“You should be angry.”
“I am, but I feel that there’s still hope as long as we’re alive.”
“I love you too.”
A scream from the hallway gives Luke enough of a warning to dive for his bottomless pouch. Cloaked in black rags, an assassin rushes into the room and heads directly for the forest tracker. Poisonous daggers fly through the air, the blades thudding into the empty bed and turning the sheet a toxic black. The intruder leaps over Kira when she steps in the way, but the man is incinerated by Nyx before he can land. A powerful gale sucks the ashes out of the room, the black flakes following the griffin as it soars over Spellstream. The crowds below cheer and wave, none of them understanding the beast’s mournful roar.
“We can’t go after Luke, so what are we going to do?” Delvin calmly asks as he catches Kira. Cradling the woman in his arms, he limps toward the door and leans against the frame. “I have a feeling searching for a cure would bring Gabriel down on our heads. This is a mess and I don’t know how to clean it up. Any ideas, Nyx?”
“My little brother died from his injuries,” the channeler responds, her attention focused on Zaria. Her curiosity about the lingering goddess grows when the red-haired woman takes a seat on empty air. “Let the world think he died a hero instead of being on the run from whatever Gabriel sends after him. All sightings of Luke will be treated as if people saw a ghost to avoid sending more enemies his way. Those who claim to be hunting him will be publicly denounced as insane and attempting to become famous off Luke’s legend. If we keep that going long enough then it will overshadow the truth and help to keep him a little safer. You can explain this to Kira, but we won’t do anything to stop her from searching. If I can help her in secret then I will. Take her to the healer and we’ll go over this later. Have Timoran, Tigris, Fizzle, and Aedyn join us if they’re in the city. Try to contact Dariana too. As Luke’s family, we should discuss this before making a final decision. Our honored guest and I need to have a few more words in private before she leaves.”
“That insight will serve you well, Queen Nyx,” Zaria says while she watches Delvin walk away. Not wanting to be interrupted, the goddess fixes the door and puts her own lock spell on the entrance. “Please know that I am sorry about what happened. Gabriel has been acting strange since Arthuru died, but I never expected he would go this far. I had hoped to act quicker, but I was too-”
“All I ask is that you watch over my little brother,” the mortal interrupts, her nightgown transforming into a crimson dress. A fiery crown appears on her head, a trio of crimson jewels embedded in the center of the largest flames. “I apologize if this sounds like an accusation, but you are the one who put Luke on this path in the first place. Destiny or not, he followed your words into his first adventure. I know you care about him and hate to see him suffer, but you guided his feet more than any other deity. Please try to grant my little brother some happiness because he deserves it more than the rest of us.”
“I will do my best,” the Purity Goddess promises with a smile. Taking an oyster out from behind her hair, she breathes on the mottled shell and floats it to the channeler. “Put that close to your heart and you will feel his presence. It will prove that he is still alive and safe. Perhaps it may do more if he happens to be nearby. Never know with those rushed enchantments. Good luck to you, your majesty, and thank you for everything. Never forget that you deserve happiness as well.”
Zaria bows to Nyx before transforming into a dove and flying away, the white body vanishing into the sunlight. Tucking the oyster into her sleeve, the channeler remains in the room and searches for traces of her little brother’s energy. There is very little left, which drives home the fact that they may never see each other again. She can feel fresh tears in the corners of her eyes, but she wipes them away instead of letting them fall. Refusing to torture herself any longer, Nyx heads for the door and erases the room behind her.
*****
The statues remain covered by white sheets, which are immune to the wind and zap anyone who tries to remove to take a peek. Sitting in Gaia’s largest courtyard, the memorial has not been seen by anyone other than the artists. Even they are unsure of their own work after allowing their memories to be temporarily altered. Rumors have been spreading for the last decade about these statues, but all anyone can confirm is that they will honor the champions. The streets and rooftops are filled with citizens and visitors from across the globe, many of them forced to view the unveiling on large scrying portals created by the apprentices of Rainbow Tower. High in the sky, a fleet of gnomish airships hover and drop balloons that are carried to the crowd by the griffin riders. Two mighty rocs stand outside the city, occasionally joining in the fun when their chaos elf riders give them permission. Some of the beasts soar high enough to touch the rainbow that circles Windemere, a permanent reminder of the Baron’s return to history and ultimate defeat. The aerial display keeps everyone entertained while the honored guests wait in the courtyard and try their best to remain patient.
“I told you that we could have traveled together,” Nyx says while helping Timoran to a bench. The channeler is still amazed at how lean her friend has become over the years, his damaged heart preventing him from sparring and fighting. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t find a way to heal you. It’s unfair that you only have a few years left. You sure Xan won’t let you have a fifth kid?”
“The world . . . may not . . . survive a . . . fifth Wrath,” Timoran replies, his voice faint and strained. Patting his old friend on the head, he smiles and gently urges her to get closer to the festivities. “You did . . . your best . . . fire sprite. I am . . . happy . . . to have . . . made it . . . this far. The revived . . . Aintaranurh . . . will be . . . a nice . . . home.”
“You get used to the whole ghost thing,” a familiar voice says from inside a tree. Sari’s head emerges from the bark, the spectral gypsy turning until she is upside down. “It does get lonely being trapped in the temples, but you make the most of it. My traveling range has increased to Gaia, which is nice. Thank you, Nyxie, for making me that charm. Freedom for one night of the year is better than none.”
“I must thank you too for sending those psychic crystals around Windemere. It is nice to travel even in this form,” Dariana admits, her ephemeral figure appearing next to Timoran. She takes a seat and puts a calming hand on his shoulder as his pain calls out to her. “Sari and I can watch over him. You have your children to look after. Delvin seems to be busy talking with Tavris and Duchess Solomon, so I believe your . . . horde is on the loose.”
Reaching out with spectral arms, Nyx gives Sari and Dariana a tight hug that they do their best to return. “I’m so glad you two came back even like this. I know it means you don’t get to go to the afterlife, little sister, but . . . I really wanted you to stay around. My kids need to know all of my embarrassing stories. Sorry if I’m being selfish since you can’t be with your clan when you’re like this.”
“Silly, Nyxie,” the gypsy states, flicking her friend’s nose. “As much as I miss my family, the champions are my clan too. Now, go have some fun and drink a few beers for me. Not like you can do anything else since you went and got married.”
Knowing not to argue with the cunning phantom, Nyx gives Timoran a gentle kiss on the cheek and goes in search of her children. It is a slow and difficult hunt since she is repeatedly stopped by nobles wanting to discuss business and those who wish to thank her for killing the Baron. The crowd never becomes too thick for her to move through without pushing, but she gradually begins to feel cornered and anxious. As the seconds tick by, Nyx yawns and fears that her monthly day of slumber is about to come early due to the stress. Flames appear in her palm, the attack spell vanishing as soon as she realizes what she is about to do. On the edge of a panic attack, the channeler whirls around when somebody taps her shoulder and she nearly punches Trinity in the face.
“I guess you heard that my statue is bigger than any of these,” the chaos elf says with a
n impish smirk. She hands her infant daughter to Melanie, the metal girl having been given the body of a teenager. “Kana should sleep through most of this, but I have her favorite toy if she wakes up crying. Thank you for everything, Mel. I don’t know what I would do without you and Sebave. Oh, and tell Drusilia to stay out of trouble.”
“I take it your oldest is still trying to defeat Angel. Not sure it’s very smart to pick fights with a barbarian, especially the oldest Wrath child,” Nyx jokes as she watches Melanie walk away. A distant shout draws her attention to the dais and she can barely make out Delvin chasing their four-year-old twins. “I really can’t tell if they’re playing or he’s trying to stop them from getting into trouble. Some days it feels like I have five children to take care of. Then again, Delvin would say the same thing about me. By the way, Dariana says thanks for sending her Raksha. That cat is much happier exploring the Caster Swamp and Spirit Well. Although, I’ve heard rumors that a certain necrocaster is still in the old castle and angry that his creations keep getting eaten.”
Queen Trinity waves to the distant specter, who is barely visible in the daylight. “My banners and furniture return the thanks. Are you still having trouble sleeping? I know you have that fortress city on your border giving you trouble now. The self-proclaimed Mercenary Emperor has been sending his followers after my people as well. Shame Delvin and Timoran stopped you from wiping the entire place off the map, but carving up the land around their territory has definitely made them think twice before attacking Ralian or the Yagervan Plains again. By the way, do you think Grasdon will be here?”
“Let’s not talk about her please.”
“Guess that is a sore spot, especially since-”
“And you’re talking about her.”
“Sorry about that. So, what’s it like suffering insomnia caused by absorbing an ancient evil and turning him into a rainbow?”
“Sounds like your daughter isn’t the only one who likes picking fights.”
The crowd cheers at the sight of Kellia Solomon, the beloved Duchess standing in an elegant gown. Fizzle is perched on her shoulder, the purple-scaled drite wearing a medal that is shaped like an apple. He flexes his purple metal tail, which is kept in place by a leather harness and controlled through a mind crystal embedded in the tip. Fluttering into the air, Fizzle swoops over the crowd and uses his breath to clear a path for the champions. Timoran lets Dariana and Sari lead him toward the dais until Tigris and his three sons meet him at the stairs. He smiles when his daughter steps out of the crowd and takes his hand, the red-haired girl already strong enough to support her father’s full weight when they walk. Nyx and Trinity take their time following, the half-elf staring ahead with a blank expression.
“Mom!” shouts a brown-haired girl as she runs down the stairs. Struggling with a chainmail shirt that is a size too large and a wooden sword that drags behind her, she nearly falls on her face several times. “Alex keeps climbing the statues because the electricity doesn’t hurt him, but I keep telling him not to. Drusilia wasn’t helping me get him down. Now he’s mad because Edward and Lilith told him that he isn’t our real brother. I yelled at them, so they’re hiding under the dais. Dad is trying to get them out, but Lilith turned his wooden leg into a snake again, so now Uncle Aedyn is curing him of the poison and Alex is still up there.”
“Thank you for such a detailed report, Fiona,” Nyx groans, allowing her oldest child to lead her to the dais. With a wave of her hand, the channeler fixes her husband’s leg and teleports the raven-haired twins to her side. “One more bit of trouble out of you two and I’m having you stay with Aunt Dariana for a weekend. She will be under strict orders not to let Aunt Sari help because she would undo your punishment. Good to see that you’re listening now. Please come down from there, Alex, because we need to start the ceremony.”
“I’m fine up here,” the blonde-haired boy replies from his perch. He yelps when a hand of wind grabs him by the shirt and carries him to the dais. “Can I go back to Spellstream? I don’t feel like I should be here.”
“There is nobody who deserves to be up here more than you, Alexander Callindor,” Delvin announces, his voice loud enough for people to hear. He grins at how the young warrior puffs his chest at the sound of applause. “We don’t know why your father never got a ghost like Sari and Dariana. Maybe he’s having too many adventures on the other side or got lost. No matter what, you need to be brave and take his place on this dais. Just ignore what the twins say. Your mother entrusted you to Nyx and myself, so you are our son.”
“Thanks, extra dad.”
“Still better than when you called me a spare. By the way, I can see you trying not to laugh, extra son.”
“Is everybody up here?” Kellia asks, picking up a strange scepter that is covered in crystals and metal studs. She is about to speak into it when something sparks and she carefully places it back in its case. “We’re going to leave the fireworks for tonight, Catarina. Now, I want to thank everyone for coming to this momentous event. Some of you have traveled a block or two while others have crossed oceans. Ten years ago, the champions of Windemere and their allies saved us all by defeating Baron Kernaghan. They have gone on to become benevolent rulers, wise mentors, and inspirations to a new generation of heroes. So, it is not only for their sacrifices and victory in the past that we honor them, but for their continued dedication to Windemere. They saw us through the difficult years of accepting our lost past and helped to beat back those who wished to take advantage of our confusion. Long after their destiny was completed, the champions have continued to protect and guide us. This courtyard has always remained empty because nobody could agree on what to erect. Now, we know that it was merely being reserved for these six heroes and, by unanimous request, the drite who watched over them. As the ruler of Serab and one of their oldest friends, I am honored to reveal this monument and memorial. I do wish a certain trouble-making forest tracker was here too, but I guess we can’t get everything we want. Sorry, that kind of sours the mood. It’s just that I was one of the first people Luke Callindor saved and . . . Can somebody hand me the scissors already?”
Kellia wipes the tears from her eyes while Aedyn helps her cut through a ribbon that runs around the statues. The sheets fall to the ground to reveal the six statues, each one made from the type of stone that symbolized them in the Compass Key. Torches flicker from the ruby Nyx’s open hands, which are raised above her head. An obsidian Timoran towers above the others, his great axe swinging from the side and an amethyst Fizzle perched on his head. As people watch and whisper about the beautiful works of art, the drite statue teleports to the amber figure of Delvin. The warrior stands with his shield raised to block an attack and his sword pulled back as if waiting for an opening to strike. The sapphire Sari is in the middle of spinning, her back arched and detailed skirts billowing like they are made of real cloth. A stiletto is in her hand and there are other daggers hidden throughout the statue, which has a water basin at its feet. Many gather to see the emerald Luke with his sabers drawn and his legs posed as if he is jumping backwards. Anyone who gets close enough can see one of his four spirits within his body, the time of day and amount of sunlight deciding on which one is spotted. Unlike the other champions, Dariana’s diamond statue is not posed for battle. She stares forward and stands with her hands clasped in front of her, the sight bringing serenity to anyone who gazes at the many facets for more than a minute.
Feeling something warm against her skin, Nyx reaches into her sleeve and pulls out Zaria’s enchanted oyster. The shell shakes and shivers as if something is trying to get out, so she quickly puts it back and makes sure nobody is looking in her direction. Sensing the magic, Trinity glances at the half-elf, but shrugs since she assumes it is none of her business. Worried that she will miss whatever message Zaria has for her, Nyx transforms into mist while leaving an illusionary double that stares and points at the statues. Weaving through the legs of all the distracted citizens, the channeler makes her way to
the seaport where there are very few prying eyes. She materializes behind a stack of crates and easily opens the oyster, which holds a glowing pearl that she has never seen before.
“Look to the sky,” Nyx reads before closing the shell. The channeler does as the spell asks and notices a solitary griffin flying away from the rest of the flock. With a roaring shriek, the beast soars away from Gaia and disappears among the clouds, which suddenly crackle with lightning. “I love you too, little brother. We’ll meet again one day.”
From the Author
It wouldn’t be right to end this without saying thanks to the people who helped me get to this point. I started working on Legends of Windemere in 1998 and now it’s ending just shy of two decades later. It all began when I went to college, joined a D&D game, created a half-elven ranger named Luke Callindor, and realized this would make a fun story to share. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that I won’t be waking up tomorrow with Luke and the other champions to work with. Maybe I’ll sleep through the day and see if that helps, but I do have work to do. Other heroes, villains, and adventures need attention that I haven’t given them in a long time. I can only hope that I get the same amount of support for those stories that I did for Legends of Windemere.
Thank you to all of the players from the game that birthed this adventure and the world of Windemere. You all gave me permission to use your characters and make adjustments when I realized a book can’t perfectly follow a game. Thank you to Mike, Dave, Nate, Harold, Tracy, Sarah, Mark, Alan, Elisa, and Brynn.
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