As the fight ended, Polaris, Astotle Winters and Atrocity Winters rejoined the refugees and other Heroes of Wilderness.
"So wait.... You started the war to conquer the war...."
"Because of a witch coven's Insanity Spell. Yes..... I never wanted any of this..."
"Well, there's no time like the present to change your legacy." Said Polaris stepping in front of him.
"We'll just have to see."
As the Wilderness Heroes reconvened, it was clean the Church of Humanity would be a problem. They'd committed genocide amongst the various found less-than-human.
"Polaris, what should we do?"
"For now concentrate on the refugees. They are priority number one."
"Roger that sir."
As they made their way back to the Wilderness Territory Domain, roads had been laid, houses constructed and everyone was eagerly awaiting their return.
"Welcome home sir!" Said Fog stepping forwards.
"We're glad to be home Fog. How did this all get done so fast?"
"Well, as it turns out, when you mix Golems, Dwarves and Elves, you get incredible results. They helped mostly get all of this done. Berban has also agreed to become part of the Wilderness Territory Domain."
"Thank you Fog. Your hard work has paid off. You are truly a valued member of the Wilderness Initiative."
"No, thank you sir, for believing in me. Now, who are those two?"
"Fog, Heroes of Wilderness, allow me to formally introduce two of the most feared Winters family members, Atrocity Winters and Astotle Winters, better know as Captain Winters."
The Heroes of Wilderness put of their defenses, ready for a fight, but Polaris had them back down. "Relax. They are friendly."
"But sir.... Atrocity....."
"I see my insanity reputation precedes me."
"Insanity reputation?"
Atrocity tells them all the full story of how his father ordered the death of a witches coven, and the curse that eventually lead to the slaughter of his family and the world as they knew it.
"I-I had no idea...."
"Those witches were savages. I'm surprised you held out for so long....." Said Fog, shaking his head somberly.
"I went insane thanks to that curse."
"I do believe we do have we have a solution." Said Archimedes with his thick germanic accent, stroking his chin.
"A solution?"
"Yes, I made a simple procedure to make sure something like that never happens again.
HOW! TELL ME! I MUST KNOW!"
"We can talk more up at the fort. Have faith."
As they made their way into the once small Elven village, it was clear, things were about to change forever in their neck of the woods. As the Heroes walked up the stairway to Fort Wilderness, a noise arose from the valley, but rather than an attack or panic, it was singing. Singing the anthem of Wilderness. The Harpy girl was waving the Wilderness Flag above her head as the refugees sang. It was a sight to behold. Fog and Polaris shed a tear as they sang. As they concluded, the heroes made their way back down to the city plaza.
"We felt it necessary to thank you all for putting your lives on the line. The Princess helped us learn it."
"We are truly grateful." Started Polaris. "After the deaths of the 86 others from Wilderness, I was losing faith in my ability to lead us, lead you all to a better and brighter future. But this....."
Polaris was too choked up to speak, as was everyone who'd witnessed the deaths of the 86 other Heroes of Wilderness. "However, Fog stepped forwards."
"What Polaris was trying to say, this gives all of us hope, that one day we shall see every single dream of Wilderness come true. No matter the cost, no matter what.... You all shall be free."
Polaris nodded as the crowd clapped and cheered. The Heroes made their way back up to the fort, the anthem still playing in their minds. It was a battle cry of sorts, a desperate cry for victory over their oppressors and tyrants. A call to arms in the most desperate situations, regardless of the aggressor's strength. Fort Wilderness would stand tall no matter what came their way.
Meanwhile....
Salore and the Church of Humanity's Army had witnessed the song.
That blasted song....
"They did sing it beautifully Pope. Even you must admit that."
"It could easily compare to that of an angelic choir. Such defiance in their tones..... Such courage and strength behind every single word.... makes me wish we didn't have to crush them."
"Pope?"
"Even with such a display, we must crush them under heel. We will put them in their rightful place. Fort Wilderness and the heroes residing within it shall fall in three days. Salore... Fail me again, and I'll have you killed. Understood?"
"Yes Pope."
"Excellent, begin scouting, for we go to war in two weeks against the Wilderness Territorial Dominion."