5th of Scarlettide, 1372

The Order of the Burning Shield established themselves within Old Drakon's Castle ruins. Over the course of several months, they repaired and refurbished the crumbling structures to make them suitable for habitation. They also constructed additional buildings adjacent to the main compound, such as barracks and stables. A blacksmithy and forge soon followed after as well.

Soon enough, the previously decrepit outpost transformed into a fully operational military encampment capable of accommodating several hundred soldiers at once. The knights within its ranks spent their time training tirelessly for combat alongside Lorne and his Silverguard company. On the occasions that they ventured into the surrounding wilderness, they hunted for wild game to sustain themselves as needed.

Gradually, the fortifications grew stronger day by day.

Lorne stood atop the parapets overlooking the land surrounding the castle. The wind rustled through his hair while he gazed out across the treetops below. In the distance, he could make out the faint outline of mountains peeking above the horizon line. Those peaks marked where the Eldergrove ended and the northlands began.

A voice called out to him. Lorne glanced over his shoulder to see Kaela approaching from behind. She wore her cloak wrapped tightly around her frame and her hood drawn low over her brow. She stopped next to him and peered out towards the vista laid before her.

"Enjoying the view?" she asked lightly.

Lorne shrugged and turned his attention back towards the scenery once more. "Not particularly. Just surveying the surroundings. Taking stock of the terrain and landmarks."

Kaela snorted in amusement. "Ah, yes. Because I'm sure the giant spire on top of the mountain isn't a dead giveaway as to what's where."

"Strategic placement and defense means taking in every detail of the immediate vicinity. Not just the obvious ones," Lorne rebuffed casually. "Besides, I needed a break from all the construction. So I figured a quick patrol around the perimeter wouldn't hurt either."

"Fair enough," Kaela conceded. "At any rate, I came up here to give you this," she said as she pulled out a folded parchment from her pocket and handed it to him. "Message from Engin. Says it's important."

"Thanks," he murmured while accepting the missive and unfolding its contents. He skimmed through its contents and smiled wryly towards the end. "Looks like our time here is almost over."

"Oh? Do tell," Kaela quipped as she leaned towards him and glanced down at the letter. "Is it bad news?"

"Quite the opposite actually," Lorne chuckled. "Ebonheim wants everyone there for this year's harvest festival."

Kaela's eyes lit up in excitement. "It's that time already? Wow...I've lost track of dates lately."

"Same," Lorne agreed as he scanned the message again. "The last several months went by fast."

"I guess so," Kaela murmured as she gazed upwards towards the sky above. "Wonder what's in store for us this time around. Hopefully nothing too crazy."

"Knowing Ebonheim, probably the usual activities. Food contests...games...music. But I think she'll be presenting the chosen candidates to receive the chalice's blessings."

"That's right," Kaela hummed in thought. "We cast our votes before we left town. I forgot about that. Guess we'll find out soon enough. I'm kind of curious though."

Lorne nodded.

Each member of the Silverguard Company had a private audience with Ebonheim before they left town. They were free to nominate up to twenty people they believed deserved her divine blessing. In order for them to qualify, they had to demonstrate an admirable character and a genuine desire to better the community through their actions. A simple process...but one which Ebonheim valued highly nonetheless.

"Anyway," Lorne said, shaking off the memories of his own visit. "I'd better report this to Ardeunius. Wanna tag along?"

"Sure," Kaela answered, walking beside him as they descended down the stairs leading to the courtyard below.

On the way towards Ardeunius's office, they passed by Deneve practicing with her sword outside the smithy. She spotted them and waved in greeting. Lorne waved back and watched as she hurried over towards them.

"Hey guys," she panted slightly. "Are we leaving soon?"

"How'd you know?" Kaela asked.

Deneve shrugged nonchalantly. "Just a hunch."

"Yeah...we're heading back tomorrow," Lorne confirmed. "Relay the information to Urien and the rest."

"Gotcha," Deneve confirmed with a nod before jogging off.

Lorne shook his head with a smile and headed straight for the command post. A soldier saluted and directed him towards a room at the end of the hall. He knocked twice before entering.

Inside, Ardeunius sat behind a desk covered with maps and various papers. He glanced towards them and rose to greet them.

"Commander Miradan. Kaela," he said pleasantly. "Is there an issue?"

"Nothing urgent, Knight Commander," Lorne said while handing him the message. "The Silverguards' business here is completed. So we'll depart for home on the morrow."

Ardeunius read through the missive and smiled slightly towards the end. "I see. Well...allow me to formally thank you for your assistance during this period. Settling on the hunting and foraging grounds with the Ent proved to be rather challenging. Your presence made the negotiations significantly simpler than they otherwise would have been."

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Lorne shook his head. "It was mostly our druid friend doing the heavy lifting for that. We just facilitated the discussion between the two sides."

Ardeunius laughed softly. "Perhaps so. But nonetheless, your contributions were appreciated regardless. With that being said...what are your plans for the coming winter months?"

Lorne exchanged glances with Kaela for a second before responding. "Honestly...nothing definite. There's still work to be done at our keep. But most of that consists of finishing touches at this point. So nothing overly taxing."

"Understandable. Well...should you find yourselves at loose ends and wishing for additional work, consider stopping by again. There's always plenty available here."

"Will do," Lorne acknowledged before excusing himself and Kaela from the room. "We'd better pack. See you at the gates tomorrow morning."

Ardeunius waved them off. "Take care."

Once they exited the building and headed towards their quarters, Lorne broke the silence between them. "What did you think?"

"About Ardeunius?"

"Yep."

"I can see why he earned his reputation," Kaela commented. "He's an effective leader and an excellent administrator. A bit old-fashioned perhaps...but good-natured overall."

"I agree," Lorne concurred. "He reminds me of my father. Only more disciplined. And with fewer regrets."

"Maybe. But I get the impression he's got a few skeletons in his closet he doesn't want anyone finding out about. No idea what they might entail, though. Just a hunch."

"Intuition's a useful skill. Be sure to follow through on any hunches you get in the future."

"Of course," Kaela scoffed. "That's a given."

----------------------------------------

As Lorne and his company trekked through the woods towards Elmsworth's grove, the air around them grew denser and the trees loomed overhead. The foliage seemed to bend towards them as they passed. The hairs on the back of Lorne's neck stood on end as they entered the darkening shadows.

They'd made this trip several times already, but each time felt like the first.

Unlike Ebonheim's forest, which was filled with towering oaks, maples, ash trees, and lush greenery, this forest was different. The trees here seemed ancient and gnarled. They twisted and turned in odd shapes that defied reason. Vines clung to the bark and crept towards the ground in a carpet of leaves. Moss and lichen covered every surface. The ground squelched underfoot with each step they took.

Despite the chill in the air and the oppressive silence, Lorne couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and eeriness around him. He glanced towards Kaela and the others. They all wore grim expressions, but their eyes spoke of wonder and awe.

At the front of the column, the Jixishan druid Lira led them through the maze of trees. Her hair was braided into two long ropes and wound around her shoulders. Her dark skin glistened in the dying light filtering through the canopy above. She carried a long staff in her hand. Its head was carved into a spiral pattern resembling ivy.

During the months spent assisting the Order, he'd grown accustomed to relying upon Lira for her guidance and knowledge. It helped that she'd shown no fear or hesitation in sharing her expertise freely. Whenever he inquired about specific details regarding plant life in the region, she readily answered in great detail.

In return, she'd ask for his thoughts on various topics ranging from politics to history.

Out of all the groups he had interacted with in Ebonheim, the Jixishan tribe proved to be the most mystifying. The tribe followed ancient rituals and beliefs based on their experiences and traditions. They often performed ritualistic dances and songs during ceremonies or festivals. Many of their practices baffled him at first, but after spending enough time amongst them, he'd come to appreciate their cultural values.

When he had time to spare, he'd listen attentively to Lira's stories and folktales recounted from the tribe's history. Some were humorous anecdotes. Others told tragic tales. But all served to illustrate their customs and beliefs.

Their journey continued through the afternoon until the unmistakable sounds of the elder Ent's footsteps echoed through the woods. The ground trembled as he approached.

Elmsworth emerged from behind a thick copse of trees and strode towards them. A deep rumbling noise emanated from his trunk. The branches atop his head swayed gently as he greeted them.

"Welcome back...young ones," he rumbled deeply.

The group bowed their heads respectfully in acknowledgment. Lorne and Lira stepped forward and responded in tandem. "Greetings, Lord Elmsworth."

The massive tree spirit peered down at the company. His roots parted from the soil and shifted beneath him as he repositioned himself. His gaze swept over everyone assembled. After a lengthy pause, he spoke once more. "What brings your visit here today?"

Lorne cleared his throat and explained their situation. "Our duties with the Order of the Burning Shield have concluded. The current arrangements between you and Knight Commander Ardeunius should be sufficient until further notice. However, Ebonheim requested that we attend the upcoming autumn festival. As such, we've come to pay our respects and bid you farewell until next time."

Elmsworth dipped his head. "Very well. Go forth...and enjoy the festivities."

The group bowed again and turned to leave.

"Wait!" a chirpy voice called out.

Everyone whirled towards the source of the sound. A tiny figure darted towards them from behind Elmsworth's massive frame. As it approached, the shape became clearer. It was a sprite with shimmering green wings and a flowing dress made from leaves.

Her hair appeared to be made entirely of vines and flowers. Her skin glowed with a soft light that reminded Lorne of moonlight reflecting off a pool of water.

She hovered in the air in front of them and smiled brightly towards everyone assembled. "Hello!"

Lira smiled and offered her hand. The sprite landed softly on her palm. "It's nice to see you again, Ivera."

Ivera giggled. "Nice to see you too." She looked around at everyone else and waved. "I overheard your conversation with Elmsworth. Sounds like you're heading back to Ebonheim soon. When's the party?"

Lorne frowned. "Party?"

Ivera rolled her eyes. "Yeah. You know...the annual fall festival? Ebonheim throws one every year. I haven't gone in forever, though. But this time, I won't miss out again. So count me in!"

"Count you...for what exactly?" Lorne asked hesitantly.

Ivera placed a finger on her chin and scrunched her brow as if contemplating something complex. "Hmmm...good question. Last time, I helped with the arm wrestling tournament. The time before that, I judged the pie-eating contest. I'm not really sure what I should do this year...any ideas?"

"Why don't you join us for the journey? Maybe we can figure something out along the way," Lira suggested.

Ivera grinned happily. "That sounds fun!" She flew towards Lorne and perched on his shoulder. "I like this guy. He seems reliable. Let's go together!"

Lorne blinked in surprise. He glanced towards Lira, who merely shrugged.

"Sure...whatever you say," Lorne replied, still puzzled by her sudden appearance.

Must be another friend of Ebonheim's. He guessed.

Elmsworth had also observed the exchange between them and nodded in approval. "Give Ebonheim my regards."

Lorne bowed slightly before turning to lead the group away from the clearing. "I will."

As they walked off, he glanced sideways at Ivera sitting on his shoulder. She flashed him a playful wink before smiling widely and singing a jaunty tune.

He shook his head in amusement. This will certainly be an interesting trip.