The claws of the two carrion beetles sunk into the sun-baked ground. The carriage stood in the shadow of the gatehouse that leading into the city of Sava. Making their way to the front gate, a guard stepped forth to greet them as was customary. Iris halted the carriage as the man approached with a paper in hand, and she prepared for an inspection.
"Can I get an autograph?" the man said. He held out a paper and pen.
"Uhm, sure," Iris responded. She signed her name. "Aren't you going to check our vehicle?"
"Nonsense! What would bonafide heroes have to gain from smuggling?" the guard replied. "You can go on through; there is an escort waiting for you inside."
"Do you want my autograph?" Gonzalez asked.
"Sorry, I only have one piece of paper at the moment." The man motioned to the person on top of the gatehouse who opened the portcullis. "You should get going. I think your escort has been waiting around for hours in anticipation of your arrival."
As they entered the gate, they found a pair of men waiting to guide them through the city, and, more surprisingly, a crowd had also gathered to await their arrival.
"Finally, the recognition we deserve," Gonzalez said.
The two figures emerged from the crowd. Adorned in bronze plate that mimicked human physique and helmets that only exposed the eyes and face, it was clear that these were not the ordinary rank and file that permeated through the Baliskar campaign. A thin black cloth shrouded what little of their facial features that lay exposed, and a short cape clasped to the armor with five pins finished the outfit. One of the men approached the carriage and stood in front to halt the vehicle.
"Come with us." The two of them guided the cart through the crowd. Pushing their way through the roaring crowds of the capital, they proceeded to the outskirts of the city. The citizens packed on the streets parted for their escorts as if repelled by an unknown force. The reason for their authority soon became plain as they were greeted by a modest villa that lay near the outer walls. Standing beside the home clad in a deep violet was the emperor.
The group exited the vehicle as their escort walked ahead to flank the man. They dismounted and approached. Titus took a knee, pulling his broken arm over his leg. Montag knelt down, and Iris glanced around before following suit. The rest of them stood as the emperor gave an outstretched hand in response. As those who knelt rose from the ground, he spoke.
"The Senate has sent me to see you off," he said. "You've become quite popular following the reports from the front." He motioned to one of his guards, who handed him a paper. He revealed it to be a picture of the group together fighting a dragon rendered in stunning silver.
"I feel like the dragon is a little off scale," Derik said. "I mean, it was only the size of an elephant."
"Not to mention, something is off with our looks as well," Gonzalez said. "As if I would ever go into battle with something so shoddy."
Derik stood confused for a moment. Looking at Gonzalez, he had become accustomed to his grimy armor. The chipped scales in the armor would make any sane man uneasy; it was certainly not a fit for the battlefield.
"I'm missing my belts," Montag commented.
"And my hair isn't that long," Iris mentioned.
"Regardless of the accuracy of the drawing, we would do well to reward this kind of resolute heroism. It's been years since something as significant as a dragon has been taken down. Thus, it has been determined you shall be awarded the highest honors. A ceremony will be held tomorrow. While one of you is missing, I trust the rest of you shall be present." He motioned once more to his guardians, who handed out papers with the time and preparations required for the ceremony. "That is all. Titus, I must see you personally," he concluded.
Titus left with the emperor as the rest of the group filed back onto the streets, once again led by one of the emperor's men. He saw them off with a handshake.
"Nice to meet you again," the man said. "I suppose I have you to thank for this position."
"Do I know you?" Gonzalez asked.
"It's Marcus, from back in Balskar?" he replied.
"Ah yes, Marcus. I see you have done well for yourself."
"I have, and I wish you luck in your future endeavors," Marcus said.
The group left Marcus to have a meeting at a local bar. It was at capacity, as often happens in the evening. Fortunately, their newfound fame granted them a reservation at a back table.
"I guess this is where we part ways. This could be our final moments together," Montag said.
"It's only natural," Derik said. "What's everyone planning to do?"
"As I said, I'm planning on going back home. It has been a while since I've last been there. Oh, I wonder if they are worried," Iris said.
"As for me, I'm staying here. Our little excursion was the first time since I was a child that I've explored the wider world, and I must say there is no place like Palatine. Plus, what's the point of being famous if you aren't going to do anything with it?"
"I was thinking about going back to Mesburg and getting myself a nice cabin, or maybe I will open a bakery. I was joking about it before, but the experience could be fun. I mean, this place is really lacking entertainment. The peak of excitement usually amounts to playing with a horseshoe pin," Derik said.
"As for me, duty calls. A new assignment, and from the knight marshal no less. I have to head to Tango. Word of our exploits have reached home, and as apparent experts in hunting magical creatures, I am now responsible for aiding them in a domestic problem. Of course, the mission is also extended to you, Derik."
"Well, it depends. Will I get arrested if I don't comply?"
"No, you are free to do as you wish. Your period of service has ended. Though I personally would appreciate your assistance," Montag said.
Derik contemplated for a moment. "Well, if I want to find a place to settle down, I got to make sure I've seen everything, right? I guess I'll tag along. Maybe you can pay me back that loan while we are there," Derik replied.
"Good news! I'll drink to that," Montag said.
Finishing the evening with a bout of merriment and revelry, the group went to turn in for tomorrow's ceremony.