Some thirty or forty meters from Aaron and Gale's battleground, the guests gathered around Lady Laeral marveled at the magical duel. Some were impressed, some surprised, some puzzled, but most of all, they acknowledged Aaron's strength.
Neither Cormyr's local nobles nor the representatives of various factions who had accepted Lady Laeral's invitation, each with their own reasons for joining the campaign to reclaim Arabel, had previously had a chance to see Aaron demonstrate his true abilities.
All too often, legends were only legends. Seeing was believing.
Only after witnessing Aaron's spellcasting firsthand that day did they believe he truly had the power to work so many miracles.
And most importantly, he was only nineteen!
Good heavens, what kind of prodigy was he? Why had they never heard of him before?
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
The Paladins and Clerics of the Church of the Three Gods of Justice discussed him in hushed voices.
"Yes, that's him. That's Lord Aaron. He led the establishment of the Silver Trade Company, and our lords approved the proposal. We found it a little strange before, but now all we can say is that our lords were truly farsighted."
"This Viscount has tremendous potential. He'll surely contribute to the cause of justice throughout the multiverse. It's a pity he's a devout follower of the Lady of Silver."
"Not just him. His whole family worships her. And did you see that Cleric of the Lady of Silver? She's clearly his girlfriend."
The Druids of the Emerald Enclave had also noticed Aaron's strange magic.
"What was that? It looked a little like Druid magic... but there were differences."
"Oh, I sensed the most primordial force of life in his magic. Such pure power! Our Father of Oaks must have kissed his fingers!"
"Could our Lady of the