Home

We got the women to the camp which was already set up and ready when we got there. Someone else took over moving them into the tents. As much as I wanted to go home Willow and I rode to the castle to see the queen who meet us inside the main hall.

"Your majesty." We both bowed.

"I am pleased to see you both." She smiled. "The heroes of goblintown."

"Thank you you majesty. The refuges are settling in at the camp as we speak."

"Good, Walk with me." She smiled. "I thank you for the log you sent as well. We have already tracked down family of about a few dozen family members." She said leading us down the hall toward the study. The last time I had been in there was after my trip to the elvin empire.

"Can I ask about Kasar?" I asked.

"Ah. Somehow she managed to escape the trap we set for the smugglers. She took a route through shallow waters that most ship captains would never have taken." The queen said as she entered the room.

"Ah, but I am not most ship captains your majesty. Besides I had to make it look good for my crew." Kasar said sitting at the table with her feet up. She swung them off and got up and came over giving me a hug and a pat on the back.

"Who is this lovely creature." Kasar smiled as she looked at Willow

"Princess Willow." Willow offered her hand.

"A Princess. I am Kasar." Kasar took Willows hand and kissed it.

"So how did you get back here with everyone looking for your ship?"

"My ship is my ship no more." She laughed. "They were all quick to blame the slaver who hired us after I managed to heroically escaped the armada. Sadly the slaver is not with us no more though I suspect few will miss him. My men split up the quit substantial amount gold he was going to pay us and the other ships into equal shares. I let my first mate buy the ship from me with his and they sailed off to waters unknown and I caught a ride back here. Luckily for me the Queen kept her word and didn't put me in prison." Kasar smiled.

"Lucky for her I also offered to pay her in precious gyms and not actual gold." The Queen smiled.

"Ah, yes. Paying me in my weight in gold could be troublesome to actual carry with me. This is much easier for me to carry." Kasar said holding up a large bag. "Well I must be off. If you two are interested in celebrating I know this nice little brothel down by the docks that has the most beautiful women. My treat."

"We might meet you down there later." Willow nodded.

"I like this one. Finally an elf who knows how to have fun." Kasar gave a smile and a wink at Willow as she passed.

"So I heard you two were injured. Not to serious I hope?" The queen asked.

"Nothing a trip to the healing pool can't fix. A day there and back and we will be as good as new.

"Good. Lord Edward tells me that he knighted you." The Queen smiled at me.

"Yes your majesty." I nodded.

"But a lord cannot truly be a lord without land to rule over." She went over and got a scroll off of her desk.

"I do not..." I began to say but she held up her hand.

"Relax. I know how much you love your freedom but with the war there are many jobs here at home that are being neglected." She handed me the scroll. "Are you familiar with the duties of a forester?"

"Some my lady." I said opening it up.

"When you return the Kingswood is in much need of one I think. Its a decent placement with above average pay. Essentially you would serve as a scout looking for slavers like the ones you had a run in with not to long ago that have taken advantage of the war to make a profit, remnants of the goblin army that may have fled into the woods, and the occasionally brigands and outlaws. You will also train and organize hunts to feed the men garrisoned at Hunters Rest who will be at your disposal whenever you should you need them."

"Thank you your majesty." I said. Basically I would be paid to hunt and scout the Kingswood and teach others how my father had taught me. I wasn't about to say no.

After that Willow took me to her room and gave me the book and I headed home. I had never been so glad to see the place as I was now.

End Of Volume One

Volume Two: The Adventure Continues