The funeral was a short one. All very traditional.
En-Don's body had been placed on board a small boat, dressed in what had formerly been his mother's armor. Her sword was spared, and given back to Ka-Ron by the final wishes of her son. Under normal circumstances, all Idoshians were laid to rest with their weapons at the ready. But, since En-Don was not a knight, this last was allowed. The sword would serve as a constant reminder of her son's bravery.
The body was pushed out into the middle of the village's only lake and set ablaze. The fire was brilliant. All were assured that En-Don's spirit was rightfully taken up to the gods.
In their hearts, all knew that En-Don would be waiting for them on the other side - a helpful guide, always there when comfort would be needed.
Molly was allowed, with both Jatel's and Ka-Ron's blessing, to wear a white gown, showing all in the village that she was the young man's worldly love. The woman took her loss well. She cried, suffered, and shook with grief - this was to be expected. Dorian, now forever female, took hold of her, providing much-needed support. Both women cried.
The men bowed with respect.
Such was the way of the world.
***
"We have Allies in Tharsish," Rolmore stated, pointing his fingers upon a rolled out map. "We can start there."
Both Rolmore and Rohan had been spending cycles looking over plans of attack. Now that Ka-Ron had reached her goal, it was time to consider their needs to serve their people.
"Upon our arrival, the king of the land has promised us a supportable army."
"This is good, considering the force we will soon be facing."
Rolmore stopped. His eyes turned sad.
"What has become of our father, Rohan?"
Rohan placed a hand upon his brother's shoulder. Both had lost much over the last few suns. Their freedom. Their land. Everything.
"Dorian has informed me of a small creature that is attached to our father's neck, near the top of his back. It was her impression that the thing had control of him."
"I saw no such creature, dear brother."
"Rolmore, Dorian would not make up such a thing. Not when it is this important." he paused. "Perhaps the creature, not knowing of dwarf females, could not bring up defense against her?"
Rolmore rolled up his maps, thinking. "If that is true, the dwarfs could become important allies."
"True!" Rohan agreed. "We must consider them, at the very least."
"Your speech has merit, Rohan."
Dorian soon approached her newly-adopted family. She had changed her clothes and was now dressed in full female garb - a last respect to a fallen comrade.
"How goes the planning?" she asked.
Both elves looked upon the dwarf woman with wonder. She was starting to "show" more and more each day.
"Dorian," Rolmore asked, "how may we approach the dwarfs for their assistance in this matter?"
"They will be angry with me for breaking the trust," the dwarf advised. "I may find myself a wanted criminal for the doing. The fact that we hide our women has been a long-standing tradition. We must proceed with caution."
"Agreed," both elves stated.
"Well, my friends, it is time we say our goodbyes."
Both Rohan and Dorian turned sad.
"It is a hard thing to leave friends." Rohan stated.
"Perhaps," Rolmore agreed. "But they, too, will be affected by this war. We will have need of them as well."
The task was put into motion.
All went to pay final respects, and to say goodbye.
Ka-Ron and Jatel, knowing of their tasks, waited outside Kai's hut. The knight's eyes filled with tears: tears of sadness for her current loss, and for the grief of friends soon to part.
"Fair journeys to you," Jatel wished, his hand extended in salute.
Dorian and Ka-Ron hugged.
"Have you decided?" the dwarf asked Ka-Ron, whispering.
The knight shared the secret, talking into Dorian's ear. She pulled away from the knight, smiling. The dwarf seemed to approve.
"Then all is good." the dwarf replied.
Both women held each other's hands, secretly celebrating.
The men, of course, were both totally mystified and left out.
There was a small commotion on the outskirts of the village. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that a group of elves, refugees from their native lands, had gathered, hoping to join both Rohan and Rolmore in their cause.
After the initial surprise, both elfin brothers turned sad.
"It has begun," Rolmore said tiredly.
"So soon?"
"War has a way of sticking to its own timetable, brother." The sea captain respectfully nodded to both Jatel and Ka-Ron. "Come, my sister, it is time for us to leave."
"I hope the best for thee," Ka-Ron solemnly wished. She kissed Dorian on the cheek.
"And I you." Dorian returned.
For a moment, no one wanted to move.
It was as if each, seeking the right words and movement, relived each experience they had shared together. Friendship had a way of reflection that seemed most painful at separation.
Then, the moment came.
One of the elves from the refugee group threw up a warning hand. It was time to leave. King Rakamore's reach was growing both far and powerful. He had spies everywhere.
"We go, my friends," Rohan said, helping Dorian upon a nearby horse. "Until we next meet."
All bowed their heads.
In a cloud of dust, the elves were gone.
The woods helped in the way only nature could. All traces of their visit were covered over with leaf, twig, mud, and wind. Rohan and Rolmore had their hands full. And only time provided the appropriate outcome.
"They will be missed."
Both Ka-Ron and Jatel discovered that they were not alone.
Kai and Keeth had joined them in their pains of seeing a friend off to uncertain ends.
"Yes," Ka-Ron agreed.
Kai stood studying the knight. The Wicca Master seemed to know something that was only privy to the inner gray regions of Ka-Ron's own thoughts. What the witch saw was uncertain.
"I liked that young elf," Keeth mused, rubbing his fingers through his beard. "The woman, Dorian, has an important aura of destiny shining around her. I wager that we have not heard the last of that one. I am honored to call them both friends. They served well. And that, if anything, is a great tribute to have."
There was a long period of silent self-reflection.
Keeth cleared his throat.
"If you will all excuse me, I have to see to the Argo's refit." the wizard gleamed with pride. "The ship is faring quite nicely. I am thinking about adding a machine which will allow the passenger to explore the outer blackness of the in-between spaces of other worlds. I am so excited about the possibilities."
Ka-Ron could not help but be amused.
On returning to his ship, Keeth absently tripped over a root growing from a nearby tree. Picking himself up and brushing dirt off his clothing, the wizard awkwardly waved his goodbyes. Keeth appeared to be humming a childhood tune to himself and thinking.
Kai approached both Jatel and Ka-Ron with caution.
"Come," the Wicca Master instructed. "We have business to conclude."
A troubled expression crossed Jatel's face, which, to his credit, he controlled well. Upon seeing the expression, Ka-Ron took the squire by the hand. Her eyes met his.
"Hold," the knight requested. "Let us talk of this, please."
The Wicca Master listened. And, for the first time in a rather long time, Kai was delightfully surprised.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
Kai helped Ka-Ron put on her new dress with shaky hands. Both were enjoying the moment, and had a chance to share certain delightful things that women, in private, could do. The morning was proving itself to be quite wonderful indeed. There was a pleasant breeze blowing in from the harbor bay, bringing with it a crisp feeling of life renewed.
; It was a delightful way to have a wedding.
"So, you have made this choice, knowing full well, that once completed, there is no way back?" Kai asked while buttoning Ka-Ron's wedding gown.
The knight turned. "Dear woman, I love the man."
"Then, it is good."
Both hugged.
"At first, Kai, your actions were what they had intended to be: a curse. Then, little by little, the sufferings cause life to became more enjoyable. I felt more alive."
Kai gave the knight a puzzled look.
"I cannot explain it more clearly than that," Ka-Ron stated in response. "All I know was that each time I fell deeper and deeper into despair, there was Jatel. Never once did he question, and never once did he falter."
The Wicca Master held out a hand in caution.
"Dear child, he was also under my spell."
"At first," Ka-Ron took hold of Kai's hands. "At first, he was. But there are forces in this universe, I have discovered, that can break any spell. I will agree that you held him at the beginning, but, his hearts took hold, later, and he did not let go." The knight's eyes began to tear. "I do love him, Kai. As sure as I know that he treasures me."
"Then, my child, do not let go!" Kai pleaded with her, holding tightly. "True love, however improbable in a changing world, can never be allowed to go unnoticed. It is the most powerful spell known, and the most desired."
"Yes," Ka-Ron agreed.
"But, take heed, child," the Wicca Master warned. "Once married, you can never turn back into a man. You will remain a woman for the remainder of your life."
"Is such a fate so bad?" Ka-Ron asked, adjusting herself in her dress.
"I should say not."
It was time to get the wedding underway.
The ceremony itself was conducted simply, with just Keeth, Kai, and Molly in attendance. The whole thing was performed under a huge tree - the oldest in the village.
"One of the most sacred acts of a wizard or witch," Keeth solemnly said, holding an ancient book open in front of both Ka-Ron and Jatel, "is the bonding of two elements into one stable solid. Of all the acts and chain of events that evoke them, love is the greatest of mysteries."
Jatel stood, quite nervous and out of place, as Ka-Ron tugged at his arm. The squire had donned his combat armor - something he rarely did outside the arena of war. He looked taller, nobler, and indeed gallant. All were impressed.
"Perhaps it is right that no wizard or witch can create love. That is what gives the act so much power."
Ka-Ron's eyes met those of her lover. They were soft and accepting. There was something the knight had always wanted, and secretly waited for - a place to call home. Who knew that she could find it via a curse and the kind heart of a lowly squire?
"Ka-Ron of Teal, do you accept the love of this man?" the wizard asked.
"With all my hearts." Ka-Ron kissed Jatel.
"Jatel of Illium, noble squire to the house of Idoshia, do you accept the love of this woman?"
Jatel looked at his master and beamed. "I shall fight for her honor with my last breath. I would suffer for her happiness. I would die just to hold her hand."
Keeth chuckled. "A simple 'yes' would do," he said.
Everyone held back a laugh.
"Then, by the authority given to me by my kingdom, peers, and order, I bind the two of you into one solid element. May you both prosper and live in honor."
It was done.
Jatel kissed his master.
"I welcome thee into my hearts&husband." Ka-Ron whispered, almost in tears.
"And I you, mast&my wife."
To the last, Jatel was both loyal and true.
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
Ka-Ron and Jatel approached the Argo, hearing the telltale hammering of the wizard. He had been hard at work repairing the damage done by Rakamore's agents, and, of course, improving upon his fantastic machines. Both were amused and not really surprised that Keeth would be doing such a thing.
"Does that man ever take a day off?" Jatel mused.
"I think not," Ka-Ron stated, with her arm around her husband's waist.
After finalizing her spell upon the knight, Ka-Ron awoke the next morn to some startling surprises. Her features had calmed. Her curves had become more appropriate. Her features had taken on a softer complexion. She was, in a word, beautiful. This last was a wedding gift to both. The knight was quite surprised to discover that her love was more enjoyable now that her hearts were in control.
"Shall we go see if the good wizard can take us home?" Jatel asked.
Ka-Ron shook her head in agreement.
The wizard was, in fact, deep inside one of his colossal machines, beating away at a cog wheel with his wooden mallet. Cursing and yelling at the top of his lungs, Keeth was not aware of the fact that he had guests.
As he had stated, the wizard was working on yet another invention. This one, he claimed, would be able to propel his vessel above the very sky itself. He stated that there were vast "in between spaces" that separated the stars. The chance for adventure was beyond the imagination.
"Oh!" Keeth grew startled on spotting Ka-Ron gazing down upon him. He dropped his hammer. "I did not see the two of you."
"No harm, wizard."
Keeth crawled out and brushed himself off.
"Any word on Rohan or Dorian?" Jatel asked, concerned.
"I got post this morning that both were in high spirits. They're expecting a baby, you know."
Both Ka-Ron and Jatel silently acknowledged this.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Wizard, we were wondering if you could transport the two of us to Idoshia."
"My dear, do you have to ask?"
Molly rushed into the room carrying a huge wooden box. Inside the container all could see various tubes and springs. The redhead was both startled and pleased to see the newlyweds. Having bowed, she rushed off to the other end of the ship. Her actions showed great haste.
Both Jatel and Ka-Ron gave the wizard an inquisitive glance.
"She is quite capable with her hands." Keeth said.
Jatel tried his best to hold back a laugh.
Ka-Ron slapped the squire, helping him in his endeavor.
"I think she wants to sign on as my assistant," the old man mused. "It has been quite some time since I have had a&pupil."
"Indeed?" Ka-Ron winked.
"It is far too soon for that, my love," the wizard stated, pointing a knowing finger at the knight. "She will be in mourning for quite some time. Your son was her first true love, and that is quite a challenge for even a young man to conquer."
"Still," Ka-Ron placed her hand upon the wizard's shoulder. "If you are willing to wait, I wish you good hunting."
Keeth gave the matter some thought, and betrayed his attempt to hide his interest by glancing off in Molly's direction. The redhead had no idea that she was once again a "wanted" woman.
"When shall you be ready to get underway?" Jatel asked.
"Tomorrow I add the "between spaces" rocket boosters," the wizard mused. "But all should be ready by mid-sun. Shall we say tomorrow night?"
Bowing, Ka-Ron pulled Jatel back with her.
"Until then, my friend."
As both exited the Argo, they exchanged curious glances.
"Jatel," the knight asked, as she trotted down the gangplank.
"Yes?"
"What's a rocket booster?"
"I have absolutely no idea, my love."
Ka-Ron turned to kiss her husband. She loved the way he paid close attention to her needs&the forceful way he guided her to his will, and the diplomatic way he handled his defeats. A wife's job was conflict, was it not?
Their honeymoon night had been lovely. And it was upon that subject that the knight had wanted to focus.
Kai had allowed them the comfort of her hut while she rested on board the wizard's ship. The Wicca Master was getting ready to move on herself. War loomed, and she wished to start forming Allies of her own, so that b
oth she and her order would be able to survive the destructive outcome.
Things were changing.
"Jatel," Ka-Ron asked, "do you think this war will come to Idoshia?"
"Our lands do have minor elf lands nearby. Sooner or later, I see trouble."
"I hope not."
"Ka-Ron, you need not worry anymore. I am here to protect you."
Smiling, the knight hugged her man. She longed for a private moment: a moment where she could take Jatel's clothes off once more&a moment where his strong hands reached down to her bottom, squeezing slightly&for the force and feel of him entering her, again. She had all the normal feelings of a woman now, and all the responsibility. She was quite amazed at her overall powers.
"Let's go back to the hut," Ka-Ron suggested. The woman took hold of Jatel's bottom lip, ever so slightly, by biting into it with her teeth, pulling him toward the desired direction.
Jatel could only respond with a subtle grunt of pain, although it felt pleasurable.
Tomorrow would come at its own pace.
For now, Ka-Ron was in the mood for love.
***
Kai stood by the Argo waiting for both Jatel and Ka-Ron to approach.
Not that many people in the neighborhood of Kai's hut had gotten much sleep the night before. If there were people in the village of Ur who knew not of the newlywed's love, they heard that news shouted out loud, several times, during the course of the newlyweds' lovemaking. Still, no one took it negatively. New lovers always held within them passion to spare.
Awkward glances were to be expected.
The knight did her best to conceal the fact that all her muscles ached from fatigue. The woman could barely walk!
Jatel had his way with her more than once, and he hid a limp.
"I see that you are&rested." Kai spoke the last word with great irony.
Ka-Ron patted at her hair. She could feel a blush entering her cheeks. "I am finding my way around my new life."
"Indeed." Kai turned her attentions to Jatel. "Dear squire, it seems that you have found your wish, and it has been fulfilled. Treat her with love, and do not throw that love away. Once love is out of hand, no magic in the universe can recapture it."
The man thought about what the Wicca Master had said. As he did so, several children went playing in the fields, performing tasks and role-playing, acting as if at war, and performing other innocent rituals as children alone can do. He placed his hand in Ka-Ron's. There was no doubt about his love, and no need for testing.
The Misadventures of Ka-Ron the Knight Page 47