Epilogue

News of the creature's demise quickly spread through Tempe.

Lieb, who was first to greet the travelers, anxiously rushed out of the temple to the center of the village to inform the rest of the populace. If any of the peasants doubted his claim, the moment Alena strode into the center of the village carrying the carcass of Durron (or whatever its name was, since Brey doubted that was its real name) in the litter, every villager cried out in joy. They now knew their world would no longer be filled with fear and tyranny.

A celebration of their liberation commenced that evening and the travelers found it to be a pleasant time to join the peasants in their simple pleasures of song and dance. All three told their stories to the villagers, how each had fought with adversity and overcome it. Even Brey, despite his contempt behavior of peasants, found himself enjoying the evening. If anything, peasants knew how to have a good time in spite of their squalor surroundings.

When the three travelers woke the next morning in Patro's manor, they found the most amazing thing awaiting them. Outside, the villagers of Tempe had lined up at the lord's home, each bearing gifts of gratitude. Most were nothing more than simple trinkets or fine wines that had been saved for special occasions.

Some were generous enough to provide fine clothing made of silk. How these villagers had gotten their hands on such luxurious clothing remained a mystery to the travelers.

Despite their showings of gratitude, Alena made it clear they could not accept these gifts. A few persistently tried to get the three travelers to take them but most understood, thanked them, and went on their way.

The only thing the wayfarers needed were traveling supplies and the grocer, whom had re-opened his store, graciously gave them more than they needed at an unselfish price. He had wanted to give the supplies out for free but Brey made it clear that they would pay with the money they earned back at Surene, even if the old tutor had to nearly bang the grocer over the head with his walking staff to get the point across.

Later that same day, the three travelers prepared to leave. Patro asked them whether they had anything to worry from the rabidhounds and Brey assured him the village would be safe. Apparently, the large, shaggy beasts had been under some sort of spell by Durron, which put him in total control of them. With him dead, the rabidhounds were free from the spell and would probably wonder around the hills in confusion for a while before settling into their own packs, becoming nothing more dangerous than a common wolf. The lord of Tempe was satisfied with the old tutor's claim.

Once they were ready to leave, a parting ceremony was held with every villager gathering at the temple to see them off. Alena shook their hands, Cristo blessed them from the Master, and Brey merely nodded to them, acknowledging their thanks but still keeping his distance between the peasants.

As they passed through the temple, Alena was surprised to find Frank and Nina waiting for them with Lieb. She told her companions she would catch up to them, giving her a chance to say good-bye to the two peasants she had met.

Nina hugged the princess warmly, happily crying into her chest. Alena embraced her back, wishing her and Frank best wishes with their newfound freedom.

Frank gave her a parting gift, telling the princess she was not to open until she was well on their road at the other side. Alena nodded and lightly kissed his dirty cheek out of thanks, causing the young man to considerably blush. Nina giggled at his embarrassment and waved good-bye as Alena ran to catch up to her companions.

After a final wave good-bye to Tempe, the three travelers turned to the Old Merchant Road and continued their journey into the Wild Lands of Santeem.

Here ends Part 1: Awareness, but Alena's adventures continue in Part 2: Alteration, where she and her companions must brave the Wild Lands of Santeem, only to find tragedy waiting for them at the end.