45

The moment they arrived, they all ran to the hospital to check on Rebecca’s condition. Doctor Afterland told them it was still critical.

“But the Flame is keeping her alive,” he said. “So there is hope.”

Turgoth wanted to stay beside her bed, holding her hand, stroking her hair and not taking his eyes off her sleeping face, but he knew they should immediately call a War Council to evaluate the situation, and that Rebecca would want him to be there doing his duty.

At the War Council, Doctor Afterland informed Felicia and Turgoth that the enemy had an inconceivable number of forces.

“It is impossible to be certain how many of them there are,” he said, “but we undoubtedly need support.”

Turgoth felt terribly torn. Every fibre of his being wanted to stay close to the hospital and close to Rebecca, but he knew they had to move fast and that he had to play his part. He made a decision.

“I will go secretly to Beast,” he announced. “I will bring reinforcements from there. If we have the entire army at our disposal, we have a better chance of victory.”

They all saw the sense in his words and nodded their agreement.

“Take Pegasus then,” Felicia told him. “He will speed your journey.”

Turgoth returned to the hospital to see Rebecca one more time before he left. He leaned over her and softly placed his hand on her hair.

“Don’t go away yet, my beloved,” he whispered. “You still have so much to give in this life. We all need you. I need you! I will not be able to go on if you leave. If a sapling bends, we can use a prop to help it stay upright, spread its roots and stand firm once more. But if an old plane tree bends, it’s finished. How can you prop it up? How can you keep it straight? That’s how I feel. If you leave me, I’ll crash to the ground. I have come back from the dead for you, and now you must do the same for me!” He bent over to kiss her forehead. “I will be back soon, I promise.”

He and Pegasus then hastened through a hidden tunnel that led to Domus Lake. From there, they took off and headed towards the castle of Beast.