“Remember, all the beings of Nendor lay claim to you. Today you rewarded their faith. Now it is time for you to accept what we already knew. It has been my privilege to know you, Champion. You are everything I hoped you’d be and more.”
Tears welled up in Farrell’s eyes again. “I . . . I can never repay you for what you’ve done.”
“Yes, you can.” Flemin backed up and his eyes sparkled playfully. “Stay true to yourself and be the light that will blot out Neldin’s evil. Do that, and I will count us even.”
Farrell nodded and swallowed. “I promise.”
Farrell glanced to his right and saw Grenda approach with Beatrice. They rode past without looking over.
“Blessed Mother,” Beatrice said to Lenore. “Have I completed Your task?”
“You have.” Lenore gestured with Her right hand, and the elderly wizard floated off Grenda’s back. “What is it you desire?”
When Beatrice stood on the charred ground, she bowed deeply. “An end to my labors.”
“That wish I grant,” Lenore said. “When next you step between moments, I will welcome you home.”
“Thank you, Blessed Mother.” She turned and walked toward Kel.
Kel shifted his staff to his right hand and reached for Beatrice with his left. “We will leave together.”
“It is fitting,” she said. “We’ve been linked together for so long, it is good neither outlive the other.”
“Agreed.” Kel let go of her hand and beckoned Zenora over.
Zenora cast a skeptical eye on the pair but heeded the summons. Grenda inched closer and soon the five huddled together.
“With our passing, the weapon we used to defeat Meglar’s family will die with us,” Beatrice said. “That should not happen.”
“Weapon?” Farrell asked. “What weapon?”
“Your mother can explain,” Beatrice said. “For now, just listen.”
Farrell hadn’t expected the sharp retort, but Beatrice’s face lacked any anger. He nodded once and looked at Kel.
“To use the weapon requires five things,” Kel said. He presented his staff to Farrell as Beatrice gave hers to Zenora. “The crystals each contain one part, and both of you will be given the spell to create the energy.”
“That’s four,” Farrell said as he accepted Kel’s ivory staff.
“I am the fifth,” Grenda said. “It was the Blessed Mother’s wish the weapon only be used in dire circumstance. Without Her first priestess’s agreement, the spells will not work.”
“When you get back to our workroom, use my staff to summon one last book I’ve written for you. It will give you and your mother the spells you need.” Kel smiled and rubbed Farrell’s upper arm.
“Just like that?” Zenora asked.
Beatrice and Kel chuckled.
“The need to challenge and test our descendants has passed,” Beatrice said. “You are now Nendor’s guardians. All that we learned or created we leave to you to use for the good of the world.”
Farrell kept his gaze on Kel. His grandfather appeared at peace with his future. If only Farrell felt the same. “I’ll miss you, Grandfather. Thank you . . . for everything.”
He hugged Kel. Despite knowing it would save Miceral, losing Kel still hurt.
“Do not grieve for me,” Kel said when they moved apart. “It was my great joy to spend my last days with you, Grandson. Now it is time for you and your allies to shape the world for the better.”
Farrell nodded. “I’ll try . . . Yes, Grandfather. I will work to improve the lives of everyone, just as you did.”
“I know you will,” Kel said. “I have a last request.”
“Anything.”
“Make certain Flemin’s sacrifice is given its proper place. He is the true hero, not me. See that the world remembers that without him, I would not have completed my tasks.”
“I understand.” Farrell nodded and stole a glance at Flemin. “For as long as I live, I will do as you ask.”
“Thank you.”
“I also will make sure Flemin is not forgotten.” Nerti moved next to Flemin and placed her head against his.
“Goodbye, Mother. Though I did not get to spend my days with you, I hope I make you proud.”
“Words fail me, child. Nothing will ever surpass what you did for the world or for your father and me. We will not forget you.”
“It is time.” Kel looked up at Honorus. “If You are feeling generous, Most Holy, Flemin and I would like to ride one last time before You accept us.”
Honorus nodded. “Run and be one with the wind this last time.”
“Goodbye, Geena,” Kel said as he floated onto Flemin’s back.
She stared at Kel, and Farrell braced himself for another wave of emotion from her. Instead, she nodded and reached out to him. “Are you and Flemin going to ride away for good now, like you told us?”
“Yes, darling.” He raised his hands, and she floated toward him. They hugged and Kel kissed her forehead. “I will miss you and Bren, but your Daddy and Papa will take good care of you.”
“Goodbye, Grandpa.” She kissed his cheek and then kissed Flemin. “Goodbye, Flemin.”
“Goodbye, Little One. Be good.”
“Grampa,” Bren called, and Farrell hoisted him up so Kel could collect him.
“Yes, my little warrior, I have not forgotten you.” He grabbed Bren and hugged him tight. Kel’s eyes betrayed his emotions as he kissed Bren on the head. “Be good.”
Kel whispered the last two words, and Farrell fought back his tears. For his part, Bren giggled and kissed Kel back before drifting back to his papa.
Without another word, Flemin leapt off across the Plains of Gharaha. He ran as if he meant to outrace the wind as Honorus suggested. Kel’s white hair flowed behind him as he smiled at the joy of one last ride. Their path took them to the far northern end before Flemin turned to head back. Farrell ignored everyone around him. He stared at the pair running for the pleasure of riding.
“Goodbye, old friend,” Beatrice whispered.
Farrell turned to look at her a moment before she disappeared. This time she didn’t reappear. Beyond her, Flemin ran toward them until a bright flash of light erupted around them.
At the same time a second flash burst around Nordric, Miceral, and Klissmor. When Farrell could see again, Nordric’s aura had returned to normal and Miceral and Klissmor appeared fully healed. Farrell’s grin died when he saw Kel and Flemin lying on the ground beside Nordric.
Flemin lay on his side, his mane neatly arranged and his eyes closed. Kel’s head rested against his friend’s neck with his hands folded carefully on his chest. The pair looked as if they slept peacefully.
“It is done,” Honorus pronounced.
“Daddy!” Geena squealed, and she ran to Miceral.
Not to let his sister have all the attention, Bren broke into a dash. He almost pushed Geena aside trying to reach Miceral.
Farrell could hardly breathe. He wasn’t convinced Miceral wouldn’t be snatched away.
“Fear not, Champion,” Nordric said. “They will not vanish if you touch them.”
Miceral hoisted the children and kissed them one at a time. His grin was as big as his face when he locked eyes with Farrell.
“Welcome back,” Farrell said, fighting back the tears.
He lurched forward and hugged his family, ignoring everything else. He didn’t know how long he stayed there, but when the ground shook, he remembered the Six were still there. Khron had stepped toward them.
“YOU BOTH HAVE PLEASED ME GREATLY.” Khron extended His right hand and the armor disappeared. With the tip of His index finger, He touched Bren. “ADOPTED SON OF MY SERVANT, ON YOU I BESTOW MY BLESSINGS AND FAVOR.”
In a moment it was over and Khron withdrew. Farrell looked to Miceral, but his partner shook his head.
“I don’t know what Khron just did,” Miceral said. “Should we ask?”
“Not today,” Farrell said. “I’m certain He did nothing
to harm Bren, and I’m equally sure He didn’t want to say more at this time.”
Beings from Haven and Trellham filled Gharaha, and more arrived by the second. Rothdin separated himself from the group and approached.
“We are taking one last flight for those peregrines who have fallen,” Rothdin said. “As your brother is among the number, it is your duty to fly with us.”
“Of course, Father.” He motioned to his mother. “Allow me to ensure Geena’s safety and I will join you.”
“We will await you in the sky.”
Rothdin and Hesnera leapt skyward without waiting for his response. Peregrines left their perches on the mountains to join the king and queen. Farrell waited for the dust to settle before meeting his mother’s gaze.
“Can you and Nerti please watch over Geena while I’m gone? I’ve blocked outside emotions from reaching her, but when I’m gone, something might slip past.”
“We will ensure her well-being,” Nerti said. “Go honor your brother.”
Satisfied Geena would be okay, Farrell rose off the ground. Hundreds of peregrines had joined Rothdin, Hesnera, and Grohl as they gained altitude. The trio maintained a tight spiral as the line grew. Farrell made for the small gap just behind his brother.
Rothdin led them up until they were higher than the tallest peak. The air was thin and crisp. Behind him the line extended thousands of feet as the peregrines traced Rothdin’s path.
Farrell turned back to make sure he kept in line and nearly fell from the sky.
“What?” Farrell stared into the deep blue eyes of Honorus’s avatar. The white bird hovered in front of him. It matched his pace as it flew.
“Come with Me,” the avatar said. “Together we will spread the word that you have defeated Neldin’s Champion.”
Too fast for Farrell to follow, the being glided beneath him. Larger than he remembered, the white bird was bigger than his peregrine brothers. It remained in place much as his brothers had done before they merged for battle.
Hesitantly, Farrell lowered himself onto the avatar’s back. The body was solid when he touched it, and he relaxed enough to lie flat on the broad back. His calm shattered when he felt a link extended. If had the familiar touch of a peregrine, but he knew that was impossible. When the offer was made a second time, Farrell accepted.
The sensation of merging with the mind of the avatar almost overwhelmed Farrell’s consciousness. Before he lost himself, Honorus guided him to a safe place. Unlike when he merged with his brothers, there was no duality, no shared mind. Honorus walled Farrell off from all but sight and sound.
Together they broke from the procession and flew west. They sped across the sky at a speed impossible for any but a god or Their messenger. In the blink of an eye, they were over Belsport and its still-functioning shield.
They passed through the multicolored energy and screamed the Champion of the Six’s victory. Darius and Peter had brought Wilhelm’s broken body home, but they looked up when the avatar flew past. The news wouldn’t salve their pain, but it would comfort them to know his death hadn’t been in vain.
The city let out a roar as the white bird left Belsport and winged over the Delmun Ocean. A moment later Lourdria with its vast space and teaming population appeared. They soared over Othasus, Agloth, and Jerdas, as well as nations Farrell barely knew. The places he didn’t immediately recognize whirled by too fast for him to identify.
The avatar changed course and flew south. It didn’t stop at the mountain face. Instead they dove into the dirt and rock as if it were water.
The sensation of flying through a mountain unnerved Farrell. Every pore, seam, and crack were visible to his enhanced sight. It suffocated and excited him at the same time. An instant later they emerged inside the central cavern that housed Thrinton’s palace.
Dwarves danced at the news as drums and instruments emerged almost out of thin air. They cheered loudly as the pair flew toward the great jewel in the center of the mountain. A burst of blinding light erupted from the stone a moment before they left Colograd.
Dumbarten received the news next. South to north they proclaimed Farrell’s victory. Outside Dreth, his vision zoomed in on someone comforting Claire. The rest of the household staff appeared in shock. Though he wanted to linger, the avatar kept moving.
Off the coast, they passed over the remains of a huge naval battle. Zargon’s few remaining vessels fled the area, pursed by dozens of Dumbarten warships. Farrell saw Emerson and Cameron on the decks of their respective ships. Each waved as the avatar passed overhead before returning to their task. Teams of Arlefors aided them, and the result was not in doubt.
Where flying through the mountain stifled him, diving into the water exhilarated him. They quickly reached Rastoria, which seemed eerily empty. The few Arlefors left bared their teeth as they received the news.
Shooting into the sky from beneath the water, they emerged off Primilian’s coast. Grogon and the others cheered and waved at the streaking messenger.
They started at Tilerstig and passed across Erd. Only Bowient registered before they reached Fracturn. Amid the celebration that erupted, Corvis cringed in his prison.
The avatar turned south, and the northern cities greeted the news with a mixed reaction. Without Meglar’s threat, the great seafaring nations would crack down on piracy again. Farrell didn’t waste time on their reactions as they crossed the Tehbra Desert and the Spine of Khron.
They flew over Yar-del, and it took a moment for Farrell to realize the defiant scream came from his mouth. The few handlers and soldiers left shook at his demand they leave Kel’s beautiful city.
Zargon was a veritable wasteland. In Kentrish only the palace grounds had escaped the devastation his father had wrought. The news of Meglar’s defeat was met with fear and despair.
With his enhanced sight, he sought out his paternal grandmother. The high priestess of Neldin wept as she cradled a small boy in her lap. Farrell screamed again, and she shuddered and clutched the toddler closer. His attempt to find his other half siblings revealed no one other than the child his grandmother held.
The image of the pair was wrenched away as they reached Bendar. The Endless Snows appeared empty and quiet. The few who remained cheered their arrival. He searched for Russen, but the teen was gone. He couldn’t dwell on it as the avatar flew onward.
They crisscrossed the remaining kingdoms of Ardus and spread joy to the few survivors who had avoided Meglar’s minions. Horsemen on the plains of Arvendia waved spears and bows at the winged messenger. Others emerged from hiding places with smiles instead of trepidation.
Moving northwest, they circled Pelipan and Honal and screamed their news. Finally, they flew toward Gharaha. Moments later, Farrell saw Rothdin leading the procession over the plains.
To Farrell’s surprise, the avatar did not take them back to the peregrines. Instead he stopped atop a high mountain north of Gharaha.
“Look down,” Honorus said.
Farrell did as instructed. A small city, built around a fortress with soaring towers and thick walls, sat on a plateau facing east. Before he could inquire, Honorus spoke again.
“When the world was new, Khron directed the dwarves to build this fortress at My behest. When they finished, He sent them away and told them to record nothing of its existence. Then I hid it from all beings until today.
“I give this city to you and your family as your new home. From here you and Miceral shall rule Ardus with strength, wisdom, and love.”
Farrell stretched his arm, intending to point below. A broad feathery wing swept through the air instead of his hand. He looked down, and his body had been replaced by a peregrine’s.
“What? How?” He turned to Honorus.
“Merging with your brother has given you Takala’s memories and instincts. Henceforth, you will be able to take the form of a peregrine whenever you wish.”
“That’s . . . How is this possible?” Farrell asked. “I don’t know all the details needed to surv
ive the attempt.”
“It will come unbidden whenever you desire it. Consider it My gift to Rothdin. Though it will never heal the loss of Takala, whenever you take this form, he will know I have blessed him and his family.”
Farrell remembered Flemin’s words and nodded. “One with Nendor.”
“As is fitting for Our Champion.” The avatar took off and disappeared in a flash. “Use your new form to return to the others.”
Focusing on Takala’s memories, Farrell leapt into the air and extended his wings. He caught a draft and used it to join his family. As he glided back into position, he saw a large group of Bendari leave the gates. With his peregrine sight, the warriors carried two litters near the front. He didn’t linger to find out who they honored. Soon enough he’d find out who else gave their lives today.
Rothdin led the procession back to the ground. The position of his feathers was the only sign he recognized his adopted son. No one spoke as they circled lower and landed back where they’d started.
Back on the ground, Farrell heard gasps from the crowd as four peregrines returned. He doubted anyone knew he was the fourth. Under the watchful eyes of the Six, Farrell concentrated on his true form. He felt a tingle and when he extended his hand, he wiggled his fingers to be sure it worked.
“Nice trick.” Miceral kissed his cheek. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
“Honorus gave me the ability to honor my father.” He bowed to Rothdin, Hesnera, and Grohl. “We can talk about it later.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Farrell waited for the group of Bendari to make their way through the throng of people on Gharaha. Someone shouted a command, and the crowd parted to allow the two groups to pass.
Pojas and Esward led their people, and soldiers flanked them on either side. Behind Pojas, Tojas lay atop a bier borne by eight somber Bendari warriors. The lifeless body of Shaman Basje followed his grandson.
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