A glow of expectation was on her face. She was happy with her choice, happy with her chosen one, and excited about the great journey of her life.
Tanti looked at her, beautiful, free, and his.
“I’m so lucky, lucky, lucky,” he said to himself. What else could he have wished for? The blessed mushroom was in his possession, hidden securely against his heart, growing and multiplying secretly. In the past days, he had noticed branching in the pouch. Soon, he’d deliver it to Aklivor and his people. They’d continue to cultivate the mushroom, and with it, fertilize the land of beautiful Izmeran.
In his own house, they’d have a pretty vegetable garden. Laorin would walk in it, flowers in her hair, munching the fruit she picked and collected in her basket.
How beautiful she was right now, in her joy and freedom. How beautiful was this day and the way home. He burst into song singing, his heart glowing with happiness.
I dreamed a dream – that here you wait,
Greeting me in tranquility and radiance.
Your eyes like flowers, hair the gold of grain,
Your dress colored in poppies’ crimson stain.
Yes, we will walk among the Shernan trees
And hear the song of Izmeran.
Hey, oh hey…
The six riders straightened their backs, enjoying the sweet notes filling the valley.
Gayalo lifted his head, bared his big teeth, and whinnied lengthily. Tanti could sing as much as he liked. He, Gayalo, was the real winner here. The White queen was here. Yes, for him she would forever stay a queen, riding on his back, without him having to choose between her and Tanti. Now both the queen and Tanti were with him. What more could a horse like him ask for?
Journey to Water's Heart Page 49