With Volodya setting such a shining example, Firefall Fortress was all the more eager to welcome Ye Wei'an back in triumph.
To show how much they valued this "Pioneer Lord-to-be," and to make a good impression on Ye Wei'an, Lady Selina personally led Lucas, the castle's clerks, and its soldiers and civilians ten miles out of the city to welcome him in grand style. The great knight Morey also set aside his former reserve, dressed in full armor, and joined the welcoming party.
On the distant horizon, a cloud of dust began to rise.
Ye Wei'an rode at the head of the column, his dark cloak snapping in the wind and lending him an imposing air. At his side, two maids flanked him like stars surrounding the moon.
Behind them came forty victorious soldiers, their armor still marked with dark red bloodstains and scratches.
Each soldier led a warhorse laden with supplies: heavy Fine Steel armor, bundles of crossbow bolts, and various Zhentarim goods.
The Zhentarim prisoners stumbled along at the rear of the column, strung together with hemp rope, completing a triumphant scene that made a striking impression.
"Long live Lord Ye Wei'an!"
"Lord Ye Wei'an is the guardian of Firefall Territory!"
The common folk on both sides of the road erupted in a tidal wave of cheers.
Lady Selina had changed into a splendid formal gown. Wearing a perfect smile, she hurried forward with Lucas.
"Ye Wei'an, my dear," Selina said warmly, her face beaming with delight and affection. "Not only have you rid the territory of a threat, you've also won Firefall Fortress's greatest victory in years! I knew the Summerstar Family bloodline would never be ordinary."
"You flatter me, Madam. I merely cleared a few lowly smugglers out of the territory." Ye Wei'an sat astride his