The first cheers rose like thunder. From the far edges of the Valley of Triumph, citizens erupted into applause, their cries blending into a roar that made even the dragons raise their heads proudly. The deep mourning of a moment ago turned to blazing celebration, for grief and glory often walk side by side. Trumpets blared again, this time with a melody of victory. Banners unfurled from every tower, gold and violet ribbons streaming in the wind. Above them, the dragons opened their wings, releasing bursts of colored flame into the sky, not the deadly fire of battle, but radiant streams of living light that bloomed into shapes: swords, crowns, hearts, and stars.
King John XII raised his scepter, and the gates of Eldervale swung open. "Let the heroes enter!" he declared. The army moved forward, their boots striking the earth in perfect rhythm.
The sound was music, the heartbeat of victory echoing through the city's ancient stone. Chief Leonard rode at the front, astride Drixero, his dragon, whose scales shimmered like blood and sunlight. Behind them marched the soldiers of Eldervale, rows upon rows of gleaming armor, banners of every province held high.
The crowd pressed close along the road, tossing enchanted petals that glowed faintly as they fell. The air smelled of jasmine, magic, and tears. Mothers lifted their children to see the returning warriors; elders bowed; young men saluted. Every face shone with reverence. One old man near the gate whispered to no one in particular, "My son was among them… he's home." His wrinkled hands trembled as he saw a familiar face pass by, waving from atop a wyvern.
As the procession entered the heart of the city, court magicians stationed along the rooftops released streams of floating light into the air, glowing ribbons that twined together to form arches of shimmering energy above the soldiers' path. When the dragons passed beneath them, their scales caught the light, refracting it into rainbows that dazzled the crowd. Children gasped and reached upward, trying to touch the colored glow. Each time their fingers met the light, it burst into tiny sparks that smelled of warm honey and starlight. A bard strummed a harp from a balcony, singing verses that echoed across the plaza: "They faced the beast where shadows bled, They struck, though fear and blood were wed. Now home they come, their hearts of flame, Let every soul remember their name." The music spread, joined by dozens more, drums, flutes, and horns rising in joyous harmony.
From his dragon's back, Leonard gazed down at the sea of people. Their faces glowed with gratitude and pride, and yet all he could think of was Chad. He could still see it, the final moment in that dreadful cavern of red light and smoke, when the Blood Monster had reared up, its wings spread like death itself. Chad had turned to him and smiled. "Finish it, Chief," he'd said. "Don't let me die for nothing." Leonard had roared the command, and the army's blades, glowing with the King's blessing, had struck as one. The monster fell. The land shook. And Chad… was gone.
The memory burned behind Leonard's eyes as the cheers of the living washed over him. He forced himself to lift his chin. "You'll be remembered," he whispered. Drixero rumbled beneath him, a low, mournful sound. He was brave, the dragon's voice echoed in Leonard's mind, a deep telepathic tone that all Riders shared with their mounts. Even I felt his heart before the end. Leonard nodded silently, resting a gloved hand on Drixero's neck. "He was the best of us."
At the city's second gate, King John rode forth on horseback, his purple cloak billowing, the royal crest gleaming upon his breastplate. Queen Ann rode beside him on a white mare, her smile radiant though her eyes still glistened from tears. Their children followed in a carriage behind, waving to the citizens who called their names in joy. When the King reached Leonard, he called out, "Ride with me, my friend. Let Eldervale see its heroes together." Leonard bowed his head in gratitude and urged Drixero to match the King's pace. The dragon's immense form glided beside the royal mount, each step reverberating through the cobblestones. The people's cheers grew louder.
"Long live the King!"
"Long live Chief Leonard!"
"Long live the Riders of Fire!"
A thousand voices, then ten thousand, filled the air. The noise became a living thing, a tide of human spirit that rose higher with every street they passed.
As the parade crossed the Bridge of Dawn, the King ordered a pause. He turned to the citizens who had gathered along the bridge's edges and raised his voice.
"Eldervale!" he shouted. "Behold your defenders! They have stood between you and the darkness that would have devoured us all!" A roar of applause answered him. He lifted a golden chalice, filled with wine from the Silvergrove Vineyard. "But let us not forget those who do not walk among them. One name we shall carve into our hearts, Chad, son of Marek, whose courage lit the path to victory." He poured the wine onto the stone of the bridge. It sizzled, glowing briefly with white light as magic accepted the offering. "May his soul drink from the stars," said Queen Ann softly. The crowd echoed her words like a prayer. Leonard bowed his head. "He would have loved this," he murmured to Drixero. Then let him hear it, the dragon answered. And raising its mighty head, Drixero released a long, powerful roar, not of rage, but of honor. The sound rolled across the valley, deep and beautiful, carrying through every street and every home. The other dragons followed, their voices rising together in a chorus that made the air itself vibrate. It was a song of remembrance and somehow, everyone listening knew it.
The soldiers moved again, crossing into the royal district. The roads here were lined with statues and fountains that shimmered with fresh enchantments. Each statue bowed slightly as the soldiers passed, ancient magic that had lain dormant until the king's victory call. In the Square of Blossoms, the citizens released enchanted doves that burst into glittering sparks and vanished into the sky. Children threw petals that floated midair, turning into glowing motes that spelled words:
"Welcome home. Thank you." Heroes. Tears streamed freely down faces, unashamed. Old women reached for the soldiers' hands. Men shouted blessings. Someone began chanting Chad's name, and within moments the entire crowd joined in. "Chad! Chad! Chad!" Leonard's throat tightened. He pressed a hand over his heart. "You hear that, brother?" he whispered. "They remember."
At last, the procession reached the massive gates of the royal castle. The banners there were woven with gold thread, and at their center shone the crest of Eldervale: a dragon coiled around a rising sun. The gates creaked open slowly, their hinges humming with old runes. The Royal Guard lined both sides of the grand staircase, spears raised in salute. At the top stood the royal family, the King, the Queen, Prince Stanley, and Princess Elizabeth, their faces glowing with pride and welcome. When Drixero came to a halt, Leonard dismounted and bowed low, his armor gleaming like liquid fire.
King John descended halfway down the stairs to meet him. "Chief Leonard of the Dragon Guard," he said, his voice carrying the weight of the realm. "You have brought back the sun." Leonard looked up. "We only followed the light you lit, my King." The King smiled faintly, then turned to the Queen. "Ann, my love, our kingdom breathes again." Queen Ann's eyes were warm and bright. "And may it never forget the cost." She stepped forward and placed her hands upon Leonard's shoulders. "You have done what legends are made of. Eldervale owes you everything." Leonard bowed again, voice barely steady. "It was the people's hope that guided us, Your Majesty. Nothing more."
As the formal greetings ended, the royal children approached cautiously. Princess Elizabeth, her silver gown catching the sunlight, stopped before Drixero. "He's beautiful," she breathed. The dragon lowered his massive head until his golden eyes met hers. For a moment, she hesitated, then reached out and touched the warm scales of his snout. Sparks of light blossomed under her fingertips, harmless and soft. Drixero let out a low rumble that sounded almost like a purr. Prince Stanley laughed, eyes wide. "Does he understand us?" Leonard smiled. "He understands everything, my prince. More than we often do." "May I ride him one day?" Stanley asked eagerly. "When you're ready," Leonard replied. "And when Drixero chooses you himself." The dragon blinked slowly, as if amused. The crowd laughed gently, the heavy air of grief lightening once more.
The King raised his hand for silence. "Let the heroes of Eldervale enter their home." The palace gates swung open. The soldiers, tired, scarred, and shining with honor, marched inside. The crowd's cheers followed them like waves crashing upon the shore. Inside the marble corridors, servants wept openly as they saluted their protectors. Musicians struck soft notes on harps as a gesture of reverence. The scent of fresh flowers filled every hallway. As Leonard and Drixero crossed the threshold, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bathing them in gold. The Queen whispered to her husband, "Look at their faces, John. After all the darkness, there is light again." The King's eyes shimmered. "Yes," he said softly. "But let us ensure that light never forgets the shadow that birthed it."