The eight guards look reluctant but they still draw their weapons and step forward. Normally, I would let Lizzy handle them, but this time I want to put on a show. So I target the eight of them and cast Dark Mark eight times in quick succession.

Once the purple marks appear on their foreheads, the guards all drop their weapons and clutch at their heads. As the two nobles watch in horror the guards drop to their knees and start screaming. The screaming lasts for a minute or two and then all eight guards are dead.

Lord Rychen yells "Just what are you? How dare you harm my men?!"

"Not that it matters, since you are about to die, but my name is Ash."

Lord Rychen says "Wait! You are Lord Ash of Illium?!? Please, forgive my men's rudeness! It is an honor to have you visit my humble home!"

"Sucking up to me isn't going to save you. After seeing how you treat the people who live on your lands, you are already a dead man."

Lord Rychen says "The people? They are perfectly happy! Why would the commoners even matter?"

"That attitude is what makes this justified! Dark Mark! Enjoy your time in hell!"

Watching Lord Rychen scream himself to death is extremely satisfying to say the least. At least for me, his son-in-law doesn't seem to share my enjoyment of it. In fact he is noisily sick after watching Rychen die, but I guess that is to be expected.

"Hey, what was your name?"

Noel says "My name is Noel, Lord Ash."

"Noel, are you his heir?"

Noel says "Yes, Lord."

"Good, make sure you rule these lands better than he did. Who knows when I will pass through here again."

Noel says "Understood, Lord! I will do my best!"

"See that you do! Let's go Lizzy, we have wasted enough time here."

Within minutes we are back on the road and headed for Illium at a good speed. I let Ekard and Haku out of the shadow pocket to enjoy the ride and see the scenery. Well before it is time for lunch we come to the border of Illium, but the border guards just wave us through.

Being famous and easily recognizable does have its perks, but overall it isn't really worth it. After crossing the border the walls of Illium come into sight about ten minutes later. As we approach the gate I am surprised to see beastmen among the guards.

They and the humans are working together and from what I can see they are getting along. In fact everyone looks happy, even the merchants waiting to be allowed into the city. Lizzy isn't interested in standing in line and just runs right up to the gate.

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The guards, of course, recognize us and allow us to enter, both the humans and beastmen salute me. Once through the gate the crowds on the streets quickly make room for Lizzy to pass. Pretty much everyone in the city recognizes her on sight and soon people are cheering as we pass.

Leaving Lizzy to navigate I make sure to keep a firm grip on Ekard and Haku. They are so excited to see the city they are basically vibrating as they try and look everywhere at once. Even Haku, who is the more stable, would have jumped off Lizzy if I wasn't holding onto him.

Windy is no help, she is staring around at everything with her mouth hanging open. I certainly hope that I didn't look like that the first time I came to Illium. Luckily, it doesn't take long to go from the gate to the inn at the speed Lizzy moves.

When we reach the inn and ride into the stables Lizzy lets out a happy sound at the changes. The entire stable is one big room now with a door leading out back that Lizzy can open and close. The room is furnished with a bed her size and everything they could think of to make her comfortable.

She quickly goes and pushes open the door to see where it leads, not even giving us a chance to get down. As I requested, behind the door is a fenced area where Lizzy can move around. It isn't much, but it is enough for her to stretch her legs without anyone letting her out.

We let the kids down to explore the stable while Windy and I give Lizzy a good grooming. Once she is clean I provide her with her dinner then pick up the kids and head into the inn. Sarah spots me as I enter and though she smiles at me she just motions me upstairs.

With a shrug I do as instructed and lead Windy upstairs where I find the girls waiting. Myria, Isabella, and surprisingly Ruby are all seated at the table with an attitude of waiting. I am guessing word of my return got here ahead of me and they are waiting for me.

Before they can say anything I set the kids on the table and introduce them and Windy to the girls. Whatever the girls had planned is derailed by the cuteness of the kids, just as I hoped. The distraction manages to last until Sarah comes up leading a veritable army of girls carrying trays.

Introducing Sarah to Windy, Ekard, and Haku keeps things calm while lunch is laid out. Then Sarah joins us and we all dig in, although I am glad that no one seems to be glaring at me. Once lunch is finished and the dishes are cleared away there are no more distractions.

Myria says "Alright, Leonarr told us everything up to the point he left for Illium. What did you get up to after that?"

So as everyone listens intently I tell the quick version of events on our way back to Illium. Then I go back and fill in some details that Leonarr didn't know about. Like Windy's tribe and the existence of other tribes in the north beyond the wall.

Ruby says "You sound like you plan to go there and explore?"

"Eventually, but not right away. The water temple is up there so I have to go at some point."

Sarah says "I hope you aren't planning to run off again right away. The guildmasters want to talk to you."

"No, I don't plan to leave right away. I haven't decided what my next step is going to be. So I will be either here or at the tower for the next while."

Sarah says "That's good. Shall I set up a dinner with them for tonight?"

"Sure. Also if you could, let Pol and Leonarr know that I am back. Have them come by tomorrow, I need to get caught up on our progress."

Sarah says "Sure. No problem!"

Isabella says "Leonarr told us you were sick. Are you alright now? Did you figure out the problem?"

"Yes, I am fine now. The sickness was caused by shapeshifting into a drake for too long. That form is too powerful, I won't be using it again unless it is an emergency."

Isabella says "That is good to hear."

Ruby says "That almost sounded wise!"

Myria says "Yeah, who are you and what have you done with Ash?!"

"Ha ha, very funny! Well, now you know what I was up to, how have things been here?"

Myria says "Calm for the most part, I assume you heard about Pine?"

"Only that he lost, not the details."