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Jerin of Yarholm rode into the nearly abandoned town of Racah. Smoke poured from the crumbling towers of the castle looming overheard. At the sound of the first explosion and flashing bolts of lightning, the enemy soldiers scattered, running away in different directions. Those who didn’t flee were easily taken into captivity.
He spurred his horse to gallop faster. Aly and Tare were in that castle! He hoped and begged Shaydon that they’d escaped the avalanche that took down a whole section of the mountain.
Marcel caught up to him along with a few of his men. They rode together toward the demolished castle. People milled around, several injured, most in stunned silence. When Jerin and Marcel approached, the people pointed and whispered among themselves before a cry went up.
“We’re free!” They shouted. “We’re free!”
Marcel held up his hands, calling for silence. “Indeed, you are free. Your master has been defeated. Issah has arrived. You are now free to choose whom you will serve.”
“Issah! Prince of Aloblase! Ruler of Alburnium!” many shouted with celebratory cheers.
But where was Issah? Jerin dismounted amid the shouting and back pounding. Pushing his way through the crowd, he ran toward the crumbling structure. “Alyra? Tarek! Where are you?”
From behind him came, “We’re here!”
He’d no more than turned toward the sound of her voice when his dear friend plowed into him, throwing her arms around his neck. He swung Alyra around in a circle, hugging her like a papa bear would his cubs. “Is he—? Did you—?”
Alyra released him as Tarek limped toward them, supported by the Elderad Riyah. “One of the demons escaped, and it attacked Darnel. When Issah destroyed the demon, I think Darnel was destroyed, too. But...” she looked around, then turned to her guardian. “I don’t know where Issah went. He wasn’t behind us as we tried to escape.”
Riyah smiled. “He called me to come for you. He’ll be along shortly.”
Another familiar voice called out their name. Clomping hooves approached.
“Lot!” Alyra shouted, running to her centaur friend. A man rode on his back. He jumped off and ran toward Alyra. After hugging Lotari, she turned to him and yelled, “Ethan! You’re— I’m— you’re in so much trouble, mister!” She threw herself into his arms.
When Ethan pulled away, he looked at all of them worriedly. “I have good news and um, bad news.” When he saw Tarek, he rushed over and embraced him while Riyah patted Ethan’s back in greeting.
“Just out with whatever news you have,” Jerin demanded, not caring to choose. “Good to see you, friend,” He greeted Lotari with an embrace. “Have you found that rascal, Stitch?”
Lotari’s arm around his shoulder tightened. “That’s the....” He looked away, unable to finish.
Ethan clarified. “We will find him. DezPierre can communicate with the Elmbolds living here. They’ll know where he is.” He turned to Alyra. “When we find him... maybe you’ll be able to break the...”
Things fell into place. Jerin’s throat clamped shut. “He was turned? How?”
A tear slid down Ethan’s face. “I fear I let him down. Everything was so precarious for Katrina. I didn’t want to leave her. By the time I found a moment...” He explained what happened.
Alyra hugged her brother. “I’m sure you did your best. I told Stitch to leave when he had the chance. Riyah even warned him.” She wiped her dirty, torn sleeve across her face, leaving a smudge in the dust covering her cheeks. “But don’t worry. We’ll find him. We’ll find him and try to do whatever we can to help him.”
“Lotari and I plan to go find him, soon as I can get back to Dez,” Ethan said.
“Wait, Dez has been with you?” She asked.
The Messenger nodded. “If not for him, I never would have found Katrina in time. He is an outstanding little creature.”
Jerin searched his friends, swallowing down the lump blocking his words. “Where is...Kat?” He couldn’t believe how close they came to losing her.
“She’s right here,” Issah said as he approached carrying a small bundle in his arms. “Here is your friend. She’s healing, but still weak.” Beside him was another woman. When she saw Tarek, she called out his name and rushed to him.
“You’re alive. Praise Shaydon!”
Tarek introduced his mother to the group while they all gathered around Katrina who offered a feeble smile as she rested her head on Issah’s chest.
Lotari’s ledge-o-graph went off with a loud whistle. He opened the book and looked at Jerin. “It seems to be a letter from your book.” He read it over.
“I gave Carah mine. Is everything all right?”
He nodded. “Esdra is still with her. They’ve begun receiving the people that fled through the gate. She says they need more healers. And they need someone who will speak to the people, explain what’s going on.”
Ethan and Alyra spoke at the same time, “I’ll go.” They looked at each other and laughed before she turned to Issah. “We can take Katrina with us. We’ll give her a place to recuperate. I think...” she glanced at the castle. “Maybe there’s somewhere in town we can set up a station to help the injured?”
Issah smiled at them. “Absolutely.”
Their Prince looked to each one, his gaze probing, assuring, and filled with the love he had for them. Jerin, despite some of his blunders, was never left feeling as if he’d disappointed Issah. The prince had a way of loving him through each one of his shortcomings.
“Let us first take care of the displaced townsfolk. My Messenger, Ethan, will offer them hope and spread the word that I’ve come to set them free. I’m confident that my Healers, Lotari, Esdra, and Alyra, will take good care of the injured.
“And my brave warriors, Jerin and Tarek, once his injuries have been taken care of, will lead a group of warriors to scout the borders and seek out any rebels that remain. If any of you find our friend, Stitch, please be sure to send word. I will be with the Healers, helping to administer comfort and peace to those in need.”
Issah turned to Brie. “You’ll find your daughter in the care of my Logorians. Dear Brie, would you mind working with them to prepare nourishment for us? I’m sure they will cherish your help.”
Katrina was placed on Lotari’s back. Extra horses were brought for Alyra, Tarek, and Ethan. Brie rode behind her son but insisted she be able to keep her Miss in sight.
“Where’s Dez?” Alyra asked as they mounted their horses.
Issah smiled. “He’s still in Shaydon’s Vale catching up with his cousins, the Elmbolds. They are spreading the word about our victory and he promised to help us search for Stitch. I’m sure he will find you the moment he has news.” Issah was also given a horse and followed Marcel away from the destroyed castle.
As Jerin went to mount Stitcher, something glittering caught his attention. He paused, then went over to the piece of rubble. A bit of stone that must have once made up the walls of Darnel’s castle. He picked up the chunk of rock. It was pure white and sparkled like the stones covering the King’s Highway.
“Hum. Interesting.”
* * * *
For the next week, the armies of Aloblase, and the people of Racah who were willing to stay under new leadership worked at repairing the damage done during the battle. The castle had been demolished, but as Jerin pointed out, there was an ample supply of white bricks that only needed to be cleaned and chiseled into new, usable building stones.
People from various kingdom towns put their hands and minds together to start building one of the grandest Meeting Halls in all the land that would sit right in the center of the little town. Nobody living remembered the former city, but all agreed that what they built needed to be a radiant beacon for those living in the lands beyond Alburnium.
Tarek suggested they create new buildings, using the white stones, and extend the township all up along the mountain in the same manner Denovo had been built. The walls around the city were taken down, revealing more useful stones and the Elderads were able to clear away the years of neglect to reveal the King’s Highway that had been there all along.
Alyra only offered a few suggestions during the planning meetings. She was still in shock over having survived her ordeal with Darnel. They’d searched for his body, but it was never found. Eventually, everyone decided that when the demon was destroyed, Darnel was destroyed along with it. Alyra hoped so. At least, he was no longer in power, and the mountain city was free from his tyranny.
She enjoyed the hard work of rebuilding more than she thought she would. When she thought about it, this was the third town she’d help to rebuild. Jolly Orchard being the first. The few creatures and people who remained from that little town kept the work lively with their merry songs and music. At the end of the week, everyone gathered near the skeleton of the new Meeting Hall to share food, play music, and celebrate their accomplishments as they’d often done in Many Rivers.
All of the servant’s homes, especially those who’d served in the castle, had been destroyed. Those displaced people were unsure of where to go, or what to do. Issah stayed on hand, offering counsel and encouraging many of them to make the trip to visit King Shaydon. He’d even managed to create a temporary portal in the valley lake until a fountain could be built in the middle of town. The only other thing missing was a White Tree.
Alyra wondered if King Shaydon would send a seed fruit from one of his trees soon.
The first week of reconstruction ran into another, and then another, and soon nearly a month had passed. Marcel and Jerin helped to uproot a few of those stuck in the old ways. They’d found small groups of soldiers or turned creatures that had to be dealt with. But still, there’d been no sign of their friend Stitch. Alyra began to fear that in his madness, he’d run off the edge of the world and into the great sea.
She hoped that wasn’t the case, but if he did live, what then? His maddened state would make it too dangerous to allow him near the city.
“Alyra,” Issah called her, early one chilly morning. Winter had set in, covering the mountain with a light dusting of snow. “Where is Tarek?” He was dressed in his traveling gear. Her heart thudded, wondering where he planned to go next.
She had just left the Healer’s hut, where she’d been living while helping the injured recuperate. Katrina was finally able to get up and move around without assistance. Ethan seemed a little saddened by the fact his Curian friend didn’t need him as much now. They’d become rather close during their time here.
“Tare is staying out in the woods with Lotari’s clan. Or the ones who’ve remained behind to help with rejuvenating the woods. They’ve set up camp in the secret vale where she and Tarek used to escape to. There, they’d found the pool was a natural spring that needed to be unblocked. The Logorians helped with that, creating a constant flow of fresh water that now poured in various streams down the mountains.
The creatures, along with the resident Elmbolds were working at channeling those streams into smaller pools and lakes. Of course, reviving the land would take time. As would rebuilding the city. But their progress so far had been astounding.
Issah motioned for Alyra to follow him. “Would you write Lotari and ask him to send Tarek into town?”
She stopped, fishing out her journal from her pack, and did what he asked. Even now she kept her bag with her at all times in the expectation that Issah would soon send them somewhere else. The people here were fine and the reconstruction was going well. She didn’t see how they’d be needed much longer. Already many had returned to their hometowns. Only about a quarter of those who marched across the lands remained.
When she closed her book and tucked it under her arm, Issah said, “I’ll be leaving today. For a short while.”
Her chest ached. She knew this was coming, but didn’t they need him here to oversee the rebuilding?
“Katrina is leaving with me. She’s been called back to the Halls of Knowledge for a council hearing.”
Alyra felt as if her heart had fallen to the ground with a loud splat. Of course, her friends would all be leaving eventually. But when would Issah send her somewhere? And what about Tarek? They hadn’t spoken anymore about their plans to be united. There’d been too much going on to think much about that.
“I’ll miss you both, Issah.” She caught his hand in hers. “Will you be wanting me and Tarek to leave soon, as well? Or stay until the rebuilding is finished.”
He smiled in that way that always made her feel like everything would be all right, no matter what might happen next. “Well, Daughter, that is exactly what I came to speak to you and Tarek about.”
They walked along the road that once led from the town to the castle. Nearly all the debris had been cleared away. Strangely, the garden remained. The walls had been taken down. She figured that eventually, the pretty trees and plants would grow wild and meet up with the surrounding woods.
Many of those working in the castle didn’t make it out, including Ben who had probably been too feeble and slow to get out of the dungeons before they collapsed in on themselves. Strange how her heart ached for him. Despite his hardness, Ben had shown her what kindness he was able to.
“What do you have in mind, Issah?”
“Your future. And Tarek’s. My understanding is you’ve pledged to be united, correct?”
Heat burned in her cheeks, but she nodded anyway.
The sound of boots clomping behind them caused her and Issah to turn and find Tarek following. “I hope she hasn’t changed her mind. I know I’m ready to finally put those beautiful rings on her finger. Ethan said he still had them and was ready to give them over any time.”
“How’d you get here so fast? I just wrote Lot to send you.”
His grin widened. “I couldn’t wait to see my girl. I headed this way soon as the sun rose.”
Alyra went to embrace him, then stopped when the smell hit her nostrils. “Have you been staying with the trolls again?”
He sniffed at his shirt and winced. “They’ve taken a liking to me. I’d hate to get on their bad side by refusing their offer to stay in their shelters.” Making a feeble attempt to dust off the leaves and dirt from his clothes, he added, “You get used to the smell after a while. A little, anyway.”
Alyra folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at him.
“I’ll take a bath soon as I can. Promise.”
She grinned and slipped her arm around his waist as they walked, but kept her nose pinched with her free hand.
“I’ll walk over here,” Issah chuckled, keeping a bit of distance between himself and Tarek. “What I wish to show you is just over this next rise.”
They passed the garden and headed toward a plateau where they were rewarded with a most spectacular view. Not too far below sat the town. From where they stood, they could easily see the new buildings going up.
To the east lay the desert plains they’d crossed to reach here. Conde still stood but was being cleared out of those who’d pledged their allegiance to Darnel. As it turned out, there was still a strong pocket of folks who’d wished to stand against the Racan tyrant, though they’d been outnumbered.
Alyra sighed, hoping someday that desolate area would thrive with life again. She hoped Conde would come around and be an ally to these people.
“Wow,” Tarek gasped. “Would you look at that?” He pointed toward the west where the land spread as far as they could see.
Issah’s expression turned wistful. “There are other people, cities, towns that live in that direction, all the way to the sea. They are not a danger to Alburnium. Few even know about us, though Darnel had tried his hand at conquering them. I believe, they fear us more than anything. I’m hoping that soon will change.”
“How so?” Tarek asked.
“Well, they are unruly people. Most will wish to be left alone, but some have come seeking. Before the entrance was blocked. Those who did come were captured and forced to serve. If they rebelled, Darnel killed them.” Issah motioned for them to continue following. “Come see this.”
He led them around a bend. The land reminded her of the Semitamon Mountains the first time they’d passed through. Alyra had noticed the formation of a fortress in the face of the cliffs back then. Katrina had said they were the ruins of the Halls of Knowledge.
What Issah pointed them to was very similar. Yet it also reminded her a bit of the Academy, with its many stories.
“What is this?” Alyra asked.
“A part of what is left of Radiance. At one time it was a place of learning for the people in this part of the land. And beyond.” He gestured toward the west. “Everyone was welcomed. All skills found training here. Radiance was once an open door portal to Shaydon’s throne which narrowed the distance people had to travel to meet with their King.
“As you know, such a portal is supposed to also exist in the Halls of Knowledge. Perhaps someday then Curians will feel secure enough to open wide their doors again.”
All those years she lived in Racah, she had no idea this place existed. But if one wasn’t looking, it would be hard to spot. She couldn’t imagine the work required to get such a massive assemblage back into functioning order.
“Sir,” Tarek asked turning in a slow circle as he took everything in. “Despite all my wanderings around this land, I can’t believe I missed this.”
“But you did travel through the tunnels that were once part of the ancient city.” Issah said, resting his hand on Tarek’s shoulder. He placed his other on Alyra’s, so they both were face to face with him. “My children, I brought you here today to offer you a new assignment.”
Alyra had been waiting for this. Where would this ‘assignment’ take them now? Would she even want to travel more? She was growing weary with all her moving around. Even still, a small part of her heart hoped to someday return to Many Rivers.
“What if I can offer you something better than Many Rivers?” Issah asked her. “I know your heart’s desire, Alyra. I’ve always known.”
She glanced at Tarek, then back to Issah. “What do you mean? What place would be better than Many Rivers?”
Issah’s smile widened. “Perhaps the new city of Ablaze? The shining city on a hill that will one day be a beacon for all the lands. A gateway to a better life. For those who seek it?”
She shook her head in confusion. “Sir, I hear your words, but they don’t quite make sense. What does any of that have to do with us?”
“Come a bit farther. I have one more place to show you.” They followed him along a road made of the White Stones. They walked along until the road abruptly ended at the edge of a plateau. Beyond that ran a dirt trail leading down the side of the mountain before it disappeared into the dense woods.
“Has this always been here?” Tarek asked. “I remember once hunting in those woods with my Pa. We never came across this path, nor did we notice those ruins.”
“The Elderads recently uncovered the King’s Highway. This is where it ends.” He turned and pointed out a structure that was in the process of being built. It looked like a simple cottage but was much larger than any she’d ever seen. It had two wings branching off from the main entrance. In a way, it also reminded her of a Meeting Hall in one of the smaller towns.
“What is that place?” Alyra asked.
“I’m calling it a House of Safe Keeping. A refuge for those seeking shelter and sanctuary. I’m hoping you’ll agree to call it your new home.”
“O-our—” Alyra stammered.
“Home?” Tarek finished.
“I’ll need Stewards to oversee Ablaze. And to keep an eye out for refugees who need a place of shelter and help to make the journey to the White City.
“This house will hold a rather large family nicely. And there are spare rooms for guests.” He pointed to a group of Logorians who were busy with the construction. “The main part is ready to be moved into. If, that is, I find a nice couple who are willing to take on the task.”
Alyra couldn’t believe what she was seeing. From their vantage point, they had a wonderful view of the land. And they weren’t too far from the township, either. No farther than Marya was from Many Rivers. The house was surrounded by woods and close to what might someday be a new learning center for people.
She turned back toward Tarek who watched her with excitement dancing in his green eyes.
He pointed toward an area beside the structure. “Look, there’s even a little garden area over to the side. You can grow your healing herbs if you want.”
“It’s everything I’ve wanted. And more.” Alyra spun in a circle, arms stretched wide. “You’re right Issah. This is more than I dreamed of. What do you think, Tare?”
He moved to stand in front of her, taking both of her hands in his. His thumbs made little circles over her knuckles. His unruly curls tumbled down into his forest green eyes. A fine covering of pale hair darkened his chin and circled his lips. She was mesmerized by his intense gaze.
“Alyra, I already asked you once if you’d promise to someday unite with me.” He twirled the little ring around her finger. “Today I’m asking if you’re ready to make that commitment. Are you ready to join your life with mine and to live here, overseeing this new town? There will be a lot of work getting it rebuilt. And I’m sure a lot of preparation before we can have our formal ceremony. You and I both know Ethan will insist we do it all proper. So, what I’m asking is, are you ready to be my wife?”
Ah, blast the tears that blocked her vision of his handsome face. She blinked them away and nodded, unable to get any intelligible words out of her mouth, except. “Yes. Yes and yes.”
* * * *
Lotari met Alyra and Tarek as they headed back toward town. Issah had left them to collect Katrina and prepare for their trip to Denovo.
Alyra stopped when she saw her centaur friend wearing his dagger and quiver. Strapped over his shoulder was Tarek’s quiver, as well.
“Lot,” Alyra asked, her heart thudding hard, fearing the renegade soldiers had gathered for another attack. “What’s going on?”
“I’m so relieved to find you both together.” Lotari shoved Tarek’s quiver into his hands. “We must hurry. The Okbolds have him contained, but DezPierre isn’t sure how long they’ll be able to hold him.”
“Who?” Tarek slung his quiver over his back. Tucked inside was his sword. He strapped it around his waist.
“Stitch. He’s several miles north of here. We must make haste.”
Alyra folded her arms over her chest. “And why didn’t you bring my weapons?”
Esdra cantered up behind him, her Healer’s bag strapped to her back and stuffed full of provisions. “I told you she would throw a tantrum if you tried to leave her behind.”
“You betcha I will.” Alyra glared at Lotari.
He held up his hands to deflect her furious glare. “No time to argue. You can ride on Esdra. Tarek, I’ll carry you. We’ll be traveling fast. The Okbold is waiting for us by the falls.”
Alyra didn’t need weapons. She wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt Stitch if she could help it. Somehow, they had to break the curse on him. Before climbing on Esdra’s back, Alyra sent a quick note to Jerin. Issah had said he would return to town and soon planned to leave with Katrina. She wanted him to know what they’d found first.
Please let Kat and Issah know. We’re on our way now to where he’s being held. I’ll keep you posted.
They rode for nearly an hour at a fast pace. Lotari barely stopped once they reached the waterfalls, only long enough for DezPierre to perch himself on Lot’s rump behind Tarek.
“I’m glad you brought my Miss, centaur. I knew she was too kind of heart to not come. DezPierre knows his family. Master Ethan will have wished to join us, as well. But it is Miss’s light I am counting on to break that terrible spell the hoofer is under.”
Alyra had asked Jerin to let Ethan know where they were going, too. He was always at Katrina’s side these days, helping her to get around and making sure she ate properly. Poor Kat had been in a heavy sadness since her ordeal, blaming herself for helping Darnel, just as Alyra often did. She’d tried to console her friend, but so far, nothing helped lighten the Curian’s mood.
“I wish,” Dez was saying, “I had the brave little Dart to send Master Ethan a message. But alas, he is currently in Ethan’s care. Master required his services for some reason.”
“Ethan wanted to use Dart to send messages?” Alyra asked. Esdra’s long hair kept blowing in her face. “To whom?”
DezPierre shrugged. “We are nearly there, sir Lotari. See where the trees are trembling? I’m thankful our ropes have held firm. He’s struggled hard to break loose.”
Alyra and Tarek climbed off the centaurs’ backs at the same time. Tarek told her to stay behind him until they knew what they were dealing with.
“I will, on one condition. We will not kill him. No matter what.”
Lotari and Tarek looked skeptical but gave a nod. Esdra grabbed hold of Alyra’s upper arm. “We are here to administer aid,” she said in a quiet voice. “Let the warriors approach him first. I do not wish to see our dear boy harmed either. Lotari more so than anyone. He will deal with Stitch with wisdom and compassion.”
Alyra patted her hand. “I know he will.”
They all slowly approached the yellow coated beast. His blazing red eyes caught sight of them. His face was lined with deep creases and cuts. Dirt covered his torso along with what might have been blood. His once golden hair hung in muddy clumps.
A group of Okbolds surrounded him, holding thick ropes that secured his body and chest to a thick oak. Limbs and fallen leaves littered the ground from his violent struggle to break loose.
“Stitch, my son!” Lotari called out, his voice wobbling with emotion. “Calm down, my friend, we’ve come to help.”
Monster Stitch howled and shook his head. “Noooo!” He screamed. “Kill me now. I failed. I’m doomed.”
Alyra covered her mouth, trying to hold in the tears that threatened to explode. Her chest burned with his pain and suffering. “Stitch, we’re going to help you, dear. We love you. You’re not doomed.” She started to glow.
He screamed and turned his face away. “Noooo! I can’t... it hurts. Go away light girl. Leave me!”
Tarek moved in front of her when Stitch tried again to break loose. His clawed fingers pulled at the ropes. His sharp teeth snapped trying to find one to bite into. The Okbolds poked him with sticks, trying to get him to stop struggling. He kicked out a hoof, knocking one of them off its feet. It leapt back up with a furious hiss.
“Stand down,” DezPierre ordered. “Secure his legs again.”
Extra ropes went around Monster Stitch, binding him tighter to the tree. This only fed his frenzied fury. His screams sent chills down Alyra’s back. There had to be hope for her friend. There had to be.
Esdra’s fingers dug into Alyra’s arm. When she looked up at the female centaur, she saw big tears tumbling down her brown face. “My heart, maybe all we can do is put him out of his misery. I can’t stand to watch this.” With that she turned, and walked away until something caused her to stop.
The sound of galloping hooves. Had more of Lot’s clansmen decided to join them? When Alyra faced the direction of the noise, several horsemen burst from the surrounding trees. Issah in the lead. Behind him rode Jerin with Katrina. Ethan was also in the group. A yellow ball of feathers darted past Alyra’s head and landed on Dez’s hat.
“Well,” Dez said happily. “There is my brave little friend. I wished to send you on an errand, but it looks like my smart Master had the same idea.”
Ethan was off his horse and beside Tarek and Alyra in two strides. “It’s really him?” His countenance seemed to deflate when he saw Stitch’s state. “Oh my, he’s pretty bad off. Poor fellow.”
Jerin remained on his horse with Katrina. Both looked horrified at what they were seeing.
Issah, on the other hand, climbed off his steed and pushed through the group, not hesitating to walk right up to Monster Stitch. In a commanding voice, he asked, “Do you recognize me?”
Stitch gave a feeble growl, then lowered his head. He tried again to break the ropes.
“You will not harm me. Be still.”
The order seemed to go around the whole group. Everyone froze in place, even the Okbolds who dropped the ropes they were holding. Stitch was now free to run, but he didn’t.
“Answer me!” Issah commanded.
“Yes.” Stitch hissed. “I recognize the one I once gave my heart to.”
Issah grabbed Stitch’s gaunt face, pulling him down closer until they were practically nose-to-nose. “That’s correct. You did give your heart to me. And I’ve not cast it aside as you did your medallion. Nor will I ever cast it aside. It was a gift you gave me. A cherished gift.
“So, unless you’ve changed your mind and wish to no longer love me as you once did, then I believe you are still in my service.” Issah’s grip loosened. “Am I wrong my dear friend? Have you completely turned away from me?”
Monster Stitch opened his mouth, but his words faltered, lost in the tears gathering in his red eyes. His fury seemed to dissipate as he shook his head. “I n-never wished to turn from you. I-I’m sorry I took off my medallion. I’m so, so, so sorry, Issss....” He seemed to have difficulty speaking the name but forced himself to. “Isss-ah. Forgive me, Issah.”
Stitch’s face smoothed some as the redness in his pupils faded.
Issah reached into a pouch secured to his belt. Pulling out a gold disk, he held it up before Stitch’s face. “This, I believe, is yours. Would you like it back?”
Tears flowed down Stitch’s dirty face, leaving rivulets along his bearded cheek. “Yes. Issah. Yes, I do.”
Issah slipped it over his head and let it rest around his neck. The moment the chain touched his skin, a glow surrounded the young centaur. Everyone let out a gasps as his nails returned to normal. Soon his features softened until their old friend stood before them on wobbly legs.
Stitch smiled a moment before his strength gave out and he collapsed onto the ground.
“He’ll need food.” Issah helped Stitch to recline against the tree. “Esdra, do you have any fruit from the White Tree left in your Healer’s kit?”
She was back, opening her bags as she and Lotari ran to his side. “Yes, but only a bit of powder. I’d hoped someone would bring us more since there isn’t a tree growing here.”
“That,” said Issah with a nod, “is something we’ll have to remedy very soon.” He turned to Katrina who was still on Jerin’s horse. “I’ll give you a few moments to say goodbye to your friends. Then you and I must leave.”
She rushed to Stitch and hugged his neck. He noticed her faded bruises, but she shushed him before he could ask for details. “We have much to catch up on, my silly dear.” She kissed his cheek. “We will write many more letters, yes? So much to catch up on while I’m away.”
“Must you leave so soon?” Ethan asked, his brows furrowed. Sadness seemed to hang heavy on his shoulders, despite the joyous occasion. He fumbled with his medallion for a moment. “Uh, I mean, safe travels to you both.” When he caught Alyra staring at him, he whispered, “What?”
She grinned, realizing something. Did he realize it himself? Was this the real reason for Katrina’s melancholy mood? She went to her Curian friend and sat beside her, also embracing Stitch and telling him as soon as he felt better she was going to give him a stern lecture about not listening.
He hugged both girls tightly. “I wish you didn’t have to leave, too, Kitten. I-I’m so happy that you’re safe now. Is he gone? Did we win?”
Lotari offered him a couple of grain cakes from his pack. “We’ll tell you the whole story. First, we must get you strong enough to walk back. You’re going to be in for a big shock, son.”
“Indeed, he will.” Katrina stood and moved away from the group gathered around Stitch. “Thank Shaydon that Issah was able to break your enchantment. Thank goodness you’ve pledged to serve the King, even if you did foolishly remove the only means of protection you had.”
Stitch’s voice still sounded rough. He patted his medallion. “Never again. I swear it.”
Esdra poured liquid into a cup. Alyra helped him drink it, and soon he was back on his hooves. Jerin offered to support him as they made their way back. Lotari walked on his other side.
“We’ll take it slow, son.” Lotari coaxed. “Let us know when you need to stop and rest. No hurry. We’re simply glad to have you back, you foolish mule. If you ever do something like this again....”
Alyra hugged Katrina goodbye last. “Keep us posted on what happens. I’m so going to miss you, Kat. I wish you’d just stay here, but I know you need to be with your people.”
Her smile seemed forced. “We will see, yes? Thank you for keeping my journal. I will write soon, yes?” She looked at Ethan as she squeezed his hand in hers. “I will miss you all. Thank you, so much, for taking such good care of me.” She turned to the Okbold and offered a curtsy. “And to you, brave DezPierre, Head Liaison of Ablaze’s creature clans. Thank you again for your aid. Both for myself and our dear Stitch.”
Dez blinked a few times then offered her a grand bow which included sweeping his straw hat off his head. “It was an honor, M’lady.”
Issah urged her to come along. Ethan helped her climb on the prince’s horse. They rode deeper into the woods. Alyra was sure he’d find a stream or pool where he could create a portal.
Ethan returned to his mount while Alyra and Tarek took Jerin’s Stitcher.
“Ethan,” Alyra asked. “Why don’t you go with her? I can see on your face how you feel.”
He scowled. “You see nothing. Besides, her clan forbids marriage outside of their people. There was never hope for anything more than friendship. I simply felt responsible for her. She almost died because I left her.”
“And I bet you’re also blaming yourself for Stitch being turned,” Tarek observed. “You couldn’t be in two places, brother.”
Ethan shook his head. “You aren’t allowed to call me brother until you two are actually united. And since I still have the rings in my possession—”
“You’ll be handing them over very soon.” Tarek interrupted with a grin. “We have a home and a job rebuilding the city here. Soon as our dwelling is completed, and Issah is able to return, we’ll have that ceremony. Brother.”
“A wedding?” Stitch quipped, smiling his old grin for the first time. “Oh, bliss. I might have a reason to stay in this horrible place now.”
Jerin patted Stitch’s back. “You’re going to be surprised, mule. Just wait until you see the new city. It’s going to be beautiful. And we’re staying, too. Carah and I have been offered work as Instructors of defense soon as we get the Institute up and running again.”
Alyra hugged Tarek to her. Maybe she’d not lose all her friends again. Maybe, just maybe they’d all stay and be a family like they were back in Aloblase.
Oh, she hoped so.
