The village was left partially in ruins with craters, fallen houses and blood splashes from the deadly combat. After the fall although it was nothing new but from the reaction of the people it appeared as if they were unfamiliar to such a happening.
Aside from the mourning for the dead there were riots breaking down in front of the residing where the elders had taken refuge.
"We should have never followed Heath out of the capital', yelled a woman.
"Heath did what was best for us!" said Adil trying to calm down the mob.
"Is this what was the best for us!" yelled a man from the crowd.
"We were better off in the capital", said another.
Hearing the mob's tantrum Haldem was brimming with anger. Without thought of his word's he yelled, "Even if it meant selling your daughter and wives, you were better off in the capital!!" with a disgusted grin widening on his face he added, " If that is what you really want you can go straight back there."
The mob went silent. Taking control of the situation Adil added, "Go back to your houses and calm yourselves, we have to give our last regards to our fallen comrades, we'll all be meeting at the graveyard in three hours."
The mob left murmuring to themselves. Haldem and Adil went back inside the residence closing the door.
Inside the house.
[All the ten elders had gathered inside the house along with Rein and penguin]
The hut was not of any grandeur appearance. There was a round table at the center of one room with ten chairs. This was the place where the usual meetings took place. Eight of the elders took their usual seats around the table, while Nord and Lark kept standing in order to provide seating for Rein and penguin. There was a little light entering through a door a broken window, rest was supported by a lamp kept on a tabletop in the corner of the room.
With all the important figures present in the room the questionnaire is about to begin.
"It's not your fault Heath." said Steve.
"I know", said heath in a low tone.
"We'll talk about it afterward, right now we need answers", said Haldem looking at Rein.
"Is this really the way to talk to your Saviours", said Penguin with a slight grin.
"If it wasn't for you, Rein we would all have died", said Haldem, "and I am really thankful for that, but! we really need to know who you are and why did you help us," he added.
"I think you want to say if it wasn't for Rein and Me", said penguin.
"Haldem I can assure you Sir Penguin have played a major role in the fight", said Nord.
Haldem looked at Nord and then looked at penguin.
*haldem rubbed the back of his head and with a sigh he said: My apologies, Sir penguin. I am utterly grateful for your help.
"Well if you say so", said penguin exhaling deeply and proudly.
"Then back to the question, who are you, Rein?"