Reporting the conflict

You return to Hazel Arrow, crossing the path you already know in the forest and arriving in the city at night. Your aching body bruises, but you struggle to ignore the pain until you fall into bed and finally relax.

The conflict scenes are still in your memory, your body still feels the adrenaline rush, and you have difficulty calming your mind to sleep properly.

A tough night, but you need to get used to this pace. You did something positive today, and many people from the Black Axes tribe will be able to benefit from your actions.

You can fall asleep after a couple of hours, albeit with your mind still wandering there.

You arrive at the city hall to report the mission, what you did was almost a miracle indeed, from the point of view of a rookie swordsman who has just launched himself into the world. You ignore thinking about it now and come to talk to Naomi, explaining the situation as briefly as possible.

''You... Wow, this is amazing! Finally, someone managed to resolve this situation...'' She stares at you for a brief moment, before rising from her chair. ''Okay, you usually need an appointment to speak with the mayor, but I think this is a special case... Wait a minute.''

She says before heading up the stairs, you can't help but be tempted to take a peek as she climbs the stairs. A few moments later, she nods positively at you from above. ''You can come in, oh and later, if you don't mind, I'd like to know how it went, if you have some time to talk to a little.''

She ends with a small smile, apparently feeling relieved that the recent drama is ending, but you feel like this was a subtle little flirting of hers. Without spending any more time on it, you open the thick wooden doors, and enter the room.

As soon as you enter, you are faced with a room as luxurious as the rest of the city hall. A large room with traditional decor, polished hardwood furniture, a large rectangular table in the corner, shelves full of old but well-kept books, a shag rug covering much of the room, and some padded chairs in front of the table. Soon the mayor of Ingmery gets up and comes over to you, the middle-aged but decent-looking man.

Gray hair, a beard trimmed but still present, though wearing surprisingly casual clothes.

''Hey boy. John Ambers, right?'' We have a lot to talk about, I think. He approaches you, extending his hand in a friendly gesture, but with a more serious expression on his face. You walk to one of the chairs, sitting down, unable to stop admiring the comfort of the mayor's office.

''My name is Cedric, Cedric Altman. Naomi mentioned a few things, new in town, huh?'' He starts a conversation, seeming more interested in getting to know you than actually solving the problem with the Black Axes you came to report. You gather the appropriate words, giving him a little summary of your life until then when it's over, he stares at you seriously, leaning on the table.

''So, were you in Ravaryn? I've received several letters about it, it seems the king is sending reinforcements to the most relevant cities in Vallia, but for now, that's all... Nothing for our little Ingmery.'' He says, with a frustrated expression on his face, but then he continues.

''I need to say, how could a boy as young as you have dealt with an entire rebel tribe, hiding in the woods to the north?'' He gets up, walking over to the small table at the side of the room, and filling a glass with some drink.

''I've seen in the last few months two guilds sending quests to enter that forest, I even offered them a reward if the work was done.'' He hands you a glass of drink while leaning back in his chair.

''Oak wine, you'll like that. You seem like the kind of man who appreciates a good drink.''

You nod positively, starting to speak. ''Where to start, by accident I found an unexpected ally, maybe fate was on my side, but an orc with a small renegade group of Black Axes did not change the leadership of the tribe, which had been taken over by a corrupt orc.''

You mention it, giving a full account of the mission. He listens to each word carefully, and when you're done, he closes his eyes for a brief moment.

''Corrupt orc, huh? So, are you telling me the Black Axes' new lead is an ally? So I suppose the problem is solved, but we haven't opened the gates to the eastern plains yet, I can't risk our people until I'm sure everything is alright.'' He asks for concrete evidence, or at least his words indicate it.

''You understand, in my position, you can't risk it that way based on the words of an adventurer.'' You say yes, but briefly mention Usanna's interest in reopening trade between Ingmery and the tribe.

''You can send a caravan there, I'm sure the tribe will welcome the new news so you can get the proof you need, and at the same time establish a trade route for furs, exotic drinks, slaves and secure some additional income. I think the city has lost a lot with the last few months without open trade.'' He seriously ponders your words but seems to like the idea.

''Yeah, I think it will do... I can only make a few guards available for this, for now. Although there are stricter rules about slavery here than there are for orcs, only criminals can be slaves, so we won't accept anyone to be sold in town.''

The conversation takes a good turn from here, although you feel that Cedric seems bothered by something else, you don't mention anything about it. ''Alright, boy... I will send a caravan in the next few days, if you managed to solve this, you will receive the response that I offered the guilds, it's 500 coins, I believe for an adventurer, that's a good amount.''

You smile in satisfaction when he finishes. ''I hope that's true, boy. I have a good feeling about you.''