The cheers rang on without end.
"Aaron! Aaron! Aaron!"
Soldiers, adventurers, locals, clergy, and even spellcasters who had traveled from Waterdeep-all gathered from far and wide-chanted Aaron's name. Having witnessed his feat of defeating Doherty, they cheered in a frenzy. Those who resented the half-orc's arrogance and bullying but lacked the courage to challenge him practically clapped their hands raw.
The thunderous applause even drew the attention of Arabel's countess, Milmantle Rhaur, who was busy handling her many affairs.
"What happened?" Lady Laeral asked her attendant with a frown.
"It's Viscount Aaron Salian! Despite being only a high-tier elite, he faced that half-orc head-on and actually defeated him!" The attendant rushed in excitedly. The young soldier's face was flushed. As natives of Cormyr, they shared in the glory of Aaron's victory!
That was the benefit of being recognized as a local. To the people of Cormyr, Aaron was one of their own.
"Aaron Salian, is it?" Milmantle Rhaur nodded with interest. After asking how it had happened, a faint gleam of delight appeared in her eyes.
"Letting him join was probably the right decision."
"Perhaps he really can help me."
"By Tymora, this may very well be my last battle."
Far off in the direction of Lady Laeral's gaze, Aaron stood in the arena, raising his fist to proclaim his victory before a thousand people.
Not far from him lay the half-orc Doherty, electrical sparks still crackling over his body. The instant the Helmite Watch declared Aaron the victor, they moved in and surrounded the half-orc to prevent him from refusing to concede or launching a surprise attack.
Half-orcs were naturally inclined slightly toward evil and chaos. Even elves, a chaotic good race, regularly proved to be sore losers, let alone half-orcs. The Helmite Watch were already displeased with Doherty's