Countess Daston made the introductions. Most gathered in the garden were people Hump had met before and that he was on good terms with. In particular, Sir Isaac who ran the Sheercliff Academy, was particularly pleased to see that Hump was still using the battle robes he’d loaned to him.

The only surprise amongst the group was Wizard Lindle. He was the vice guildmaster of the Wizard Society here in Sheercliff. During Hump’s previous stay in the city, he’d tried to stay as far away from them as possible, especially after Inquisitor Abraxus and Eliana showed up. He would need to speak with Vivienne on the matter of Eliana as soon as he could. After the battle, she’d been apprehended. She’d killed his master, and Hump wanted to know justice had been found.

Keeper Tessa received the best treatment Hump imagined any guest of the Dastons could ask for. The training hall would be made up for Igni’s stay—it was the only building large enough to house him, and with its defensive and regenerative enchantments, the perfect location for something so large and powerful. Tessa was offered the guest suite within the estate if she so wished, or in a manor nearby if she preferred a place of her own. She chose to remain at the Daston Estate where she would be close to Igni.

“My servants can see to Igni if you would like to follow me inside,” Countess Daston offered. “I can have whatever bedding, food, or other necessities you wish supplied to the hall before the afternoon’s end.”

Tessa paced a hand on Igni’s side. “If you do not mind, Igni is rather restless after so much time in the air. He wishes to hunt.”

“Of course. If large game is what he’s after, I suggest the woodland to the south.” Countess Daston pointed toward the mountains, across the grassy plains. “Adventurers rarely go there, and it is mostly free of dangerous monsters.”

“That would be perfect.”

“All I ask is that you try and keep him away from grazing livestock. It wouldn’t do to have farmers upset over a dragon stealing their sheep.”

“I shall ensure no such thing happens,” Tessa said.

She turned to Igni, a brief exchange going on between them, and then the dragon lifted off, rising into the sky over Sheercliff City and soaring over the plains to the south.

“Magnificent, isn’t he?” Sir Isaac said, the man’s gaze fixed on the dragon. He flicked down the lens of his glasses, the runes in each corner shining as he studied Igni.

“He’s bloody big, that’s what he is!” Sir Roderick said. “And that stare. Gods, it just gets the blood boiling, doesn’t it?”

Graham gave him a concerned look. “You and I see things so entirely different.”

Roderick laughed at that, clapping the lanky man on the shoulder. “And we’re better off for it, my friend.”

“Yes, well, I think I like the smaller one here,” Graham said. “Far less frightening.”

Countess Daston steered her wheelchair using an artifact on the armrest, leading the group along the path back to her manor, naturally keeping the conversation going with Tessa in a way that Hump could never do. It was strange hearing the two women speak—a noble warrior of the Pantheon and a ‘heretic’ of Drakalyn, yet a sixth circle Chosen could never be out of place amongst a group like this. Tessa conducted herself with the confidence and grace befitting her rank.

With the pleasantries out of the way, Hump made his way toward Vivienne, only for Wizard Lindle to step into his path, his apprentice following close at his heels.

The man extended an eager hand, not even glancing in Celaine’s direction. “It is good to meet you, Wizard Humphrey. Very good indeed! How do you do?”

Lindle wore wizard robes of copper coloured silk and the deepest purple. Runes patterned it, embroidered in silver and gold thread. He wore a gold broach in the shape of the Wizard’s Society sigil of a focus crystal radiating essence.

Hump took his hand, confused at the attention. “Very well, thank you. It’s been quite a journey. I’m pleased to be back.”

“I’m sure! Speaking of which, do you know where you will be staying?”

Hump opened his mouth to respond, but before he could the wizard continued talking.

“We would be so pleased to have you at the Wizard’s Society. We will always provide boarding for our members, especially such talented wizards like yourself.”

Hump sensed worry from Nisha, she shrunk back behind Hump. Something about Lindle was making her nervous.

“Right…” Hump said, still trying to process what was going on. It seemed his feats really had spread far. “Well, I’ll be staying in the Upper City. I have a manor here.”

“I see. I see. A shame, of course. Quinton, lad,” he turned to his apprentice, gesturing him forward. “Come, say hello my boy. This is my apprentice. Quinton Sterl.”

He was a young man with golden blonde hair much like Bud’s. Hump guessed he was around eighteen, so roughly the same age as him. Unlike his master, his robes fell somewhere between formal wizard robes and battle robes—cut in a way that allowed for ease of movement, but still lined with lines of gold and a leaf pattern.

“It really is an honour, Wizard Hump—” He stammered, correcting himself. “Humphrey, I mean.” He extended a hand in an awkward jerk, flashing a grin.

Hump shook it. “Good to meet you, Quinton.”

“Look at that. Fast friends, indeed,” Wizard Lindle said. “Now you must visit us, Humphrey. Have you had a tour of our facilities here in Sheercliff City? I’d be more than happy to show you around myself.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Oh, back off Lindle,” Vivienne said, walking over to join them. “You’re all but frothing at the mouth. Give him a chance to unpack his things first at least.”

The man glared at her, his face twitching to contain his fury. “Vivienne,” Lindle spat the word, his happy demeanour vanishing. “I was merely introducing myself to Wizard Humphrey.”

“Is that so? Then you wouldn’t mind if I steal Hump, would you? It’s been a while and we have much to catch up on.”

Wizard Lindle scowled at her, then turned back to Hump. He reached out and clasped Hump’s shoulder, his smile returning. “Seek me out, Humphrey. Whenever it suits you, come to the Wizard’s Society. It is a travesty that one like yourself isn’t more involved already. You will advance fast with us, lad. Fast.”

He turned, following after the countess. “Come along, Quinton. Much to do.”

“It was good to meet you, Wizard Humphrey,” Quinton said. “I know Wizard Lindle comes across strong, but you really must visit. The guild members would love to meet you.”

Hump nodded, trying not to frown at the madness of the conversation. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

He watched as Quinton followed his master.

“What was that about?” Celaine asked.

Hump let out a breath, relieved to have been saved from whatever… that was.

“A recruitment pitch,” Vivienne said. “Or at least the beginnings of a bad one.” She surprised him with a hug. He was fairly sure that was a first, so she really must have changed in her time here. Then she whispered, “You’ll need to get used to this. They all want you in their ranks.”

“Why?”

“You’re the White Flame Wizard,” she said. “There’s a new generation of wizards—recruitment is up because of the war—and they look up to you. The commoner that stands with Chosen against warlocks and ancient demons.”

“This is all very… strange.”

“It’s going to take some getting used to,” Celaine said.

Vivienne released him, stepping back to study him. “You look older. Stronger too. It seems your training is going well. I can hardly tell you’re standing there before me now.”

Hump smiled. Ever since he’d advanced his Spirit Well and learned the Essence Overflow technique, his control over his soul had almost become natural. Keeping it concealed was no longer a constant struggle, but something he could do as an afterthought.

Vivienne turned to Celaine. “And you, Celaine. I wasn't sure we'd see you back.”

“I had my reasons,” she replied.

“Hmmm.” Vivienne cocked an eyebrow at Hump, only for a moment, before turning back to Celaine. “In any case, it seems your time away was productive. I sense strength in you I didn’t feel before.”

“I reached the fourth circle shortly before departing from Drakalyn,” Celaine said.

“Excellent. That was fast. You’ve both come so far in the year I’ve known you, it’s enough to be envious.”

“Just you wait,” Hump said. “Once you see what I have to show you, you’ll be blown away.”

Vivienne’s eyes lit up. “Is that so?”

Hump grinned, wondering whether she’d be more interested in the Essence Overflow technique or Walt and his library. If Vivienne could decipher the ancient books within, Hump could hardly imagine what they could uncover. But that would need to wait until they were away from any prying ears.

A seriousness came over Hump as he asked the question, he’d been wondering for the last six months. “What happened to Eliana?”

“Put to death,” Vivienne said simply. “You have nothing to worry about. I can go into more details if you wish, but rest assured, it’s over. I witnessed the execution in person.”

Hump nodded. “Good.”

There was a pause, when Celaine asked, “How are Bud, Dylan, and Emilia? We’ve heard no news since we left.”

“They are all alive, fighting on the front lines. I have letters for both of you—they’ve been writing regularly about their adventures.”

“Battle has been constant,” Marcela said, approaching behind Vivienne. She’d split off from the rest of the group.

“Marcela would be far better suited to explain the situation,” Vivienne said.

“My information’s a couple of months out of date. I saw them two months ago while they were stationed in Fort Nordric. We were on a quest in the Fallen Lands when I took injury and was sent back home to recover.”

“Are you well now, Lady Marcela?” Hump asked.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Didn’t we agree you’d just call me Marcela?”

Hump smiled fondly. “Marcela then.”

She nodded, pleased with herself. “I’m all healed up. I’ll be returning to the front lines within the next few weeks with the next wave of soldiers. We found a dungeon before I was forced to leave—a big one. You’re welcome to come with me.”

Hump glanced at Celaine who shrugged. “We may take you up on that.”

“Plenty of time to decide. For now, and far more importantly…” Marcela knelt, going to Nisha’s level. “Who is this gorgeous creature?”

Immediately, Nisha’s tail started to flap about in excitement.

“Her name is Nishari,” Hump said. “And she is my bonded dragon.”

Marcela raised an eyebrow and gave him a look. “I wondered why you and Celaine split off from your party. Bud wouldn’t give me a straight answer.”

“At the time, we had to keep her secret.” Hump looked toward where Tessa and Countess Daston were talking. “Now, I think things will be different.”

Marcela nodded assuredly. “They will be.”

She extended a hand and Nisha sniffed her. “May I touch her?”

“She’ll love you forever if you do.”

“It’s good for her to get familiar with as many people as she can, too,” Celaine said. “Best to socialise her while she’s still relatively small.”

Marcela reached out, petting Nisha’s head, and suddenly the little dragon regained her confidence, walking forward for more attention and rubbing against her legs. Marcela laughed.

“You are just beautiful.” She laughed again. “I can’t believe I’m touching a dragon.”

“Specifically, she’s a wolf dragon,” Hump explained. “In Drakalyn, they are commonplace, often bonding with the Chosen of Owalyn.”

She gave him a discerning look. “You’re not Chosen, are you?”

Hump shook his head. “Nope. Just a wizard.”

“Hump’s an exceptional circumstance,” Celaine said.

“Well, I’d love to hear all about that,” Marcela said. “And your time in the north. A secret dragon village in the Fallen Lands sounds like a tale out of a story book.”

They talked for a while longer, before Countess Daston called an end to the meeting, allowing Tessa and the rest of them to settle down in their rooms and wash up. There was a dinner that evening that all of them were invited to. Considering the food Hump had experienced in the Daston Estate previously, he certainly intended to attend. For now, he returned to his manor.

After six months, Hump still remembered the way. He and Celaine left Tessa at the estate and walked back along the familiar streets with Vivienne, catching up on what had happened since they were gone. She was still working closely with Countess Daston, and with the warlock threat gone from Sheercliff, she once more had time to focus on her research of ancient magics. He was pleased to hear that she’d made progress with the Spirit Well technique, but as of yet she’d not reached the next stage. After what Hump had learnt about the foundational techniques of ancient wizards, the delay might be a good thing. It seemed modern wizards were lacking in much more than spells.

Coming to the gates of his manor, Hump could hardly believe it was his. They entered, making their way up a small pathway with small grass lawns on either side. Vivienne handed Hump a key and he went to unlock it.

Only for a middle-aged man in a black suit to open the door. The man bowed his head. “Master Humphrey, Mistress Celaine, so good to finally be able to welcome you home. Welcome back, Lady Vivienne.”

Behind him, two maids stood before the staircase and curtsied.

“Thank you, Joseph,” Vivienne said, heading inside. She turned back to Hump and Celaine and gave them a confused look. “Come on.”

Hump blinked fiercely, trying to put together why these people were here.

“Vivi.”

“Yes Hump?”

“What the in the hells is going on?”