He had slain the beasts.
His ride into town was celebrated. The maidens, in fluster, tossed down their silken cloths before his path while they perched as songbirds from neon balconies. The lads and lasses walked beside him, shining his steel horse with clean fabrics like fine bootblacks. The men cheered, the ones of service offering complimentary accoutrements. There was talk of heroism, of fine drink, and hearty food.
A feast was thrown in his honor. He’d been to grander, more elaborate occasions hosted by nobility or even His and Her Majesty. But, there was something to be said about the endearing cheer and merrim