Chapter VI - A Saviour's Reward

The town's people came out from hiding in their homes, and alleyways to see who would emerge victorious in the bout the previous night. Whatever time it took seemed like mere minutes to Chêne, but to the people of the town it stretched for unbearable hours. At first the people who saw him didn't believe their eyes. Their saviour was a burned puppet, possibly animated with some satanic sorcery.

A mix of gratitude and horror was showing in their faces. A crowd surrounded him, and Chêne was met with the former sheriff and his deputies who had come to see if the Red Guild was finally wiped out in their town. "Did you kill them all?" ask sheriff Bon Taff, a large faced man with more hair under his chin, than on his head.

"They are all dead." Chêne answered. Relief came over Bon's face, he had been chased out by those villains, and finally their hold over the town had ended.

"Bless you stranger, if you are seeking compensation there is more than enough in the town's treasury." Which was refilled after Chêne's ultimatum to the guild.

"I only want new clothes, and a sword." said Chêne, who despite his emotionless tone was embarrassed to be naked in front of an entire town.

"Then that is what you shall have my friend." Saying that the sheriff made good on his word, and paid for the town tailor to make Chêne a nobleman's outfit. Decorated with symbols of great detail, but sturdy for wilderness trekking. Made with comflaguing green and black, he looked akin to a royal scout, dressed to blend into the trees and underbrush. Then he was taken to the smith, while he was followed by a crowd of people who had gradually started to warm up to their savior.

Not only did he ask for a humble reward, but he saved them from one of the most notorious guilds in the valley. The baker tried to present Chêne with a loaf of fruits and nuts but was disappointed to learn that he didn't eat or drink. Blessings showered from the people and the holyman of town, but Chêne had little interest in the church of the bloody christ. Nothing the townspeople did for Chêne seemed to be appreciated or even welcomed.

Bon attempted to hire Chêne to stay in town and be a marshal, to help protect against any future threats. Offering a high salary, a manor house in town, and recognition by the local lord, none of that seemed to even get him to consider the offer. "No, I have to find my sister." and so he accepted an ordinary short sword for payment, and left the town before the sun could fully rise in the sky. Stories spread after him however, telling of his exploits in terrorizing and dismantling a chapter of the Red Guild, a feat that gained him notoriety.

Certain people started paying attention to the rumors and exploits of Chêne de Sang. Many inaccurate or fabricated, but some ringing true, and sticking to him like his shadow.