Arrival at Ora City
The next day passed quietly. The team rode in calm formation near the center of the caravan, enjoying good weather and smooth roads. By early evening, the distant lights of Ura City flickered on the horizon.
Rather than push through the gates at midnight, Captain Kamaroo chose to camp just outside the city walls. "Better to arrive at noon," he said. "Clean, rested, and ready."
Dinner that night felt almost festive. The cadets joined Kamaroo again, this time amid low-stakes gambling—cards, dice, and a hand-symbol guessing game that Clara dominated for three rounds before losing everything to Fergis. Pudding hunted nearby, pouncing on rodents bold enough to sneak close to the wagons in search of scraps.
For the first time in days, the group relaxed.
"I kinda miss Seven Tower," Fergis said, riding alongside the wagon. He looked content, even nostalgic.
"At least we dodged the end-of-cycle practicals," Cane replied, hands loose on the reins.
Cane:End of next cycle, I'm heading home for the break.
Fergis:I'll probably do the same.
Clara:Same here.
Dhalia:Not me. Unless the Archmage opens a rift, I'd spend most of the week just traveling.
As the caravan drew closer, the bronze gates of Ura City came into full view—engraved with the seven sovereign states that formed the Union. Trumpets sounded from within, clear and commanding. A moment later, the gates opened wide, and a formation of war chargers emerged, bearing the royal crest.
Fergis:Something's up.
Cane watched closely as Captain Kamaroo rode ahead to speak with the approaching party. After a short exchange, they returned together.
"It's First Knight Rowe," Cane said, recognizing the sharp-cut features and silver-trimmed armor as Meya removed her helm. "I guess she's here for us."
She rode with four knights, all bearing Saltfangs—the silver-cobalt swords Cane had forged. Their presence sent a quiet ripple through the caravan.
"How did the first mission go?" Meya asked.
"We had a little excitement," Cane replied. "Our teamster turned out to be a bandit plant. We managed it. Only real action came two nights ago—ambush outside camp."
Meya's expression darkened. "That was tied to a high-value delivery from the Olivara Auction House. You weren't the target. No one was injured?"
"Everyone walked away." Cane hesitated, then tilted his head. "I want to head back to the Academy... Why do I get the feeling you're here to delay me?"
Meya smiled. "Cane's Folly is encased in glass at the Olivara Auction Hall. Just come with me after dropping off your cargo. I've already arranged a mage to open a rift back to the Academy."
Fergis:Do it. That's two days saved.
Clara:Please. We can raid the kitchens tonight.
Dhalia:Up to you, Cane… but I bet Sofie misses you.
Cane smirked. "Fine."
Capital Delivery
An hour later, they reached the Sarona Gold Mine depot. The gold was inspected, weighed, and signed off. Cane handed over the manifest and formally reported Rita's attempted collaboration in the robbery attempt.
They freshened up. Cane traded his armor for a cotton shirt, canvas trousers, and black boots. With Meya still absent, Fergis led them toward the auction house.
Clara's eyes went wide as they walked through the capital's merchant quarter. "Look at those outfits… That one's worth at least two hundred plat."
Fergis stopped abruptly. "There it is."
Framed in platinum, a glass case stood at the center of the auction floor. Four guards watched over it. Inside, Cane's Folly glowed faintly.
Cane stepped forward, only to be stopped by a guard.
"Sorry, sir. You may not approach Cane's Folly."
Cane laughed. "Right… I'm Cane."
"CANE!"
A familiar voice rang out. A woman with broad shoulders and graying hair limped toward him, her silver prosthetic catching the light.
"Mad?" Cane smiled, a pang in his gut at the sight of her missing leg.
An instant later, she swept him into the longest hug of his life. Tears gleamed in her eyes when she finally stepped back.
"I've got a few people for you to meet," Mad said, her voice thick with emotion.
She led him toward a tall, stern woman with a commander's bearing.
"Commander, this is Cane Ironheart."
The woman's expression softened. She placed both hands on his shoulders. "So… you're the one."
"I'm sorry more couldn't be saved," Cane said quietly.
Gera Strong embraced him without hesitation. "Ninety-seven of us were all that was left when Mad fired Cane's Folly. On behalf of every survivor—thank you."
Clara:You're famous, Cane… That's the arrow that wiped out the Black Legion.
Fergis:Let's mingle a bit… then retreat before someone asks us for autographs.
"Cane!" Meya Rowe joined them, shaking hands with Mad and Gera. She offered Cane a nod of approval.
Mad hovered close. "I was so scared... But then I remembered what you said. And it all turned out okay."
"Told you it would," Cane replied, just as Gera stepped in.
"You should've seen it," Gera said, staring at the glass case. "It roared like a dragon, split into dozens, then hundreds. A sky full of divine judgment. Day turned to night—and when the light returned, the Black Legion was gone."
"You've got a gift for storytelling, Commander," Cane said, gazing at the mythic arrow. "I never expected it would be used."
Departure
Meya guided Cane from group to group, introducing him to key figures in the capital. The King was absent—away at a summit with his War Tribunal—but Cane's presence clearly stirred admiration.
When the formalities ended, Meya finally summoned a mage to open a return rift.
Both Mad and Gera embraced Cane before he stepped into the glowing portal with his team.
Home, at last.
Return to the Academy
The rift opened onto a small stone platform just outside the Academy gates. As a group, they stepped through, travel-worn but upright.
Together, they approached the administrative tower and presented their signed contract—credit for their first official group mission now secured.
Cane:First of many. Great job, everyone.
Fergis: Agreed. Let's look for another one in a few weeks.
As they exited the building, a familiar voice sounded from Cane's psi rune.
Sophie:You guys are back? I'm having dinner with my parents. You're all invited!
Cane chuckled. "Unfortunately, it seems everyone has plans... elsewhere."
Fergis and Dhalia nodded knowingly, already backing away with casual waves.
"I don't," Clara said brightly. "Guess it's just me and you, Cane."
Dhalia rolled her eyes and looped her arm around Clara's. "Come on, menace." She tugged her away before Clara could protest.
Cane:Just me, then. I'll be there in a bit.
He released Pudding to hunt and made his way into town under the fading light.
Evening Reunion
Sophie was waiting when Cane stepped into the quiet alley behind the tailor shop. The moment she saw him, she launched into his arms, kissing his face with fierce joy until they were both breathless.
"That's what I call a greeting," Cane murmured, gripping her hand as they climbed the stairs together.
"I missed you so much," Sophie said, leading him into the apartment above the shop.
Her parents welcomed him warmly, but it was Tazi, the shadow wolf pup, who nearly bowled him over—latching onto his boot with tiny, determined jaws.
"Really?" Cane asked, lifting the pup by the scruff. Tazi froze mid-snarl, legs dangling. "Training starts tomorrow."
They sat down for dinner—steaming shepherd's pie with crisp peach cider. Cane regaled them with a slightly exaggerated version of the mission.
"And then Pudding swooped in, snatched the explosive mid-air, and vanished into the night. For a second, I thought he'd exploded… then I heard his majestic cry—"
HOOACH.
Everyone burst into laughter as Cane delivered a pitch-perfect imitation.
New Cycle Plans
"End of cycle means new classes, right?" Sophie asked, sipping her cider. "No more HOM?"
"Unfortunately, first-years have HOM all year," Cane said, shaking his head. "I was going to take both Advanced Water Elemental and Metallurgy, but Brammel suggested I pace myself—only one advanced course per cycle."
"I bet Professor Selene will be disappointed," Sophie teased.
"I applied to be her Teacher's Assistant," Cane said. "Between that and my artificer duties, I'll be busy enough." Telamon had challenged him to make a difference in the war effort this cycle—and Cane had every intention of rising to the task.
After dinner, Lorna brought out dessert—cinnamon turnovers filled with spiced apples. Cane shamelessly devoured three, savoring the warm sweetness as he sat in the parlor and listened to Lorna and Dagan talk shop.
"Did you make more dresses?" Cane asked between bites.
Lorna nodded. "I'd like to send a few to the capital—put them on display."
"I'm in," Cane said. "The last Glacial Infused dress sold for five thousand platinum. Commander Moriwynn bought it herself. If we list the next batch at the Olivara Auction House, we might double that."
Lorna smiled, already thinking through fabrics and patterns.
The war, the academy, the weight of invention—none of it felt quite so heavy here. Not in the warmth of the tailor's parlor, not with Sophie sitting beside him, and certainly not with cinnamon still lingering on his tongue.