The Gallows – Epilogue

I strolled through the streets of Vrezar with Brayden at my side. In place of the gallows, vendors had set up stalls of fragrant foods, produce, and flowers. Some sold or traded their crafted furniture or woven rugs, as everyone was rebuilding their homes. Neighbors lingered in the streets, chatting and laughing. I shook my head, a grin on my face.

“I never would have dared to imagine this,” Brayden echoed my thoughts.

“You’ve done an incredible job setting things to rights and leading the people of Vrezar, my friend.”

“I couldn’t have gotten here without you,” he replied.

I stopped and turned to face him. “True, but you don’t need me anymore. My purpose has been served.” I gestured to my fully crystallized body. “I am a being of war. We are at peace now, and Vrezar holds no place for me.”

Brayden began to object, but I held up my hand.

“We gave it time to see if the cost of using the artifact would reverse if it lay dormant. I have not used it in all the months since I killed Count Gottard. I will not change back to human.” I swallowed. “The people fear me.”

“They respect you,” Brayden corrected.

I allowed him the sentiment. “Fear or respect, they are not comfortable in my presence.” I held up my hand to stave off any further objections. “I know they are grateful for what I did, and I do not regret it, but I no longer belong among men. This is the cost of freedom for all of Vrezar, and it’s well worth it. But it’s time I return the artifact to its resting place.”

…

I found Dyanis seated with a group of children, who were listening intently as he continued his story. 

“Then BOOM! Aleryn smashed Count Gottard’s face in with his magically hardened skin!” 

The children all gasped, and clapping ensued. I hung back, waiting for him to finish and the children to disperse, skipping away through the street back to their parents. 

“You should have joined in!” Dyanis chuckled as he approached me. “They would have loved to see you in the flesh,” he joked as he slapped my shoulder. 

“I would have scared them.”

“Nonsense, kids love stories about heroes!” He shot me another grin, but it faded quickly.

“I’m off to the woods, to return the artifact and to protect it.”

Dyanis was solemn, but nodded in understanding. “Do you want company?”

“No need,” I replied, “Linzer is there waiting for me.” 

We walked together for a bit in silence until we reached the edge of the forest.

“I will spread your story, Aleryn, Savior of Vrezar. Your sacrifice will not soon be forgotten.”

I smiled at him. Dyanis was a good man and an even better storyteller, so I had no doubt he would. I gave him a hug, which startled us both, I think. He chuckled and squeezed me tight. 

“I’ll be seeing you and Linzer. I know where to find you!” he stayed waving and grinning at me until I was out of sight.

…

I finally arrived at the temple, and Linzer greeted me as I approached. I ruffled both of his heads with my hands. He decided to return to his post guarding the temple with his people, and to keep me company. I returned the artifact to its pool, the crystal branches paying me no mind this time around. I looked forward to a life of peace. I’d build myself a small cottage for shelter, Linzer and all of his kin welcome. Simply knowing Vrezar was at peace, and all of its people safe and able to build a better life, was all I needed in mine.