The duel's aftermath settled the matter of authority at Fort Bastion completely. General Korvan, bruised and publicly bested, became grudgingly cooperative. With the General subdued, Riven and Vaelorian were able to execute the remainder of their mission with ruthless efficiency. Riven's reports were accepted, the supply lines were streamlined, and Vaelorian completed his "inspection" with the kind of decisive action the Emperor always demanded.
The journey back to the Capital was quick and blessedly uneventful. They arrived at the Imperial Palace on a cool evening, the lights of the city a stark contrast to the dark, wild North. The three men—Vaelorian, Riven, and Sir Eryndor—rode in looking less like a Prince and his escorts, and more like three seasoned veterans who had shared hardship and danger.
As Vaelorian and Riven dismounted, their eyes met. They didn't need words; the shared understanding of what they had risked and what they had won was palpable. The mission had succeeded on every level: politically, militarily, and personally.
"I will report directly to my father," Vaelorian murmured, leaning in for a brief kiss. "Once I'm back in my chambers, I'll send for you immediately. Don't speak to anyone about the specifics of the North until we've spoken, okay?"
"Understood, Your Highness," Riven replied, though a mischievous glint was in his eye. "But I think I'll let Eryndor explain the specifics of the fight to the General Staff."
Eryndor, standing a few steps away, sighed dramatically. "I've already drafted three versions of the story for the official record, Lord Riven. And none of them mention your use of His Highness's twin swords."
Riven dismissed his unit and was heading toward his personal quarters when he was practically ambushed in a side corridor by Barron and Willow.
Willow was the first to reach him, throwing her arms around him in a tight, relieved hug. "Riven! You beautiful, sharp-witted fool! You're back!"
"Careful, Willow," Riven chuckled, hugging her back. "You'll wrinkle my official Knight's uniform."
Barron, with a beaming smile, clapped him hard on the shoulder. "It was boring without you, Riven. Utterly, dreadfully boring. The mess hall felt silent. My tactical games had no worthy opponent. The court has been entirely too predictable."
"I'm afraid I didn't bring back some unpredictability, Barron." Riven admitted, stepping back. "I was a little busy challenging a General to a duel and fending off bandits. The North is everything they say it is."
Willow gasped. "You dueled a General? I heard rumors, but I thought they were just that! Riven, you absolute menace!" She grabbed his arm. "Tell us everything! Did you use that one complicated reverse grip I taught you?"
"No, I used Vaelorian's ridiculously powerful twin swords," Riven corrected with a grin. "And I kept my cool, you know. I didn't kill the man, exactly as promised. The man had no choice but to let us do things our way. It was the only way to get him to listen to my supply plan."
Barron shook his head, looking impressed. "Only you could solve a logistical problem by kicking someone's ass. Truly inspired. But seriously, Riven, we missed you. The whole Palace felt off-kilter without you here to provide the necessary witty cynicism."
"My mission was certainly quieter and boring this time," Riven agreed, feeling the warmth of their presence fill the space the cold North had left. "But it was also productive. Vaelorian was able to secure his position, and I secured the supply lines and reports. And I have enough gossip from the North to keep us all entertained for weeks so...I guess that's something."
"Good," Willow said happily, linking her arm through his. "You can tell us over dinner. I know you have a lot to discuss with Vaelorian, but your friends claim first dibs. Come on. I want details—and I want to know exactly how His Highness reacted to seeing you kick that old General's backside."
As the three friends walked off, their laughter echoing in the previously silent hall, Riven realized that the chaos of the Palace, and the bonds of friendship, were the only stability he truly needed. His mission to the north was over, but the royal politics will continue as usual.