A Generous Gift

Upon their return to Torvill, the city was palpably different from when they had left. The people, once indifferent, now held a look of admiration in their eyes as they walked through the streets. Soldiers guarding the city gates, who were once stern and unwavering, saluted them warmly as they entered, a sign of deep respect.

They were soon escorted to the grand city hall where Lady Verena, the Mayor of Torvill, awaited them. The hall, a symbol of authority and order, today held an atmosphere of gratitude and admiration.

"My brave young heroes," Lady Verena began, her tone full of sincerity. "From the report I know that village is safe, and they didn't suffer many casualties."

She paused and studied them more closely, her wise eyes seeming to pierce through to their very souls.

"But there is one thing that I can't stop to think about " she said sincerely, "Was it an undead horde that attacked the village? Did they move as a sea of death, relentless and seemingly numberless?"

Eliss nodded gravely, her eyes reflecting the horrors they had witnessed and conquered. "Yes, Lady Verena. It was as you describe."

Lady Verena sighed deeply. "From the report I know that in every village, the story has been the same," she explained. "In each case, we've needed a contingent of at least thirty trained soldiers to hold the line. And yet, you two…" She let the words hang in the air, her gaze filled with a profound respect. "You two stood strong where many would have faltered."

Eliss felt her cheeks warm at the praise, it was the feeling she was searching for all this time, while Amukelo nodded appreciatively, his posture reflecting his disciplined nature.

Recognizing their extraordinary abilities, Lady Verena motioned to two finely crafted chests placed on a table beside her.

"For Eliss," she continued, "spell scrolls containing powerful magic to further hone your already remarkable abilities."

Eliss's eyes widened in awe as she looked at the array of intricate scrolls, each a promise of untold potential.

"For Amukelo, skill scrolls designed to sharpen your combat prowess, focusing on enhancing your abilities in ranged combat," Lady Verena turned towards Amukelo, who examined the contents with a spark of excitement in his eyes.

Beside the scrolls, a modest but meaningful sum of gold was bestowed upon them, a practical reward for their heroism.

"This wouldn't really be a reward if you wouldn't be able to utilize this" Lady Verena added with a knowing smile, "So you also get, an invitation to the capital city of Elandria, for an intensive six-month training program where you will learn all skills and spells from those scrolls. You will learn from the finest instructors in our nation, to further master your combat skills, so you will be able to serve our country in future."

At this, Eliss's hands clasped in delight, her eyes beaming with excitement. Amukelo's stoic demeanor softened, his smile genuine and warm.

"You have earned this," Lady Verena said softly.

As they stood in the grand hall, holding in their hands the keys to an even brighter and more adventurous future, Amukelo and Eliss exchanged a look of profound camaraderie. They had emerged victorious from the shadow of death, and ahead of them lay a path laden with promise and potential.

. . .

The following morning, as the first rays of the sun began to pierce the cool mist that enshrouded Torvill, Amukelo and Eliss found themselves at the city gates once more. This time, however, they weren't sneaking through to head into peril; they were embarking on a new chapter of their journey.

Awaiting them was a handsome steed, strong and well-groomed, hitched to a sturdy hearse. It was filled with ample provisions for their journey: food, water, blankets, and the chests containing their precious scrolls. The thoughtful arrangement showcased the respect and gratitude Torvill held for the pair.

Amukelo watched as Eliss stubbornly attempted to heave her own chest onto the hearse. It was quite heavy, loaded with the magic spell scrolls she had been rewarded.

"Do you need a hand with that?" Amukelo asked, a playful grin stretching across his face.

"No, I've got this," Eliss replied determinedly, her cheeks flushed from the exertion as she strained to lift the chest. Despite her firm tone, her progress was minimal, and the chest remained steadfastly in place. Amukelo couldn't help but chuckle as he moved closer, effortlessly lifting the chest and placing it securely onto the hearse.

"I thought mages were supposed to be wise," he teased, "knowing when to accept help is a form of wisdom too, you know."

Eliss rolled her eyes but her lips curved into a smile. "Fine, wise warrior," she conceded, her tone light and affectionate. "Thank you."

Amukelo's hand found hers and gave it a comforting squeeze. "We're a team," he reminded her softly, "we help each other."

With the sun now rising higher, casting a golden hue on the cobblestone streets, they climbed onto the hearse. Amukelo took the reins while Eliss settled beside him, the treasured letter securely tucked into her travel bag.

The gates of Torvill slowly receded behind them as they ventured forth towards the capital city of Elandria, where new adventures and challenges awaited.