It took nearly two full days to clean up and burn all the bodies. A few scattered groups of monsters were swiftly dealt as they were found, and then loaded into carts and brought to the outskirts to be burned with the rest.
Percival stayed to help the entire time, though his version of helping was what he called ‘being seen’. Reginald appointed elders to deal with individual jobs, and supervised the elders himself. Eventually, the part Reginald was most hoping to avoid came up.
“I believe it’s time to go back to the castle.” Percival said, mid-afternoon of the second day. He looked pointedly at Reginald. “I believe we have some…things to discuss.”
Reginald didn’t argue. At least, not yet. He gathered Triss, who was busy chatting with Thrend and another man who was convalescing on a cot. “Reginald!” Jonal exclaimed as the Draconic approached. “I had been hoping to catch up with you. Though I suppose at this point you’d have to catch up with me. Shouldn’t be hard!” The large man laughed uproariously at his own joke. Reginald chuckled weakly, but inwardly was astounded at the man’s fortitude. Jonal had been found in a pile of bodies with several large gashes and a leg missing at the shin. How he managed to joke around only a day and a half after being rescued Reginald couldn’t fathom.
“I am glad to see you Jonal.” Reginald replied. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come speak to you earlier.”
“No reason to apologize!” The man laughed again. “You’re busy! Of course! Got to keep all them elders in line, eh?”
“They gave him something for the pain. A bit much of whatever it was if you ask me.” Triss offered, noticing the confused look on Reginald’s face.
He nodded. “I hope you recover swiftly, Master Jonal.” He turned to Thrend. “And you as well, Captain. I’m sure you would like to make it back to your home As soon as possible, but please know you are more than welcome to stay as long as you need to to recover.”
“Thanks. I think a couple more days would be sufficient. I’ll have to catch a cart back to Grostel’s, but one of his should be making its way by soon on it’s normal run.” He sighed. “I expect the pay from Grostel will only make a small dent in my payouts.”
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“Payouts?” Triss asked.
“Got to pay the new widows a lump sum for getting their husbands killed. I only had a few married men in the company, which is good for me. If they were all married I’d owe so much my great grandkids would be paying it off.”
“That is fortunate, I suppose.” Reginald turned to Triss. “I’m afraid it’s time to go back to the castle Miss.”
“Uh, I’m not sure I want to.” Triss said. “Jonal said I could stay with him.”
“Absolutely!” Jonal chimed in. “She can definitely stay with us!”
Reginald opened his mouth to protest, then closed it. “A word in private?” He asked her.
She nodded and they stepped away from the group. “So?” She asked.
“I understand.” Reginald said. “I can absolutely understand why you wouldn’t want to come back. And I don’t disagree with you, at least not completely. I think it would be best for you to stay in town at least an extra day or so, while I speak with Percival.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “If I can smooth things out, would you consider coming back?”
Triss considered for a moment. “I don’t know, Reginald. It’s hard. I like hanging out with you and all, and the castle is nice, but I think I’m safer here. I’m not going to say it’s a hard no - “
“What are you still doing blathering!” Percival’s voice cut off the rest of Triss’s sentence. The wizard was obviously angry as he marched up to the two. “When I say it’s time to go that means-“ he stopped, interrupted by Triss’s finger held up to his face.
“Look here you miserable old man. If Reginald is busy, then he’s busy. You can sit your bony ass down somewhere and WAIT!” Triss yelled the last word, and it echoed around the square.
Percival spluttered for a moment, before finally gaining his composure. His promptly lost said composure, exchanging it for rage. “How dare you talk to me like that!”
“I dare absolutely fine you discount Gandalf!” Triss yelled back. “The only way you could threaten me is with your breath!”
“Impudent whelp!”
“You used that one already.” Triss snapped. Rage that she didn’t even realize she’d been holding in boiled over uncontrollably. “You’re about as original and powerful as Disney’s Merlin! The cartoon one!” She screamed, then stormed off.
Percival blinked. “You know, I can’t decide if that girl is the most infuriating creature in existence, or if I’d like to take her as an apprentice.”
“You haven’t been around many girls, have you.” Reginald said dryly.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing, Masster. We ssshould get back.”
Percival blinked again. “Wait, did you stop hissing there?” Reginald was already striding away. “Reginald? Blasted Lizard. Get back here and wait for me!” He snapped, hurrying to catch up.