After the battle at Morden Vale, you spend a few days at Castle Eryth as guests of the Ressi, resting and recharging. There is much to do...heal wounds, number the dead, and swap tales of the battle. And there is King Garrovic's funeral. He is given a grand pyre in the style of his ancestors, and the Oathkeepers bow their heads in solemn salute to their sovereign.
Even Garvin has no mirth for this moment.
As the flames consume the body of the King, an Oathkeeper chaplain speaks a short prayer to the Warrior, for guidance as the King's soul travels to the Far Fields.
As the flames rise, Khom-bei bows his head low, "Welcome him, ancestors, he was a brave and noble warrior when his people needed him."
Kane kneels and bows his head in respect of the fallen King. He muses to himself how it is strange that the man who was so disdained in life has become so beloved in death.
Thragga, for his part, keeps his own counsel. bowing silently.
When the pyre grows cold, the King's bannermen, led by Ser Joric, mount up to ride for the distant capital of Fort Winter, to bring news to Ress that the land's King is dead. The reins of power will now be held by Queen Camiel. Garrovic has two sons, too young to assume the throne.
As the bannermen mount up, a slight dark figure canters up on a small steppe pony beside Ser Joric. Dhar-bo, her hair pinned back, smiles at Khom-Bei.
From his swift charger, the young Ser Joric offers a handclasp down to each of you, even Thragga. He seemed a callow youth a few days ago, but has aged years since then. Perhaps he has some measure of wisdom now.
Khom-Bei smiles at Dhar-bo, "Ride safely, sister, and find happiness."
Kane takes Joric's hand and says, "Good luck lad. These are trying times ahead and Ress will need good men like yourself."
Dhar-bo seems like she doesn't know to say. "I thank you, brother."
Ser Joric says, "I wish you all luck... You will always have friends in Ress."
Then he and the twenty other bannermen turn and ride off through the Castle gates. Dhar-bo, on a swift bay gelding, glances back briefly at Khom-Bei and then the riders are gone.
In the courtyard, Yarga scowls as the bannermen ride off. He and his warriors are ready to continue their endless war on the Vorghol. He bears the Beast's huge darksteel sword now, sheathed over his back. Arms folded, he nods. "Thragga, if you wish to join a real band of warriors....you may run with us."
Thragga frowns. "I already have a warband, chieftain." He claps his hands on Kane and Khom-Bei's shoulders. "Besides, it is my task to keep them from trouble."
Khom-Bei steps forward and laughs loudly at Yarga's words, "We were thinking of making you the same offer, mighty Hammer of the North! But we would make a poor anvil for one of such strength."
Kane offers Yarga his hand and says, "Good hunting, Hammer of the north."
Yarga throws back his head and laughs. This is the first time you've heard this, and the sound is unpleasant. Like rocks rolling downhill towards you. "Fate decrees we will meet again! Until then...stay out of Yarga's way!"
Kane nods to to the great Urag chief and says "Until then."
With a mighty whoop, the Urag warband moves out, into the deep forests before the Castle. Jenn-Dai stands near Khom-Bei, watching the noisy Urag sprint off. She asks quietly, "What for you now, last of the Cold Wind?"
Dai-thon is nearby his mother. He bears many trophies taken from the Tol Nedrans, including a fine pair of daggers.
Khom-Bei turns to Jenn-dai with a slight frown, "I must continue with my journey, Jenn-dai."
Jenn-dai says, "As must we all. May I advise you?"
Khom-Bei bows his head slightly in respect, "Please, Jenn-dai, your counsel is always welcome."
The older shaman says, maternally, "Do not become what you behold."
Khom-Bei raises his eyes to meet hers and nods, ever so slightly, in understanding, "I have not been a good son. My father's words have been too long from my ears. I will seek him out."
The older shaman says no more. She simply nods to Kane and Thragga before moving off. Dai-thon explains, "Mother says, there is no welcome for us in Tol Nedra any longer. We go to the prairies to the west, where the Urag wander. Seek us out there, should your journey take you back to your kin."
Khom-Bei extends his hand to Dai-thon, "If I survive the journey, I will always return to my kin, Dai-thon. Your camp will be the first I look for."
Kane nods to the Northeners and says, "The Vorghol are no fit masters. Thankyou for your bravery and sacrifice." The Northerners depart, in their way, the clans slipping away through the front gate.
And now it is your turn. Your horses shoed and fed, treated with the greatest of care the Ress can provide to these revered animals, your saddlebags full, Castellan Rhyan and Ser Garvin turn out to see you off from the Castle gate.
Garvin gives Khom-Bei a big embrace. "Lad, the days're too short! But what merry havoc we did to the Coldies, eh?"
Khom-Bei smiles and clasps the shoulder of the round knight, "Havoc, indeed. Try to keep your blood inside your skin while I'm not here to patch you up, old man."
Garvin chuckles. "Old man? Disrespectful youth, y'are. Thragga, if this boy gives you any trouble, spank him f'r me. Loosen his teeth!"
Thragga snorts.
Kane offers Garvin his hand, "Take care Garvin. It has been an honor to serve with you."
Garvin embraces Kane, too, with a laugh, and then Thragga. "The Protector go wi'each of you, lads."
Rhyan clasps hands with Kane, forearm to forearm. "Oathkeepers never forget a friend, Kane."
Kane looks Rhyan in the eye and says, "And neither shall I. This is but one battle, the war is still not won. Be sure we will meet again."
Rhyan nods. "If you need anything, just ask. Fare well, friends."
Kane says, "Farewell good knight."
Khom-Bei turns to Thragga, "Do we have food for the journey? Or will I have to spend the whole time chasing rabbits for you?"
Thragga tests the weight of each pouch on his hips. Sausages, black bread, dried meats, and other foodstuffs jam them full. He considers. "This should last a few days."
Khom-Bei grabs the Castellans arm and speaks softly to him, "Fare well, Castellan. Keep an eye out for my kinswoman, please. I trust young Joric, but things happen to young men during wartime."
Rhyan nods. "I'll send word to my kin in Fort Winter for news of them both, Khom-Bei."
Khom-Bei bows his head, "Thank you."
The great Castle gates are still being repaired, but the work crews make space for you to depart through the opening.
Khom-Bei jumps up onto his pony and turns toward the gates, raising his arm in salute, "Knights of Ress, the Clans of the North do not forget your sacrifice or your honor! We Guard!"
The cry goes up from the walls. "We guard! We guard!"
Kane climbs into his saddle and follows Khom-Bei out the gate.
Horns blow from the Castle rooftop in farewell salute.