Meanwhile, back at Striation Castle, the King and his primary advisor were enjoying a luncheon in one of the "smaller" meeting rooms to discuss the daily goingons and business. Both are seated at a lavishly decorated table, with rich lavender silk table covers sitting under an impressive luncheon spread that would make most of those living in the town jealous as it would be almost two days worth of food for some of them. Hanging on the walls are a variety of portraits, some of noteworthy advisors, some of extraordinary Heroes that have come and gone, but all have done something to earn a spot on the walls to be remembered beyond their times.

"Your Majesty, I still feel that there was something...off about our newest Hero" I say after chewing through another berry tart. "I mean, out of many of the Heroes I have seen come an go, how many make a point to get around by jumping backwards like that? Saying he was odd is putting it mildly now that I think about it. Even after you explained what he was summoned here to do and what the reward was, he just flourished his sword, put it away, and then starting hopping away. Also his garb! Just a set of green shorts and a green tunic with that pointy hat? What kind of Hero wears such a lack of armor like that!"

"Privil, I appreciate your concern, and I agree that he was, different, but you saw the sword that hung from his back! The thing practically radiated divine energy meant to slay evil, you really think a failure would be given a weapon such as that? And his shield! If we could re-create what we witnessed for all of our soldiers, we would never need to call upon another outworlder again!" countered King Tandren "There is no way someone carrying that kind of equipment could be found lacking! No being would be in there right mind to bequeath such things to someone who couldn't wield them properly, also the summoning only works on those who are considered to be Heroes which means he has to be at least somewhat competant."

I roll my eyes, "You know our enchanters have been trying to create such weapons for decades now. If you would stop getting so excited over such fancy weapons each time you saw one, maybe you would have the mind to remember to ask to inspect the weapons before they gallavant off on whatever quest you are sending them off to do, would make progress actually possible on that front." I lightly shot back. "I am telling you he won't last more than a month at best. I would like strongly advise you that you should prepare a new summoning as soon as possible. While the threat to our south is still what one would consider to be relatively small, it would be better to deal with it now, and do so properly before it becomes an actual threat to us. You know I have been witness to many a summoning, seeing both great and terrible Heroes and everything inbetween."

Tandren waves his hand in dismissal "I appreciate your concern, truly, you have been faithfully by my side since I started this, and advised those that came before me, but even if he fails, a new summoning is nothing to worry about, if anything, would it not be best to let the mages recover more of their mana before another attempt? It's a stressful process for them and strains even the best of them. The lease we could do is give them time to recover before we make another request from them."

Before I could say anything, one of our summoners, more specifically our head summoner, burst into the chambers "Your Majesty! I bear grave news!"

With a mildly bemused expression, the king starts "I should hope so, you are intruding upon a private meeting and as such, we should not be interrupted lightly. Tell me Mattheus, what is it that would trouble you so?"

"The Hero, that odd green man, he has been slain according to a notification I got just moments ago." Mattheus recounted with as much calm as he could muster

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"You jest! Dead already? What happened, did he tumble backwards into a pit? Maybe he found his way to one of the nearby caves and found a bear..." the King trailed off, lost in his thoughts

"I told you there was something off about him. With all due respect your majesty, you know I have seen countless Heroes come and go and he was just off. Also how could it have been a bear that did him in? You said it yourself, that sword of his could have cleaved one cleanly in half. That said, with his lack of proper armor, all it would take is one clean swipe and that would do him in. Some Hero he turned out to be if a bear got him by surprise. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if one of the towns hunting parties accidentally sent an arrow through his skull with how he doesn't even look at where he is going!" I say, half serious "Also feel free to join us Mattheus, there's more than enough food here for you to have some too!"

"Hmmm, fine. I suppose he was a bit odd." the King says in faux frustration "Well, with that said and done, how long do you think it would take to summon another? We really do need to be dealing with this Goblin King and soon, otherwise he may start hitting our southern cities and with how large of an army they can command, even though goblins they may be, tens of thousands of them can and will overrun most of our forces unless we send our main army at them. I want this dealt with before he can muster that many."

"With the current rate that the crystal is recharging, we could safely get another summon started in about two days time, though if the need is dire, we could in theory push it to a day and a half but at the risk of cracking or even shattering the crystal which may I remind you, could have explosive consequences should it come to the latter outcome" Mattheus replied

I take the time to interject "You could always try sending a small detachment to deal with the issue as well. So long as we tackle the issue in the south early enough, that should be more that sufficient to root out any issues both current and new in the south. That and it would also add a bit more of a personal touch as it were and show the people that we protect all of our lands instead of having someone from an entirely different world do it for us. It's a win-win strategy."

With a slow resigned sigh "I suppose I have become overly reliant upon summoning Heroes as of late." Tandren lamented "Fine, I will send a mixed regiment of mounted and foot soldiers, one unit of archer, and one unit of mages. Make sure they have enough supplies to last both the trip to and from. Gods forbid we have a repeat of the winter travesty from a few years ago. We need to keep their morale high and their wills strong. Goblins will resort to anything to win if they have the numbers. Also with that in mind, send them with a box of swift potions. Don't need them running and hiding if we have superior numbers" he declared with a sigh "Also, Mattheus, send a few message spells to the guild centers along the way so they know to expect our forces. No need to scare them by showing up with no warning afterall, even if they are carrying our banners."

"I can make sure word gets passed along your Majesty" he said with a small bow "By your leave, I will get this dealt with at once."

Watching him leave the meeting room "I always did like him, though I do wish he would relax a bit more, he didn't even take something to eat with him on his way back. Well now that the plan is set, should I bother with looking into the rather swift end of our green Hero or are we going to just call this one a loss? Everyone knows this happens from time to time so it's not like it will be earth shattering news to the masses, moreover I am even willing to bet that most who had the chance to see him would be expecting it."

"I will leave that to your discression. If anything you could use this as an opportunity to simply get out of the castle and take a walk about town and see what is working and what needs to be improved upon. You are my advisor afterall, what better way is there than seeing the problems with your own eyes? Also it's Spring, so I say go, enjoy some time outside and then let me know what I can improve upon!"

"Your will be done. I will have to stop by the bakers area though, they outdid themselves with this spread but made far too much. Actually, with your permission, I would like to load all of the extra up and take it with me to hand out. Nothing wins people over in the moment like free food"

The King smiles "Absolutely, I will have a cart loaded with all of it immediately and leave the rest in your capable hands! With that though, I am off to the officers ward, need to get the men rallied, organized, and moving. I hope you enjoy your day on the town, or even two if you feel so inclined!"

With that, I watch as the King leaves and I start to get the food organized and moved to take into the town. Maybe the fresh air and short adventure around will do me some good. It's about time I got around anways, and who knows, maybe I will stuble upon where the Hero died and might finally be able to get my hands on his sword and shield!