As the sun began to set, the sky turned orange and gold, and the ceremony began. The Guild memorial grounds were lovely. There was a well-kept garden with stone markers for fallen adventurers and a big stone altar in the middle where the cremation would take place.
Greg thought there would be fewer people there. Other adventurers who had met the members of the expedition, guild officials, and the families of the dead. They all stood in a sad circle around the altar, where twenty-three bodies were covered and lying in neat rows.
Greg stood at the front of the group with Marina, holding her waist to keep her steady. The other members of the Brotherhood of Peace stood behind them, quietly supporting them. Lylia was crying, Elwen was holding on to Greg's sleeve like it was a lifeline, and even Bork looked shaken.
Guild Master Helena took the lead, her voice echoing throughout the grounds. "We are here tonight to honor those who died in the line of duty as adventurers."
