Chapter 16

Returning Home

Once back in Hólar, the girls continued to avoid the thought of going home. They realized they had been given a reprieve when Prinsessa didn’t mention leaving. Instead, for a few days they spent time riding out into the countryside, investigating the village and the Great House more thoroughly, and getting better acquainted with the people in Hólar.

They received much honor from the people who treated them like royalty. The girls tried just to ignore this and after a while, the villagers gradually became more comfortable around them.

However, Prinsessa kept the golden aura around them – she liked it and it set them apart. Strangely, the girls had begun to feel at home here. They had moved into the Great House with Arnþor and Gígja. Their weapons and jerkins had been hung in a hall of honor with those of Arnþor’s ancestors. They now wore women’s clothing, dresses and gowns, made of fancy brocades and silks, and soft slippers on their feet. They wore girls’ riding clothes as well as more casual cotton and linen dresses for day wear. Privately, Emily and Laura agreed that they did miss wearing jeans and tennis shoes. Handmaids fashioned their hair into crowns of braids or piles of curled masses.

Gigja spent a lot of time with them, especially when they rode. She showed them the lands around Hólar and they made several trips down to Akureyri and the sea. The girls enjoyed learning more and more about the people, customs, and general way of life. Of course, the horses were a big part of the fun. Hela, Kedja and especially Aríel were having as much fun as the children. They took the girls to see the great herds of Hólar. Emily and Kim had to select different horses to ride from the herds of Hólar because Prinsessa, Skessa and Kafteinn spent most of their time in deep and important discussions. If fact, Arnþor picked out two of the best horses in his personal herd and presented them to Kim and Emily. It didn’t take them long to become good friends with the new horses.

Laura spent most of her time with Reynir. The two traveled together, ate together, and often went off on their own together. Aríel was happy for Laura. She had never been able to feel true love through a human before, but her bond with Laura allowed her to actually feel what Laura was feeling for Reynir. This warm and enjoyable feeling showered down on her as they rode.

Reynir was in denial about Laura’s time there coming to an end. He tried to hide his anguish from her so he didn’t ruin their time together. He had never met a girl like her before, and felt that she was the one true love of his life. He did not want to think about how empty his life was going to be without her in it. Laura sensed the desperation in his kisses, but there was nothing she could do to change it, so she just tried to make every moment count.

In their minds and memories, the girls’ real homes and families had grown faded and blurry. Emily suspected Prinsessa was responsible for that, and acknowledged it was probably easier this way. She vowed to enjoy the time they had now, and accept the fact that it couldn’t last forever, and all would be fine when they finally went home Meanwhile, Prinsessa, Skessa and Kafteinn spent all their time together. The success in the war between Hólar and Akureyri was great, but it was only a small piece in a tumbling avalanche of problems the country now faced. Iceland had been a peaceful country, the first in all of Europe to establish a Parliament. Things had gone well for the last three hundred years, but now a change was in the air. Kafteinn was sure it was the change in climate. The whole country was affected: the lack of food, deforestation and other problems were causing battles and fights to pop up among other villages. The parliament was trying hard to stop the problems from escalating, but the chieftains were becoming independent and power hungry. The horses knew how it would turn out because they had the ability to communicate into the future, as they had done with Prinsessa. By 1262, the King of Norway would take control of the country and they would not get their freedom back until 1944. Iceland faced six hundred eighty-two years of foreign control. This all was irrelevant and unchangeable. Although the horses were aware of future events, they were powerless to change them. Instead, they tried to strategize different ways to prevent harm from coming to the horses and the people. The three talked of things happening all over the country for almost three days, day and night, making plans and suggestions.

Finally, they had discussed every possibility. One afternoon Prinsessa and Skessa called the girls to the field near the Great House. They stood in a semi-circle with Kedja, Hela and Aríel.

“The time has come. We must return home,” Prinsessa announced.

Laura turned her head, her stomach dropping. She struggled not to burst into tears. Aríel moved to her side to comfort her.

“Reynir,” she whispered.

“I know, Laura, I know,” Aríel laid her head on Laura’s shoulder.

“But Prinsessa,” Kim, protested, who was also upset, “we haven’t had enough time here! There is so much to see and learn and we’re having such a good time. Do we have to go?”

“Our purpose here,” Prinsessa reminded the girls in a serious tone, “was not to have fun. It was to rescue Gigja and bring peace to Hólar. We have accomplished those things. You girls were the key to the success of those two goals, but you cannot stay here forever. It is time to go home.”

All the girls looked at their feet, silent. They all knew this was coming, and needed a few minutes to adjust to the news. Every one of them had changed, Andrea in particular, even without the magic of Prinsessa. She saw clearly now how foolish she had been before she had come to Iceland. She now understood true friendship and what really mattered in life. Thinking about how important her image, her expensive clothes and tack and makeup were to her before made her feel ashamed for being so shallow. She vowed to treat Star very differently once she was home, and to keep her friendships with Emily and Laura. She had no idea what would happen with Erica and Heather, but would try to see if they could all be friends together — real friends. Andrea felt that she had become a lot stronger person and promised to herself that she would stay that way, without being a spoiled brat.

All the girls had grown up a lot, Kim and Darcy too. Some of that maturity was bound to wear off when they went home, but not all of it. Both of the younger girls had contributed during the journey in a myriad of ways. They also understood responsibility and caring for others in a new way.

“We will leave tomorrow,” Prinsessa stated. “Arnþor wants to throw a farewell banquet for you tonight. Then tomorrow morning we will retrieve your belongings from Reynir’s family home and head back.”

That night, the unforgettable gala took place. The girls danced and ate; they were toasted so many times, they lost count. Laura and Reynir spent the whole evening together dancing and talking. Emily often saw tears in Laura’s eyes and felt sad for her. The gala lasted late into the night and when the girls finally went to bed, they could barely move.

The next morning came far too soon. Prinsessa awakened them. Silently, they washed and dressed for riding. There was food laid out for them but no one could eat much. Laura felt burdened down with sadness. When they came out of the Great House, they saw that the entire village had come to bid them farewell. They were showered with hugs and kisses. All of the girls teared up when Máttur and Daria hugged them as if they were their own children. Daria gave them a bag with food for the journey, patting each of their cheeks.

Finally, everyone mounted up and rode off, looking back and waving to all who had come out to say goodbye. Reynir, who looked as if he had not slept at all the night before, held Laura’s hand tightly all the way to his family’s farm. Kafteinn went along with them. When they arrived, Reynir retrieved the bundles and the saddles. The girls went in and changed to their jeans and t-shirts.

“Hey, these feel funny,” Andrea said, tugging at her jeans.

“Mine too. Do I look fat?” Emily asked her.

Their clothes felt tight, but not because they had gained weight. All of them had built up muscles they never had before. This had nothing to do with Prinsessa’s magic; they had earned these new muscles.

“It’s a good thing denim stretches a little,” Emily added.

“Gosh, look at Laura’s arms!” Andrea exclaimed. Her biceps were cut, curved and tight.

Laura gave her a weak smile, dreading the parting from Reynir.

When they came out they looked odd to Reynir, but he could still see the warrior-like girls under their strange dress.

The girls began saddling and bridling their horses. Laura looked at Emily.

“Go ahead, I’ll get this,” Emily gestured to Aríel’s saddle, feeling sympathy for her friend.

Her eyes full of tears, Laura stumbled along with Reynir as he led her behind the house to say a last goodbye to her.

“Laura, Laura, I don’t want you to go!” Reynir choked, pulling her close to him.

“I know, I don’t want to go either,” Laura wrapped her arms around his neck and started to cry. She tried to memorize the feel of his strong arms around her, his unique smell of linen and fresh grass, the softness of his tanned cheek against hers. “I feel like my heart is breaking,” she sobbed.

“I have never met anyone like you, Laura, and I know I never will. I don’t know how I’m going to face the days without you,” Reynir told her, running his hands up and down her back.

“I know. There’s just something between us, I don’t know what it is,” Laura cried.

Reynir took her head in his hands, feeling the heavy silk of her hair, closing his eyes, breathing her in. His lips met hers and they kissed with an urgency they hadn’t felt before. He could taste the salt of her tears.

“Keep working hard and help Arnþor however you can,” Laura gave him a weak smile. It was the best she could do.

“Laura,” Prinsessa’s gentle voice came to her.

“I have to go. Thank you for everything, Reynir,” Laura looked into his kind and loving eyes, soaking in his handsome face.

“Come back, Laura, come back to me,” Reynir’s eyes were filled with tears.

“I hope so.” Laura made herself pull away from him and they slowly walked back around to where Andrea, Emily, Darcy and Kim were standing next to their horses.

They all stepped forward and hugged Reynir, thanking him.

Laura hugged him fiercely and kissed him one more time and then they all mounted up.

They were so used to riding bareback that the saddles, bulky and stiff, felt odd to them.

In a flurry of goodbyes, the horses and girls headed down the valley. Reynir stood watching them, his hand lifted in a sad farewell. Laura was crying so hard, she could hardly see. Kafteinn accompanied them.

As they walked, Prinsessa began to lecture them.

“Now girls, in some ways you have grown and matured on your own and these changes will stay with you, but other ways are related to my magic and those will not go back with you.”

“What does that mean?” Kim asked, anxious.

“Well, for one thing, we will not be able to talk to each other as we do here.”

“That’s terrible!” Emily exclaimed. “Can’t you use your magic at home so we can still speak to you in our minds?”

“I could,” replied Prinsessa, “especially now that you have been here, but unfortunately, it’s more complicated than that. You must never mention this journey to anyone. Not anyone, even your friends and parents. It’s like home is for you now – things will seem kind of fuzzy and blurred, but you will remember. But keep in mind, I can wipe the memory from you if I have to. This is only among the five of you and will remain your secret forever.”

“Prinsessa,” said Andrea, “will we ever get to come back?”

“You have honored yourselves beyond anything I imagined,” Kafteinn put in. “I hope Prinsessa will bring you back.”

“If the occasion calls for it,” said Prinsessa. “These journeys are not a vacation. They have a purpose, as you have learned.”

“What about the time we have been gone?” Laura felt a flicker of hope that she would get to return and see Reynir again. “Isn’t that going to cause quite a stir?”

“Do not worry. All will be well,” Prinsessa spoke knowingly. “I am very proud of you all for everything you have done and how you have behaved. You have also achieved the goal your mother wanted, Emily.” She looked at Emily and Andrea riding side by side, the best of friends. “We will not be able to speak to each other, but you have learned to understand us better and will therefore be able to be aware of our thoughts in some ways like we are aware of yours.”

The girls rode on in silence a little farther and then Prinsessa said, “Ah, we are here, Kafteinn. It has been a pleasure serving you and it is my hope that we will see you soon.” The girls’ ears perked up at this.

“Once again, I would like to convey my deepest thanks,” replied Kafteinn. “The people of Hólar and Akureyri will not forget you. Farewell; blessed journey to you, my friends.”

“Goodbye, Kafteinn!”

“Goodbye!”

“Thank you for everything, Kafteinn!” The girls called.

Prinsessa gave a respectful nod to Kafteinn and then turned the girls down the valley, which extended out into the sea.

“Well, before we go back – I want to say something!” Aríel blurted out.

“Go ahead, daughter,” Prinsessa told her.

“Me too, me too!” the other horses chimed in.

“We had quite an adventure, didn’t we, Laura? I’m so glad we were paired up together!” Aríel told Laura.

“I am too. Aríel, thank you so much for all you did to help me,” Laura leaned forward and hugged Aríel’s neck.

“It was my pleasure – you really accomplished some remarkable things, Laura – I’m glad I got to be a part of them. And my powers have improved a lot too!” Aríel exclaimed happily.

“Kedja, you were a wonderful horse, thank you so much,” Andrea told her.

“You too, we both learned a lot, I think, on this trip,” Kedja replied.

“Can I still come and visit? Emily?” Andrea asked, sounding almost timid.

“Of course you can!” Emily looked over at her with a smile.

“I would love that!” Kedja said.

“We sure did have fun, didn’t we, Darcy?” Hela piped up.

“You bet – you were the perfect horse for me, Hela!”

Emily, Kim, Prinsessa and Skessa all stood together, silent, filled with emotion.

Finally, Prinsessa said, “I think we all know how we’re feeling. There’s no need to say anything.”

Everyone nodded and the girls hugged their horses.

“All right, now, line up and follow me,” said Prinsessa. Those were the last words they heard from her.

In the time it took for the girls to blink, the forest stood before them, a small opening in the midst of the trees, looking just as it had when they first arrived.

The girls rode single file onto the path and into the woods. At the end of the line, Emily looked back. Kafteinn stood watching them go, his muscular body strong and proud, shining in the sun, his head lifted high.

“Goodbye, Kafteinn,” Emily whispered.

The woods were shaded and cool. They had not gone very far when the trail opened wider and they saw the campground. The clearing had several cabins tucked into the woods. Clothes hung out to dry on the line by one and a couple of dogs came running up to greet them. A field and barns with a paddock sat off to one side. The air was crisp and fresh, with the scent of barbeque wafting over from the outdoor cooking area. Two park rangers came out of their office, dressed in beige uniforms with dark green patches on the arms, smiling and greeting them.

“Hello, girls! You must be the Miller party! Did you have a nice ride?”

The girls stared at them in silence for a second, and then smiled and nodded hello.

“Uh, yes, thank you,” Emily recovered enough to say. “I’m Emily Miller.”

“Okay, great! You’re right on time – your mother said you’d be arriving in time for dinner, so why don’t you put your horses up and throw your gear in your cabin – let’s see,” the ranger consulted his clipboard, “cabin number three, right over there,” he gestured.

No time had passed from when the girls had ducked out of woods, had their wild and adventurous journey in Iceland, and ducked back into this world again. Everyone felt a little shell-shocked.

Subdued and quiet, they got their horses settled in the outdoor stalls and then went to the kitchen for dinner.

Darcy and Kim stared at their plates with the hot dogs, baked beans and coleslaw. The food seemed strange compared to what they had been eating. Several other families dined at the communal tables and the chattering conversations sounded like gibberish to the girls, who ate in silence. Soon, the others at the table began asking them where they were from and about their horses, and gradually, the strangeness began to wear off. They entered into the conversation and started feeling more like themselves.

Laura, sitting at the end of the table, had a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach. Already, the sharp memories of Iceland had begun to fade. “I don’t want to forget – don’t let me forget,” she told herself, thinking of Reynir, and wanting to remember every single detail about him. She vowed to work hard at recalling things so he would stay close to her.

“Us?” Andrea’s voice broke through Laura’s thoughts. “Oh, we’ve been friends forever!” She grinned at Emily, who smiled back at her.

“That’s wonderful – there’s nothing like having your best friends to ride with,” a woman sitting across the table from them responded. “My girlfriends have helped me through some tough times, and I always knew I could count on them. Now I have that with my husband!” she gave him a fond smile.

The pain in Laura’s heart was so strong, she had to look away.

After dinner, Darcy and Kim started yawning so widely their jaws were cracking. The older girls felt tired too, both physically and mentally.

“Can we have s’mores for breakfast?” Kim asked her sister, half-asleep already.

“We’ll see,” Emily told her, patting her on the shoulder.

The thin bunk mattresses weren’t the most comfortable, but everyone fell asleep right away. Their light cotton pajamas, wrinkled from being stuffed in their saddlebags, were comfortable but felt strange to their skin.

In the morning they rose early, had their breakfast and started right out on the trail.

They cantered and tölted the whole way as if they were back in Iceland. It felt very different from their trip into the park, where they had meandered and stopped a lot for breaks and rest. The length of the trail seemed like nothing compared to the distances they had traveled in Iceland. Because of the pace they set, they made it back much earlier than they were expected, so Emily dug her cell phone out of its pouch and called Karen.

“Mom?”

“Hi, honey!” Karen’s familiar cheerful voice on the phone made Emily choke up. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed her mother.

“Ahem, yes,” Emily cleared her throat. “We’ll be at the trailhead in about a couple hours, I think – can you meet us?”

“Oh, sure, no problem. It’s early – is everything all right?” Karen asked, frowning into the phone. Maybe things had not gone as she expected, and the girls had hightailed it back as fast as they could.

“No, no, no worries, Mom, everything’s fine. We had fun.”

“Okay, I’ll let the others know and we’ll be up to meet you.” They hung up.

The parents arrived at the parking area a few minutes before the girls. They got out of the trucks and waited, chatting and leaning on their vehicles. Within a couple of minutes, the sound of pounding hoofs reached them as the girls came cantering down the hill to the truck. When they dismounted, their parents stared at them, shocked by their appearances. The girls looked stronger, healthier and most noticeably, the feeling of camaraderie between them was evident.

Emily hugged Karen so hard, she knocked the breath right of her. Kim was right behind her and although she hugged her mother with her same innocent enthusiasm, Karen held her younger daughter at arm’s length, looking at her. Kim exuded a feeling of maturity Karen had not seen in her before.

“How was it?” Karen asked, looking at her closely.

“Oh, it was awesome, Mom – we had a great time!” Kim exclaimed.

Andrea walked right up to her mother, gave her a giant bear hug and then grabbed the cigarette out of her mouth, threw it on the ground and stamped on it.

“Mother, I want you to quit these things. You are killing yourself and killing me.”

Andrea’s mother looked at her in amazement, flabbergasted at her daughter’s show of strength. Andrea’s commanding air left no room for argument. Virginia, somewhat weak in character anyway, could not think of a thing to say. She did a double take – had her daughter cut her hair? No, she must be imagining things.

It didn’t take long to load the horses. During the ride home, Kim and Darcy talked and laughed the whole way, answering Jim and Karen’s questions about the trail ride. They seemed to have forgotten the whole Icelandic adventure, Emily thought to herself. They didn’t seem to be having any problems with worrying about saying anything about it by accident. In the back seat, Emily was quiet and just looked out the window, thinking how different the terrain was here. In the fields they passed, birds and butterflies flittered, a small family of rabbits hopped through the tall grass, bees clung to the heavy summer blossoms, cows looked up lazily, their jaws grinding their hay in a rhythmic steady chew. Emily thought it looked cluttered with the overhead telephone wires, clunky telephone poles, mailboxes –-nothing like the clean open spaces, beautiful mountains and sea cliffs where they had been. She sighed.

Once they were home, everyone helped unload the horses, tack and saddle packs. Andrea told her mother to help and she did. Shortly after that, they all headed to their cars. As the families were leaving, Karen saw Andrea and Emily hugging each other goodbye as though they had been best friends for years.

After everyone had gone, Jim retired to his den and Karen and the girls sat around the kitchen table eating potato chips and drinking sodas.

“So, I get the impression that this journey was a success?”

Emily looked her mother in the eye. “Oh, Mom, you have no idea.”

A second later, Emily and Kim cocked their heads. They could have sworn they heard Prinsessa laughing.

 

 

 

The End