But they had to admit that, with Free City making headlines so often, Annan Reeves had gone from someone they could look in the eye—or even look down on—to someone they had to look up to. A faction's strength was built bit by bit.
If someone became Legendary overnight, most people would question his strength.
But if tales of his heroics had spread for decades—wiping out a thieves' guild today, slaying an evil dragon tomorrow—then when he finally became Legendary, everyone would cheer.
Free City was on that path. If it kept going, it would gain the standing its strength deserved.
The next time Annan entered the Holy Council, plenty of leaders would likely seek out his seat.
The whole Allen World was abuzz, while the people of Free City shared in the glory.
Shops launched ten-percent-off sales, while Free City's official shops and theaters offered half-price deals for a limited time. Citizens decorated their doorsteps, ready to welcome their triumphant heroes home.
Two days had passed since the fleet returned to the Outpost.
Reconnaissance Airship and the Sea Folk watched the east: the demons had made a show of sending an army to sweep along the West Coast, then withdrawn to their camp.
There were probably still a few surviving Ratfolk, but with the Rat King, Rat Mother, elders, and priests all swallowed by the Whirlpool, the Red-Eye Clan clearly existed in name only. Even the Blackwatch Legion had more left than they did.
The crisis was over. They could go home.
The Outpost would remain. Lord Annan reportedly planned to have the Stuen Ratfolk take the McKennan Ratfolk's place in the Far North—an excellent idea. So the Outpost would stay on the Island and keep watch on the mainland.
The fleet would remain at the Outpost too.