The standoff did not last long.
The uneasy feeling stayed much longer.
Vaelor looked at the elves standing in his way.
Then he looked at Ronan.
He thought for a moment.
Finally, he spoke "This is not over you hear me! This is not the last time you will see me." he said.
The Wyvern Riders backed off. Even if they didn't want to.
Before they flew away Vaelor looked straight at Ronan.
"Tick tock, Hero…" he said, his wyvern flapped its wings "We will come for you." he added.
Then they flew off into the sky. The air was silent after they left.
The silence was heavy. It was also a relief. It was not safe.
Everyone knew what just happened.
Valtheris had crossed the Elven border.
The Elves had defended the Hero.
War can start from things like this.
Lyriel turned to Ronan and hugged him.
"You really made it." she said.
Ronan nodded.
That was all he said.
His nod said a lot.
The elves took the group deeper into the forest.
The trees. They saw a beautiful sight.
It was Lunareth Village.
The homes were built around trees with silver leaves.
The bridges were made from living tree roots.
Soft lights glowed above.
It was peaceful. It was old. It was alive.
As they entered the village people stopped.
They watched.
They whispered to each other.
"That human is here."
"No way it is him."
"He is the Hero from long ago."
Elira noticed something There was no fear. Only kindness.
People respected Ronan.
Children even came close, to him.
A little elf girl tilted her head.
"You came back Mister." she said.
Ronan looked at her quietly.
He nodded a little. The girl smiled.
For a moment Ronan almost smiled. He did not.
That night the group rested for the time in a long time.
In Lunareth people kept whispering.
"The Hero has come back to Sylvaris."