Free Questing Sucks! Book II by Kevin Weinberg Page B

something about the way the rich humans lounged on the elaborate furnishings in the foyer, or the way the Kingdom nobles sipped tea from golden goblets. For years, being rich and having servants was the only thing in the world that mattered to Sehn. It was his goal in life.
    But now it isn’t
, he realized.
I just want to go home
.
    This wasn’t what he wanted—any of it. Even through the smiling faces of men, with servant women lounging seductively on their laps, Sehn could see no pleasure or joy within their eyes. There was only tightness, and something else—fear. Their grand lifestyle came at a price, which was the constant fear of losing their wealth, a fear that sapped all the pleasure out of having it. And what was life if not something to be enjoyed? More so, for a God like Sehn.
    The bells rang again, removing Sehn from his thoughts. He wanted to see what the source was of all this racket.
    His legs loosened up as he crossed the distance to the estate’s entrance, and by the time he approached the door, he was back to his usual, commanding glide. He quickened his pace and marched through the streets.
     

     
    Hahl’s gates were livelier than usual, even factoring in the constant activity since the battle a few days earlier. Sehn looked around for any sight of Patrick, though he didn’t search for long. The human prince was standing with Alan Marshall and Princess Saerina flanking his sides several feet beyond the western gates to the city.
    Soldiers still took up defensive positions along the walls above Sehn, but their bows and crossbows were slung over their backs, and there seemed to be cheer in their expressions. The area had been cleared of the dying and wounded, now moved into the proper facilities, and the prisoners had been herded off to nearby garrisons, which angered Sehn. He had not given such an order.
    Sehn wasted no time. He stomped his feet on the ground as he stormed his way over to Patrick. The courtyard was filled with guards and soldiers, though they no longer wore their battle armor of the previous days. Now, their armor was white, pristine, and clearly more for show than for fighting in. What in the Gods was happening here?
    “Patrick!” Sehn called.
    He, Alan, and Saerina all turned at the sound of Sehn’s mighty voice. Patrick frowned the instant his eyes fell over Sehn’s. Alan grinned, and Saerina remained mostly expressionless, though a bit of worry did creep into her face.
    Good
, Sehn thought.
All should be worried when the Great Sehn arrives
.
    “Hail, Sehn,” Patrick said formally. “A good morning to you.”
    Sehn fought to control his anger. “How dare you wish me a good morning?”
    Patrick sighed. “I’ve given up trying to figure you out.” He turned his head towards the gates, and his posture tightened. “They’ll be here soon,” he said before looking back.
    “Who will?” Sehn asked. “It better be someone important, because your foolish warning bells have been ruining my sleep.”
    Patrick shifted uneasily on his feet, as if unsure how to respond. Saerina placed a hand on his shoulder, and he relaxed, nodding in what appeared to be thanks.
    “Sehn,” the princess began, “when the enemy was first discovered marching on Hahl, messengers were dispatched to the lords of all the major Kingdom cities, so that reinforcements could be sent our way. Today Patrick expects several of the lords to arrive with their armies, though they are in fact too late—we have persevered.”
    Sehn grinned. “Thanks to me.”
    “And me,” Alan said. Sehn locked eyes with the man, and the old commander took a step back. “Of course, you more than me, Great Sehn,” he added.
    Sehn peered out into the distance. He could just make out dust rising into the air from the muddy, barren roads that led to the Kingdom’s Pillar of Therril. They’d probably arrive in under an hour.
    “I don’t get it,” Sehn said. “Why are they even bothering now? We won, didn’t