Veritas vos liberabit

Garryn's expression softened, the tension etched into his features easing as he watched Jareth’s magic mend the griffon’s wound. The creature shuddered once, then relaxed, a low, contented chirp escaping its beak as it settled into a more comfortable position. Relief flooded Garryn’s heart, bringing a tremor to his voice as he turned to his old friend.

Jareth... you’ve no idea what this means, he said, shaking his head as if to banish the weight of disbelief. Thank you. I don’t think I could have done this without you.

He stepped closer, clasping Jareth’s shoulder with a strong, calloused hand. For a moment, they stood in shared silence, two warriors who had faced countless battles and carried the scars to prove it. But this moment—this victory—was theirs.

Looks like I owe you more than one now, Garryn added, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It was the smile of a man who had faced loss, pain, and betrayal, but who still clung to hope with stubborn tenacity. And I don’t plan on forgetting that anytime soon.

His eyes hardened again, the resolve burning brighter now. But whoever sent those assassins won’t be expecting what’s coming next. They wanted a dethroned king out of the way, someone who would go down quietly. They didn’t count on old friends and old magic, did they?

A spark of fire lit in Garryn’s eyes, a hint of the warrior-king who had once commanded legions and held his ground against impossible odds. He glanced back at the griffon, now resting more peacefully than it had in days, then met Jareth’s gaze with fierce determination.

Together, we’ll find them. And when we do, they’ll learn what happens when you cross someone with nothing left to lose—and everything to protect.

@Jareth