Symbol of Peace
Edric looked at his hands; blood and mud drew strange shapes on his skin. At his feet, Bodolf's claws still clutched torn shreds of his grey cloak. The beast lay with a mortal wound in its chest; a well-aimed and calculated blow to its thigh had caused it to lower its guard, and with a second attack, Edric unleashed the full fury of his steel.
Now, after the lycanthrope's last breath, he was able to catch his breath and clear his eyes. Behind the body, on the ground, next to the cave wall, the bags of gold rested on the wet stone. A strange symbol engraved on them caught his eye: a laurel wreathed in flames. He hoisted them onto his back and set off back to the town.
The rain, which had begun in the last few miles of the journey, made the last stretch even more exhausting. Mud accumulated on his boots, and the weight of the gold on his shoulders drained what remained of his strength.
When the walls of Arghal rose before him, the town seemed even more gloomy than when he had set out. The drizzle accentuated the grey tones of the cobbled streets, and the apathetic faces of the townspeople barely spared him a glance as he advanced.
With a firm but tired step, he headed towards the centre of the town. However, something out of the corner of his eye made him stop immediately. At his side, imposing even in the dim light of the rain, stood the ancient abbey of Arghal. From the side street where he stood, he could make out the finely carved marble symbols above its entrance: an olive branch surrounded by flames.
Without wasting a second, he headed for the town hall.
The old building had seen better days. Its only decoration was the wood eaten away by the years and the salt that the sea wind pushed up to its walls.
As soon as he entered, the governor's dark eyes opened in surprise. They scanned him up and down quickly. Then, seeing the bags of gold, her expression hardened.
Regaining her composure, her voice turned cold and sharp:
"Adventurer, you were supposed to die in the cave."
She raised her voice, pointed at Edric and concluded:
"Quick! Hide the gold. Imprison him and cover his mouth. Tomorrow the public execution will take place."
Credits: Acid Snow