"Hahaha! Knight Dick, word of your great deeds spread through Ironforge long ago! Those energetic lads won't even settle down to learn smithing anymore. Every last one of them wants to study the way of the Holy Light! But that's a good thing. Our Explorers' League has recruited plenty of lads eager for adventure because of it!"
At the Stonefire Tavern in Ironforge, Dick, dressed in casual clothes, sat drinking with an orange-bearded Dwarf. The Dwarf had a booming voice, and Dick had no expectation of keeping their conversation secret. It was noon anyway, and there were few drinkers in the tavern, so he wasn't worried about those fanatical "fans" blocking the doorway.
Before coming to Ironforge, Dick really hadn't known his reputation here was so great! Within five minutes of leading several dozen Paladins through Ironforge's imposing gates, he was practically surrounded by Dwarves only half his height. They shouted the name "Fire of Justice" with wild enthusiasm, and even many of the guards joined in. For a while, the scene was utter chaos!
Only the arrival of King Magni's envoy "rescued" Dick from those Dwarves. Afterward, Dick discovered that those fellows had made off with all three small warhammers tucked into his belt, along with the dagger in his boot and the knife in his gauntlet. Even the Great Crusader's Sword hanging at his waist as an accessory had vanished.
Fortunately, Dick no longer needed those things.
At his royal audience, he downed three large mugs of Thunder Ale with the old King, followed by a banquet with a host of dignitaries. Dick spent practically that entire day steeped in ale. When he woke the next morning, he discovered an equally groggy Liadrin lying in his arms. Fortunately, both of them were fully clothed, and none of the