Page 48

My stomach knotted with dread. I quickly dressed, trying to make myself look as presentable as possible. If we were to play our parts convincingly, we needed to appear cooperative, grateful even.

When we emerged into the main room, the others were already there. Mira looked pale, her blue hair hastily combed. Rhia stood protectively beside her, face impassive but eyes alert. Kuro was fidgeting with the hem of his tunic, unusually subdued.

“Remember the plan,” Kai murmured as a heavy knock sounded at our door. “We smile. We thank them. We act honored.”

The door swung open before any of us could answer it. Captain Boromia stood there, resplendent in his gleaming gold armor, his smile as wide and insincere as ever.

“Good morning, my young heroes!” he boomed, spreading his arms wide. “Today is a glorious day for all of you! ”

I forced my face into what I hoped was a convincing smile. “Captain,” I managed, inclining my head slightly. “We didn’t expect such an... honor.”

His amber eyes fixed on me, cold despite his beaming expression. “Oh, but you deserve it, Oliver. All of you do.” He gestured grandly. “The first party to successfully explore the dungeon beyond the Whispering Woods and return alive! Such an achievement deserves recognition.”

Behind him, a dozen RSB soldiers filed into our small yard, forming a perimeter. I noticed Jeremy among them, his eyes carefully avoiding ours.

“What kind of recognition?” Sky asked, his voice carefully neutral despite the tension I could see in his shoulders.

Captain Boromia’s smile widened impossibly further.

“A public celebration! The citizens of Selas should know of your bravery, your dedication to the kingdom.” He clapped his hands together enthusiastically.

“The stage is already being prepared in the town square. Banners with your names, cheering crowds. It will be magnificent!”

I exchanged a quick glance with Kai, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. This was exactly what we had feared.

“That’s... very generous, Captain,” Kai said, his voice tempered and even as always. “We’re honored.”

“As you should be,” he replied, his amber eyes glittering with barely concealed malice. “Now, I’ve taken the liberty of having proper attire prepared for each of you. Can’t have our heroes looking like common rabble, can we?”

He snapped his fingers, and two soldiers stepped forward carrying neatly folded garments. They were simple but well-made tunics in the RSB colors with our names embroidered in golden thread.

“A gift from the Brigade,” Boromia explained, watching our reactions closely. “Do put them on quickly. The people are waiting.”

The clothes felt like a brand, marking us as property of the RSB. I slipped the tunic over my head, the fabric unexpectedly heavy against my skin. It was too fine for someone of my station, making the gesture all the more insulting. I felt like I painted pig.

“Perfect!” Boromia exclaimed when we were all dressed. “Now, shall we proceed? Your adoring public awaits.”

We were led through the streets of Selas in a procession that felt more like a march to execution than a celebration.

Soldiers flanked us on all sides, their presence a clear reminder that we weren’t truly free.

Sky walked beside me, his tail stiff and ears flat against his head.

I wanted desperately to reach for his hand but knew such a gesture would only give Boromia more leverage over us .

As we approached the town square, I was stunned by the transformation.

A large wooden stage had been erected in the center, draped with colorful banners bearing the RSB insignia.

Crowds of people lined the streets, cheering and throwing flower petals as we passed.

Their faces were bright with excitement, completely unaware of the charade they were participating in.

“They’ve really gone all out,” Kuro muttered under his breath as we climbed the steps to the stage. “Must be important to them.”

“Very,” Kai whispered back. “Just stick to the plan.”

Captain Boromia took center stage, his arms raised to quiet the crowd.

The sea of faces looked up at him adoringly, hanging on his every word.

I scanned the audience, noting how many were newcomers like us.

They were young, hopeful, and eager to make their mark in Cindersea.

My stomach churned at the thought that they too might become pawns in the RSB’s games.

“Citizens of Selas!” Boromia’s voice boomed across the square. “Today we celebrate a triumph of the Royal Scouting Brigade’s finest tradition—nurturing raw talent into something extraordinary!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, their faces bright with admiration and hope. I felt my skin crawl as Captain Boromia continued his speech, weaving a tapestry of lies with just enough truth and conviction that even I almost believed him.

“These brave newcomers,” he gestured grandly toward us, “under the careful guidance of the RSB, ventured into the Whispering Woods. It was a place many feared to tread. But thanks to their bravery, they returned not only with their lives, but with invaluable information that will benefit all of Selas!”

I kept my expression neutral, forcing my lips into what I hoped resembled a grateful smile. Beside me, Sky’s tail twitched irritably, though his face remained impassive. Mira trembled slightly, and I saw Rhia shift imperceptibly closer to her, a silent promise of protection.

“Through their courage and the RSB’s expert training, they have proven that the dangers beyond our walls can be conquered!

” Boromia’s voice swelled with artificial pride.

“This is the power of the RSB. Turning frightened newcomers into capable scouts who can serve the kingdom and better themselves along the way!”

The crowd ate it up, their faces shining with hope and admiration. I recognized their looks. It was the same one I’d worn when I first arrived in Selas, desperate for purpose and belonging. How many of them would be sacrificed like we nearly were?

“And to reward their service,” Boromia continued, reaching into a pouch at his belt, “I present each of them with five gold coins. Consider this a token of the RSB’s appreciation!”

Five gold coins. After everything we’d been through, after nearly dying multiple times, after discovering a treasure trove of priceless ancient knowledge that the captain had promptly confiscated…

our reward was five gold coins. The crowd gasped and murmured appreciatively.

To them, it seemed generous, an unfathomable fortune. But to us, it was insulting.

Captain Boromia approached each of us, placing the coins in our hands with theatrical ceremony. When he reached me, his smile remained fixed, but his eyes were cold and threatening.

“For Oliver,” he announced loudly, “whose healing skills saved his companions more than once!”

As his hand closed around mine, depositing the coins, he leaned in close enough that only I could hear his next words.

“Remember our agreement, cleric. Not a word about what you really found.”

I nodded stiffly, clutching the coins as he moved on to Sky. The metal felt heavy in my palm, like blood money.

“For Sky, the lone wolf who proved his loyalty to the Brigade by joining this brave party!”

Sky accepted the coins with a curt nod, his blue eyes never leaving Boromia’s face. I could almost hear the growl building in his throat.

When all of us had received our reward , Boromia turned back to the crowd, arms spread wide. “Let this be an inspiration to all newcomers! With dedication and obedience to the RSB, you too might achieve such glory!”

The crowd roared with approval, the thunderous applause drowning out my thoughts as I stood rigid on the stage. Five gold coins. That was the price of our silence, our complicity. I glanced down at the shining metal in my palm, feeling sick. It was also enough gold to paint a target on our backs.

Behind us, several RSB officers began distributing ale and wine to the crowd, turning the celebration into something more like a festival. The citizens of Selas eagerly accepted, their cheers growing louder as the alcohol flowed freely.

“And now,” Captain Boromia announced, his voice carrying over the revelry, “I invite everyone to enjoy the festivities! Our heroes will be mingling among you, sharing tales of their adventures! ”

My heart sank. Of course we wouldn’t be allowed to slink away and lick our wounds in private. We were part of the spectacle, expected to perform.

As we descended from the stage, I felt the weight of dozens of eyes upon us.

Newcomers approached immediately, their faces bright with hope and admiration.

A young woman with freckles and wide eyes rushed up to me, clutching a cup of ale.

She looked to be from one of the newest sets of recruits, even newer than me.

“Is it true?” she asked breathlessly. “Did you really face a minotaur and live?”

Before I could answer, a hand landed heavily on my shoulder. Captain Boromia stood beside me, his smile never wavering.

“Oliver here is too modest to boast,” he said smoothly. “But yes, thanks to RSB training, he and his companions overcame challenges that would have broken lesser scouts. Even after such a short time here, they have proven their strength.”

The girl’s eyes widened further. “That’s amazing! I just arrived last week. Maybe someday I’ll be under your command!”

My stomach twisted at her eager expression. She had no idea what fate might await her.

“Perhaps,” I managed, forcing a smile. “But there’s much to learn first.”

“Indeed there is,” Boromia agreed, his fingers digging painfully into my shoulder. “Oliver, why don’t you circulate? So many people are eager to meet you.”

It wasn’t a suggestion. I nodded and moved away, searching the crowd for my companions.

Mira and Rhia were surrounded by a group of wide-eyed newcomers, Rhia standing close while Mira spoke softly.

Kuro had somehow acquired more ale and was grudgingly retelling a heavily edited version of our adventure to an enraptured audience.

Sky stood alone at the edge of the square, his back against a wall, glowering at anyone who approached.

Our eyes met across the crowd, an unspoken understanding filling the space between us.

I wanted nothing more than to go to him, to feel the reassurance of his presence beside me, but I knew better.

I couldn’t let anyone see how I felt about him.

I wouldn’t let Boromia use our relationship against us again.

Kai was the hardest to spot. I finally found him deep in conversation with a merchant, his expression earnest as he spoke. Even when Boromia butted into the conversation, his booming voice loud enough for everyone to hear as he spun more lies, Kai remained calm. Ever the diplomat, even now .

Everyone was playing their part and sticking to the script. For now, it was all we could do. And maybe, if we were lucky, our chance to make things right would come soon. At the very least, I wanted the opportunity to grind Boromia’s face into the ground under my boot.

It was time to get stronger. And those five gold coins would make that a lot easier.