Epilogue

At first you don't even notice the retreat of the Orc host -- the Orc you are fighting is dangerous and has your full attention. But then you look for your next opponent and there isn't one. You look around, fearing some dread evil but nothing happens. You look to the sky fearing burning oil poured from a skyship but the dark sky holds naught but rain and smoke. Only then do you look out over the battlements and you hear the Orc horns and see the host retreating. Your heart is lifted in victory and a cry pours from you almost unbidden.

The bodies of Elf and Orc lay everywhere - twisted testament to the sacrifice made at Imperial Ward that night. Some may yet be saved and the local acolytes take those that still have a chance. Your offers of help are acknowledged but gently rebuffed, it seems the local healing houses have all the volunteers they need. An aged healer looks at your blood-stained battle gear, at your cuts and bruises, and at your eyes. He puts his hand on your shoulder and says, "Imperial Ward is in your debt, friend."

The Elves manning the wall are slowly relaxing as it becomes apparent that the host really is retreating and not just regrouping -- for now.

A sergeant of the local militia comes over and greets the party warmly. He glances at Krog and Trax, but there is no hesitation and his words ring true, "I have heard amazing things about the defenses here, tales of an Orc and a Dwarf and their Elven companions performing heroic acts. I believe there was a competition going on, pray, tell me the scores from the night's battle."

Krog, Trax, and Bingle give their numbers. Stibmit also offers his own. As the sergeant has been talking a crowd of the local fighters has gathered and they give a joyous shout: "VICTORY".

"I also suspect that the non-fighters helped immeasurably this night," continues the sergeant, "I see the Orcs' ladders have been put to much better use." He casts a knowing glance at the set of siege ladders that have accumulated behind the party. "That was a particularly smart piece of work." he says. "I know for a fact that others used those ladders to good effect."

"Also, I believe that someone from this section of wall raised an alarm about the rune-globe and saved the lives of countless Mages. For that the Emperor himself is grateful. For all of these actions your party has been summoned to the Victory Feast being held as we speak. Follow me and you will be given your due recognition."

[DM Note: I assume that you agree to go, if you choose to follow another path just let me know and we can role play from this point.]

The party looks at one another, and after the requisite debate about what to do next, elects to follow the Sergeant. The crowd starts cheering and the party gets many a slap on the back. Sidonia also gets a slap on the ass, when she turns, indignant, a female Elf fighter is leering at her. Slightly flustered, but not very, Sidonia follows the group. [DM: sorry, Sidonia, you didn't think you'd get through an entire write up without your beauty being mentioned, did you?].

The party is led to the palace gates. The very gates they were crushed against just a few hours ago... that time seems weeks away with the stress of the battle that has just happened. This time they open and the blood and gore stained warriors stride through into the Palace grounds. The area used to be a beautiful garden with exotic plants and flowers from around the known world, now, however, it is a ruin of stalks and pedals, of blood, and in the centre, one great crater where the rune globe was destroyed. As you walk the sharp-eyed Sidonia spots a piece of the globe and picks it up. She puts it in a fold of her robe, wondering what it is, and wondering what to do with it.

The party is led to a large hall, filled with many more bloodstained heros of the night. Many look wounded and tired and some look haunted by the things they've seen this night. All have one similar element, though, they all exude Victory. The hall reverberates with the adrenaline high of victorious warriors.

There is many a hearty back slap and boasts of the nights work abound.

The party is led to a side room which has been hastily transformed into a bath house. There they are given time to bathe and servants clean their clothes and weapons. After the cleansing you all feel refreshed and invigorated. You suspect that there were herbs in the water. The freshly dressed party is led into another large hall where tables are laid out with food and drink.

[To be continued...]