Hellion's Reckoning

Three weeks later, they finally arrived in the little settlement of hellion refugees. Inias, Keira, and Thaddeus looked out over the small village from atop the hill. The Freefolk had taken an oath to never turn away wayward drifters or lost souls. So long as you followed a few fair laws, you could settle. The federation formed to repel the greedy merchant clan’s influence. Three cities rose together and drove them out. Now a fourth was growing to the south, adding to their strength.

“It will serve our purposes,” Thaddeus explained from Keira’s shoulder, “From here we rest and build connections with the surrounding cities.”

Inias wondered how long it would be before they saw their old home again. This was only the beginning of their journey. Inias knew they would never be truly safe until they erased Ivaran and his followers from the world. For now, they could rest. It would take time for Dusk Haven to rebuild its strength, and Ivaran knew invading the federation meant war with all three cities. For now, they would wait, build their strength, and strike when the opportunity rose.

An old mansion sat beyond the village in the forest, abandoned, but after some reconstruction, it would be an excellent place to build his base. “All according to your master plan, sage?” Inias teased, smiling at the little mouse. “My plans have yet to fail, your highness.” Thaddeus assured him.

As the trio descended the hill towards the settlement, the first rays of the morning sun filtered through the canopy of towering trees. Emerald leaves rustled gently in the breeze, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. The sweet scent of wildflowers filled the air, accompanied by the distant melody of chirping birds.

The little village of Hellion refugees came into view, nestled peacefully among the ancient trees. Small cottages with thatched roofs dotted the landscape, their walls adorned with colorful flowers cascading down wooden trellises. Smoke curled lazily from stone chimneys, carrying the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. Children played in the grass, their laughter echoing through the village. In the center square, a crystal-clear fountain bubbled merrily, its water sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. A few villagers tended to their gardens, carefully cultivating rows of vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs.

“Can we name it after my father?” Keira asked, looking between the mouse and Inias. “Of course!” Inias said, thinking there was no better way to honor him.

Inias and Keira couldn’t help but smile at the simple beauty of their new home. Despite the hardships they had faced on their journey, they knew they had finally found a place where they could rest and rebuild their lives. It was no enchanted forest, but for now, they were home.