‘Wait,’ Caspian said. ‘Drew, she doesn’t blame you. She’s worried about you!’
Drew didn’t look at them. ‘You don’t understand. I failed her. She had to kill herself to get rid of Erebus! It should have been me. She shouldn’t have been forced to put herself through that!’
Logan and Caspian stared at Drew in disbelief as they recognised the guilt eating him up inside. He was afraid to see her because he thought she wouldn’t forgive him for what happened.
‘Drew, Laura loves you. She misses you. She wants to see you. She doesn’t blame you,’ Logan said to his friend.
Caspian nodded in agreement, staring down at Drew who still couldn’t look them in the eye.
‘I want to believe it. I just don’t know if I can. How could she possibly forgive me if I can’t even forgive myself?’
~
Laura sighed and reached for the letter. Seven days had passed since she’d awoken from her coma. A week. She was feeling better each day, and the healers seemed to think she could leave soon, provided she continued to rest.
As a result, she knew she couldn’t put it off any longer. Megan’s letter was calling for her. So, she opened the envelope and lifted the single sheet of paper from within.
Unfolding it, she recognised Megan’s neat handwriting, and a pang of sadness gripped her chest. The letter was dated from the day they’d left Mist Roe and set sail for Lastrala. She’d known. All along, Megan had known something would happen to her.
Sniffling, Laura began to read.
Dearest Laura,
If you are reading this letter, then I am sure you’ve come to learn of my death. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you the whole truth about the prophesy. I couldn’t – but I think you know that. The God’s are strict about our fates. We aren’t to know them unless it seen to be absolutely necessary.
The prophesy told me that someone would come, seeking my help. That I would be called upon to do so. And that I would give my life for that of a better future.
I would not change a thing, so please do not pity me. I was meant to give my life so that many could continue to live. It was written in the stars for me. And I accepted my fate long ago. So do not feel sad. I have taught you all I can. Now, you must take my place.
The Casters are without a chief, and I had no heir. But I bestow the position on to you. In the short weeks I’ve known you, I’ve come to see you for the strong, determined and kind young woman you are. You remind me much of myself when I was your age. And it was when I was your age that my mother passed on, granting me the position of Chief.
I understand if you choose not to accept. I will leave the decision of who will take the role up to you, should you turn down my offer. I know that no matter what choice you make, it will be the right one.
But know this. Becoming the chief of the Casters not only grants you with the gift to listen in to the Gods and Angels, it also allows you to draw on the power of your ancestors; the Chief Casters that came before you.
Should you decide to accept this position, then all you must do is place the ring that accompanies this letter on your finger. We will feel the magic, and we will come to you.
I wish you all the love and happiness in the world, dear Laura. You deserve nothing but the best.
With much love,
Megan
Out of the envelope slipped a silver ring. Its band was thin, simple, but indented within it were tiny diamonds. Setting the ring aside, Laura refolded the letter and returned it to the envelope. She knew what she had to do. She’d heard the meaning behind Megan’s words. She’d known everything. All that would occur after the war. She knew Laura could only really decide one thing. There was only one outcome. She smiled to herself, a tear escaping down her cheek.
Then, at last, she began to cry. Properly. She cried for all she’d lost. All she’d gained. All she’d seen and done and experienced. She cried for those she loved, for those who’d died much too young. She cried for the world she’d once known, and the world she’d so quickly been thrown into.
So much had happened. So many horrible things that she would never forget, and so many wonderful things that would stay with her forever.
After so long, it was over. It was all over.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Fallen Heroes and Living Souls
Grace sat in the third row, listening to the Grand Court as they spoke of the war. The memorial was almost over, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the graveyard.
It had been a cool morning, as if even the Gods above couldn’t quite let the sun shine down on such a sad occasion.
Many had been lost, and many were being honoured. Cara and Oliver Harmer, for the lengths they went to in order to protect Laura from Erebus. Robin for the sacrifice he’d made trying to stop him. Delilah for standing up to Mr Stark. The Wicked boy who’d risked everything to tell the Enchanted the truth before Cara sacrificed herself. Tristan Grey, the young converted Enchanted who’d risked his life so Mitch and Logan could steal a ship in order evacuate the Humans from Dante, and had later died in the fire as he held back the Wicked on his own. Creshan, for all he’d done to save the humans and, in turn, he’d shown the world the truth about the Wicked. Oscar, for his dedication and strength, and for helping convince the Mariadies to help. Megan, for what she did, bringing the Casters to help despite knowing she would probably die.
Beyond that, all who fell were spoken of by loved ones, honoured and laid to rest with kindness and respect for all they’d done. Among them was Leo’s father. There was also Michael and Vivian; Stella and Leo’s friends from Alast, Kane, the sorcerer, and Tilly and Stacey (who had been released from jail to fight). They had been a part of the rebels during their time being held hostage by Erebus, and had each played their part in protecting someone in the war.
It was hard to say goodbye. It was harder to see just how many of their own they’d lost. But as the service drew to an end, and the bodies were laid in the earth, one by one, a sense of peace and acceptance fell over the city.
It had been an awful war, but it was over, and they could only better themselves because of it, so that nothing like it would ever happen again.
Grace linked arms with her brother as the two of them followed Stella, Leo, Gemma, Mitch and Caspian down to the graves where they would lay their individual flowers. Grace knew Laura and Logan were watching from their rooms, peering out the window and across the city. Laura had wanted to come, but the healers hadn’t cleared her for it, and Logan was still unable to leave his bed.
So, Grace carried an extra flower for each of them, and laid them beside her own atop the large grave. Not all the bodies could be recovered. Many died on the battle field and were buried there. Some were buried in the mass graves that had been built during the beginning of the war. But everyone’s name was still carved into the stone slab that would rest atop the grave.
It would read every name that fought and died in the war. Enchanted, Wicked, Mariadie, Caster and Creature. Even Erebus was written there, for he too had died during the war. It was a reminder to them all that they never wanted something like that to happen again. And they would never let it happen, no matter what they had to do to prevent it.
Grace straightened, staring out at the thousands of people, placing their flowers down on the earth. She allowed herself to take a deep breath, feeling the calmness it brought over her body. Then, slowly, she let it go, letting it take the last horrors and pains that haunted her with it.
From then on, she would only look to the future, and live in the moment.
~
There was a knock at the door, and Laura spun, darting quickly back to her bed and pulling the covers over her. She was meant to be resting, but instead she’d been gazing off out the window, watching the memorial, then daydreaming about Megan’s letter and what it meant.
‘Come in!’ Laura called, double checking her blankets were in place and that she was snuggled back enough in the pillow to appear very much rest
ed.
General Lain opened the door and stepped inside, a knowing smile on his face.
‘Laura, it’s wonderful to see you looking so much better,’ he said, crossing the room and taking a seat in the leather chair by her bed.
‘Oh! General Lain. Or, I guess I should call you Grand Court Leader Lain,’ Laura teased a little with a small smile. ‘Thank you. It’s good to be up and about again.’
General Lain laughed. ‘Fred is my name. To you, I am Fred. You gave up much for us all, and that’s the absolute least I can give you.’
Laura’s cheeks flushed at his kind words. ‘I was only doing what I could,’ she responded.
Fred Lain shook his head. ‘No, Laura. You went far beyond that. In fact, that’s why I’m here. On behalf of the Grand Court, the Minor Courts and the entire Enchanted race, we would like to officially thank you for your unbelievable sacrifice. Your kindness, bravery, courage and determination, saved Elixir from ever having to suffer at the hands of Erebus’s rule. In recognition of this, the Grand Court’s would like to offer you an open line with them. Should you need anything, and I mean anything, our door is always open to you. No appointment needed, no request. You are welcome through our doors at any time of the day, or night. If you have an idea you think should be implemented, if you desire a holiday, if you want new weaponry, literally anything, okay?’
Laura was choked up, unable to hold back her well of tears as they filled her eyes.
‘It’s the least you deserve, but the best we can offer.’
Laura was shaking her head. ‘No, don’t be silly. Your words are more than enough. But thank you. I really, really appreciate it.’
Fred inclined his head, and Laura swallowed down her tears.
‘Now, since you’re here, I do have one request.’
‘Of course, anything,’ Fred sat forward.
‘Convince the damn healers to let me out of this room,’ Laura said. ‘I have work of my own to do.’
~
Drew felt a presence come up behind him, matching his stride with ease. One glance sideways revealed his best friend.
Caspian’s eyes were downcast as the two of them wandered along the street, making their way to nowhere, really. Drew could see the exhaustion in his friends face. His golden hair hung down over his forehead and his usually bright eyes were battling sorrow.
Drew supposed he didn’t look much better. He’d been beating himself up for a long while. Since the moment Laura had… well, he didn’t like thinking of what had happened. What he should have done – and what she’d instead been forced to do because of his weakness.
‘It’s not bad, the weather today,’ Caspian commented absentmindedly.
Drew cast his eyes upwards, peering at the gloomy sky.
‘Sure,’ he responded.
Caspian glanced sideways at him, and Drew caught the slight glint in his eye. That old Caspian, from before the war. The Caspian that had been there for him through thick and thin, that had allowed Drew to lean on him, despite his own horrors.
The two of them burst out laughing, unable to quite permit the sadness of the day to hinder their unusual senses of humour. They’d both been through so much, and yet, even that could never really come between them. The war, being held hostage, being split apart when Caspian had been kidnapped by Erebus, none of it would change the friendship they possessed.
‘Do you think we will ever forget what happened? All the things we saw… and did?’ Drew asked his friend as their chuckles died down.
Caspian gave him a regretful smile, and shook his head. ‘No, I don’t think we will,’ he forced a sigh. ‘But I think we will learn to live with it. And accept the part we played. It’s all we can really do. If we allow ourselves to dwell on it… well we won’t ever have a real future. It’ll be a miserable one, at the very least. We just have to try and do better – to be better.’
Drew caught the distant look in Caspian’s face, and he understood that Caspian was thinking of Oscar. He’d lost so much – and yet, somehow he managed to dig deep and find it within himself to remain strong. Drew wished he could be like his friend. He wished he could put behind him the part he’d played in Laura’s capture and death. But he simply wasn’t wired that way. He couldn’t just accept that he’d allowed the girl he loved with all his heart to be captured, her body taken over, leading to her to have to end her own life. How could he ever accept that and just move on?
Caspian seemed to notice Drew’s internal battle, for he paused, pulling something from his belt. Drew stopped, turning to see the dagger in his friend’s hand, spinning through his fingers in the same dance-like-style that Drew use to do. Then, Drew’s eyes shifted to the building beside them. It was a training centre, and it was open.
‘How about one last lesson on target practice. You know, for old time’s sake?’ Caspian asked, tossing his dagger in the air and catching it before offering it to Drew.
Drew couldn’t halt the small smile that appeared on his lips as he reached for the dagger.
‘You’re on.’
~
Stella knocked quickly on the door to the little farmhouse, Leo standing nervously beside her. They hadn’t seen her parents since the war, and while their brothers confirmed over and over again that they were all right, it was still a huge moment.
Stella had been so sure she wouldn’t make it when she’d bid goodbye to her brothers. She’d told them to pass on a message to her parents, which they had. They knew she’d survived, but they also knew she’d been busy, which was why she hadn’t seen them.
Knowing she would any moment, though, was huge. She didn’t know how they would react. Would they be angry at her for endangering herself after they’d already nearly lost her once? Would they be angry at Leo? That was why Leo was wringing his sweaty hands, she was sure of it.
The door opened, and Archer grinned at the two of them.
‘Come in, dinner is nearly ready,’ he said, stepping aside and letting them enter.
Stella passed through the door, the smell of roast meat and vegetables making her mouth water. She barely had a moment to glance around the room, though, before her mother and father threw themselves at her.
Stella felt all the worry and fear melt away in an instant as she hugged her parents, a grin so wide on her lips it hurt her cheeks. She couldn’t remove it, though, as she peered around the little dining room, full of her brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephews.
It warmed her heart, and as she stepped back, Martin and Sully were there, then Tarim and Archer, all hugging her and Leo.
‘Come in dear. Here, let me take your coat,’ Stella’s mother said, wiping the tears from her cheeks and helping her and Leo take off their coats and scarves.
They barely moved further into the room before there were more hugs from Stella’s nieces and nephews, then her sisters in law. The room was in chaos as everyone hurried to speak, to catch up, all laughing and smiling and simply happy to be together.
Stella stood in the middle of it, feeling nothing but joy for the first time in a very long while.
~
Logan shifted, the throbbing and stinging in his leg close to unbearable. The pain had grown much worse in the past days, and already he was feeling the effects through his body. He knew he was putting off the inevitable. But he couldn’t quite bring himself to allow the healers to remove his leg. If he did, then that would be it. If he didn’t, then the poison would spread to his heart.
Grace had begged him to do it. She understood what was at stake, and while he knew she only wanted him to live, she didn’t quite understand what he would be giving up. Without his leg, he would not be the warrior he’d always dreamed of – always trained to be. Many had told him otherwise, and he knew Caspian and Drew had been right in explaining to him that medicine was advancing and that he’d be back on his feet with an artificial limb in no time, but it wouldn’t be the same.
He squeezed his eyes shut, and as he did so the door ope
ned. He scrambled to pull the rugs up over him and wipe the tears from his eyes, but it was too late. Grace had seen him.
‘Oh love,’ Grace murmured, closing the door and coming to sit on the bed beside him.
Just the sound of her voice set him off, and he was sobbing uncontrollably into her stomach. She didn’t say a thing, only ran her fingers soothingly through his hair.
After a time, he managed to regain control of himself and sit back, leaning into his pillows.
‘Sorry,’ he said sheepishly.
‘No,’ Grace said firmly, placing an arm around his shoulders and snuggling in beside him. ‘Never be sorry. You’re going through hell right now and deserve to feel whatever you want to feel.’
‘I know. But I’m making everyone else miserable,’ Logan countered.
‘Stop it. We’re here for you, no matter what, okay?’ Grace responded.
Logan nodded into her hug, eyes still wet. ‘I- I know I have to do it… but, well, everything will change. I- I won’t be the person you fell in love with- I won’t be able to do as much…’
Grace sat up, eyes staring down into his. ‘Now you listen here, Logan Walker. I love you through the good times and the bad. No matter what happens, I will love you. You hear me? So as much as I want you to cut this poison from your body, it is your decision, and I will support that no matter what. It does not change who you are, or what you mean to me. You will forever be my Logan.’
Logan met Grace’s gaze, a whole new wave of affection washing over him. He nodded once, and she laid back down beside him.
‘We’ll get through this together,’ she said with finality.
~
Caspian stood along the beaches edge, enjoying the simple feel of the cool water lapping against his bare feet. He stared out at the setting sun, at the deep shades in the sky, reflecting nearly all the colours in the rainbow.
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