“I want a statue.” It finally said. Noah frowned.


    “A statue?”


    “Yes, of my likeness. And I want a plaque that reads ‘Noble Dryad, defender of the forest.” It said, bobbing its head.


    “I see. And where would you like this statue?” Noah asked.


    “In the center of town of course. I will release your people, but they will continue to revere me. That seems fair.” It announced. Noah nodded, not believing his good fortune. He had never heard of dryads and had no reason to doubt its claims, though he assumed it would have to be a rather powerful creature to charm so many.


    “I agree to those terms. When will you release my people?” He asked.


    “They will be back to their normal selves by the time you return.” The dryad assured.


    “Thank you. We will be on our way then.” Noah responded.


    “The statue better look good.” The dryad replied before disappearing into the trees. Noah joined the others. Kyle wrapped him in a bear hug, which he promptly returned.


    “What are you doing here, Noah? I thought you would be at the top of the mountain. How did you know we were in trouble? Was it the system that told you?” Kyle rattled off. Noah grinned in response and got a good look at the boy, who had filled out substantially since their last meeting.


    “I am only visiting. I was starting to feel homesick and wanted to be around people for a change, I just happened to get pulled into the current situation.” Noah explained. Kyle deflated a little but quickly perked back up.


    “I had a feeling you would come, especially after I was captured. I was hoping I could fix the problem before you showed up though.” He sighed, “I’m glad you’re here.” Noah looked at him, and felt an unfamiliar feeling welling up in his gut. He had never spent much time with kids, as he was the youngest. He had never even gotten married, much less had children. Yet, when he looked at Kyle he couldn’t help but feel proud of him, perhaps like a father would be proud of his son. It wasn’t comfortable or typical for him, but he wanted to encourage the boy.


    “Kyle.” Noah started. “I’m proud of you. You never gave up looking for a solution even when everyone else ignored the problem. Well done.”


    “It was nothing” Kyle said, nodding his head even as he stared at his feet. Jergin placed his hand on Kyle’s shoulder.


    “He is right, Kyle. Of all the humans I have met, you are the most worthy.” He grinned toothily, “Well, perhaps the second most worthy.” He said, looking at Noah. Kyle took a deep breath and wiped at his eyes before smiling up at the two.


    “Thank you. That means a lot.” Kyle said. “We should go check on everyone, especially Julie. She was getting—strange.” He finished. The three agreed and started their return home.


    When considering the charm situation, Noah hadn’t been sure what to expect. Would the people even realize that they had been under the charm’s influence or would they snap out of it in shock? He wasn’t sure which was preferable, perhaps the subtle shift would be less intrusive, but would that take away from the realization of the very real danger they were in? He sighed internally as they walked. He felt a sense of responsibility for the settlement, not to mention the attachments he had made to several of them but he also didn’t plan to stick around for any extended duration. He would talk to Julie and see how he could best help. Eventually, they arrived at the southern-facing gate and were relieved to see guards at their posts.Stolen story; please report.


    “Halt!” One of the guardsmen cried as they got within a dozen yards.


    “Derek, you numbskull. Let us through!” Jergin barked back. The man scratched his head.


    “I’m sorry captain. It’s the commander’s orders. He was very clear about stopping you upon your return. If you could stay here, I will alert him at once.” He finished, leaving once Jergin had nodded in confirmation.


    “What’s the problem?” Kyle asked. Noah kicked at the dirt.


    “Noah put the commander in his place before we left to find you. It was quite the public affair.” Jergin smirked. Kyle burst out laughing.


    “Serves him right! He has been on my case ever since I reached Iron.” Kyle said.


    “Does he have something against leveling?” Noah asked. Jergin shook his head.


    “He wasn’t always like that. A couple of months back, he actively encouraged the soldiers to train and hunt monsters, but that shifted once the monster swarms became regular. I am willing to bet it was the charm amplifying his fears.” Jergin explained. Noah’s eyes went wide as Jergins words struck a chord.


    “That sounds similar to what I saw at the orc village up the mountain, it was as if they had become paralyzed by fear. They must have come under a similar spell.” Noah exclaimed. They paused their conversation as the gates began to swing open revealing Derek, the guardsman, and Jack, the commander.


    “Jergin!” The commander called in greeting as he approached them, a smile on his face. “I see you found Kyle. Well done.” The commander stated as he came to stand in front of the group. “Welcome back, Kyle. I’m glad to see you are well.” He said, shaking Kyle’s hand.


    “Thank you, sir. I had been captured by a dryad–” The commander lifted his hand to interrupt him.


    “We’ll get to that later, we have a lot to talk about.” He said. Jack finally turned his gaze to Noah, staring into his eyes before finally sighing.


    “Noah. Lady Julie informed me of your identity and your role in rescuing many of our citizens. I recognize that you have power, and I do appreciate what you have done for us. That being said, you cannot get away with your actions just because you are stronger. We have a society built upon rules and systems, and so I would appreciate your cooperation in upholding justice.” The commander finished. Noah tilted his head at him. Is this guy being serious? It appeared that the charm wasn’t solely responsible for the state of his people.


    “I will cooperate with your justice system,” Noah responded.


    “You will?” Jack asked. Noah nodded.


    “That’s what I said.”


    “Ah I see. Well this way then.” He said, regaining his composure. Kyle opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Jergin who elbowed him and shook his head. As Noah stepped through the gates he couldn’t help but smile; by the time his justice was served the whole village would be set back on track. The commander led Noah through the streets and to the same square where their last encounter had taken place. It would be a fitting place to make his point, Noah decided.


    “Wait here while I gather everyone,” Jack told Noah, depositing him in the center of the square. Kyle and Jergin stood off to the side while a crowd began to form around them. Soon Julie emerged from the building and looked worriedly at Noah.


    “Noah, what is going on?” She asked as she saw him.


    “Julie!” Kyle yelled before running to her. Julie’s eyes lit up and she swept Kyle into an embrace.


    “Kyle, you’re okay! I was so worried!” She said. Noah approached.


    “Julie, Kyle was captured by a dryad that claimed to have the entire village under a spell. From what I observed, I think it was telling the truth.” Noah stated. Julie nodded ever so slightly.


    “It’s true. Earlier today there was a release of power in the air, and all of a sudden I could think straight again. Noah—” Her face fell as she struggled to look him in the eyes. “I’m so sorry for what happened before, I hate that I acted like that.” Noah smiled and grabbed her hands.


    “Julie, it wasn’t you. I forgive you. I am only concerned about making sure it doesn’t happen again.” Noah responded.


    “I appreciate you saying that. And I agree, do you have something in mind?” She said. Noah grinned as they heard the commander’s shouting nearby.


    “I do, but you will have to trust me.” He explained. She listened as he highlighted his plan to her before the commander returned. She didn’t share the same confidence that Noah did but decided to trust him anyway.


    “Noah! It’s time to face justice!” Jack shouted as he marched through the crowd, followed by several pairs of soldiers. Noah winked at Julie before making his way into the center of the square. The people parted as the commander stepped into the open space, where he strutted proudly into the center. He carried a decorated multi-tailed whip and wore unblemished leather armor. He turned to the crowd and held up a hand, calling for silence.


    “Today this man, Noah Denter will receive his due punishment of 50 lashes”