Tell the world I’m coming home
The group walked out of the darkness of Syra’s forest and into the light. Syra was with them, hands tied. Bob, still quivering and twitching from the electric shock, was being dragged along by Smithers. They would be taken to the King to face the full extent of the law.
Pete, leading Lightning, walked at the front of the group with Smithers and Molloy, his two best friends. He had wanted to spend some time alone with Tahnee, but it seemed as though that would have to wait.
‘So then,’ Smithers said. ‘I was just wondering, McGee. The last two adventures you had—you told me you learned things: how you don’t need to have the title of a knight to act like one, that sort of thing. What have you learned this time? How a good leader gives others a chance to shine? How you can be part of a team? How you don’t have to do everything by yourself all the time?’
Pete laughed.
‘Oh, that’s easy. I’ve learned that you never, EVER mess around with a girl’s wedding.’
Molloy and Smithers laughed, and so did Ashlyn and Marloynne, who were walking behind them.
‘Damn straight, Pete,’ Marloynne said. ‘And trust me, when we get back we are going to have the best wedding ever. After I whip your butt for that “spend my life rescuing you” comment, of course.’
Pete smiled and slowed his pace so that he could walk with his mum. Tahnee was at the back of the group, behind Syra, making sure he didn’t try anything sneaky.
‘I am so sorry, Mum,’ Pete said. ‘I am so sorry I couldn’t save you this time.’
Mrs McGee put her arm around her son.
‘Oh, Pete, my brave knight. That is what I was trying to tell you as we dangled above the pool of acid. You don’t have to be the hero every time. Just the fact you were there trying is enough for me. You have always tried, Pete, no matter the odds. Don’t you see? You won’t always win. You can’t. No one can. As long as you are there trying, I will be so proud of you.’
‘But I don’t get it,’ Pete said, trying to figure it all out. ‘Ashlyn won, so aren’t you proud of her and not me?’
‘I am proud of her, Pete. She is like a daughter to me, and she saved my life. But I don’t set limits on my pride. It isn’t something to take from one person and give to another. You face great odds, every day, and inspire me to be my best. As I said, as long as you are there trying, as long as you are giving everything you can, I will always be proud of you.’
Pete nodded, not willing to talk. Maybe this was another lesson he was to learn on this journey. That as long as you try your hardest, as long as you act out of love and honour and good intentions, then that is enough. The result is out of your hands.
Maybe, he thought, but seriously the main lesson is that I’m never gong to mess up a girl’s wedding. Ashlyn was scary back at Syra Tanooth’s house! He hugged his mum tight and kept walking. As he did so he looked back, past Syra, to Tahnee, who he knew had been watching and listening. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. It was a beautiful moment, ruined only by Syra Tanooth.
‘I don’t get it, Pete McGee. Are you smiling at me or at her? I hope it’s her, because you look all lovey with the dovey. It’s her right? Please say it’s her. I can’t turn out the lights with my hands tied up. Oh, come on, seriously, you’re freaking me out a little here.’
Pete laughed. Tahnee did too and right there, in that moment, he knew it was going to be okay. They were going home, and it was time for a wedding.