Ah Yes. Stupidity DOES Have It's Moments No?

"I cannot tell you how happy I am to receive such interesting visitors," he boomed patting Bartre and Guy on the back and kissing Maya's pale hand.

Guy attempted to smile in order to hide the grimace of pain as the man's humongous hand left his back throbbing with pain. Bartre, however, seemed fine as he patted Woods in return with exactly the same force.

Arthur then led them to his living room as he asked them all to have a drink with him. The most expensive and delicious wine was brought out and after they were all settled, Wood decided to address something that had peaked his curiosity.

"So gentleman and lady," he said sipping at the red wine of his cup, "Tell me the story of what happened in Ajit when the army had gone to fight Oboth in Reidar."

Guy and Maya turned to their third companion. Though they had seen what had happened thanks to the King's crone they knew this was Bartre's story to tell.

Bartre nodded and, contrary to his usual attitude, he told Wood of everything that had happened in a low but smooth tone; starting from the fact that they were ambushed to his fight with Dran and his subsequent defeat at the hands of the monster.

Lord Arthur sat at the edge of his sit while Bartre recalled each blow delivered and received. In his 64 years of age, he had never heard such a mesmerizing story and he could not help but be awed when Guy and Maya complimented on Bartre's brave action with both the house on fire and with helping Kaida with Dran.

"Mr. Bartre," Wood said deeply moved, "YOU ARE SO BRAVE! AND THERE IS NOTHING ARTHUR LIKES MORE THAN BRAVERY AND HONOR! FOR THAT I HAVE DECIDED," he punched the table breaking it with the force of the blow, "THAT I WILL JOIN YOU! YOU HAVE MY VOTE, DEAR BARTE!"

Guy's and Maya's eyes were as wide as plates. This was all it took to gain the man's support? It was between ridiculous and surprising but a welcomed turn nonetheless.

"BARTRE IS HAPPY TO HAVE YOU WITH US, SIR!" Bartre said trapping the laughing man into a bear hug.

"NOW LET'S PARTY!" Wood said calling the musicians to come and play for them as he refilled their cups with wine, "FOR VICTORY!"

"For victory!" they threesome said clinking their glasses with each other. Hopefully the rest would have as good a luck as they had!