Side Story Chapter 20

The mage's vow made Riftan's skin crawl. He slammed his tankard onto the table, but Ruth seemed unperturbed and continued celebrating, buying ale for everyone in the tavern.

Riftan watched Ruth's antics through narrowed eyes before heaving a sigh and rising to his feet. He was about to climb the stairs to his room when a drunk man swung his arm around his shoulders.

"You really are somethin', aren't ya?" he said with a hearty laugh. "All of Balbourne's in a tizzy over the possibility of the first commoner champion in decades. So, tell me. How's it feel to be famous?"

Riftan scowled and tried to shake off the man's arm. Just then, an acrimonious bellow rang out from the corner seat.

"You fools! Celebrating when a pagan mutt is about to claim what's ours!"