The Great Hill hadn't changed in the slightest. The trees were still there, the wind still blew in the same way- even the faint glimpse of the Circle was identical. In a way, Nokigon was thankful for that. It made it seem like nothing had changed, that he hadn't lost 500 of his men. Only he had.
"Very ominous. I don't know whether I'd be able to get used to that...." Belthazor was sounding awestruck. Nokigon glanced at him. The man was already acting as a substitute for Doom, and although he wouldn't replace him- ever- he appreciated the gesture.
"I can tell you I haven't. Come on, let's go."
*
If the Great Hill was unchanged, then the Circle was identical. NOTHING had changed- everything was precisely as he remembered them, down to tiny locks of hair. He supposed that that was what happened with immortals. Time slowed down around them...
Nokigon suddenly noticed that whilst most people were watching him, Elissa was far more interested in Belthazor. And on reflection, Belthazor seemed very interested in her as well.
Nokigon smiled inwardly. Although he was currently uninterested in a romantic engagement, which along with the fact that he'd never met the right woman left him firmly single, he was certainly not one to prevent others from something like that. He just hoped Belthazor would be happy.
"I will be the first to say well done." This was Maldak. "Apart from an initial... mishap, you have done very well. Effectively crippled the Blood Reavers, and that parting message will certainly scare them."
"Indeed. And that nasty ambush at the beginning will serve as a future lesson to you. Without Belthazor's timely intervention you would not be here today." Elissa's voice was even more dreamy when she mentioned Belthazor.
"But this was not why we called you here today. We did want to congratulate you, but we also have a proposal for you. From the highest authority himself."
Nokigon took a while to realise who he meant. "King Sigurd?" Nokigon gasped. "What does he want with me?"
Faer Smyss spoke. "We don't know. He wants to meet you, and he wants to make you an offer. I don't know for sure, but I'd imagine it's a position in his army."
Nokigon was speechless. This was something he'd always dreamed of- and he was only 23! This was the high point of his career. He nodded, and quietly turned his horse around. But before he left, a voice stopped- well, not him.
"Oh, and Belthazor?" Elissa's voice was mischievous. "We're not too far from Aeris, here. Come visit me sometime. I'll be waiting." She winked, and turned around. Nokigon grinned and rode off with the dumbstruck Belthazor.
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The tale of Nokigon
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Bragdush the Bald wrote:
