And they answered their King as one, “Never alone!”
Over the next week, many good-byes were said. But on the morning that King Eliam and the fallen were to return to the Sacred Realm Beyond the Sun, many met for a meal in Guard’s Keep, and all farewells took on special prominence.
Elspeth and her workers hustled around the room, filling plates with piles of scones, mountains of fried potatoes, and deep bowls of her famous stew. Everywhere Elspeth went, she put down her trays and hugged someone!
“When you have things back in order in Yewland,” Bolt said to his brother, “visit the forest that now grows where the Grimwalk once was. I think you will find a very special tree growing there.”
Nock looked at Bolt strangely. “What have you done?” he asked.
“Me?” Bolt protested. “Nay! It was Sir Aidan’s doing! But still, go when you can.”
“It is nearly time, my darling,” Queen Illaria said when she came up behind Bolt. He turned and smiled at her, but then looked back at Nock. “I will miss you, brother!” he said.
And they embraced until Mallik came over and separated them. “Did you think you could just leave again without saying good-bye to me?” Mallik grabbed Bolt and crushed him in a bear hug.
Aidan spoke to Kaliam and Lady Merewen nearby. “It still looks funny to see you with my color of skin!” said Aidan.
“It still looks funny to see myself with your color of skin!” Kaliam said, and they laughed.
“The strangest part,” Lady Merewen said, “is having the memories of my twin, mingled with my own. The Mirror Realm was no easy place to live.”
“It wasn’t so bad,” Aidan said, smiling amiably.
“You are a valiant knight,” Lady Merewen said at last, and she kissed him on the cheek.
They shared embraces, and Aidan said, “Rule well, Your Majesties.”
But the hardest farewell for Aidan was with his parents. Aidan stood with his father and mother and they held one another for a long time. “We’re proud of you, son,” Mr. Thomas said.
“Very proud,” his mom echoed. “Now that I know everything you went through-I… I’m sorry for doubting you.”
“It’s okay, Mom!” Aidan said. “You came around! And now you two get to rule Mithegard together!”
“The lad has a point!” said Grampin, who was now also his Glimpse twin Captain Valithor. “Not bad for a tardy-gaited puttock!”
Aidan grinned. It was so strange to see both Grampin and Captain Valithor in his grandfather’s gaze… strange and wonderful.
The meal ended, and King Eliam signaled it was time to depart. Aidan hugged his mother and father one more time-as did Grampin. And then, together, they left Guard’s Keep.
Antoinette sat on a white dragon steed next to Aidan’s on the great balcony over Guard’s Keep. As soon as he was in the saddle, she leaned over and asked, “Ready?”
Aidan didn’t answer. He looked out past the thousands of other dragon riders preparing for the journey to the Sacred Realm. He looked over the flourishing Seven Fountains of Alleble, out beyond the walls, and into The Realm. The memories came flooding in. “Do you remember when we slid out of that mountain tunnel and landed in the-?”
“Yes, Sir Aidan. I remember it well,” she replied. “Do you remember zooming down the cable in Yewland and falling into the-?”
“Yes!” Aidan laughed. Aidan remembered every detail of all his journeys, both as Aidan and as Aelic.
At last, they maneuvered their dragon steeds to the edge of the ramp. King Eliam and his proud mount were to Aidan’s left. Robby and Trenna were giggling to his right. The mighty King of Alleble was about to snap the reins when he felt Aidan’s stare.
“King Eliam?” Aidan asked
“Yes, lad?”
“Are there adventures in the Sacred Realm?”
King Eliam’s deep blue eyes twinkled, and he looked on Aidan kindly. He saw that Antoinette, Robby, Trenna, and many of the other knights waited to hear his answer. His snowy white mustache curled into a playful smile, and he said, “Beyond your wildest dreams.”
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The Final Storm tdw-3 Page 30