Inside Eveningstar Town.
Aaron received a hero's welcome. As he appeared, the crowds roared his name, treating him like a god.
Aaron did not care about that. He was already very famous in Eveningstar Town.
What Aaron truly cared about was Lady Laeral's special commendation. Milman-Laurel had prepared a special welcoming ceremony for Aaron and his companions. As his party entered the town amid cheers, all the Arabel locals formed two lines at the gate, applauding to thank them for their contributions to the war.
Aaron noticed someone from his own cohort among them: Norrington, the Paladin who had sworn an Oath of Vengeance. He greeted Aaron, but his expression was hollow and rather strained. Clearly, he was feeling the emptiness that followed achieving his goal.
Aaron quietly made a mental note of him. Perhaps Norrington needed a new challenge?
As they entered the town, each of them reacted differently.
Aaron remained calm and composed. He had not been the central figure in this war, and his ambitions extended far beyond it.
Eleanor was sleepy. Miss Cleric had earned a new title: "Miraculous Daughter of Selûne."
Samir kept grinning foolishly. The Warlock was so grateful to have escaped death that everyone he saw seemed likable.
Disma looked impassive on the surface, but he kept his head held high and could barely say three sentences without mentioning the "old bastard."
All four were in different states of mind.
The war was over, but it was not yet time for a banquet. Countless matters still needed settling in its aftermath, though none of them concerned Aaron anymore.
In their temporary quarters, Eleanor lay on the bed after bathing. With her eyes closed and her hair loose, Miss Cleric looked like a perfect porcelain doll, inspiring tenderness. Her delicate, lovely face was deathly