The morning they were scheduled to leave had arrived. All those going went down to the harbor to board the two ships. Ariyona was hesitant and Jareth looked at her quizzically but she said naught. Once they were aboard and set sail, Ariyona sought out her friend, Kaya. Kaya and Grosh had been given quarters together. When Ariyona knocked, Grosh went above deck to give the women some privacy. Ariyona hugged her friend tightly.
“Kaya, I am so happy you will be staying nearby. It will be just like old times, albeit Mari is not here with us. Mayhap we should send word to her and Josan to see if they wish to move here. Then we can really cause some mischief!” Ariyona gushed.
“Oh aye, that we would,” Kaya laughed. “Even so, we may be too busy with babes to cause much trouble.”
Ariyona became thoughtful at that. “It is funny you should mention that. In a way, it is why I sought you out today. I have not told my lord husband yet, but the last few mornings, I have been ill. I think I am with child again.”
Kaya jumped up and hugged her friend again. “For sure, Yoni?” Ariyona nodded. “This is a good tiding. For though I have not told Grosh yet, I have been sick for near on ten days now. I believe I am with child as well. We shall be pregnant together!”
“I am so happy for you. Kaya. Nonetheless, we do not know what kind of child you will have, nor if you can even carry to term. This is a new happenstance. You must be careful with your health.”
“This is exactly why I have not yet told Grosh. He would hover over me and treat me as if I am some fragile object. I am not ready to be coddled in that way. I still wish to have fun and be free while I can,” Kaya explained.
“Oh aye. I can understand that, but this evening, I must tell my husband. I feel it may be hard to keep it secret on this mission. You may need to tell Grosh as well. Let us spend the day together above deck where we can enjoy the sun and the breeze. I am just fearful the movement of the ship will cause my morning illness to be worse.”
The women went above deck and were joined by their husbands, who had been talking together. Jareth looked at his wife questioningly. He knew she was keeping something from him—he could tell by the way she held her body and would not meet his eyes—yet he knew she would tell him in her own time. It maddened him, there were too many secrets these days. He thought about ordering his wife to tell him what she hid, but he was sure that would get him nowhere, so he waited.
Kaya and Grosh were constantly wrapped in each other’s arms and Ariyona looked upon her friend with great happiness. She was pleased that her friend too had found the one who was destined to be hers. Nonetheless, he knew Ariyona wished she could have bonded with a human and not a half-breed.
As the day wound down, they retired to the captain’s quarters, which had been vacated for the king and queen’s use. The twins were there already and the six sat down to a quiet supper. When the meal was at its end, Arianda spoke, “Mother, do you not have something you wish to share?”
Ariyona looked at her daughter. How could she know? And yet, the twins did have special abilities. She glanced at Kaya, who had placed her hand over her mouth to hide her grin. “Very well. I guess I must share some news, since my children seem to know already.” She turned to face Jareth. “Husband, I am with child again.”
Jareth let out a yell, “This news fills me with joy. I knew you were hiding something from me, yet never in my wildest dreams did I expect this!”
“Kaya, is there not something you wish to share as well?” Ariyona prompted.
“Me? Umm, well I suppose so.” Kaya faced Grosh. “Grosh, my love, I too am with child.”
Grosh smiled and kissed his wife. Yet he saw the look upon Jareth’s face. Ariyona noticed it too and she spoke before Grosh could. “Husband, I know this is not a usual pregnancy. We know not what issue they will produce, but since Grosh is half human, the child with have more human blood than aught else.”
“Yes. Nonetheless, we shall follow this pregnancy closely. The child will need to be birthed at the castle, should it reach full term, as I will need to see the babe at birth. I am still unsure of this hybrid mating.”
“Majesty, it shall be as you command,” Grosh acquiesced. “I do not wish to do anything that might make you suspicious of me; therefore, I shall follow your command to the letter. When Kaya nears her time, she will move into the castle if that be your wish and if you do not wish me there, I will stay at the estate house.”
“I will need to think on this. Let me complete this mission, as I will need to focus, than we shall get the two of you properly wed. After that, mayhap I will be able to think on this matter.” Jareth put his hand to his forehead. “You women have given me too much to think on. And to have the both of you with child at the same time…I see trouble brewing,” he laughed.
Ariyona smiled, knowing her husband accepted the situation. As well, she knew her husband knew she and Kaya could cause plenty of mischief if they put their minds to it. This was going to be fun!
*****
On the morrow, they reached the island where the trolls and trumans had been relocated. Firestorm led them to an inlet that held the faction wishing to speak to Jareth. They set anchor then ferried to shore. Once they were ashore, they didn’t have long to wait before a group of trumans came from within the trees. Jareth’s soldiers were instantly on guard, not knowing whether they would attack or not. One truman started to walk forward, away from the rest.
Grosh whispered to Jareth, “That one is called Conser.”
Conser came before them and bowed to Jareth and Ariyona. He held a hand aloft in greeting to Grosh. “Majesty, I am Conser, leader of this group. We have broken from Ustan, Grosh’s brother, who started the war with you. We wish only peace, but we cannot stay here on this island with Ustan. He is furious we have broken away from him and attacks us often. This island is not big enough for both of us to live. We request permission for those of us seeking a peaceful existence to return to your lands, where we may live and serve you, Your Majesty.
“We will be more than happy to live within the caves,” Conser continued, “if we can have some lands without for farming and for those who do not wish to remain within the caves. We do not need much and we will do whatever you bid of us, so long as it is in peace. We do not wish violence anymore. The human part of us provides counsel and wisdom, and we do not wish to be war-like forevermore.”
Jareth was thoughtful, “This is a difficult thing you ask. I must think on this. We will return in a fortnight to give you our decision.”
Conser bowed again, “Your Majesty is wise and fair. Nonetheless, I am unsure we will be able to hold out that long against Ustan and his army, Sire.”
Ariyona answered, “Firestorm informs me that he will leave three dragons here until our return. They will protect you from Ustan’s attacks.”
Conser looked at the dragons and gulped, “Albeit we do not have a liking for them, we accept their help in this matter. This will work for us. We will await your decision, Your Majesties.”
Jareth turned to Firestorm, “May I beg a favor of you? I wish to speak with my man Cormack, yet it will take a day of sailing to reach Ravenwood, and I will have need of a day to return here. That does not leave much time for me to ride to the castle. May I ask of you to take one of my children and fly to the castle, so as to inform Cormack to meet us at port?”
Firestorm considered a moment before Arianda jumped up. “Yay! He has chosen me!” Turning to her parents she explained, “I be a little lighter than Jasson, so Firestorm will be able to fly that much faster.” Ariyona was not thrilled with the prospect of her daughter flying across the ocean atop the great beast; nonetheless, she had flown upon him and knew her babe would be safe.
“Make sure you return with Cormack, my daughter,” Ariyona instructed. “For I will have need to see with mine own eyes that you are safe.”
“Oh mother,” Arianda giggled, but she nonetheless agreed. The girl climbed astride the great red dragon and they flew off into the distance. Iceheart and two other dragons would stay on the island to protect Conser’s group.
Everyone else boarded the ships and began the journey back to Ravenwood. Ariyona wasn’t looking forward to being back aboard as the ocean’s movements was indeed making her morning illness worse. Kaya didn’t seem to be having much difficulty though. Ariyona looked at her friend who glowed in her pregnancy, while she just felt as green as Grosh. Jareth made her lay down in the captain’s quarters for most of the journey back, while Kaya sat with her to help make time go quickly.
When they finally reached land the following day, there was a large entourage awaiting them. Tents had been erected in preparation of their arrival. Kaya and Grosh headed to their tent, while Ariyona and Jareth headed to an open pavilion erected with travel thrones for them to hold court. Jareth summoned Cormack to him first, but before they could begin to talk, Lord Solani and his daughter, Joranne, approached the throne, demanding to be heard. Jareth looked at Cormack.
“I am sorry, Majesty. They came to the castle not long after you set sail and demanded to see you, Sir. When Lord Solani heard I was coming here to meet with you, he insisted on coming along.”
Jareth sighed, “Very well, Cormack. Stay nearby as we must speak very soon, but let me deal with this issue.” Jareth looked at Solani and Joranne. He knew what Solani was going to bring up and he knew he had put this matter off too long. “Lord Solani. What may we do for you?”
Lord Solani bowed low. “Greetings, Your Majesty. Forgive my impertinence, but I must speak with you regarding my daughter. When you cast her aside, you promised to arrange a suitable marriage for her. Yet it has been nigh on two years and she is still unwed, Sire. We had an understanding, and when you broke the deal, you promised compensation.”
Jareth tamped down his anger at Solani’s words. “Be on your guard, Bryson. Your words are near onto treason, but in one respect you are correct. I did promise to find a husband for Joranne.” He looked at the one who would have been his bride had not Ariyona come into his life. She was pretty, to be sure, but she lit no spark within him.
“Majesty, Joranne has rejected all suitors who have come to her, stating that none can live up to her ideal, which is you, Sire.”
Ariyona whispered to Jareth and then Jareth addressed the supplicants again. “We shall send word to Carillon and select a few eligible and suitable men from there. Joranne can select from one of them.” He looked directly at Joranne. “And you will select one from this group, Joranne. If you do not select your choice, I shall choose one and you will have to marry him whether you want him or nay. So think carefully on this. As soon as I have completed this mission, I shall send word to King Oberon, and have him send lords to me to interview. Be gone with you now, as I have important matters to attend. I shall send for you both when I have several lords for you to choose from.”
Lord Solani and Joranne left. Jareth took a large swallow of mead from his goblet. “Thank you, my beautiful wife, for that suggestion. Joranne will find fault with everyone as she wanted to be queen.”
“I am sure my father will find some suitable lords for us to bring here. The best part is that once she is wed, she will have to go live in Carillon and will no longer bother us,” Ariyona quipped. Ariyona had not forgotten the way Joranne had looked at her with hatred when first she was wed to Jareth. At that time, Ariyona had not even wanted Jareth. Joranne had found it most unfair that she had been slighted for Ariyona who was ungrateful for the marriage.
As no one else had anything further to interrupt Jareth with, he told Cormack and Ygraine all that had happened on the island. The four of them sat in counsel on this matter. No agreement could be met this day, and they continued this discussion at daybreak. Ariyona was wont to allow them to move back to Ravenwood, as she believed they could be as true as Grosh, and Ygraine sided with Ariyona on this. Cormack and Jareth were not as sure. They also discussed where to allow them to live if they returned. They had requested land outside of the mountains where they could farm yet close to the mountains. Cormack suggested giving them the army’s training camp, which was near the mountains and walled off. They could live there and farm, yet still be close to those who chose to live within the mountains.
Late in the second day, Ariyona spoke up. “My lord husband, remember they have skills that are useful to us. They can open passages within the mountains to make travel between Carillon and Ravenwood easier and Grosh could be our emissary to make sure they remain peaceful towards us.”
“You have given wise counsel, my wife.” Jareth turned to one of his men, “Go and tell Grosh to come before us.”
They spoke more on this matter until Grosh approached them head bowed respectfully to both Jareth and Ariyona. “You sent for me, Majesties?” he asked.
Ariyona saw Kaya standing just outside the pavilion and motioned for her to join them. Her face lit up and she approached to stand beside her husband-to-be. Jareth began, “We have been discussing the matter that Conser has laid before us. We are inclined to allow his faction to move back and have decided on suitable land near the mountains we are willing to give them, as long as they tithe to us, remain peaceful toward our people, share their skills, and fight for us if necessary. Queen Ariyona has suggested you be given the title and appointment of emissary. It will be your task to ensure they are fulfilling their side of the agreement, and to bring any concerns you have to our attention. We are relying on you to be loyal and faithful to the crown over your people. Can you handle this vocation?”
Grosh was stunned into silence for a moment. Then he bowed to Jareth again. “Majesty, when I first left the mountain to be with Kaya, I disavowed my people and gave all my loyalty to you. Yes, I accept this position and will make certain the trumans remain true to their word and the agreement. I will happily be your emissary, and can assure you upon my life, and that of my unborn child, that I shall not fail you nor cause you to question my fealty.”
“Well then, I suppose I should elevate your status, Grosh. Though I cannot raise you too high as you do not have much land or wealth. Step forward.” Jareth removed his sword from his sheath and Grosh knelt. Jareth touched his sword to each of Grosh’s shoulders. “Grosh. Before all those assembled here, I name you Lord Grosh, emissary to the trumans who will reside in our lands. You are now truly of Ravenwood.”
Jareth put his sword away and Grosh stood. Ariyona gave him a hug, which was not protocol, but which she wished to do anyway, then she and Kaya hugged. A feast was laid out and they ate and drank until late into the night. The next few days were spent writing up an agreement for the trumans. Jareth wanted to leave nothing to chance and wanted everything spelled out in this charter. It took three days, with many family and fun breaks before they had a charter written up to Jareth’s standards. As he reflected upon it, he was sure that before Ariyona had come into his life, the terms would have been much harsher, if he had allowed them to return at all. He thought about how she had tempered his tyrannical ways and was turning him into a monarch whom the people could love rather than fear. It was a heady feeling.
Firestorm was not entirely happy with this development, as he still felt the trumans were abominations who didn’t deserve to live, but he vowed to Ariyona the dragons too would keep an eye on the trumans settlement. This helped Jareth agree to allow them back, as he knew he had the dragons on his side. They rested in this camp until it came time to head back to the trumans' island.
Three ships sailed back and Jareth hoped had enough room for all they had to transport. As they approached the island, Iceheart flew out to meet them. He conversed with Firestorm as they flew and Ariyona tried to catch their words in her head. She was having difficulty, but could tell by the tilt of the twins’ heads that they could follow the exchange. She now understood the frustration Jareth felt at not being able to hear the dragons. Ariyona felt as if the dragons were trying to block her from listening in. Iceheart flew back to the island, while Firestorm kept pace with the three ships.
Jasson turned to his parents. “Conser and his people were attacked while we were gone. Iceheart and the other dragons were able keep his people safe, but he cautions there may be an attack while we load Conser’s people. He just wanted us to be forewarned of what has been happening,” Jasson told them.
Both Jareth and Ariyona were sure Jasson didn’t give them the whole story, but neither pressed the issue. Jareth was especially uneasy as he wasn’t used to all these secrets flying around him. He didn’t like feeling like he was not in control of a situation, yet lately it seemed he lost more and more control. He did not like the connection between the twins and the dragons, as he was afraid the dragons would take the children again. Jareth knew he would have no way to stop them if they wanted the twins. It made him very uneasy knowing how easily he could lose them.
Soon they were dropping anchor in the cove. They saw many trumans and a number of trolls upon the beach with what little belongings they had. The other two dragons had remained behind lying upon the sand guarding the group. Jareth looked at the number and decided they would all fit aboard the ships, but it would be a tight fit and an uncomfortable sail back. At least it would only be a day. They spent the night aboard the ship, while the trolls and trumans remained on the beach, protected by the dragons.
On the morrow, they began to ferry the creatures to the ships. Conser remained on shore, stating he would board last, once all of his people were taken care of. The female truman who had freed Ariyona was there. She hesitantly approached their majesties and Grosh. She bowed low when she got close and Jareth told her to rise. Ariyona was glad to see her among those returning to the mainland.
“Majesties,” she began, “I want to thank you as well for allowing us to return and escape from Ustan.”
Ariyona smiled at her, “I am glad you are coming back as well. What is your name?”
The girl looked frightened for a moment. “I have no name right now, Your Majesty. Remember in the dungeon when Brulan took my name from me. I must honor that as it is the way of my people.”
Jareth looked at his wife and then at the girl. “Since you will be living in my kingdom, under my rule, I give you back your name. You may use your old name or take one I bestow upon you.”
“I will take a new name from you, Sire,” she said.
Jareth thought a moment. “Very well. I shall give you the name of Harmony, as you can be a bridge to peace between our peoples.”
Harmony’s face lit up. “Your Majesty,” she gushed, “I love that name! Thank you so much. I pledge my life to you, your family, and all of your people.”
Ariyona glanced at Grosh, who was also smiling broadly at this. Grosh noticed her glance. “Majesties, I am truly honored you would give her a name such as that. She is my half-sister. We had the same father. Ustan and I are full siblings, but I have always had a special place within me for Harmony.”
Suddenly there was a crashing coming from the tree line and Ustan appeared with his army. The dragons spread their wings in a show of force, letting Ustan know they would attack if necessary. Ustan motioned for his men to stop as he sheathed his sword and stepped forward.
“Take these traitors. I do not need or want them. This island is good, and with those rebels gone, there be more resources for us. We will not attack. Take them. I care not. Be gone and good riddance.” With that, Ustan turned and went back to his troops. They headed back into the trees and disappeared.
Jareth laughed, “Though he says he is letting them leave, I believe he is afraid of the dragons.”
They finished loading the newest members of the kingdom aboard. Conser and Harmony were brought upon Jareth’s ship. After they set sail, Ariyona was standing on the deck watching the water when she noticed Harmony standing near to Conser and talking with him. She watched as Conser took Harmony’s hand and pulled her closer. Ariyona smiled, knowing a romance was growing there, now that Harmony was healed. She was glad the female truman who had risked her life to free Ariyona was going to find happiness.
The trip back was uneventful, if crowded. The dragons flew nearby, keeping pace with the ships. The twins chose to fly upon dragons backs, despite the objections of their parents. Ariyona knew they conversed while they flew, nonetheless, she could not follow what they spoke of. She felt as Jareth did, that they were losing the children to the dragons. She knew she carried a new babe, yet she grieved at the twins pulling away from her.
They docked in Ravenwood at nightfall and disembarked as quickly as they could. Cormack still waited where they had met on the previous return with the tents still erected and waiting. Ariyona was glad to get solid ground beneath her feet as this babe did not like sea travel at all. Ariyona vowed to herself to remain firmly planted on the ground and not even ride dragonback until this babe was born. She tumbled into bed in the tent, not even waiting for Jareth to help her out of her gown. When Jareth entered a little while later, he covered his wife with the quilt and gently got into bed beside her.
When she awoke, after her morning illness passed, Ariyona was still exhausted, but knew their journey was not yet over. They still had to escort the trumans and trolls to the training camp which was to become their new home. The journey there took almost two days from where they had camped. The trumans were happy with the land they were being given and many of them chose to remain on the land, while most of the trolls went back into the mountains. Conser and Harmony took the cottage that had been Jareth’s. Ariyona showed them the tub and how to operate the valves. Harmony said she could not wait to try it. Ariyona felt a little strange being back there. She had not stepped foot into the camp since she had been a captive there.
As the trumans were getting settled, Ariyona wrapped her arms around herself and walked near the bridge across the stream. Jareth came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her as well.
“Are you well, wife? Tell me what troubles you,” he whispered into her hair.
“It is naught, my husband. I was just remembering when I was your captive here. I never let you see how scared I was, how much I wanted to cry. I knew I needed to stay strong and not show you any weakness.”
Jareth turned Ariyona to face him. “All I can do is beg your forgiveness once again, my beautiful wife. I am truly sorry for any distress I caused you back then. I was crazed with want of you and I fear I may have come on a little strong.”
Ariyona laughed, “A little, my love? More like an angry dragon breathing fire upon all in its path.”
Jareth laughed at this as well. He was gladdened he was able to turn Ariyona’s thoughts to better ones. “When we get back to the castle, I promise to show you how much of a fire breathing dragon I can be as I take you in our bed.”
Ariyona got wet at his words and melted into his embrace. “I suppose if I had not been your captive then, I would not be so happy now.” They held each other a few more moments until Jareth was called away to settle some disputes on housing. Ariyona saw Harmony watching her and called the girl over.
“I need some advice,” the girl began, “if it pleases you, Majesty.” Ariyona told her to continue. “Do you think it is wrong for me to live with Conser when we are not wed? He wants me to stay with him, yet we do not have the custom of marriage as your people do. Now that we are members of your kingdom, must we wed before we can live together? I do not wish to offend or break your customs.”
“I shall need to check with my husband on this as we did not discuss this issue. Nonetheless, I shall decree, for now, that you may follow your own customs on this matter. If your people live together without being wed, then so be it. If the king should decide otherwise, we shall come back and arrange for marriages for any of your people who wish to wed. For now, be happy and live with Conser.”
Harmony’s face lit up again as she thanked Ariyona and Ariyona decided the girl was not as ugly as she once thought. Mayhap it was because she was not always snarling as she did when the madness was upon her. Or mayhap Ariyona was just getting used to the way the trumans looked. Albeit, some were uglier than others as they had more troll features. Some were almost pleasant to look upon. Ariyona glanced to Grosh who walked with Kaya. Grosh could be considered good looking, but his green skin repulsed Ariyona. She did not know how Kaya could abide being with him, but she knew the pull did not care about looks. Once they were bonded, looks did not matter. She was glad, however, that she had bonded with someone as handsome as Jareth and not someone like Grosh.