Reket, Vlad, and Rebecca all started walking off towards the twin’s mother’s house. It was quite a ways from the alleyway they had stopped in. The whole way there Reket kept his collar up and his head down. Rebecca looked almost upset that her brother didn’t want his face seen around town. But deep down, she knew he had to so she remained silent.
   “So, what exactly has been wrong with mum?” Reket was quite curious about the condition of his dear mother, and wanted to know what to expect.
   “She refuses to talk to anyone but me and you. She hardly eats or sleeps. She’s just a wreck. I hope that seeing you will help.” Reket smiled as he listened to his sister’s wishful thinking.
   “I just hope she recognizes me. It has been a long time since I’ve seen her last.”
   They turned the last corner and stopped. There was a large crowd near the gates leading into town, which was nearby Reket’s former house.
   “What in the name of the Nine Hells is going on here?” Reket started off towards the crowd, ignoring Vlad and Rebecca’s cries.
   “Does he do this often?” Rebecca asked Vlad as they ran to catch Reket.
   “More then I’d like to recall…” They finally caught up with him just outside the circle  of people forming the crowd. Vlad tapped the shoulder of the nearest person to get his attention.
   “Excuse me, but could you tell me what’s going on here?” The man grunted and pointed to an overly dressed man who was accompanied by several guards.
   “That’s what’s going on. That’s Lord Markdor. He believes that he owns this whole town and tries to take some of our money every month. The problem is, with those guards of his it’s hard to argue with him!” Vlad sighed. It was quite sad to hear this. Of course, that was all about to change…

   “Hey you! Mr. Stuffy shirt! Who the hell do you think you are?!” Reket’s voice was heard clearly over all the chatter of the crowd, and both Vlad and Rebecca sighed heavily.
   “That idiot! Does he want to get himself killed?!” Rebecca was rubbing her forehead, trying to calm down her raging headache. Vlad was working his way through the crowd with his staff drawn.
   “Reket! What are you thinking?!” Vlad grabbed Reket’s right shoulder and pulled him back a little, but Reket shrugs him off and advances a few steps extra.
   “I’m trying to get a few answers outta Mr. Fancy-Pants here! What right does this guy have to come here and demand money from these people?!”
   “I happen to be Lord Markdor, the ruler of this poor community. And it’s my right as their lord to take a few offerings in exchange for my protection and care.” The guards around Markdor drew their swords and walked towards Reket. He in turn drew his blade and grinned.
   “You honestly think a few rookie soldiers can take me out? Even with my bad arm, these wimps couldn’t even touch me!” The closest guard stepped forward and took a swing at Reket’s head, only to meet cold steel. Reket chuckled as he pushed the guard back with ease.
   “Like I said, you’re no match for me.” Reket pointed his sword at Lord Markdor. “Get out of here, and return these people’s money. You have no right over this town, and I’ll be damned before I let you walk over me!” Markdor realized that Reket wasn’t joking around. His guards really were too weak to beat him. With his face flustered, Lord Markdor turned tail and fled the scene.

   The crowd began to cheer for Reket. They called him a hero as he sheathed his sword and walked back towards Rebecca.
   “Alright, let’s get outta here before someone sees my face.”
   “Wait a minute! Aren’t you…” One of the townsfolk called out after them.
   “Oh shit…” Reket’s heart sank as he prepared for the inevitable.
   “Aren’t you Reket? The freak that we drove out all those years ago? What are you doing back here?” Their voices had no trace of hatred in them. They were seriously asking him why he returned.
   “…I came back to get a boat ride. Nothing more, nothing less.” Of course, he hadn’t really planned on saving the whole damn town.
   “Nonsense! You just saved us all from that rat Markdor! You’re a hero, and you should be treated as such!”

   Reket, Vlad, and Rebecca all sighed as the towns people began to make preparations for the feast tonight.
   “What ever happened to ‘A quiet homecoming’?” Vlad gave Reket a nasty look, to which Reket responded with a nervous chuckle.
   “You think I planned this whole thing? Really, I planned on ducking back into the crowd after I got rid of that pompous ass.”
   “Well, we all see how well that worked for you…” Rebecca sighed again as the sun began to set upon the town.
   “Well, at least we’ll get some decent food tonight, eh Vlad?” Reket slapped Vlad on the back and laughed.
   “God help us all…” Rebecca shook her head as the tables started coming out.

                                         TO BE CONTINUED…