Kvedulf awoke in a field of bluish hue grass. The distance covered by a soft fog. The was sweet, the scent of honey with hints of nutmeg and other spices. He saw a road, gravel, neatly kept with soft winding curves. He rose to his feet and causally made his way down its path.

Moving up a low ridge he saw the fog split apart to reveal the great of hall of the honored dead. Hewed from golden lumber, etchings depicting tales of myths and legends decorating the whole. He began to see figures come from the fog. Humanoid, though their features were still shrouded. With their weapons in hand, they thumped the earth, saying in unison, “Kveldulf, Kveldulf, Kveldulf!”

He began walking faster towards the hall, the chanting quickening with his pace. As he neared the gate, he saw two guards there, spears in hand. As he was about to pass through to the other side, the guards placed their hands on his chest.

“These grounds are for the honored fallen,” said one guard.

“And you are not ready to join our ranks,” said the other guard.

“You still have much to do before your time comes,” said the first guard.

“But know you have earned your place among us,” said the other guard.

As Kveldulf began to feel a force pulling him back, the guard grabbed his shoulder and pulled him close to them.

They said together, “And know how proud we are to call you, son. Farewell, and remember us.”

Before he could say anything, he felt himself wake up. Leonidas compressing his hands over his chest. As he saw Kveldulf wake up, the doctor cried out, “He’s breathing!”

The rest of The Wolves ran over, tears and worried smiles on their faces. Jeanne firmly embraced him tightly.

“I’m glad you’re all right,” he said to her.

“You asshole!” she said, slapping his shoulder, “You had us worried.”

As his vision cleared he saw Allianna walking over with his halberd in hand. “I think this belongs to you,” she said, handing it back to him.

He took it, feel the weight of the handle almost too much for his fingers as their strength returned. As he rose to his feet, he saw the murmeks fallen dead, many of the citizens now beginning to congregate to the palace. Allianna turned to the crowd and said, “Captain Laurent, have your guard begin a sweep of the city, and make sure these monsters are not rampaging this city,” she then turned to the rest of the crowd gathering, “And despite the vile machinations of the traitor Baeron Grimkellsen has been ended!”

As she lifted her sword into the air, the crowd applauded and cheered. Allianna raised her hand, causing the crowd to quiet.

“But who was it who warned us of this danger? Who was it who, without thought to their own welfare and safety, risked all to save this city? But The Wolves, who will forever find a home here in the city of Koulberg!”

The cheered with greater energy as The Wolves raised their hands in thanks. Allianna once more called for the audience to let her speak.

“But there is one of The Wolves who deserves notice,” she turned to Kveldulf and waved him to join her, “Come, Kveldulf.”

As he did so, she placed her hand on his shoulder and addressed the crowd.

“This is Kveldulf Einarsen. One of the house of Hyvtur Hestur, the House of the White Horse. Never minding what we did to his kin, nor for the status he has in this city, he personally fought the traitor himself, and gave us the chance to live free and without fear!”

The audience began cheering Kveldulf, who felt a lump form in his throat.

“And for what he as done for in service to the city of Koulberg. I, Allianna, Lord Defender, do hereby rescind the decree of shame on this house! Captain Laurent, let the flag of the White Horse rejoin its peers with pride and distinction.”

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

The captain bowed his head and before Kveldulf could process what was happening, the flag of his house was once again flying atop the keep of the city.

“Let us give cheers to The Wolves, and what they’ve done here this day!”

As the crowd cheered on The Wolves, Kveldulf turned away, clutching his chest and fighting hard to hold back the tears. He felt put her hand on his shoulder. “It’s all right,” she said comfortingly, “enjoy the moment.”

Without a word spoke, he embraced as he broken down in tears, the others joining in. Kveldulf had never felt this since of relieve before. Always watching over his back. Always worried of what others would think of him if they learned the truth. For the first time, in all of his life, he felt free.

***

They were seated around a small table, barely enough room for them to sit comfortably in the throne room of The Unyielding Fortress. It felt awkward in the throne room where they fought Belthory. Though no one was bothered with the blood pool and spike now removed. “So what are we going to do with this place?” Maeryn asked.

“I don’t know,” said Cid. “Sort of got used to using it as a base of sorts.”

“I mean, if we spruced up the place,” said Jeanne, “We could use it as a base of operations of sorts.”

“Most merc companies usually have a place to hang their helms and weapons,” said Kveldulf.

“I think it would be a wonderful idea,” said Allianna entering the room.

All The Wolves stood up, but she waved it off.

“Rest, you’ve more than earned it,” she said to them. “Though I am glad not to have been here after Belthory took residence.”

“It had a few unique decorative choices,” Silvius said to her.

“I’ll take word on that,” she said. “I remember when my grandfather told me stories about this place.”

“I didn’t know your grandfather knew of The Unyielding Fortress,” said Kveldulf.

“I would hope so, he served here during the Draken Wars.”

“He was?” Hypatia asked, astounded. She began grabbing a parchment and quill when Allianna began laughing.

“Perhaps another time,” Allianna said respectfully, “I am here on a sort of officially business.”

“What business did you have in mind?” Cid asked.

“Well, I think it would be foolish if we thought we’ve seen the last of our friend Baeron. And while it turned out to be a false lead, there is also a chance Callanband or his other acolytes will rear their wonderful heads to hound us. Therefore, I would like to hire your services.”

“I think we’re definitely open to the idea,” Cid replied. “Unless anyone has any objections.”

“How close are we going to have work with the Council once it’s reformed?” Kveldulf asked.

“A fair amount, I’ll admit. But I am certain this new selection will be far more inclined to give you assistance then the last.”

“I would hope so,” said Leonidas. “I’d rather not live in the wilds unless I have to, my lady.”

“I can understand that sentiment.”

“Oh, master Kveldulf.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I was hoping to bestow a gift to you.”

Kveldulf rose to his feet and stepped towards her. “I am honored, my lady.”

She handed him a small sigil. “I cannot restore all the lands once belonging to your family, but there are enough to qualify you as a lord in your own right. Along with the incomes and privileges invested with them.”

“I honestly cannot find the proper words to thank you, Lady Allianna.”

“Your friendship is more than enough, Lord Kveldulf,” she said to him, smiling. She turned back to the others as Kveldulf returned to his seat.

“Yes, The Company of the Wolves. That has noble connotation to it. Until we meet again,” Allianna said as she left the room.

“So,” said Benkin. “That means we’re on a permanent retainer?”

“I should hope so,” said Silvius.

“What do you think our next job will be?” asked Hypatia.

“Hopefully nothing major until our heads are no longer throbbing,” said Leonidas, rubbing his forehead.

“You’re complaining, I was slammed onto the floor, repeatedly,” said Jeanne.

“And you were covered in stone.”

Cid rose from his seat. “Still I think this is a great for our friend, Kveldulf, for us, for The Wolves!” Cid unsheathed his blade as he finished. The others rising to their feet and holding out their weapons.

Doing so they all called out together, “The Wolves!”