Eldoria Honorary Sages.

The Sages, their boundless wisdom illuminating the path, led the militia closely in tow. Saru and his steadfast comrades, unwavering in their loyalty, marched in harmony. With a subtle nod, Saru gestured for Raven to ride alongside. "What's behind this sudden spark of curiosity, my lord?" Raven inquired. Saru responded with a light-hearted chuckle. "Can't a lord share moments with his faithful comrades?" A warm smile adorned Raven's face. "Of course, my lord. But Captain, what shall be our next course of action?" Saru surveyed their surroundings before answering. "Our next destination is Eldoria, and from there, we'll return to our village." Aryan drew closer to Saru, closing the gap on his mount. "I thought you might wish to continue the battle." Saru let out a soft, contemplative laugh. "As much as I yearn for it, we have villagers in dire need of care back home. We've been absent for weeks, leaving Amelia to manage everything single-handedly, and that's hardly fair to her." The Mad Wolf offered a knowing grin. "You truly possess the qualities of a leader for a new era." Saru rested a hand on his chin in thought. "Well, perhaps, but it doesn't change my desire to be just and level-headed. I know the hardships of poverty all too well. I'd rather build a kingdom that is secure and fair, one that doesn't exploit the less fortunate or leave them in constant distress." Raven then posed a question. "Your Majesty, if my people are still alive or around, where could we look?" Saru paused to think before answering. "It's a tough call to make. Your bloodline has been hunted down because of the Kingdom of Obsidian's lies. But now that it's been overthrown, they likely have little say in such matters." Aryan looked up in surprise. "Saru? How do you know about the Kingdom of Obsidian?" Saru laughed. "They teach us about it in school, and its king was quite the character. Remember when he tried to extort both of us when we were still living with our parents?" Aryan nodded. "I'd almost forgotten that. You have an excellent memory, Saru." As they approached the main gates of Eldoria, Saru looked at Raven and smiled. "Every time I see this place, it still leaves me in awe. It's almost like something out of a fairy tale." Raven chimed in, "Yes, it truly is." Saru noticed that everyone in Eldoria was watching them at the main gates. A child pointed at Saru and asked, "Who is that, mommy?" She paused for a moment and replied, "I heard he's the man who will free all of us from this painful world." Another child pointed at Saru, and this time he noticed. He dismounted and tore off a piece of his chest plate, giving it to the child. "Don't forget me when I rise to the top and save us all." The crowd erupted in applause. The Sages also dismounted and walked to a stage with a microphone. "Today, the people of Eldoria have achieved a great victory by overthrowing the Kingdom of Death. We owe this success to four extraordinary individuals who dared to forge their own destinies and defy the government's oppressive rule. Today, we express our gratitude to Saru, Raven, Aryan, and The Mad Wolf. Will you four join us on stage?" They all stepped onto the stage and stood behind the Sages with their hands behind their backs. Elowen Starcaster looked at Saru, as if wanting to say something. Saru walked up to the microphone. "Well, I can't lie; it was a hellish battle. I don't think anyone wants to kill their best friend, but in war, you have to win. However, at the end of the day, in war, there are no winners, just losers on both sides. With that being said, we did win, and the girl who would have taken over the kingdom is dead, and the King is extra dead, thanks to me. We also managed to free all the prisoners who were still alive deep in that dungeon. I feel remorse for those we couldn't save because we arrived late, but we did our best. One more thing to add, I am looking for an upcoming mage who wants to join me. You don't have to decide right away, but I really want you with me for the long run." A girl in the crowd raised her hand. Saru addressed her. "What is your name, young lady?" She spoke up, introducing herself as Elowen Frostwind. Saru chuckled. "By any chance, are you related to someone on this stage with me?" The girl nodded, and Elowen turned to Saru. "Well, if it's with you, I think my daughter will make a good fit for the team. Plus, she would replace me when I'm no longer here. Saru nodded. "Alright, I'll take her." Elowen Starcaster spoke into the microphone one last time. "Eldoria, please welcome these honorable figures as if they were our Sages. You are all dismissed."