Already a week had passed since the party's successful return. It had been spent resting from their long and difficult endeavors. The knight slowly climbed the stairway leading to the walls. He was certain Gwendolyn would be there, as she had been every morning since her arrival; watching the morning sun break over the tree lined horizon. As he stepped onto the battlements, a smile spread across his face. There she stood, the first rays of morning setting her golden hair aglow. The maiden turned her bright green eyes to the young Telian and smiled.
“Good morning,” she said. “I hope you slept well.”
“I did,” the knight replied, stepping over to her side. “And, you?”
“Very well, thank you!” the maiden nodded.
“I just realized that I never thanked you properly,” Darian said, resting his elbows on the wall and gazing at the fields below.
“For what?” the maiden asked.
“For saving my life a second time,” he answered.
“Did I?”
“You did,” the young knight asserted. “If you hadn't fought the way you did, I'm not sure I would have survived.”
“It seemed like the only thing to do at the time,” she replied.
“Well, I'm glad you did it,” he said, turning toward her. “And, I thank you.”
“And, I thank you,” she replied, dropping into a curtsy. “For rescuing me and saving my life I don't know how many times.”
“Oh, I don't think you were ever in any real danger,” Darian observed. “They would never have killed you.”
“There are things worse than dying,” she shuddered before turning her eyes to the fields once again.
“So, has it been decided?” the Telian asked, changing the subject.
“It has!” Gwendolyn answered excitedly. “I'm to remain here for the time being.”
“I'm glad,” the knight replied. “And, your parents?”
“They're going to stay, along with Nanna,” the maiden answered. “Lord Andor was gracious enough to extend his invitation to all of us.”
“Lord Andor?” the Telian laughed.
“Well,” she said. “That is his title, Sir Darian.”
“Is that so, Lady Gwendolyn?” the knight asked.
“You can't call me that!” the maiden replied, joining in his laughter. “I'm not a lady. At least, not yet.”
“You have plans to become one, then?”
“I do,” she nodded.
“Just what are they?” he asked, turning his eyes to her.
“I'll tell you some day,” she answered as a blush spread quickly across her face. “But, not today.”
As the pair stood immersed in conversation, the sorceress appeared from the top of the stairs and approached them.
“I've been looking for you, child,” Sarena said, smiling at the young maiden. “It's been decided that I'm to teach you how to harness your power.”
“Hadn't that already been settled?” Gwendolyn asked, turning to her future teacher.
“Well, there are several masters who might have been called on to instruct you,” the sorceress replied. “But, as I've already begun your training, so to speak, Lord Andor thought it would be best if you continued under my tutelage.”
“I'm glad,” the maiden said. “I can't imagine trying to learn from anyone else.”
“I'm very pleased, as well,” Sarena nodded. “I can't wait to see your full potential.”
“Well, I'm happy that you and Tealor are staying; whatever the reason is,” the knight asserted, smiling at the beautiful sorceress.
“As am I,” she replied, “In fact, my husband's decided that we're to give up our wandering. He's going to take the oath of fealty and become one of Lord Andor's captains.”
“That's great news!” the young Telian exclaimed. “Where is he?”
“In the great hall, Sir Darian,” she grinned.
“Just Darian!” the knight yelled over his shoulder as he made for the stairs.
When he reached the main hall, he found his former master, Daegon, and the warrior deep in talk.
“So, you're staying with us?” the knight asked, quickly crossing the hall and taking Tealor by the wrist.
“I am, Sir Darian,” the warrior nodded.
“Just Darian,” the young Telian replied.
“Not now, my lord,” Daegon replied, shaking his head. “We're currently discussing the rise of Solarin. So, at this time and in this place, you are Sir Darian just as I am Captain Daegon, and this is Captain Tealor, and we three are here to serve Lord Andor and the King.”
“I see, Captain,” the young knight grinned. “How can I be of help?”
“I'll tell you,” Lord Andor replied, turning to Darian with a broad smile.
For several hours, the four sat in the great hall discussing the future of Solarin. After the meeting was ended, the former party enjoyed one last meal together before the ranger and her escorts departed.
“I wish you could stay, as well,” Gwendolyn said as she strolled along beside the fair elvish maiden.
“So do I,” the ranger sighed. “But, I have to get home. I've been gone for almost a month now. And, I have... things... to discuss with my father.”
The rogue was busy adjusting the saddle on the horse Andor had given him.
“Thanks again for everything,” he said, bowing his head to the aged Telian.
“Think nothing of it,” the old man smiled. “You've more than earned it by helping keep Darian safe.”
“Well, I did do a bit of that!” the rogue laughed, before stepping over to hug the young knight goodbye.
“You sure you won't stay?” Darian asked.
“I can't,” the rogue answered, turning his gaze to Erana. “You wouldn't want me to let her head home alone.”
“No, I wouldn't,” the young knight agreed. “Although, I'm sure she can take care of herself. And you, master Ian, you're sure you want to go with them?”
“I am!” the bard nodded. “Kilren's gotten himself into a bit of a fix and I have to help him out of it.”
“What kind of fix?” Darian asked.
“I'll tell you about it later,” the rogue whispered quietly to his friend.
“Well,” the bard began, leaping on the back of the pony that had been acquired for him. “If we're going to get across the river before nightfall, we need to get going.”
Erana and Gwendolyn hugged; each promising to write the other at least once a week. Kilren and Darian shook hands once again. Ian took off his hat, bowing to the assembled party. Tealor and Sarena also said their goodbyes to the travelers, wishing them well on their journey.
“Eilian willing, we'll see you all again in a few months,” the dwarf said, kicking his mount into a trot.
The ranger and the rogue quickly followed his example and, within minutes, the trio – along with the massive wolf that jogged alongside them – had disappeared from view.
“I hope we see them again soon,” the maiden said, gazing at the trees which hid her former companions from view.
“Don't worry,” the knight replied. “We will.”
The End
(The story continues in The Beasts of Areon, which is currently available on Amazon.com: The Beasts of Areon)
Thank You!
Dear reader, I'm Aaron J. Ethridge, the author of The Stars of Areon, and I want to thank you for taking the time to read it. I sincerely hope you enjoyed it. I put a great deal of time and effort (as well as love and soul) into it. I want you to know that this is but the first in a series of what I plan to be seven books. (not including a number of spinoffs I have in mind). If you're interested in reading the further adventures of Sir Darian and his many allies, you can do something to help me make it happen.
It can be very difficult for a new author to reach readers. However, the most helpful group of people in the world for doing that are an author's current readers. Your opinion really does matter, and a few seconds of your time could change my life for years to come.
So, I ask you to please take a moment to review my work or post about it on your social networks using the links below. And, once again: Thank You!
If you enjoyed The Stars of Areon, you might also like my sci-fi comedy series (which is honestly more comedy than sci-fi), The Last Time Traveler, and my light hearted fantasy series (set in a world ruled by cruel undead), The Tales of Zanoth. The first books in both these series are currently available on Amazon. You can take a look using the links below.
The Last Time Traveler
The Tower of Daelfaun
The Stars of Areon on Amazon – I would very honestly appreciate your review. Please take a moment to give me one.
Goodreads Page – This is also a big one. Getting reviews here will help a great deal.
Facebook Share – Help spread the word through Facebook.
Areon Universe on Facebook – A Facebook page dedicated to Areon.
[email protected] – My very own e-mail address. (In case you want to contact me.)
Aaronjethridge.com – A website all about me and my own adventures.
My Facebook Page – My very own Facebook Page.
My Twitter – You can follow me on Twitter.
My Pintrest Page – My Pintrest Page.
The Stars of Areon (The Chronicles of Areon Book 1) Page 30