Afterword
The Ledger had balanced. The fraud was uncovered, and the guilty were confined.
With their arrest and conviction, it would be easy to put the entire business to rest. And indeed the residents of Arcvale went about their daily business secure in the knowledge that the Arcvale Bank was even better than it had been.
The stolen funds—many, many handfuls of sovereigns—were already being utilized by several charities, and the city recognised the Ashcombe Fund as a major contributor to the betterment of all.
Mrs Tabitha Monroe, who had happily recovered from the attack on her person, accepted the position of Chairwoman, and took on the responsibilities of fundraising, arranging events, and visiting the beneficiaries to ensure the success of various donations.
One new charity was established—specifically for those who had lost family members during the last incident involving the Arcvale Air Command- the Battle at High Reach.
Though well in the past, the effects of that disastrous event lingered still, and the Ashcombe Fund now assisted with living expenses and assistance.
It was a welcome and widely appreciated effort.
The news that a new Ashcombe was on the way brought smiles and cheers from many, including all the Forge workers who were beyond delighted with the news that the Forge Master was going to be a father.
So all seemed well in the great city of Arcvale.
But Arcvale, like any great engine, never truly stopped turning. Somewhere new events were already in motion...
They simply hadn’t been noticed.
Yet.