Emily, Freya, and Hannah smiled as they stepped forward with their own birthday gifts.

The attendant announced, "From Ms. Emily, an original oil painting by Elias Greaves; from Ms. Freya, a rare medicinal pill from Mistveil Peak; and from Ms. Hannah, a string of sanctified prayer beads, blessed by the Grand Sage of the Solace Abbey!"

They could have given these gifts to George privately earlier. However, they deliberately waited until all the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce members were pres