Thornwood Keep (part one)

The tall redhead stared at the turtle house, her full lips curved in a smile. The innkeeper shook her head in amazement. The rest of his peers were struggling in Ever Flame while Nix already had a home, land and a ruling title.

"Hyai!"

She turned at the sound of his voice, the normally reserved woman threw herself into his arms and squeezed him tight. "Got room for one more?"

Nix smiled into her thick hair. "Even if we don't, we do."

Hyai returned his smile and stepped away. "That makes no sense hun."

Semmi was right, Ronnie brought back a dozen rangers and Bali was among them.

The tiny ranger spotted him right away and marched up to him. "Been hiding in this backwater place and shirking your duties Commander?"

"Backwater?" Nix placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone serious. "This is a dangerous place, Bali. The farms are being overrun, miners are being attacked and beasts are wandering into town. I expect your best."