by Talia Haze
“It hurts, Ryan. A lot…”
“I know.” Ryan was a comfort. “I know.” We just rocked back and forth as the sun slowly set.
~
Father gently shook me awake early the next morning. He knelt by my bed and had just lit the candle on my nightstand. Even the sun was still asleep. “Oh! What…what time is it?”
“Half past three, I imagine,” he whispered, looking around. “Get ready, Gab.” He rose and walked out of my room.
I had already made up my mind to return to the kingdom of Tempton, even before Lindius punished me. I wanted to be with Father and my family. I didn’t ask if they would just stay in Lavenora with me; even though Father and Arohna were amicable, I wasn’t sure how genuine they were. It didn’t matter. The elder elf said I would rule; he didn’t say when. Perhaps I would return as an adult. My emotions were too raw and the wounds just too fresh. I longed for my sister and my father. I didn’t want to be alone.
I didn’t want to leave. After I gathered my belongings, I walked down the great halls, taking in every detail. I felt so torn. I would miss everything. Tempton is where I lived, but Lavenora was my home. But so was Angel. And Sean. And Ryan, and my father. They were home and it didn’t matter if we stayed in a tiny manor, a grand elvish kingdom, or an inn with a bunch of drunks. Where they were, that’s where home was.
My maids cried when I woke them up to tell them goodbye. They patted my chin and hugged me and pleaded that I wouldn’t forget them. They each gave me something to remember them by: a simple brooch, a handkerchief, a necklace, a shawl and a bracelet made of twine. Soon, I cried too, promising I would return.
The dew on the grass was frosted. My new shawl just wasn’t enough to protect me from the cold. In the dim lantern light, I could see Father packing the horses. “Why are we leaving so early?” My whole body shook in waves of shivers.
“Renard likes to make a mysterious exit,” Kyle complained, strapping a saddle to a horse. “One night we’re here, the next day we aren’t…that’s the sort.”
“Oh. I wanted to leave before everyone got up anyway,” I mumbled, handing Sean my belongings to load. I quickly walked back inside and wandered the halls. The lone guard opened the door to the Arohna’s study, and I sat at his desk.
Arohna Bawn Lenaguru,
My father likes an early start. I’m sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye to you in person, but I’ll say it now.
Aléni. You are the wisest and kindest person I’ve ever met. Thank you for your graciousness and patience and I cannot wait to see you again.
Love always from your Moura,
Gabriella
I folded the paper and wrote on the top Arohna Bawn Lenaguru. I placed the letter on the center of the desk, and after bidding the guard farewell, walked back into the icy cold of outside. One of the stable boys handed me a clay cup of warm tea. When I finished, the horses were packed and ready. I jumped on the horse behind Connie.
Father turned to us. “Are you ready?”
“Ready!”
“Then let us ride!” His horse stood on his back legs and neighed before we darted off behind him.
“Gabriella!”
Who else was up at this hour? I gripped Connie so I wouldn’t fall as I turned back. A lantern bobbed up and down in the darkness as its holder ran after us. Who was that? Lindius?
“Wait! Gabriella, I am sorry!”
We weren’t going at full gallop, but he still wouldn’t be able to catch up. We were so far ahead. “Gabriella! I am sorry!” He slowed to a breathless stop and called something else. I didn’t hear it, we were too far ahead. Finally, as we went through the final thicket that led to the road, all Lindius could do was wave. I waved back, my torn heart just a little mended. I waved back because I could tell what he said.
I love you.
Chapter Nine
Happily Ever After
Stony’s eyes blazed white as he stood off silently, by himself. Father kneeled and put his hand on the ground as he spoke.
“Rest in peace, good friends, and thank you for all of your help. Thank you for protecting my daughters. Thank you for your sacrifice. I pray you find rest and peace. Amen.”
“Amen.”
We stood before the ashes of Nee Gus’ house. Connie gently dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief, and Sean and Ryan lay a few late flowers they found in Lavenora on the blackened brick.
After a moment, Stony suddenly waved his arms across Nee Gus’ field and an entire field of wild flowers shot from the dirt. Even in late autumn, the wild flowers danced in full bloom, and stretched almost to the forest’s edge. A sign appeared before us. I read it aloud.
“This is a sacred land. May all who walk through tread lightly, in respect of two men of distinguished valor.” The next words were in smaller print. “Iken…” My soft voice broke and tears streamed down my cheeks. I took a deep breath and tried again. “Iken-A.”
“We will meet again.”
~
Angel didn’t want to stop at her cottage, but Mother insisted on seeing it. It only took a few minutes for Father and Mother to explore and Angel to gather a few items, but her entire manner changed after that. She dismounted and walked far behind everyone down the path. So, I waited and walked with her.
She didn’t look at me as I took her hand. She was torn like I was…even more so. I could feel it. She had been in Nyora for four years, it was home. Both of her adventures were over, and she seemed so lost, so sad.
“Why do you fret?” I asked. She just shook her head.
“I do not know what to expect,” she replied. “A home with a family…a father? Mother? You?” Angel turned to smile weakly at me. “I have had those thrice my senior at my command. Shall our father discipline me?”
I laughed. Not without difficulty, for certain. Angel grinned. “It will be so strange! Home seems like such a distant memory. Playing with you all, brushing Jessica’s hair, arguing with Hannah…chores. How do I go back to that? Gabby, I cannot even remember what Harrison looks like.”
I closed my eyes. The very thought of him used to make me tremble. Father’s laugh sounded far off. I didn’t fear Uncle Harrison anymore. I didn’t have to. My father was bigger. Wasn’t he? When did Uncle Harrison become so small in my recollections?
Angel shook my hand and I turned to her. “Gabby, we are oddities. How shall we live a normal life?”
I grabbed her shoulders as we walked. “And what is normal, Nik’dalo?” I asked. She finally laughed. “Let’s just live through it together…”
The others stopped ahead in a tight circle. I gave Angel a quick look. Connie began to cry loudly, and Sean stood hunched.
“What is the matter?” Angel asked in a soft tone as we approached. She knew the answer; I knew she knew. She just didn’t want to hear it. Saramine turned and smiled broadly.
“Here is where we part,” she said. Although she sounded so sweet and happy, her voice still quavered. My heart fell, but Angel nodded, solemnly.
“I miss my family,” Saramine continued, wrapping her arms around Connie. “It has been too long since we have even dined together.” She pulled Connie away and held her hands. “I was afraid to go back to a life free of war. Now, seeing this family back together, I yearn for it.”
She released Connie and turned to Sean. He avoided her gaze, even when she gently grabbed his face with both hands. “We are not so far from another,” she said. “Only a few hours.”
“It is still not the same.”
Saramine’s smile grew, even though tears shone in her eyes. “It is not the same. It will be different. But it does not have to be sad.” He finally looked at her. “Let us please not make it sad.”
He nodded, but still didn’t look up. Angel wanted words, and gently pushed Sean aside. Saramine pounded her right fist on her chest. “Nik’dalo.”
Angel pushed Saramine’s formality aside and hugged her friend tightly. Mother couldn’t remain poised, and wept silently into Father’
s shoulder. Angel spoke to Saramine quietly in Inzi, finally making the sweet dragon girl lose her composure. Saramine covered her mouth and sobbed, but Angel held her tighter. Tears rolled down Sean’s cheeks.
Angel finally pulled Saramine away. “Iken-a, nik abiné. I will miss you.”
“I will miss you,” Saramine replied.
Kyle suddenly groaned aloud, making everyone turn to him. “You lot are ridiculous. You make my heart hurt! How can I be selfish with you people around?”
Ryan rolled his eyes as Kyle rummaged through his saddlebags. He found what he searched for and presented two silver mirrors. He handed one to Sean and the other to Saramine.
“What is this?” Saramine asked.
“You ever heard of the magic mirror on the wall? Well, this is the smaller version of that. The Three Witches used them to communicate. I only have the two; the other one is broken. All you have to do is order it to speak with the other mirror, and you two can see each other and talk.”
“Kyle!” Saramine wrapped her arms around him. His face scrunched up and he pulled to get away. “Thank you, Kyle!”
“Right, then! Just stop crying!”
Sean gently grabbed her hand, pulling her into his arms.
“Sean…”
He didn’t say anything but pulled her close and kissed her. Ryan grinned at me, raising his eyebrows up and down. In a moment, he released her and whispered to her, while gently stroking her cheek. After a moment, they kissed again and parted. She turned to walk down another road, towards the palace, clutching the mirror with both hands.
“Iken-A!”
“Iken-A, Saramine!”
She turned, lifted her skirts and ran. The others continued on, but Sean and Angel watched until she was out of sight.
“I forgot you had those,” Father said to Kyle. “You meant to keep them, even with these two parting?”
“I meant to sell them, Renard. Love is just more important, I suppose.” Kyle still sounded disappointed, making Father laugh.
Ryan threw his arm around Sean’s shoulder. “Will you be all right, then, Dragonboy?” he asked.
Sean nodded, looking down at the mirror in his hands. “I will be. And this will make it much easier.”
With horses, our return journey was much quicker. We rode quickly through Agesbon on the hill, through the tunnel of trees and finally along the edges of the Dofleece estate. It had to be late afternoon. We would make it in time for supper. How thrilled Anna would be that her hard work would be for someone appreciative!
“You there! Halt!”
Several horsemen blocked the road ahead, and two rode to meet us. I could hear the grinding sound of carriage wheels far off, but I couldn’t tell from where.
“Our scouts reported your return,” one of the horsemen. “Stay. The king shall meet you here.”
Father gave Stony a quick look. “Then, you are after me?” he asked. The horseman set his jaw, as he looked over us, shaking his head. Connie’s face fell and she climbed slowly from the horse, handing me the reins.
“They are after me,” she replied. Both horsemen also dismounted, standing on either side of Connie. Two carriages finally rolled over the hill, stopping on the road behind a large brigade of soldiers. The door to the first carriage swung violently open, and a stocky, old man stomped out.
I climbed down from the horse too. Connie didn’t want to go. She didn’t have to go. Did she? My father and Angel could certainly battle those guards. But what kind of war would that start?
“It will be fine, Gabriella,” Connie whispered. I had unconsciously grabbed her arm. She smiled at me before hugging my shoulders tightly. “This is part of our duty. I will write you and you will come visit my court. We will continue our friendship.”
She squeezed me once more before starting towards the aggravated old man by the coach. The soldiers parted the way for her to pass but formed a tight circle behind her to put space between us.
“Connie.”
“Yes, Father?”
“You ran away from home.”
“Yes, Father.”
“How dare you leave in such a manner!” The king’s outburst made us jump. Tears poured down Connie’s face. “Your squire…an innocent man…was nearly hanged for his negligence! You abandoned your duties, you abandoned me, and you abandoned your people. Your people who have been needlessly searching for you and for what? A pleasure trip? A pleasure trip with wretches you knew nothing about!”
“Father, it was more than that, if you would let me explain…”
“Do not speak until I give you permission! You have left me with only distress, and a note saying you were gone. Perhaps when you have children, you will then understand how you have tormented me.”
“I am sorry, Father!” Connie finally burst into tears and began to sob. Her father grabbed her chin to make her look at him.
“Connie, I died that day. I have spent the months asking what I could have done…begging God for another chance. Pleading for a way to show you how sorry I am.”
Connie looked up and smiled through her tears. “Thank you, Father.”
“I am not finished.”
The king waved his hand. A soldier bowed before opening the door to the other carriage. A tall, slender young man, about 20 years old climbed out. He was dressed in dark blue tunic with silver buttons going down the front. Connie stared at the young man with surprise and she cried out.
“Do you mean…”
“Yes, Connie. I have prayed that this act would be a sign for you. I prayed you will know my love for you. I seek your forgiveness, and I pray my consent will suffice.”
Connie cried as she hugged her father. “Thank you, Father! I love you.” She ran to the blue-dressed man and threw her arms around him. They waved goodbye to us and climbed into the carriage. Her father climbed into the other one, and they slowly went off, with the horsemen and soldiers following close behind.
“How about that, then?” Ryan said. Sean smiled. I smiled too, weakly. I knew she wasn’t far off; I knew we would be invited to her wedding, but I still felt sad. I missed her already. The saddle felt already so cold without her.
Soon, we turned that final, familiar bend and went through the gates of our home. I smiled as we walked under the high branches that hung over the road, and passed the tree fort. Even in the short time we were gone, the weeds had taken over the garden. All of the leaves had fallen off and made beautiful orange and yellow paths.
Father’s pace suddenly increased as we neared the quiet house. Sean walked alongside him, and the two stormed up the steps, throwing open the door.
Dinner time. A great smell filled the house, but no one was to be seen. The place still looked tidy; it didn’t gleam as much as when I first cleaned it, but it appeared Aunt Beth did a little upkeep in my absence. Mother paused as she entered, smiling broadly as she rested her hand on the banister. Father and Sean continued their fast pace to the dining room.
“Renard!”
The table clattered as Uncle Harrison jumped to his feet. Aunt Beth cried out in surprise, sending the glass of wine spilling all over the table. Jessica didn’t know who Father was and shrunk back into her seat. No sound was heard except Uncle Harrison’s raspy breaths. The silence was broken when Anna noisily opened the door from the kitchen.
“Renard!” she exclaimed, nearly dropping the platter. She quickly read Father’s face and slowly stepped back.
“Are you comfortable?” Father demanded in a chillingly low voice. Uncle Harrison didn’t know what to answer. He stuttered and his hands fumbled. “Are you comfortable?” Father repeated. “Are you warm? Clothed? I see you are well-fed. So. Has your income been sufficient, or have I neglected you in some way?”
“Renard,” Uncle Harrison faltered after a pause. “It has been so long, I thought perhaps you were dead…”
Father’s hand turned blue when he made a wave of power explode with a loud crack. Aunt Beth tumbled from her seat, grabbing Jessica and s
tumbling back.
“Surely you cannot believe that the dead could afford you such luxuries? What do you sup on tonight?”
Uncle Harrison trembled, but couldn’t answer or move. Father’s eyes traveled to Anna and she bobbed a quick curtsy. “Quail and rice,” she answered.
Father huffed. “Game. And in this time of year. I repeat myself, then, are you comfortable?”
Uncle Harrison was defeated and slowly nodded, his eyes falling on me. He had no power over me anymore, still, I shivered. But Father had seen it. “You threaten her, even in my presence?”
Uncle Harrison panicked. “No, Renard! I do not threaten…!”
“Then what? Why these scars on her body? Why does she tremble at your gaze? If not a threat, then what?”
Uncle Harrison would not be reprimanded. “Renard, this girl is rebellious! What was I to do? She needed to learn respect…”
“And how did raising hand accomplish that?”
“Spare the rod, spoil the child, Renard. I did as appointed.” Uncle Harrison stood high above my father. I thought at first Father was taller, but Uncle Harrison was at least one head taller than him, his girth far surpassing. “You told me to raise your girls, and I did it the best way I knew how.”
Father didn’t answer, but quietly studied Uncle Harrison’s face. A bead of sweat dropped from Uncle Harrison’s brow, but he didn’t move.
“Very well,” Father said simply. “Your task is complete. Be out of my house and off my land.”
Jessica cried out and Aunt Beth’s mouth fell open in shock. The words hit Uncle Harrison hard and he grabbed the chair for support. He couldn’t leave. He wouldn’t leave. He lived a comfortable life…I wasn’t sure he even knew how to work. He regained his composure and stood high again.
“Renard, I do not deserve such treatment. I thought you dead, and that is what I told them. It has been years…”