The Green Knight

Chapter 5

The Seven Saints trudged back into Dunworth, their bodies weary but their spirits lifted by the weight of their victory. The stolen belongings, wrapped in burlap sacks, clinked and rattled with each step they took. The town, quiet as ever, seemed unaware of the chaos that had nearly reached its doorstep.

Mr. Armstrong: *grunts, adjusts sack on his shoulder* Well, it ain't the heaviest load I've ever carried, but I'm ready to drop this off right now.

Rowan: Let's make sure everything gets back to its rightful owners. We did our part today.

As they approached the bailiff's home, the guards stationed outside noticed the group's return. One of them nodded, stepping forward to open the door for them. Inside, Bailiff Eleanor was seated at her desk, casually reading through a stack of papers, but as she looked up and saw the group, her eyes immediately landed on the sack.

Bailiff Eleanor: *smiles* I see you've all returned, and it seems you've brought everyone's stolen goods. That many, hm- Wait... Is that...?

Beric: *reaches into the sack, pulls out the silver necklace* Your grandmother's necklace, just as promised. The thieves who stole it won't be bothering anyone again. But they weren't just thieves, though. They were Black Falcons.

Drake: And worse, they're not done. They're planning to attack a village called Greasly, heading west.

Eleanor's smile faltered, her expression shifting from relief to concern. She stood, her fingers lightly brushing the necklace as Beric handed it to her, her gaze fixed on him.

Bailiff Eleanor: *frowns* The Black Falcons... They were here the thieves? *sighs* I should've known... And they're after Greasly? That village is barely defended... If they hit it...

Otis: *nods with seriousness* We have to move fast, ma'am. They're ready to hit the village at any moment. We barely caught wind of it from one of their men.

Natalie: If they're sending a large force, having extra support might be the difference between saving the village or not.

Bailiff Eleanor: *gestures toward the door* I'll have the innkeepers prepare rooms for you all. Get some rest. We'll discuss the plan in the morning. My guards will be ready by then, and you all will move out together with them.

Alice: Thank you, ma'am. I think we could all use a proper rest tonight.

Beric: *scoffs* They won't stop with Greasly. The Black Falcons... We need to end them before they get a chance to spread further.

Bailiff Eleanor: *gently meets his gaze* And you will. But not tonight. Go. Rest. Let us handle the planning for now.

With that, the group exchanged weary nods and turned to leave the bailiff's home. The guards outside stood at attention, ready to receive further orders. As the Seven Saints made their way through the quiet streets of Dunworth, the weight of the coming battle hung over them, but for tonight, they would have their moment of peace. During their hours in the town, the group tended to the horses, their supplies, and even ate some food from the town, even returning the belongings of the villagers to them with help from the guards.

As night settled over Dunworth, the Seven Saints found themselves inside the local inn, seated around a sturdy wooden table near the hearth. The fire crackled softly, casting a warm, flickering glow across the room as they shared a meal. Plates of bread, stew, and ale were laid out before them, the simple but hearty fare easing the tension that had built up during the day. Their bodies were tired from the battle and the long journey, but their minds were focused, their thoughts on the fight ahead.

Mr. Armstrong: *leans back in his chair, finishes his ale* The horses are taken care of, supplies are good. We're set for the mission tomorrow.

Natalie: *nods* We returned the villagers' things too. They seemed relieved, though you could see the worry on their faces when we mentioned the Black Falcons.