Chapter 18
One Last Voyage
And so the battle between the Men of Lion and those of the Creed came to pass. That night beneath the stars a great fire was lit and they did dance and sing, celebrating the spirit of their fathers’ and all whom answered their call. And above the highest peak of their land, Queen Lioness Somichi welcomed Professor Clayton and Captain Frances as honorary braves to her people. For Zack, Suzan and Estaru however – not only were they to be honorary braves – but they were also given the Chi towa, a symbol of loyalty and friendship forevermore. And it was here that Kimchiku would stand proudly before the Council of Elders. The bloodline was at last restored for he was to be King by right. In his acceptance his people would be united, and they did call is name aloud in honour of his Kingship. And in the night’s sky the stars of their fathers’ shun brightly, reshaping among Mother Nature’s moon, for the way of the children of tomorrow was not yet to be written. Dreams lived on. Kimchiku’s people were free... and all was at last at peace.
In the many days thereafter, Kimchiku stood among the Ribbon Dunes once more. There he did spread the ashes of those whom did not return from the great battle, given back to the earth a symbol of hope and rebirth. What you take you must return, he would say, and to this day a fresh green grass grows now about the sands of time. And as far as the eye can see, waters flow like souls to the heavens beneath an array of golden light. But within the highest dune stands a signal spear of war, a reminder to all that freedom does not come without price – as too may the earth endure if only hope should remain in our hearts. This was the way of his Fathers and their spirits of old. This was the way of the Men of Lion.
As the sun set about the Spear of Remembrance, Zack and Suzan knew that their time with the Men of Lion had come now to its end. Though they did not wish to leave, with the return of Professor Clayton and Captain Frances, the voyage home was never far from their minds. But Captain Frances’ ship had sustained a great deal of damage. In the time it would take to repair, Professor Clayton charted their course for home. From the Professor’s previous study he noted that the crystal’s strength seemed to be weakening? Perhaps, he thought, this meant that they had only a limited time in which to use it? After such he would fear, its use may never fully be restored. In theory, however, if he could locate the point of origin that brought them to this world, then so too should he find a path of return to their own?
At least that was the theory
And so on the twenty–seconded dawn after the battle of the Creed, the day of departure had finally arrived. It was time to say goodbye. Zack and Suzan just wished that it wasn’t so soon... or so it would seem.
‘You must understand; we cannot stay even if our hearts so desire,’ said Professor Clayton, standing alongside the boarding platform to Captain Frances’ ship as an honour guard of Lion Men lined its path, ‘our time here has come to its end. This is not our rightful world nor place and time. In our coming here all has at last been put to right. Now the only thing left to say... is farewell.’
‘I just wish that somehow it had all worked out?’ said Zack, seeing Captain Frances making ready his sails, ‘why does it have to end like this; why can’t it not end right for once?’
‘I fear that that is a question I cannot answer,’ said Professor Clayton with regret, ‘but I do know that as long as you two have each other – through times of joy or sadness – then what does it matter how all else unfolds?’
‘Have strength young Blue Eye,’ spoke Queen Lioness Somcihi, ‘for you go now with the courage of my people in your heart. And when the night is darkest, search stars above for there will you find us... and never shall you walk alone.’
‘Besides,’ said Droc, taking a puff from his dwarven pipe while approaching, ‘I’d say that you’ve had a pretty successful quest, eh? – Admittedly, a tad bit shaky at the start, but that is no reason why we should part on such a sad note, so to speak.’
‘The odd misunderstanding,’ laughed Zack and Suzan, happy to see that he and his mighty fellows had come to say farewell.
‘Almost being eaten alive,’ said Airtu.
‘Twice...’ added Earru.
Droc twiddled his thumbs nervously, ‘yes, well I think you will find that that business with the dragon didn’t actually count, as such?’
‘Nevertheless, it’s good to see that you came to say goodbye,’ said Suzan.
‘Ach, I wouldn’t miss it for the world my dear lady,’ he said somewhat embarrassedly, ‘after all, what else are friends for but to wish each other well on their way.’
‘That is very kind of you, and I shall not forget it.’
‘Careful now mill–Lady... or I’ll end up getting shivers all down my beard,’ he replied before giving her a hug, ‘the boys and I will miss you both. Take care, and perhaps one day we’ll meet again?’
‘Perhaps...?’
‘On the plus side however,’ began Morku, ‘no doubt our adventure will make an interesting read for the Council when we get back?’
‘Especially the part about quality of leadership,’ added Samif with a smirk, ‘not forgetting, of course, how we ended up with a dragon that we were supposes to slain?’ he continued, ‘that I think you will agree, should be the most interesting part of all?’
From a distance, Shorty’s ears popped up?
‘Now let’s not be too hasty,’ pleaded Droc, ‘I’m sure there’s something we could do to bring about a more, shall we say... favourable review?’ It wasn’t Likely. ‘But we’re a team – Fearless – Resourceful – Devilishly underestimated?’ Strangely, a dragon seemed to be eyeing him straight between the eyes? ‘Don’t you dare give me that look...’ he said in defiance, ‘if it wasn’t for me you would be having a bath right now.’
The dragon hissed. Once again...Droc was on the run!
‘It looks like they will be just fine,’ said Estaru, ‘as for I, it seems that our time together was somewhat short lived I fear?’
‘You never did tell us why you were held captive by those pirates, did you?’ said Zack.
‘Let us just say that for far too long I had lost my way,’ he replied, ‘but then I was reminded of what it was once like to be honorable.’ He knelt down, placing a hand on Zack’s shoulder, ‘for all my faults I owe you at least that much.’
‘You see,’ began Suzan cheerfully, ‘I was right about you, wasn’t I? You’re not as bad as you might like people to believe you are, are you?’
‘Let’s not get too carried away,’ said Estaru, glancing about uncomfortably while lowering his voice, ‘especially when in the company of so many...’
‘Your secreted is safe with me,’ she whispered, ‘I won’t tell anyone... if you don’t?’
Estaru smiled, ‘then it seems that I am at your mercy.’ He rose now to his feet, ‘take care my young companions, and remember to stay true to your hearts... as will I.’
Zack now took one last glance back along the pathway, ‘I had hoped that Cara would come to say goodbye?’ he sighed as Professor Clayton prepared to board Captain Frances’ ship, ‘it would have been nice...’
‘Has anyone seen my tooth brush?’ yelled a voice from somewhere beneath a rather stubborn heap of luggage, ‘and where’s the bellboy at?’ A bag fumbled to the ground, ‘five bucks and this is the kind of service I get...hell no!’
‘Speak of bad demons,’ said Estaru, finding it wise to move aside, ‘here she comes...’
‘And just where on earth do you think you’re going?’ asked Professor Clayton curiously.
A pair of dark shades flick through the air, ‘didn’t you get the memo; I’m going with you guys,’ said Cara, ‘I’ve got my PJ’s ready, some sun lotion and an in–flight promo which is shaping up to be pretty cool.’ She gave him a dazzling smile, ‘what are we waiting for; its vacation time...Now just show me the way to the red carpet baby, because I’m about to have me some fun!’
‘But you cannot come with us,’ said Suzan, ‘you belong here
with the others... just as we belong elsewhere.’
Cara’s luggage moaned with disappointment?
‘What in the world?!’ she gasped, eyeing the small clan of Magical Locks with displease, ‘quick, someone call customs – we’ve got stowaways on board!’
‘You don’t understand Cara... this is where we say goodbye,’ said Zack, ‘We can’t take any of you with us; not where we’re going.’
‘Oh I know,’ she conceded, ‘it’s just with everything that we’ve been through and all,’ she looked about aimlessly, ‘well you know... saying goodbye is just so hard, that’s all.’
‘Cheer up, Cara,’ said Suzan, ‘who knows when our paths might cross again?’
‘I’ve got to be honest with you,’ she replied will wiping her nose with a hanky, ‘if it involves another world winning adventure, you can go ahead and count me out...You kids are just too darn crazy for me!’
‘It’s time,’ said Professor Clayton, ‘Captain Frances waits...’
‘Well this is it, I guess?’ shrugged Zack, ‘we’ll miss you,’ He turned to Cara once again, ‘but I think that I will miss you most of all.’
‘So long kiddo,’ she replied quietly, tearful as she watched him now board Captain Frances’ ship, ‘it’s been one heck of an audition.’
And so it was that Professor Clayton and his young companions set their sights upon one last voyage together. Standing atop of deck, they did wave farewell to all as the ship began to rise.
‘Alright Professor,’ yelled Captain Frances, ‘I’m not one for saying goodbye so let’s get this ship in the clouds.’ He spun the wheel hard, ‘with a few modifications I’ve managed to turn this vessel into a one man crew – Now all I need from you is a course, if you will?’
‘Home...’ replied Professor Clayton, ‘as swift as the wind can carry us.’
‘Aye – Aye, Professor... homeward bound it is.’
Zack sighed, knowing what was to come, ‘but where is home?’ he asked, ‘Where do we belong, Suzie?’
Suzan held his hand, ‘where ever we may be,’ she replied, ‘our home is together... just like it has always been.’
Zack smiled. It may not have been the perfect ending that he had hoped for, but standing now hand in hand by Suzan’s side, somehow... it didn’t seem all that bad.
Epilogue
The sound of hastily steps echoed alone the lone corridors of the Sisters of the Blessed Orphanage. Zack and Suzan had no idea why they had been summoned to the Headmistress’ Office. However, forced to bring what little belongings that they had with them, somehow the outcome didn’t seem all that hopeful as they followed Sister Marry. At the end of the main corridor – hidden in the gloomy shadows – a door stood quite tall and unwelcoming. Sister Marry knocked firmly before attempting to open it. Inside, Sister Clancy sat at her desk. As ever she held a cold frown upon her face. Zack placed his luggage on the floor outside, respectfully removing his cap as he did so. Suzan stayed close to his side, and the floor creaked angrily beneath their feet as they dared to enter.
Across from Sister Clancy a gentleman lay comfortably seated. He reached into his side pocket, producing a white envelope sealed of a wax. Smoothly he placed it upon her desk, ‘I trust you will find that everything is in order...?’ said Professor Clayton.
Sister Clancy slid the envelope into her hand, ‘of course, Professor,’ she replied, ‘I am quite certain that I shall have little reservations about your care of duty – if any at all. And once again, I do apologies for the untimely delay.’
‘Thing nothing of the sort, Sister.’
‘Professor... what’s happening?’ asked Zack.
‘Allow me a moment to explain,’ he said while straightening his tie as he stood, ‘it seems that in my time spent wondering about on some foolish voyage or other, Miss Evens – the lady whom sees to my personal estate while I am away – has felt somewhat lonely.’ He stepped forward as Jeffery took care of their luggage outside, ‘she seems to think that adopting a child may liven up the old place as it were? – She can be surprisingly stubborn at times, and Jeffrey here... well, he is somewhat concerned about that fateful day when the Manner shall need an heir.’
‘And what do you think?’ asked Suzan cheerfully.
He gave her a wink of his eye, ‘occasionally, they do have their moments... if only you would do me the honour in accepting? However, before you reply there is something that you both ought to know,’ they eyed each other wearily – Professor Clayton smiled, ‘... you will find that I am not the type of person to take no for an answer so easily.’
Zack and Suzan hugged Professor Clayton, ‘welcome back, Professor,’ they said, ‘we’ve missed you.’
‘No my young companions, I think that the phrase you are looking for is welcome home,’ he simple replied, ‘welcome home...’
The End
About The Author
A. G. Higgins was born in Co. Kilkenny, amid a rich and wondrous history of Ireland’s most Medieval City; which is to blame for his wild imagination’s growth… and perhaps Walt Disney too. Hindered by dyslexia, he decided to set himself a challenge to write a novel - He called it The Fallen Prince That Never Was.
The Fallen Prince That Never Was Page 20