Enjoying the tender moment with his new bride, Thoruk maintained his trance. His muscles relaxed as anxiety melted away.
The holy man lifted his arm high and moved his hand downward, then sideways in the sign of the cross above the newly-married couple. He turned to Mercivil and Drew, blessing them as well, then repeated the motion over Stormulka and Blessivil. Spreading his hands out to the three couples, he looked at Thoruk and the other two grooms, one at a time. "Gentlemen, you may kiss your brides."
Thoruk leaned Charilulka back in his arms, pressing his lips to hers while holding her tight for several seconds. A loud cheer exploded as the exuberant audience showered the newlyweds with wild flowers.
Listening to the joyous reaction of the crowd, which extended halfway around the lake, Thoruk lifted his eyes to the sky. Lord, thank you for this wonderful day — and, Father, I wish you were by my side. It was your sacrifice for so many years that created such a remarkable home for the people of Ukkiville.
As his thoughts faded, the clouds which had shadowed the area for the latter part of the ceremony parted. A bright sliver of sunlight cast its shine onto the married couples, then slowly radiated across the entire lake. Warmth filled his chest.
While he often made light of weddings as he grew up, it struck him. This is the happiest moment of my life. I've got my buddies, we all have our spouses, and we're standing before our friends and family — along with Mercivil's mom and my father in heaven. A teardrop rolled down Thoruk's cheek.
Nighttime, Eight Hours Later
As the night's reception along the shoreline wore on, the band changed moods from lively folk music to the softer, more romantic beat of a lovely waltz. After dancing with his wife for most of the evening, Thoruk strolled to Mercivil and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"
She slowly lifted her eyes and gazed at him for a moment. "By all means."
They whisked across the grassy dance area to an opening and gracefully moved to the enchanting music's rhythm. While they circled around the other dancers, Thoruk raised his arm and twirled Mercivil three times. As she spun to complete the third turn, he extended his other arm behind her, and she lightly dropped back into his embrace.
He leaned over and softly kissed her forehead. "How was that, sis?" He gently lifted her upright and held her away as he smiled.
Mercivil's eyes sparkled. "Not bad at all. You were rather light on your feet for a brother, otherwise clumsy at times." She smiled and curtsied.
Chuckling, he peered at her. "In some ways — that evening with your mom — well, it was the best thing for us."
Stormulka walked up from behind, obviously overhearing him. "Shivers, it's a blessing you're siblings. I can't even imagine the havoc you two would wreak across the village if you lived under the same roof as husband and wife."
Thoruk laughed. "I can't argue with that. By the way, I always wanted a sister to look out for."
Pretending to be annoyed, Mercivil pressed her lips and squinted. "Who looks after who?" She grabbed Thoruk by the shoulders, stuck out her foot behind him, and pulled him back, almost bringing him to the ground.
He hopped to his feet and hugged her tight. "Yea, I love you too, sis. I know who always has my back!"
Stormulka joined them and the trio held hands as they spun to the music filling the air.
Spotting their spouses chatting on the side, Mercivil waved. "Come join us. Let's dance through the night."
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Blue Moon Magic
Near Midnight After the Wedding
Thoruk and the other grooms talked while Wolfuk and seven sentries herded the remaining partiers back toward the village to give the newlyweds some privacy. After the last of the guests left, Thoruk walked toward Wolfuk as he approached. "Is everybody gone?"
The recently promoted Master of Arms nodded. "Yes, everything is clear. The six of you have the remainder of the night to yourselves as you see fit. Seven guards are watching the perimeter, and I'll be in front of your tents at a safe distance where I won't hear anything." He winked.
Thoruk patted his shoulder. "You outdid yourself. Thank you for working with the women and children to get the wedding area prepared. I noticed the flowers around each tent — nice touch. Please thank everybody for me."
"Will do, sir. It's a pleasant evening. Sleeping by the lake tonight should be very comfortable."
"Perfect! You're a good man. I owe you, my friend."
Thoruk returned to the rest of the newlyweds chatting by a table. "Okay, we're alone. I thought we could go sit by the shore for awhile before we call it a night."
After they settled onto a blanket close to the community dock, Thoruk grabbed a jug from a decorated bag conveniently located nearby. He extended it toward the others as his eyes widened. "Moonshine." He grinned. "Intellulka gave me this wonderful gift to offer as a toast on a special occasion. It's only fitting that here, right now, is the precise moment."
He popped the cork and filled a pewter mug, accented with an intricate Lake of Dreams design. "We'll all drink from this elegant stein, given to me by Protuk after we completed our training when we were kids." He nodded at Mercivil, then Stormulka.
Raising the mug high overhead, Thoruk glanced at the others. "For the three of us who became blood siblings right here on the shores of the Lake of Dreams, we renew our vow. As for our new partners in life — will you join us in our commitment?"
Smiling, they joyously replied. "We do!"
He lifted the offering higher. "We all pledge our lives to the protection and happiness of Ukkiville."
His friends responded in unison. "Hear! Hear!"
Raising the stein to his lips, Thoruk swallowed a mouthful, coughed, and handed the drink to Charilulka. He leaned back and wheezed. "Blazes, that is strong, but oh sooo good!" His bride followed his lead by taking a sip of the throat-burning libation and passing it along until all sampled Intellulka's home brew, choking and gasping after each gulp.
"Look!" Mercivil pointed to the horizon. "Over there!"
Barely clearing the crest of the Eric the Red Mountains, a huge orb emanated a mystical, bluish glow.
Blessivil jumped up. "Stunning, that's a very special moon! My mother told me about such an event when I was a little girl." She glanced at her friends. "Mom said it's great luck to those blessed by the light of a blue moon."
Thoruk stood and joined her. "I remember Father saying the same thing." He lifted the jug this time. "To the extraordinary moon and the six of us who share your glimmer tonight!" He took a swig and gave it to Blessivil who did likewise, passing it to the group to enjoy.
After he and the rest polished off the remains, Thoruk offered his hand to Charilulka. He helped her up, hugged her tight, and turned to look at the others. "This day has truly been remarkable. Nothing has made me happier than being married and sharing this lovely evening with all of you at the Lake of Dreams. And on that note, I think it's time to turn in and take advantage of the blue moon's magical power."
He winked, then led his bride to their sleeping quarters for the special occasion. As he walked he waved a hand. "Good night everybody."
When they reached the lavishly-decorated tent, Thoruk lifted Charilulka and carried her across the entry. After kissing his lovely wife and carefully setting her down, he turned to untie the flap and... A thunderous roar shattered the night's air.
Startled, he scrunched his face and jerked his head toward the nearby forest. What on earth? Is that a...? Thoruk sucked a quick breath and cocked his head. Nawww, it can't be. His mind churned as his gaze shifted from the woods to his terrified bride. Zolokt's dead — isn't he?
The End
Dedication
I want to thank my family for all they have meant to me throughout our lives together for the past 28 years. I have been blessed to have shared my best times with my wife, Bonnie, and our daughters, Shannon and Colleen. Because of them, my life has been special and very rewarding. I thank Bonnie for her love
and the two wonderful girls she brought into my life when they were just five and seven years old. Bonnie and I are very proud of the fine, young women our daughters have become. My family's love, understanding, and humor helped make me who I am today. Without my loved ones, I couldn't have written this book. Thank you!
I also dedicate this book to a handful of buddies who look down from Heaven these days. I miss you guys very much. Breakfasts, fishing, and good times in general are not the same without you. To Bonnie's father, Joe; Reid Simpson; Jerry Penrod; Ed Hunt; and LeRoy Gilbreath, I'm happy knowing that your souls are in a better place — close to God in Heaven.
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I thank my wife, Bonnie, who read my manuscript over and over again till her eyes blurred. Not once did she push back as she willingly accepted different renditions of each chapter, time and time again. She not only provided many great edits and suggestions, but her recommendations for the title, blurb, and other important aspects of the book were invaluable. Thank you so much!
Because of the help of 64 beta readers who volunteered to read and provide feedback, the tale within this book is much improved from what I could have accomplished without their edits, comments, and recommendations. In no way do I want to belittle the great help of the beta readers who read and commented on the book, but I want to point out a few who went the extra mile and spent numerous dedicated hours of reading and providing wonderful suggestions throughout the completion of the manuscript. These exceptional helpers include: my daughter, Shannon; my sister, Vickie; my good friend, Cindy Hewitt; my good friend and high school classmate, Sharon Hastings; a friend and former colleague, Lynn Smith; and a new friend from Canada, Amy Groening. A heart-felt thanks to all of the wonderful beta readers who extended their hands, hearts, and minds to help me!
Last, but certainly not least, my writing improved tremendously over the past 12 months because of the help of three writers groups: Red River Writers in Mt. Pleasant, Texas; The Whyte Dove in Quitman, Texas; and The Hacks in Winnsboro, Texas. The Read & Critique sessions of each were immensely beneficial.
Red River Writers: Caryl and Ron McAdoo, Pattie Ball, Emily Biasini, Richard Hollingsworth, and Noelle Hood were with me from the very beginning to guide me throughout the book and are more than deserving of my special thanks.
God bless all of you who helped me improve the tale!
Reach Out to the Author
Website: http://www.ukkiville.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukkiville
Available for speaking!
I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Your Humble Servant:
Andy Skrzynski
See My Author Friends:
Caryl McAdoo: http://www.amazon.com/Caryl-McAdoo/e/B00E963CFG
Ann Everett: http://www.amazon.com/Ann-Everett/e/B005J5OJB2
The New World: A Step Backward Page 21