Together, Glenn led everyone back to Preceptor Fallowpeak’s carriage. Zack and Natalie weren’t waiting there—Glenn had instructed them to go straight to Wolfpine—yet Natalie’s horse was gone. Preceptor Fallowpeak’s carriage driver, Rosalin, assured them that Natalie, Zack, and a still sleeping Renee had all reached the carriage safely and then left immediately for Wolfpine. Good news.

Better yet, Preceptor Fallowpeak was as good as his word. Each former member of the Shrike’s band Consented to imbibe a [Slumber Potion], and once they were out, Fallowpeak eased some liquid from a clear white potion down their sleeping throats. The liquid glowed with a faint light.

“[Poisonproof Potion],” Fallowpeak said proudly. “My latest creation. No poison will survive it. I’d intended to hand them out to chapels across my travels, but ... we must be sure.”

Glenn stared at the four unconscious people who’d just helped abduct his daughter, then at the master Alchemist. “How many moons did you just spend saving the lives of four bandits?”

He wasn’t going to tell Preceptor Fallowpeak not to do that. He’d likely have done the same himself. Yet he was still amazed to find such kindness in a man whose daughter these people had abducted.

Preceptor Fallowpeak stroked his long white beard. “Moons come and go. I gave these people my word I would save their lives, and without knowing the poison the Shrike used, this was the way to do that. I can always make more potions.”

Glenn felt all the more glad he’d found a way to help and save this man and his daughter. Preceptor Fallowpeak really was one of the most generous people he’d ever met. His new potion would almost certainly make things difficult for the Shadowers Guild. Too bad for them.

Glenn loaded the Shrike, who still slumbered, and the other four bandits in the back of Preceptors Fallowpeak’s wagon. They set off again at a quick pace, with Fallowpeak’s carriage driver pushing the horses hard. They had reason to hurry. They needed to reach Wolfpine before sundown.

Glenn moved at an easy jog, using his [Fleet Boots] to keep pace, as Bruce rode his horse. They reached Wolfpine before nightfall, and Glenn immediately recognized both Logain and Joanne at the gates. It wasn’t their shift, but they’d likely taken it due to the urgency of Natalie’s report.

Glenn sped ahead, outdistancing the horse and carriage, and came to a halt before Logain. He saluted and reported in. “Preceptor Fallowpeak is safe, and the bandits who abducted his daughter are all in custody. They’re in the back of the wagon. The two Shadowers and two casters claim—“

“Enough, Redwood,” Logain interrupted, and raised one hand. “That all goes into your report.”

Glenn paused, struck by sudden dread. “I have to write a report?”

“A big one,” Joanne said. “A huge one! What you’ve done is brilliant, yet it’s only a sunbeam in regards to the amount of paperwork you’ve just generated for yourself. I wouldn’t make any plans for the next few days. You’ll still have to work your shifts on the gate.”

Glenn sagged. “Oh.”

Logain clapped him on the shoulder. “Well done,” he said firmly. “Very well done.”

Glenn smiled despite staring down a mountain of paperwork.

“It’s been a rough day for you, so go get your armor off and take a rest,” Logain said. “You’ll turn in your Quest and begin your reports first thing tomorrow. Tonight, we’ll handle processing the lawbreakers and take statements from those involved. Everything is well in hand, understand?”

Glenn nodded gratefully. “Understood.”

Joanne snickered amicably. “Show off.”

Glenn grinned before he remembered she couldn’t see that behind his full face helmet. He really was tired, he realized now, and the whole taxing day was only just beginning to catch up with him. From the moment those first rotten tomatoes had fallen from the sky, Glenn had been focused on one goal ... saving Renee Fallowpeak. Now that he’d done that, he felt weak in the knees.

When had he eaten? He hadn’t eaten all day, and he’d been fighting and running since just past dawn. [+Regrowth+] had kept him going, but he really needed a home cooked meal. And his father, he knew immediately, would certainly have one waiting for him.

Hal Redwood wasn’t just a master Scribe. He was also an amazing cook.

Glenn headed off to the barracks to get out of the armor he’d been wearing for almost two days. It and his uniform was starting to smell a little. Sweat and fear caused that sort of thing. Seth waited to help him out of his armor, and Glenn waved off more congratulations.

Glenn jogged home despite feeling a bit dizzy. He really was thirsty and hungry, yet he didn’t feel like he was going to pass out. [+Regrowth+] allowed him to go longer without food and drink than others. He checked through the window to make sure neither his mother or father was completing a service for an Adventurer, and saw only his parents. Waiting.

Glenn opened the door and walked inside. “I’m home.”

Hal hopped up and walked over. “Gods, boy, sit down. I’ve made enough food to choke a horse. You eat as much as you want, all right? It’s pork stew.”

Glenn loved pork stew. He gratefully sat and began inhaling soup, meat, bread, and mead. All were available thanks to his parents, who both watched him with a mixture of pride and bemusement. The food made him feel immensely better, and, stuffed, he sighed and sat back.

“So you’re telling us everything you just did,” Tania said calmly. “Unless you’re too tired?”

“Tomorrow,” Glenn said. “Sorry, just had a stressful day.”

Hal clapped him on the shoulder. “Go sleep. I’ll have muffins and some sausage ready for thing tomorrow, but you come down when you’re ready.”

Glenn rose, immeasurably relieved at the thought of a nice warm bed. “Thank you.”

“Oh, and there’s one other thing,” Tania said.

Glenn hesitated on this way up to his room. “What?”

“Erika Willowbraid came by while you were out,” Tania said curiously. “She said she had some clothing you’d ordered. What did you order? She wouldn’t leave your clothing with us.”

Glenn struggled to think. He didn’t remember ordering another uniform, but maybe Joanne had ordered one for him. He could always use another uniform. He’d think about it later. “Not sure. Going to pass out now.”

“Sleep well,” Hal said. “And Glenn, I know you hear it a lot, but—”

Glenn waved them off. “I know.” He really did have great parents.

He tromped up the stairs to sleep before he passed out.