Chapter 18 - 100% Loyalty
"I’ll go get some rest. Once I wake up, gather the people. They need to know what we’re facing, and they need to stand with us."
Hound nodded, silent but resolute.
Vi had already been escorted to the town head’s house. With no more tasks to attend to, Kaelor made his way to the bath chamber and found the tub already filled, steam curling up from its surface.
He let out a tired chuckle. ’The perks of having an Acranist maid.’
The heat eased the strain in his body as he lowered himself into the water. Muscles ached. But the warmth numbed it all, even the gnawing weight in his chest.
After the bath came a meal, bread, smoked Sunmaw Prowler’s meat, some leftover broth, and finally, the bed. Lying down, Kaelor stared at the ceiling.
’How do I defend a village with walls that can barely keep itself upright?’
His thoughts circled endlessly, strategy after strategy falling apart in his mind like brittle parchment. Eventually, fatigue won.
....
The sun was high when he stood at the town square.
Hundreds had gathered. Mothers with babies swaddled in rags. Farmers with straw hats still on their heads. Rough men with calloused hands folded over their chests. Children peeking from behind their parents.