Fer followed behind both brightly garbed and armored men in front of him.  Ironically that he would take the back row being the wielder of the Legendary Shield.  This made the young hero wonder, why had he been selected to carry such an artifact? It was not like he had ever worn or used something like that back on earth in his past life.  He was a stealth warrior.  The bow would have been more his tune.  Now, he had to be the one in the front, visible to all, willingly be the one to take the hits.  It made no sense. 

He caught the movement as Cole drew the sword.  Even in his timeline, the shield hero had always known that swords mean authority.  From what he could remember from history, swords were the weapons of nobles, rich people, and influential people.  It was the main weapon of knights and kings.  It made sense that his partner had been chosen to wield it.  His companion was heroic, noble and just.  A sword was perfect for him. 

Apparently, the people in the room agreed as there were excited whispers, approving nods, and cheers  Even now, the Sword was being recognized as the weapon that would save them from the waves.  Few eyes gave Fer a look.  Those that did lingered with a suspicious or distasteful look on their eyes.  It was almost as if his presence was not welcomed.  The young shield did not care for attention.  He felt more comfortable in the shadows. 

The royal voice of the king presented them.  Fer lifted both eyebrows in surprise that he had even been mentioned.  That was something at least.  Not that he cared for credit but he was hoping people were not going out of their way to discredit anything he did.  Cole may be the face of the group but they were all a team.  The last thing the young hero wanted was for his companion to feel that again he was being thrust into the leadership role.  

Fer raised his hand to wave, not really knowing what to do and not to appear rude for the recognition.  The shield hero almost bumped into his friend when Cole abruptly stopped as the shield was not paying attention where he was going.  Even behind the pair in front of him, the wielder of the shield was able to see the regalia that adorned the king.  

[i][color=0054a6]“This celebration must be more than just a thank you”.[/color][/i] Fer thought. [i] [color=0054a6]“The small party is probably hand picked.  They will be the witnesses of the abilities of the heroes who are in the service of the king.”[/color][/i]  The young hero smirked.  Young he may look but this king was no fool.  Unlike Cole, the shield did not notice the tired eyes of a person burdened with the weight of the crown.  

The young hero could not help but raise an eyebrow and offer a sardonic smile at the declaration of the king.  He was praising them yes, but he was also advertising and perhaps warning. [i] [color=0054a6]“Politics sure are a game I never wish to have to play directly.  For now, I guess I will continue my role as pawn.” [/color][/i] The young shield thought. 

Fer joined in the applause that was the result of the great speech that held many lines to read between.  [i][color=0054a6]“I wonder if our fans would have been so warm if we had failed.  Or maybe they would just have found new heroes.” [/color][/i] A gloomy thought appeared in his mind.  There was still that itch that knowing a person before him had worn the shield.  No one had mentioned that and Cole had only mentioned it in passing as if he had forgotten.  

His musings came to an end when the king announced that there would be an addition to the party.  His eyes eagerly took in their new would be companion.  A hump came from his being when Fer saw that the person seemed to have animal features.  He had seen the demi humans around the capital but he had never really been too close to one.  They seemed to avoid crowded places, especially if the majority of the people were human.  The animal like people used to keep their head down and avoid eye contact.  

Fer would have been embarrassed if he realized he was openly staring.  His eyes could not help but stick to the silvery hair of hers and those ears.  Eventually he noticed her worn and tattered clothing.  His brow furrowed.  He hoped that poor girl had not volunteered out of need for food.  The shield made it a point to figure out why the wolf? Girl had decided to join them on what could no doubt be a very dangerous assignment. 

Something inside him made him notice that she was actually studying them.  What was that Fer saw in her eyes…disillusionment?  A slight smile appeared in the young man’s face.  Yeah, I guess based on the stories he had heard, the heroes had big shoes to fill and big legends to live up to.  He could not blame the raggedy girl for thinking them less than worthy.[i] [color=0054a6] “Man is she going to be in for a surprise when she learns I am basically useless.” [/color][/i] He snickered inside his mind. 

The snicker went away as the girl stepped closer.  Fer was captivated by her eyes.  He seemed to be hypnotized.  There was nothing like them in his Earth and he had never seen anything like them so far in this world.  They were like two burning suns, shining.  His mother had always told him that the eyes are the windows of the soul.  If that was true, this wolf girl, for her ears seemed to be from some canine, had a spirit that could match any fire. 

[color=9e0b0f]“Rivia Silvermane."[/color]

Her voice brought him out the trance and he cleared his throat figuring he would have to introduce himself at some point too.  Fer watched her get on one knee and huffed out some air.  [i][color=0054a6]“I hope the poor girl does not thing we are a pair of high born buffoons' or whatever.  Well, the polite honorifics need to be performed I guess.” [/color][/i]The hero realized Rivia was trying to be respectful.  

[color=9e0b0f]"Rivia wishes to join your clan. Fight against the waves. Rivia is strong and willing to prove it."[/color]

Her statement brought a smile to his face.  Yeah she was definitely brave.  After all, few, even knights in the king’s service, had volunteered to be their companions.  It had taken a holy warrior and now what seemed to be an indigenous person based on the way she addressed them. There was no way Fer could hide his pride.  He remembered how villagers turned rebels had always been more than a handful for the organized armies of the government.  Yes, this wolf girl would do be a welcome addition.