezing chuckle. "Aye, you've more than had your hands full with those warmblood princelings, I'd wager. Still, can't say I envy the battles you missed here at home."
Reggie shook his head slowly, a weary respect in his gaze. "I'm endlessly impressed by Rose's fortitude and leadership during such dire straits. Though I can't pretend I'm surprised - she's proven herself time and again."
"That she has," Dumpheries agreed with a solemn nod. "Which is why the noble houses showered her and Damien with gifts and accolades after the dust settled".
Reggie felt his ears prick up at that intriguing detail. "The noble houses, you say? Which precisely?"
Dumpheries waved a meaty hand. "You should ask the Durello house, they might know something about Rose's and Damien's whereabouts".
Reggie thanks Dumpheries for his time and quickly heads to the Durello's house and began asking a few nobles he met sitting under a shed, sipping wine.
Reggie greeted them and asked where he could find Damien but they gave same response he has been hearing; "Damien left not long ago after the events that befell the city".
Reggie responds helplessly, "Yes, I know he's not here but I would like to know his exact address as I have an urgent information to pass to him".
It was then a noble responded, "Well, from the last time we sent some gifts to Damien in appreciation for what he did for the city, the gifts was sent to a new place. Some little human hamlet far to the west. A place called..." He furrowed his brow, rummaging through his memory. "Brimstone Ridge, if I've the name right."
"Brimstone Ridge," Reggie repeated slowly, scanning his own mental repository of maps and geografica. The name rang a faint bell, plucking a distant chord of recognition. If he wasn't mistaken, it referred to a sleepy rural community nestled in the foothills of the Corlinn mountain range - well beyond the borders of the Milarus princedom.
Which begged the question - why had Rose agreed to go with Damien so far from Reggie's own operating territory? A sharp prickle of unease needled the base of his skull at the thought.
"Well, I'd best be on my way to pay this Brimstone Ridge a visit," he said at last, inclining his head and taking a low bow before the nobles. "You've been more help than you know, I appreciate."
Curious, Reggie paused, turning back to face the blacksmith. "What is it, Dumphries? Is there something more you wish to share?"
Dumphries hesitated for a moment before reaching into his apron pocket and withdrawing a small, intricately wrapped bundle. Unfolding the cloth, he revealed a dazzling ruby necklace, its crimson hues catching the flickering light of the forge.
"This..." Dumphries began, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is for Rose's unborn child."
Reggie's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the exquisite necklace. "For Rose's child?" he echoed, his voice filled with awe.
Dumphries nodded solemnly. "Aye. I know I'm not supposed to be sharing this with anyone, but...you're Rose's knight, Reggie. I trust you'll see it gets to her."
Reggie accepted the necklace with a reverent nod, cradling it gently in his hands. "Thank you, Dumphries. I'll make sure this reaches Rose when we find her."
Dumphries smiled, a hint of relief in his expression. "I appreciate that, Reggie. Now go on, lad. Find Rose and bring her home."
With a final pat on Reggie's shoulder, Dumphries bid him farewell, watching as Reggie turned to leave.
-********
*Author's note!!*
Thank you all so much for the support!
Thanks for the gifts, the power stones, comments and golden tickets!
Thank you all for making a dream of mine slowly come through. It can only get better now, I hope!