"Hi, Calla," he breathed.
She touched his nose, smiling down at him. "Hey, sleepy head," she replied.
Theophilus took a moment to refocus and take in his surroundings. His head was resting comfortably on Calla's lap as she watched over him. They were still at the clearing. The picnic area was restored to the way it was before Calla's abduction. A gentle fire was crackling with flame. Birds were singing their pleasant songs. Everything was so tranquil that for a second Theophilus thought he was in fact dreaming.
Still reluctant to believe his eyes, Theophilus could take it no longer. "What happened?" he asked, pointing to the restored picnic.
Calla giggled. "You happened, Theophilus," she offered playfully. "You saved my life again and you stopped Lennix and his treachery. Alethia has much to thank you for."
Theophilus held doubts about such a claim. "But it will be my word against the word of many," he replied.
Calla shook her head as the little weed sat upright slowly. "Not at all," she countered happily. "Believe it or not, you have friends other than me."
Theophilus rubbed at his neck and head with his hand and arm that still worked. He could feel himself healing but it would take time. "Is that so?"
"It is," said a familiar voice.
Theophilus turned to the speaker, a grin lighting his face as he rose to meet a pleasant surprise. "Elor!" he exclaimed.
Elor offered a fanged, yet pleasant grin as he knelt and extended his arms. He hugged the little plant tightly, relieved that he was alright. "I told you that we would not abandon you in your time of need," said the little imp.
From behind him, the stone troll Marin chuckled. "That is not how we do things," she added.
Finally, Theophilus was released from the embrace as he looked at his two friends. "I am just glad you are both safe. What have you been up to?" he asked.
Elor nodded, pleased still at the reunion. "Well, while we knew we could not follow you to Norrex, we did know we could look into the issue here in the region of Alethia. You were right about there being treachery and we discovered it ourselves. We have already taken our findings to Alethia and Nibiru. Those responsible have been apprehended or have fled the region. Your name has been cleared, Theophilus," he said.
The little weed's knees trembled at the words. It was as if a great load had been removed from his spirit. "That is...tremendous news," he breathed. Calla came alongside of him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It is done then. Calla is safe and can return home!"
Marin nodded happily. "Yes, Theophilus. It is done," she said.
Finally, the news overwhelmed Theophilus and he fell to his knees. Calla knelt beside him, placing her arms around him for comfort. "You did it, Patch," she whispered. He wished to reply to her, but the words eluded him.
Elor's smile only deepened as he motioned to beyond Marin. "And that's not even all," he replied.
Theophilus looked up as Marin moved out of the way. There standing patiently was an elegant looking magnolia flower, its pristine white petals draped elegantly around him as he bowed at Theophilus. Flanking the magnolia were six royal guards of Alethia standing at attention. There was no malice toward the weed offered at all. And for the first time since he could remember, Theophilus did not feel uneasy around flowers other than Calla.
"Theophilus Thistle," started the magnolia as he approached the little weed. "My name is Mondoor and I am a royal emissary of the king and queen of Alethia. We have heard the account of your plight in full detail and we wish to offer our gratitude for unveiling the traitors in our midst and bringing back our beloved Calla," he finished.
Theophilus stood slowly, his head bowed in respect. "It was my honor, sir," he offered softly.
Mondoor drew close to Theophilus before procuring a small green scroll holding a parchment. "Theophilus, I can honestly say that things between Alethia and Bunda-Bas may never achieve harmony and we will always have those bitter against one another. But on this day, you must know that Theophilus Thistle has been declared an ally of Alethia. And you are welcome in its borders anytime," he said.
Theophilus took the scroll parchment, holding it silently, unable to take his eyes from it. He knelt and bowed his head to the emissary. "Please convey to the king and queen my utmost gratitude for this gift," he said.
Mondoor placed a hand on the little weed's shoulder. "Rise with pride, Theophilus, for you have done us all a great service today," he said. Behind him, Elor cheered before the magnolia continued. "Would you care to join us back in Alethia for a quiet celebration?"
Calla gave him a playful nudge. "It could be fun," she added.
Theophilus looked between them as the emotions swelled within his eyes. "Nothing in Lunaria would give me greater pleasure right now," he said before lowering his head. "But no, I cannot."
Calla looked shaken by his words. "But why? If anyone deserves such a welcome it is surely you," she said.
Theophilus turned to face her fully. "Calla, I would love to join you. And I know in my heart if I were to go to Alethia I would likely never wish to leave. But my work and my promise are not finished. Lennix and some of his men are still out there, and while they are, Alethia is not safe from another wave of these abductions. I refuse to let such a thing come to pass. I could never look you in the eyes in earnest if I did. So please, save the celebration for the day that Lennix is brought to justice, the day that I know that Alethia truly is free from such peril," he said.
Calla's eyes welled up for but a moment as she nodded. "There is no swaying you in this," she replied.
Theophilus shook his head. "No, there is not," he said.
Calla hugged him deeply then before pulling back and taking his hands into her own. "Then you will be missed, Theophilus Thistle. I am sad to see you go, yet I must understand. You must promise me to return one day, to Alethia and to me," she said.
Theophilus bowed, kissing one of her gentle hands. "Consider it a promise then, for I will not rest until I find my way back to you," he said before drawing back with reluctance.
The two friends looked at one another for long, painful moments. Neither of them wished to part from the other. Yet both knew what had to be done. They simply held on to that moment for as long as they could, not knowing when the next moment would be.
Mondoor reluctantly broke the silence then. "Alethia respects and supports your decision, Theophilus Thistle. Just know that when the day comes, you shall be welcome in our borders," he said before motioning to the lotus holding the hands of the little weed. "Let us go home now, Calla," he added.
At last, the moment ended, Calla could take it no longer as tears fell from her face. "Goodbye, Theophilus Thistle, but only for now," she whispered.
"Until next we meet, beautiful Calla," he whispered back to her.
At last, after a long length, Calla let go of his hands and turned swiftly, joining Mondoor and the entourage. She dared not turn around and face the little weed again, and he was too scared that she would and see how much her departure hurt him. Theophilus watched her go, unable to endure her leaving yet unable to stop her. Until he knew Calla would be safe again, he had to continue his adventures.
A promise was a promise, after all.
Chapter Twelve
Reluctantly Forward
With a heavy heart and even heavier steps, Theophilus finished putting away the picnic and prepared for travel. With his new friends, he quietly departed the clearing, taking a second to remember it as it was and should have always been. Nodding once to himself, Theophilus turned from the clearing and never looked back.
The three friends walked for a time in silence, with Elor and Marin wishing to give the little weed the space he needed. In his mind, Theophilus knew he made the right decision. Though it did little to relieve him of the pain he was feeling. He already missed Calla, and somehow, he knew that feeling would only get worse with time.
Finally, Marin spoke up. “You are truly noble and courageous, Theophilus. I am honestly touched and moved by
your commitment and valor. I couldn’t ask for a better friend for my Elor,” she said.
Elor beamed at his new friend. “She is right, you know. The circumstances were not the best, but knowing you is a true gift for me,” said the imp.
Theophilus gave them both a brave smile as he continued forward. “I thank you both, friends. I could not have endured this adventure without you. And having you with me helps for what I still must do,” he said.
Elor’s smile faded as his eyes softened. “Are you sure you have to do this?” he asked.
The little weed nodded. “Yes. The right thing is the right thing, even when it is the most difficult and painful thing,” he replied before stopping and whistling.
At his whistle, a friendly bark filled the air. Rushing from the forest came Renard. The little fox was still limping but recovering well. Theophilus grinned, extending his hands as Renard came to him and let the weed hug him fiercely. Theophilus held him tightly for some time before the fox pulled his head free to lick him happily.
At last, Theophilus took the little reins upon Renard as he patted the fox’s side. “The time has come my friend,” he said as Renard cocked his head curiously.
Theophilus then removed the reins and cast them upon the ground.
Smiling painfully, Theophilus took the fox’s head in his hands. “Thank you, Renard. Thank you for everything. But I can ask no more of you, my friend. The time has come for you to be free again, the way you were meant to be,” he said, barely louder than a whisper.
Renard whimpered. He did not understand many words, but the fox could sense the weed’s pain. He nudged Theophilus with his snout. The little weed pet him again before finally hugging the fox one last time. At last, he held Renard at length as he pointed to the awaiting forest and fields that surrounded them.
“Go, boy,” said Theophilus. “Go be free. Go live the life you deserve,” he offered softly.
With reluctance, Renard turned, trotting away with his head lowered. Theophilus watched him go, feeling pain yet also feeling a contentment for his friend. Stopping, Renard turned to look at the weed curiously one more time. He then trotted back to Theophilus, giving him one more lick as he wagged his tail. Theophilus hugged him once more before coaxing him on again.
The three friends watched Renard go. The young fox seemed reluctant at first, but soon found his stride as he disappeared into the surrounding wilderness. When he was gone, Theophilus felt a pang in his chest that was only barely soothed by the knowledge that Renard was free. Though knowing Renard would not see it, he held out his hand, waving goodbye one final time.
“And that is that,” whispered Theophilus before he turned again upon his path and walked onward.
Again, the three friends walked in silence. Elor sauntered next to Theophilus, looking at his new friend and wishing he had the right words to steal away his pain. Marin walked softly behind the two young ones, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings. Theophilus put his good hand on his injured arm, grateful he had not lost it, for it would have taken much longer to grow a new one.
“I am sorry for your pain, Theophilus,” said Elor at last.
The little weed shrugged. “They were necessary pains. Calla is safe. Renard is free. And now I can do my best to ensure they remain that way,” he said.
Elor thought on his words before responding. “You know, it is okay for you to be happy too,” he replied.
Theophilus stopped, looking up at the young imp. “I know, Elor. I know. But right now, their happiness means more. My day will come too. I am certain of it. But for right now there are more adventures in my future,” he said.
Elor grinned. “Which can be fun as well,” he said.
Theopilus nodded. ‘Indeed, they can. And they will,” replied the little weed.
As the continued walking, Elor lifted Theophilus, placing him on his shoulder. The little weed offered no protest, and instead contented himself with enjoying the ride. The three of them took in the beautiful day and the welcoming warmth of the Firestar. The birds chirped. Little fairies sang. And all was how it should be.
“You know, Marin, adventuring sounds kind of fun,” said Elor thoughtfully. “Think we have some time before we find a new home and settle down?”
Marin nodded. “I think we have all the time in the world, Elor,” she replied.
Elor grinned again as he looked on his shoulder where the little weed sat. “What do you say, Theophilus Thistle? Do you fancy some companions on your travels?”
Theophilus thought for a moment, a wry expression never leaving his face. “You know, Elor, I think I may like that very much indeed,” he said.
Elor laughed in good cheer. “So, it is settled then! Where should we head first?”
Theophilus thought for a moment. Looking at the horizon. In the distance he could see a great expanse of the Saelen Kingdom, almost all of it uncharted territory for him. Somewhere out there Lennix was hiding, but also there was untold possibility. Nodding to himself, the little weed squeezed the shoulder he rested on.
“Forward, Elor,” replied Theophilus as they walked. “For that is the most important thing of all.”
The three friends walked for some time, content with the outcomes that brought them to this day. Theophilus of course still ached, but he was guided by the knowledge that he was doing his part to keep Calla safe. And for him, that was enough for now. The little weed smiled to himself inwardly, for the contentment he felt in that moment could not be denied.
It was then that Theophilus looked about quickly, still sitting on Elor's shoulder. His hands instinctively went to his blades, yet instantly he relinquished this alarm. After a few moments of tension, the little weed fully relaxed again as he continued to look about at the surrounding wilderness. He could not explain the sensation fully, just that he knew without a doubt that he and his friends were just fine in that moment.
Below him, Elor picked up on the little weed's tension. "What is it, Theophilus?" he asked.
Theophilus smiled as he patted the side of Elor's arm. "It's nothing, Elor. Nothing at all. I thought for a moment that were were being watched, is all," he said.
Elor and Marin paused as they exchanged a glance and regarded Theophilus again. "Are you certain we are not being watched?" asked Marin.
Theophilus grinned contentedly at her. "Oh, we are being watched. I can feel that as easily as I can feel the Firestar. But it is not darkness or evil that watches over us right now. It is a being of the light," he said.
Elor seemed doubtful at the little weed's reply "How can you be so certain?"
As he responded, the look that rested upon the face of Theophilus was pure, contented peace. "I just am, Elor. My heart and my soul know it. There is no harm or malice there, just a friend from far away," he said.
"And what is the name of this friend?" Elor wondered.
Theophilus looked over his shoulder, smiling for the one who was watching him. "His name is Mathias," said the little weed.
Mathias closed the book on his lap quickly, looking about wide-eyed. It was not the first time he had been drawn in by the power of Crescent Moon, but that did little to soften the blow of such surprises. Placing the book down, Mathias stood, taking deep breaths to calm himself. He could still feel the magic like trickles of electric surge. He looked at the book again, for now it had returned to being just a book. Slowly, Mathias took Crescent Moon back into his hands.
Just as he thought, the moment had passed once more. The book felt normal in his hands and Mathias felt equal parts of relief and longing at the sensation. Holding the book to his chest, Mathias hugged it deeply, grateful for the new adventure it had offered him. He had loved getting to know Theophilus more and now wondered what the book had in store for him next.
Mathias fought the urge to open it again for a few moments and then stopped. He didn't want to appear greedy, and something told him that the story was over for now, but would return soon. The young man accepted this before putting the
book down upon his bed. He rested a hand upon it once more, certain he felt hints of the magic returning, like he was becoming one with the book for an instant.
"Thank you for showing me. Thank you for trusting me," he whispered before he turned and headed out of his room to eat and interact with his parents. He said nothing to them of Crescent Moon, other than the story, like always, was spectacular.
The next day, Mathias ventured out after breakfast, promising his parents that he would not be long. Opting to walk, the young man ventured to the park, taking in the ample amounts of warmth offered on the warm and sunny day. Somehow, after venturing through Lunaria, the world around him seemed smaller, yet somehow more grand at the same time.
The park was still relatively quiet despite the gorgeous morning. Mathias made the most of the relative solitude, sitting upon one of the park benches. It was there that he sat in perfect silence, absorbing the sounds and the sights that surrounded him. Families played as birds sang sweet songs and dogs barked happily. It was easy for him to continue his reflection of Lunaria and the magical book that was Crescent Moon.
Pulling the book from his backpack, Mathias held it softly on his lap. He stared quietly at the enchanted book, understanding more than ever that it was his pathway to a world of adventure and possibility. Yet, still he wondered just how it connected to Lunaria, and what in fact was his place in the order of things? Somehow the book revealed itself to him, to which he accepted gratefully. But was he in fact destined for more? Was he supposed to acquire some knowledge from what he witnessed?
Mathias could not say for certain to these things, other than the book had now revealed itself to him for a second time. The story was over for now, but he knew without question that there would be more. And somehow Mathias knew deeper than that in fact, that the story he was now witnessing was only just beginning. For now, he had to be patient and hope that the answers revealed themselves as the stories did.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 12