Fiddler’s Green held a funeral for the fallen members of Power Dream. The crowd was small. Not many were aware of their deaths since the villagers hadn’t actually taken part in the castle battle. As the sun set, the bodies of Slarif, Truly, and Lorn were laid to rest. Dorn’s casket was empty as his body was never found.

  How did the fallout from the castle fight, and the defeat of The Fool turn out? Quite well. In the days that followed, the villagers under Sandra’s enchantments came out of their stupors. Some sat in disbelief at what had happened to them. Others stared up at the sky like it was their first time seeing it. There was acceptance, and there was anger. All things to be expected. One thing held true, though. Not a soul had anything bad to say about the three heroes, or the fallen members of Power Dream, for that matter. Many took time out of their day to shake their hands and thank them for making the town liveable again. Some worked up the courage to apologize for leading the heroes like lambs to a slaughter against the werewolves.

  It was impossible to tell how Sandra’s legacy would live on. Some hearts would be permanently filled with hate. Others might understand what a mother did to protect her daughter. It was possible the memories of her would fade as people who knew her left Fiddler’s Green for new locations and existences.

  Peregrine and company were appreciative of the thanks they received. None of the villagers had much to offer besides knick-knacks, which the heroes refused to accept. Though, Alissa took some convincing to turn a few of the sharper items down.

  One gift they did keep was from Duncan and Theodore of the Spin and Rinse. At first, the item seemed much too large to carry with them, but once Peregrine realized it could still be placed in their inventory until needed, it was a no-brainer. They had to have it.

  The gift in question was a portable cleaning station. It was essentially a modern hot tub. When pulled from inventory, it would appear where they pointed, already filled with hot water. The craziest thing was that they could jump in fully clothed, cleaning themselves and their attire at the same time. Then, when they got out, their clothes were instantly dry. Peregrine had to say it was pretty damn cool.

  The few extra days spent in Fiddler’s Green wasn’t all fun, though. A serious discussion needed to be had about how to proceed with their lives. They picked a torch-lit evening, sitting around a table in the town center while listening to medieval tunes coming from the bandstand.

  “What’s the point of doing anything?” Alissa asked. “We’re board game pieces for a trio of all powerful bitches who will happily smite us at some point. Doesn’t seem like it matters what we do. Does it?”

  “I agree with Alissa,” Wendell said, much to their surprise.

  Alissa laughed. “Look at us. Two peas in a fucked up pod.”

  Peregrine shook his head. “We have to do something. You heard The Fool, didn’t you? He said there are twenty-one more bosses in the realm. How many people are suffering like the ones in this town did? Doesn’t it feel good? What we did. This town can finally rest, thanks to us. I don’t know about you two, but I want to provide safety to as many people as I can, even if it’s at the cost of my own.”

  “You heard what else The Fool said. Didn’t you?” Wendell picked at his sweater sleeve. “He was normal once, too. Then The Morrigan turned him into a monster. What if she does the same to us?”

  “Turtleneck has a point. Why waste our time, if that’s what happens? I’d rather have some fun while we can.” Alissa popped a handful of chopped walnuts, that she had raided from the Mirth Tavern earlier, in her mouth.

  Peregrine surprised himself at how brave he’d become in the span of a few days. Yes, it sounded cringe in his head. But it was true. Back on Earth, he never once had considered throwing himself in the path of danger. Signing up for a guaranteed ticket to being killed? Fat chance. Now here he was, trying to convince others to fight to the death against otherworldly monsters. Why? Because it was the right thing to do. Was he on the path to becoming a lawful good? He didn’t really want to be a goody two-shoes superhero. Maybe I can settle for neutral good.

  “Here’s the thing,” Peregrine started. “It won’t be a waste of time. It’s not like you’re going to stay in a medieval village and have tons of fun. I’m guessing all the exciting places are overrun with creatures. If we do nothing, either the monsters will eventually kill us, or one of The Morrigans will. Being turned into something like The Fool could happen no matter what. If we try to defeat the monsters and bosses, maybe the two Morrigans will overthrow the shittier one, putting everything back to normal. Staying on the path, we have a chance at causing a ton of chaos for those bitches. What if we succeed? Plus, I get the impression you’ve been enjoying stabbing things with your swords. Tell me I’m wrong.”

  Alissa grinned while smacking loudly on her walnuts. For the love of everything holy, chew with your mouth closed, Peregrine thought. “I do like the violence. Good way to blow off some steam.” She pondered for a moment, still revolting against Peregrine’s thoughts and chomping like an animal. “Tell you what. I’ll entertain your fantasy, if it means there’s a chance I can make one of them suffer. Maybe something awesome will happen along the way. In the likelihood that things go bad, though, I’d bounce at some point to enjoy my remaining days on my terms.”

  “Fair enough,” Peregrine said. It was as good as a solid commitment from her.

  Wendell sat for a time, studying the dirt he was smoothing out with his shoe. “Listen. I’m not ready for something this heavy. I’m darn near paralyzed with fear right now.” He held up his shaking hands for them to see. “But, I’ve always looked out for those who can’t protect themselves, and I guess that’s the situation we’re in now. We’ve been given these powers that no one else has. The Morrigans have turned this place upside down. They might be the source of our power, but by using it for good, I feel like it’s the correct thing to do. No matter how much I’d rather run for the hills.” He gave the faintest hint of a smile. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m coming with you.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Peregrine felt a weight lift off him. If neither of them would’ve joined, he’d have been completely screwed. He would’ve died trying to reach The Fool without them. They were three legs of a tripod. Take one leg out and the other two would collapse. He wondered if it was by The Morrigan’s design that it took three of them to fight for the Irenic Realm. There were three Morrigans, also. There had to be something to that. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he’d find out.

  ***

  The next day, the heroes went to visit Pat before leaving.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth about who you really were. I wanted to tell you that you weren’t the first group, but I was scared.” Pat’s shoulders drooped.

  “You don’t need to apologize,” Peregrine said. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had been in your shoes. We should be thanking you. Power Dream is the only reason we’re still alive.”

  “Sorry about your friends,” Wendell added.

  “Nothing to be sorry for,” Pat said. “They died doing what we swore to do—protect Fiddler’s Green, no matter the cost.”

  “They did a good job,” Alissa said.

  I hope like hell that wasn’t sarcasm.

  Alissa must’ve sensed they were unsure of her intent. “I’m serious. We’d have been toast if they weren’t there. Considering they didn’t have any combat stats, that’s real renegade shit. I suppose that means we have Sandra to thank, as well. She set me up for the killing blow to The Fool.”

  “Do you think life will go back to normal in Fiddler’s Green?” Wendell asked. “With Sandra gone and no one controlling the town?”

  “I think everything will be just fine,” Pat said. She hurried to her stove where a pot of pasta was boiling over. She pulled it off the burner, and wiped the moisture from her forehead. “Speaking of Sandra. I’m taking over the Mirth Tavern.”

  “Really?” Wendell asked. “How did you get that job?”

  “Well,” Pat began. “I might not have a Hospitality class, but I won’t let it stop me. It’s going to be amazing cooking wonderful meals and making guests feel like they’re at their home away from home.”

  Alissa’s eyebrows raised. “Uhhh. You’re a Sailor class. Bit unrelated. Isn’t it?”

  “Says you,” Pat grunted. “I’m excited. And I won’t be enchanting anyone.”

  “Good for you, Pat,” Peregrine said. “You’ll make a wonderful tavern runner. I hate to cut our visit short, but we ought to be going. Got an Irenic Realm to save.”

  “Yes. Yes.” Pat fumbled through her cupboards, gathering food and stuffing it in bags. “There aren’t enough thank yous for being strong enough to choose this path. You have my support. And my heart.” She winked at Peregrine. “You’ll have the support of the whole realm. Seriously, you will. If you need anything, all you need to do is ask. With that being said, this is for you.” Both arms filled with bulging paper bags, she walked over to the group. “Food. I don’t know how long you’ll have to travel in between towns. And I don’t know how kind the world will be to you. This won’t last forever, but it will sustain you for a great distance.”

  All three grabbed bags from her and placed them in their inventories. It was beyond nice, what Pat had done for them.

  Peregrine felt like they hadn’t done much for her in return. She had invited them into her home, fed them, and fought a boss for them. Part of him wished they could bring Pat along, but that wouldn’t be right. Inhabitants of the Irenic Realm weren’t there to fight. That job was up to a single group of three that had no prior experience battling supernatural creatures. However, it was a job they were choosing to do. Pat had done enough. Now it was her turn to live the rest of this life in peace, doing things she loved.

  ***

  “What next, oh, fearless leader?” Alissa twirled her sword. “Get stronger? Get rid of bad guys? Do what’s needed to ensure our survival?”

  The three heroes stood outside the palisade of Fiddler’s Green. Ahead of them, grass-covered hills rolled endlessly with houses scattered here and there. Creatures roamed, prowling the lands and resting on boulders. In the far distance, large buildings towered above the hills, threatening to touch the clouds. To the east, a dark forest cast an ominous black over the area.

  “Let’s see the map, Wendell,” Peregrine said.

  Wendell produced it from his inventory. As soon as he did so, a new option popped up in Peregrine’s menu. Map.

  One of you has a map of the Irenic Realm in your inventory. As long as it remains in your possession, all three of you will be able to access it in your menus. Go forth, wanderers. Your mainline quest is seeking the next boss, The Magician. Make us proud.

  “Convenient,” Wendell said. “This place is vast, Peregrine. How are we going to find The Magician?”

  Peregrine was also surprised at how huge it was. “Hell if I know. But I have a sidequest I want to do first.” He pulled up the Party menu to check everyone’s stats.

  [Peregrine]

  [Creative Level 6]

  Attack (Strength & Speed & Agility) 6

  Defend (Block & Absorb & Withstand) 6

  Creative (Magic & Durability & Adaptability) 10 [+1]

  Weapon - Quill of Beginnings

  Weapon Creatives - Holy

  [Alissa]

  [Attack Level 7]

  Attack (Strength & Speed & Agility) 11 [+3]

  Defend (Block & Absorb & Withstand) 7

  Creative (Magic & Durability & Adaptability) 7

  Current Equipped Weapon - Crimson Leaker

  Weapon Skill - Bleed

  [Wendell]

  [Defend Level 6]

  Attack (Strength & Speed & Agility) 6

  Defend (Block & Absorb & Withstand) 10 [+1]

  Creative (Magic & Durability & Adaptability) 6

  Weapon - Life and Times

  Weapon Skill - Coat of Arms

  Everyone appeared to be leveling up nicely. Or so Peregrine hoped. “How do you guys feel about slaying some vampires?”