Restoration

The fire crackled under the dark starry night. The wind whistled softly through the thick lively trees. Wolves and other nightly creatures could be heard throughout the mountain range. Snow lightly fell and chilled the bones of the old woman sitting by the fire. Heavy footsteps approached her. Her wrinkled face looked up and saw a slim young man timidly walk towards the fire with his face looking at the dirt. The woman smiled widely, showing missing teeth as well as decaying ones. Strange noises erupted from her tent as the man got into the light. The fire reflected off his green eyes and highlighted his blonde hair. He was covered in blood and his body was pale and shaking. She gestured for him to come closer. He breathed heavily as he slipped his bag off his shoulders. The woman's hands shook as she handed him cooked rabbit. His eyes lit up as he hastily took the meat and began eating without a second thought. 

Many people gathered in the town plaza and formed multiple lines. Knights handed them rations of food. Two loaves of bread, two steaks, and one potato per person. Blick was hidden in a room and manifested the food while servants brought it to the knights. Nearly all of the citizens were confused, but none were complaining. They were all in awe as they watched their dusted city transform into a beautiful site. The buildings were restored, and the streets were cleared of trash. There were even ponds and fountains. The servants bowed to everyone and handed them a cup of water with their rations. Blick peeked out the window and watched as his people were well fed and happy. He smiled and a tear slid down his cheek. He wiped it away and tried to compose himself. He began sweating and took a seat. A servant rushed over to him with a glass of water and a clean rag.

'Don't stop using my power. You have to get used to doing many things with it so in battle you will have more endurance and stamina.' Zorn said.

'I'll try.' Blick said.

Not only did the houses and streets get restored, but so did the wall and the farms on the outside. He quickly drank the water and wiped his brow with the rag. A sense of relief washed over him as he watched everyone enjoy themselves.

'We have a lot of work to do.' Blick said.

'Agreed.' Zorn said.

As he exited the room, everyone turned to him and kneeled. He smiled and told them to rise. They all looked at him with admiration and joy. He slowly walked through the crowds, thanking everyone for their patience and loyalty. The people smiled and bowed to him as he walked past them. He wore his father's crown, and two knights followed him closely. He walked to the center of the plaza and began speaking with great confidence.

"My dear people of Wetherden, I must apologize for what my father has put you through. I promise to change everything and restore our home to its former glory. I will end the tyranny and end the hatred. I will not let you suffer any longer. Thank you for your patience and thank you for your support." Blick said.

"King Blick!" The crowd cheered.

The new Lord of Wetherden bowed his head as they cheered his name. He raised his hand and everyone quieted down.

"Thank you everyone. I need a volunteer for a special mission. Someone who is not afraid to speak their mind and give their opinion." Blick said, "I need a counselor."

The crowd remained silent as they all stared at Blick. He walked through the crowd looking at all the people that surrounded him. Then a man spoke up and presented himself. He had beautiful emerald eyes and flowy blonde hair. His skin was smooth, and he wore fine clothing.

"Sir, I'm an ex-adventurer and I come from a noble family." he said.

"Welcome! What's your name?" Blick asked.

"Daniel. Daniel Volts." Daniel said.

"Come with me, Daniel. We have much to discuss." Blick said.

The people dispersed and went back to enjoying their day. Blick and Daniel walked into the palace, where Commander Marvin Holar was waiting for him. They all sat down at a round table and a servant brought tea. The knights opened the door and a man walked through. They introduced him as Captain Harold Briri. Harold was rather young for his rank. He was tall and had a very sculpted build. He had short brown hair and brown eyes. He took a seat next to Daniel.

"I'm pleased to meet with you all. Now, what is the status of our city?" Blick asked.

"We've got plenty of food and everyone has a place to sleep." Marvin said.

"Good. Let's keep it that way." Blick said.

"Ah yes. Daniel, what do you think we should do?" Blick asked.

"I believe we should make a list of priorities and set goals to achieve them. For example, we have the entire city restored, but we should work on agriculture and trade." Daniel suggested.

"That is true." Marvin piped in.

"Captain Harold, when do you think you will depart with your troops?" Blick asked.

"In four to five days. We want to stay to make sure that no other army has begun marching towards Wetherden. Johan has a few suspicions. If you would like us to stay longer, then we can as well." Harold said.

"That sounds good." Blick said.

"You have about five thousand knights and we have around two thousand, so it should be enough." Harold said, sipping on his tea. 

"Are we assuming someone else made a move?" Daniel asked.

"Always." Blick said.

"You are never safe, even in a time of peace. All it takes is one word from their king." Harold said.

After briefing each other on the situation, Blick escorted Daniel to his new room. The room had a lot of furniture and was filled with color. Along one of the walls was a small fireplace. Adjacent to it was a balcony. Servants quickly brought in trunks and other things that belonged to Daniel. Blick nodded his head and excused himself. Daniel dismissed the servants. A cold breeze blew through the room. He slipped off his jacket and shirt as he walked over to the tall mirror. He ran his hand down a massive scar in the center of his chest.

"This body will do." he said with a massive grin.