After lunch, Richard and Batty set out for town. Batty had offered to assist Richard with his paperwork while also hoping to spend the night in her own bed—a fact she kept to herself.

They had walked silently for several minutes when Batty asked, "What was your dad like?"

Richard was taken aback by the question, "What?"

"My dad talks about your dad all the time. Even before you showed up." Batty said, "They were best friends in an odd sort of way."

"They were. My dad mentioned Battleaxe many times, but he didn't want to glorify going on campaigns like the other elder Orcs. He fought and lost everything, and he didn't want us to do that again."

"Why didn't he stop the other Orcs from going?" Batty asked.

"We needed the gold, and he couldn't order them to stop doing what they felt they were born to do." Richard explained, eyes drifting to the clouds, "I think my dad knew it was the end, and he accepted it."

"Do you think it's the end for your people?" Batty asked.

Richard pondered for a moment and then said, "Not anymore. This restaurant is crazy, but it could give us a chance. If we keep going as we are, there won't be any more of us left. I hope I can lead us into this new future."

Batty bumped shoulders with Richard, "You're doing a fine job, Chief. You handled that cranky lady much better than any of us would've."

"Oh, really? How would you have handled it?" Richard asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I would've tossed her like Greg tossed those stupid Species Relations people." Batty laughed.

Richard laughed with her, "Your brother throws like an Orc."

"And he gets double helping for dinner," Batty laughed.

"The bounce was amazing," Richard laughed. He paused, his smile fading as he looked at Batty. "He was a good Orc, my father, but he gave up. He never stopped caring for his tribe. He gave his life protecting those children. Few would have. Bramble and Thorn would have, but others would have turned away." Batty nodded and allowed Richard to continue. "He taught all the children how to hunt, fish, forage, do everything we needed to do to take care of ourselves, even cook. Most of the adults left to go off to raid or be mercenaries. He became the father to all of us. I'm proud of him for that."

"Did your dad cook breakfast?" Batty asked.

Richard laughed, "No, but he did a mean barbecue."

"Oh, I've heard about those; I wish I could've tried it," Batty said.

After a moment of silence, Richard said, "We should."

"Should what?" Batty asked.

"We are going to have a Barbecue. Your whole family needs to join us—the mayor, the bakers, the farmers, everyone who helped us. I think we should celebrate," Richard said.

"I like that," Batty said, "Five gold per head?"

"What? No!" Richard said, "I want to give back. We've never been able to do that before."

Batty smiled, "You are a good Orc, Chief Richard. I think your dad is proud of you, too."

As the two approached the town gate, Jerry rushed from his office. Richard remembered this man and wondered if he had found what he was looking for on the ground. The man ran up and bowed to Batty and Richard. Richard looked down, realizing the poor man hadn't found it yet.

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"Welcome, Chief Richard!" Jerry exclaimed, still bowing.

"Uh, thanks," Richard said, peering down at the man.

"Hi, Jerry," Batty greeted the guard with a wave.

Jerry stood up and smiled at the two. "I've heard great things about the cafe. When I finish my shift, I'm going to venture out there. Have any suggestions?"

"Try one of everything," Richard said with a laugh, "It's all good."

Batty nodded, "He's right, try everything."

"What brings you to town today? Going to open a cafe here?" Jerry winked.

Richard stared at the odd little man, "No, we have to do paperwork."

Jerry winced, "Yeesh. Well, then, good luck to you, Chief Richard." Jerry saluted.

Richard smiled and gave a salute back. They entered the town. It was buzzing with people. Richard didn't feel as uncomfortable as he had felt the first time he had visited.

"Hey, Chief Richard!" Someone yelled. Richard looked at the human waving at him and waved back.

"Chief Richard! Love the BLT!" Yelled another human. Richard smiled and waved.

Soon, many humans called out to Richard. He initially felt embarrassed, but he soon smiled and waved as they walked.

"Looks like you're a celebrity now," Batty said, smiling.

"It's, uh, concerning," Richard said.

"They did the same with my dad. It'll die down after a while." Batty assured him.

"Good," Richard mumbled.

As they approached the door to the mayor's office, one more human hailed them, "Chief Richard." This was not the same excitement as the other humans; this was the cold, acid-dripping voice of Ms. Fytistone.

"Ms. Fytistone," Richard said as he nodded to her.

"I take it you are here to finally make your little cafe legitimate?" Fytistone asked.

"Yes, we are," Batty sneered back.

"I have an appointment with the mayor this afternoon," Richard said.

"Oh, really?" Ms. Fytistone said, shocked. "That's odd. I have him booked all afternoon to review new ordinances and zoning regulations, particularly those affecting businesses that use fire near dry grass."

Batty clenched her fists. Before she could lunge at Ms. Fytistone, Richard said, "Well, then I'll be happy to wait at the tavern with my good friends, the Battleaxes."

Ms. Fytistone placed her hand on her chest, "But my meeting goes to the end of his work day. And the mayor keeps strict hours. He even takes lunch every day at the same time and never does business after hours or at lunch." She gave the pair a large wicket smile.

Mayor Hamilton opened the door and walked out. "Oh my, uh, wonderful, wonderful. I'm glad you are here. I was going to leave word with Jerry I was going to lunch."

"What?" Ms. Fytistone exclaimed. "You've already had lunch. And I didn't pass Jerry on my way here."

Mayor Hamilton looked at Ms. Fytistone as if she had suddenly appeared, "Uh, what, what? No, I was going to leave word for Chief Richard." Hamilton looked at Ms. Fytistone, "Why are you here?"

"What do you mean? I have a meeting booked with you until the end of the day. We need to go over those new regulations and zoning…"

"I canceled that meeting," the mayor interjected. "I was waiting for Chief Richard and got hungry." He turned to Richard and Batty. "Would you two like to join me for lunch? I've got all the paperwork ready." Hamilton held up a packet of papers and a pen.

"Sure," Richard said, focusing solely on Hamilton. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Ms. Fytistone's face flushing a deep red.

"This matter with their restaurant must be discussed publicly, not behind closed doors!" Ms. Fytistone hissed.

"Absolutely, it will take place in public. We're open to anyone joining. In fact, several council members are looking forward to discussing matters with Chief Richard," Hamilton assured Ms. Fytistone.

"Very well, I'll attend as well," Ms. Fytistone sneered. "It's crucial that this transaction adheres to our guidelines."

"Certainly," Hamilton replied cheerfully. "Join us at the Battleax Tavern."

Ms. Fytistone glared at the mayor. Her red face grew even redder. Richard thought she was going to pass out.

"Oh, that's so unfortunate," Batty remarked with feigned sympathy. "Aren't you banned from my father's tavern?" She glanced at Richard with a playful smile, "She made it into the fountain."

Richard looked down, suddenly feeling that he ought to be helping Jerry search for his lost item.