When Ethemon and Astarion returned, the group of Tiefling and Druid were cheering and celebrating. Zevlor still had a slash across his face from a sharp blade, and the people below were all battered and nursing various injuries, yet their faces radiated the joy of having survived a desperate ordeal.
Yet this battle had not been without casualties; many had left their lives behind here forever.
"We did it! By the gods, you actually did it!" Zevlor shouted. He looked out at his people, at those who had fought so hard in the battle, his expression earnest. "They called us expendables, hellspawn, foul-blooded. But the ones who fell today—their blood is just as pure as any hero's. We are survivors, and we are family! The road to Baldur's Gate is still long, but every single one of us is fighting for it! Now go back, everyone. Give our heroes a solemn funeral, and hold a celebration for ourselves to welcome the future!"
Chapter 44