Chapter 20
Epilogue; May 5th, 770; David and Amy
"Marilyn!" Minty waited for a response and wasn't surprised when he didn't get one. "Marilyn!" He raised his voice and still didn't get a reply. Minty left the kitchen and headed into the dining room. He spotted Marilyn in the same spot he had been finding her these last few weeks. Minty walked over and sat down at her table. "Marilyn."
Marilyn was brought back to reality. "Yes Uncle." Marilyn wondered how long he had been calling her.
"Still thinking about him?"
The first week Talon left, Marilyn didn't miss a step, but as soon as the gossip reported that Talon's unit had arrived in Markham she had changed tunes. Minty couldn't count how many times a day he would find her sitting at the same table they used to sit at watching the front porch in hopes she would be the first to glimpse his return.
In a voice Minty could barely hear, she replied, "Yes. I just hope he is all right."
Minty touched her arm and gave it a small squeeze.
Marilyn looked up at Minty. "Do you think he is okay, I mean really okay?"
Minty couldn't stand looking at her saddened face. The answer he had wasn't one she would like. "I wish I could tell you that. I wish I knew. I can't help but remember he is the last Bastian." Minty realized this was the wrong thing to say almost immediately. Marilyn's face grew even sadder. "Seeing your face makes me wish I could take that comment back."
Marilyn smiled warmly in his direction and then let her gaze find the front porch again. She was surprised to see a small bird perched on the windowsill. Marilyn smiled at the sight.
Minty, surprised to see her smiling, looked out the window. "What a rare sight."
Marilyn looked back at Minty. "They say the Redderin Red bird brings good luck and happiness."
Minty smiled at her and hoped it was true.
Marilyn watched the bird for awhile and was even given a little song before the bird took flight. She watched it until it disappeared from sight, but then slipped back into her earlier mood.
Seeing that look, Minty knew there wasn't anything more he could do. He handled the customers for the rest of the morning.
Amy and David
"Hey David. David!" Amy looked around for her boyfriend. "Come on David. I didn't come out here to play hide and seek." Amy couldn't see him through the thick overgrowth, but she could see a break in the thick growth a few yards in front of her. She headed for it. "David!" Amy knew he was out there and she didn't find it the least bit funny. Why did he have to chase after the poor animal? Amy kept moving forward when she heard a faint voice calling her name. "David. Where are you?"
No answer was forthcoming. Amy had had enough and stomped off towards the opening. Her arms were full of scratches and she was tired of removing her dress from the branches. She could almost feel the sunlight on her as she neared closer and closer to the opening. She felt a wave of relief as she walked out of the growth and then a wave of fear as her second step caused her to slip and fall. She felt reassured by the comfort of hitting solid ground until she realized she was falling and falling quickly. She screamed out loud only to have her mouth fill with water as she crashed into the Teal River. Her arms reached for anything to grab onto and she succeeded as her arms caught onto a fallen tree. With another breath of relief she started to pull herself up the branch.
Amy felt humiliated and even more tired, but she hung onto the thought of what she was going to do to David whenever, and if ever, he decided to show up. She kept crawling along the log until she noticed what looked like a canoe lodged under the log closer to the shoreline. After untangling her dress from some branches, she continued up the log. After what seemed like an eternity, she had crawled far enough to see what was in the canoe. With a quick glance, she realized what was inside and she screamed once again, but louder this time, much louder. Before she could finish the scream, she passed out.
David had given up on his chase and started back to find where he had left Amy. He knew she wasn't going to be very happy with him. He felt bad about taking off like that and, to make matters worse, he had promised this would be a special day for just the both of them. He picked up the pace in the unlikely chance that she wouldn't be as mad if he showed up any earlier rather than later. He wasn't really quite sure where he had started the chase, but he had a feeling she would be waiting for him by the Teal.
He broke through the growth in the spot he thought she was at and saw a patch of her torn dress on a branch and knew he was in real trouble. He started heading towards the waterfront, but froze as he heard a scream. He knew it was Amy. David broke into a run, a run that brought him right into a low hanging branch. He tumbled to the ground. After he shook off the effects of the fall, he got up and started running again. This time a little more carefully. He could see an opening in the distance. As he moved towards it, he was startled to hear another scream. This one was louder. David ran even faster until he broke through the growth and fell down the small drop-off that Amy had just fallen down. On his way down to the water, he caught a glimpse of Amy lying across a fallen tree.
During mid fall he called to her. "Amy. Amy." David splashed into the water and immediately started to swim towards her. He lowered her into the river and cradled her head. She awoke when her body touched the water. "Amy! Are you...Amy?" David brushed hair off her forehead and carefully swam her closer to the riverbank. As he brought her up on the riverbank, he had to lean closer to her what see was saying. "What, Amy? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Between shivering lips and near shock she whispered, "David, the canoe. The canoe."
"What? What canoe?" David took his eyes off of her for a second and looked around. His eyes found it. There was a canoe a couple feet away from him lodged in the fallen tree. "That canoe. What's wrong?"
Amy was almost too tired to say anything, but she managed one last word. "Body." Amy slipped into unconsciousness.
"Body. What does that mean?" It did grab his curiosity, so David made sure she was firmly on the bank before he swam over to take a look.
David got a firm grip on the fallen tree and lifted himself up. He shuffled over to the canoe and looked inside. "Holy..." David wondered if the body was alive. "Sir. Sir." David reached in and checked to see if the body was warm. "Sir." The man was still warm. He needed to get help, not just for Amy, but for this poor soul. David took another look and was surprised the man was still alive. He was covered in dried blood and his arm had an arrow broken off through his forearm. From this position, David couldn't tell if he had any other more serious injuries, but he had a feeling that dried blood had to come from someplace other than his arm.
David shuffled back down the log and walked along the riverbank. "Amy." He bent down and tried unsuccessfully to revive her. "Damn." David gave her a kiss on the forehead and started heading up the incline. He had a good idea of where he was and took off in a blind run for the horses. He could make it to the front guard at the castle faster than he could find help in Hearttowne. It wasn't long before David had retrieved his horse and he was heading towards Heartfelt.
Later that afternoon, Minty’s
"Marilyn." Minty wondered why he even bothered to call her anymore. He walked out of the kitchen and found her in the same spot as before. It was getting closer to the lunch hour and he was hoping to pick up some supplies in towne, but he could see he couldn't leave Marilyn by herself. He sat down next to her. "Marilyn."
Marilyn blinked twice, but didn't say anything.
"Marilyn, I really need a few things from in towne. I don't suppose you could run for them." Minty was starting to think that a little fresh air would be a good thing for the child.
Marilyn thought she heard him ask her something, though she didn't start paying attention until it was too late. "I...I'm sorry, Uncle. What did you say?"
Minty smiled and
repeated his request.
"Okay. What do you need?"
Minty breathed a sigh of relief and told her what he needed. He hoped the walk would take her mind off things. "Let me get you the money." Minty disappeared off into the backroom for a few moments and came back with a small bag. "Here is some money. And take your time, okay?"
Marilyn smiled at Minty and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Without another word, she walked out of the inn. Minty watched her go and was surprised to see her head off in the opposite direction. "Oh, well." Minty went back to feeding his customers.
Marilyn wasn't quite sure why she was walking towards the castle when her errands lay on the other side of Hearttowne, but she started to forget about her troubles as she headed for the bridge. She didn't know why Talon had affected her in such a way. One day he stepped into her life and, after she fell for him, he left her alone. They had spent such a short amount of time together and though she knew it was ridiculous, she fell in love anyway.
She stopped in front of the bridge and picked up some stones, placing them in her hand. She remembered when she was just a young girl in Redderin. She would spend all day throwing rocks into the water from the center of the Redderin Bridge. Today, she felt like just throwing rocks in the water. She stopped in the middle and stood up on the railing. One-by-one, she threw the rocks into the Teal.
Marilyn was so intent on watching the ripples that her rocks made that she almost didn't notice a horse and his rider racing towards the castle. Marilyn stopped for a moment and watched the rider disappear in a hurry. She wondered why he was in such a hurry and the only answer she could think of involved the war with the north. With the distractions the rocks were providing, she had started to forget about it, but now her depressive thoughts returned. Marilyn tried to shake off the feelings and returned to her rock throwing.
The last rock left Marilyn's fingers and splashed into the Teal. She decided it was time to run those errands. As she took a last glance of the river, she was surprised to see the rider from moments ago being followed by six Guardsmen. Marilyn watched them disappear into the woods at a speed she wouldn't use. She shrugged her shoulders and headed towards the ocean docks before Minty started to worry about her.
David’s Delivery
David crashed through the brush with the Guardsmen following close behind. He pushed his horse through the brush and followed the riverbank until they came across the fallen tree, the canoe, and his girl. David pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted. The rest of the Guardsmen, who had to ride in a single file, halted and dismounted. David hurdled the tree and pointed to the canoe. Seeing the Guardsmen take over the canoe, he headed over to make sure Amy was all right. She was still in the same position he had left her and she didn't look awake.
"Amy. Amy, sweetheart." David kneeled down next to her and held her hand.
Amy had been awake for some time now, but she was afraid to move until she felt David next her. She squeezed his hand for reassurance. "David." Her eyes blinked away the sun and she focused on him. "Take care of the canoe. I think it needs more help than I do."
David nodded and headed over to help with the retrieval. Two of the Guardsmen had walked along the fallen tree and were maneuvering the canoe to shore. The other three men waited patiently.
One of them turned to David. "Is she okay?" He nodded in Amy's direction.
"Yes. A little shaken, but fine otherwise. She had a little fall before she encountered the body." David glanced back in her direction and saw she was starting to sit up.
As the canoe hit the bank, one of the Guardsmen started looking over the body. David was surprised to hear a short muffle as the Guardsmen poked and prodded at the body.
"Guardsmen Litnor, I don't think we should move him out of the canoe. Take that oar and bring him over to the Hearttowne docks. We should be able to deal with him without adding to his injury."
"Looks familiar, doesn't he?" One of the Guardsmen commented as he jumped down from the tree.
"Yes. He should be real familiar. That's Talon Bastian. Let's move it."
David watched them mount up. Once they started moving the last Guardsmen turned to David. "Are you sure she is well enough to ride on her own?"
"Yes. Thank you. Good luck." David turned around and headed back towards Amy. She was looking better than a few moments ago.
The Guardsmen started heading away. "Okay. Follow your Heart." David watched as he disappeared from his sight.
"Now, what do you say we try today over again, Amy?" David cracked a smile and held his hand out.
Amy laughed and accepted his hand. She stood back up and hoped the rest of the afternoon was going to be a little less eventful.
Later that afternoon; On the Hearttowne docks
Three of the Guardsmen were waiting on the Hearttowne docks for the canoe. They decided to send someone back to inform Blackheart about who they had found. Guardsmen Litnor appeared under the bridge and started heading over to the first dock.
The Guardsmen had laid a thick blanket out and were ready to bring him to the castle. Litnor docked the canoe and started barking orders. "He doesn't have any broken bones, so let’s move him onto the blanket. Wait! Give me your flask." One of the Guardsmen tossed his flank to Litnor. He poured a small amount onto Talon's lips and let some of the water clean his face. "Okay. Let's move him." Litnor threw the flask back to the Guardsmen and they prepared to lift him. "Watch that arm. I don't want to aggravate that arrow. I can't imagine that's very comfortable as it is."
In unison, the Guardsmen lifted Talon and carried him towards the castle. After stopping a few times, the group arrived at the castle gates. Blackheart was the first to meet them. He ran up to the bundle and then stopped.
"Don't pay me any attention. Let's get him inside." Blackheart replaced one of the men and started towards the barracks in hopes of finding an empty room.
Prince Christopher met up with the group and also relieved one of the Guardsmen. With the Prince and Blackheart's help they found a room and they maneuvered Talon onto an empty bed.
"Guardsmen Litnor, please see to it that a healer knows Talon needs attention."
Guardsmen Litnor snapped to attention. "Yes, sire. At once." Litnor headed out the door.
"He's seen worse, Blackheart. You both have." Prince Christopher placed a hand on Talon's forehead. "He is still warm."
Guardsmen Litnor returned. "Healer Douglas Ivory is en route."
Prince Christopher looked over at Litnor. "What's the full story?"
Guardsmen Litnor being the highest ranked member of the group that brought Talon back related the story to Prince Christopher and Blackheart.
"Blackheart, how long would it take, assuming he came from the docks of Markham, to float downstream?"
"A rough estimate would be closer to three days, maybe two. The current is strong this time of the year. The question would be how long Talon spent under that fallen tree?"
"Agreed. We need to move. I don't want to assume we lost the entire team. Dammit. What the hell happened over there?"
Blackheart started to pace. "Prince Christopher, you know we are ready. The army is ready to go. What are we waiting for?"
"I know. I know. It's time I spoke with my father." Prince Christopher turned and started to walk out. He turned and stopped. "You will know let me know when he comes to?"
"Yes, sire."
Prince Christopher left.
Later that afternoon; Minty’s Inn
Marilyn made it back to the Inn long after lunch had finished. She didn't realize it was that late in the afternoon.
"Uncle. He are the goods."
Minty thought she looked a little less preoccupied than before she left, but only time would tell. "Thank you. Do you mind taking care of the customers while I put these away?"
"Not at all, Uncle." Marilyn handed Minty the good
s and headed over to the first table. There was an older couple sitting by the front window and a younger couple, who were engrossed in a heavy conversation, occupied one other table. Marilyn stopped at the first table so she wasn't intruding on their conversation. "Good afternoon, folks." Marilyn listened to the older couple’s order, but she couldn't help but over hear the younger couple's conversation.
"Amy, I'm sorry I left you, but that guy needed help!"
"It's all right. Where is he now?"
"I don't really know. After I got the Guardsmen, I kind of focused on you. Though I did hear one of them say he knew the man. Sounded like he said the man's name was Talon Bastian or something like that. I guess he is back at the castle. I can't imagine why they would take him anywhere else."
Marilyn wasn't sure that she just heard that. Did they just say Talon Bastian? Unconsciously, she stopped listening to the older couple and moved to the younger couple’s table. It was a tad rude, considering the older couple weren't done ordering, but Marilyn didn't notice. "Excuse me. I don't mean to pry, but did you just say Talon Bastian?"
David looked surprised, but answered her. "Yes, I mean, I think that is what the Guardsmen said. Why?"
"I, uh, well I know him." Suddenly she realized David had said Talon had needed help. "What happened? You said he is at the castle?"
"Well, yeah. We found him in a canoe up the Teal River. He was in pretty bad shape."
Minty walked out of the kitchen and noticed the exchange. Marilyn looked concerned. "Marilyn, what's wrong?" Minty circled the bar and headed in her direction.
"Uncle...they...Talon's back. He's at the castle." Marilyn turned back to David. "How long ago was this?"
"Um, I guess it was late morning, maybe around lunch time."
Minty overhead the last part and watched Marilyn turn a sickly shade of white. Minty came up behind her and held her arm in case she fainted.
Marilyn's head was reeling. She whispered to herself, "This morning. Talon."
"Marilyn, maybe you should go to the castle. Do you think you will be all right on your own?"
It took a moment for Marilyn to decide that she needed to go. Absentmindedly she replied. "Yes. I will be fine." Marilyn glanced at Minty and started for the door.
Minty watched and hoped she was going to be okay. After she left he returned to the customers and silently said a prayer.
Blackheart’s Trial
Blackheart quietly closed the door and left Healer Ivory to do his work. Blackheart knew he wasn't going to be able to get back to work, so he paced back and forth in front of the barracks. It seemed like an eternity had passed since the healer went to work. The door finally opened and Healer Ivory walked out.
"Oh. I didn't think you were still here, Blackheart."
"I just couldn't pry myself away without knowing his condition. What's the verdict?"
"Well, I think he is a very lucky man. He wouldn't have lasted much longer in the sun. He is dehydrated and weak, but I cleaned, dressed, and stitched him back together. I will need a set of loose fitting clothing for him. I had to cut most of his other clothing off of him. I will need someone to administer water to him, small amounts of course, but on a regular timetable. I would give him two day or three days and he will be well on his way to being back to normal."
Blackheart heaved a sigh of relief. "As good as can be expected considering how he looked when he came in here. I will take care of the water myself. Is there anything else he is going to need?"
"If you can spare someone, I would like to have someone around him for the next few days. Just in case he wakes up."
"Someone will be with him. Thank you, healer."
"Just doing my job. I will be back with some treatment for him after dinner." Healer Ivory took one last look in Talon's room and then left the barracks.
Guardsmen Litnor walked back into the barracks to find Blackheart standing by Talon's room. "Sir, how is he?"
Blackheart looked up. "Healer says he is going to make it. He just needs some rest. I need to set up a watch for him. Healer wants to have someone here at all times for the next few days. Can I get you to wait here until I am able to round up a few bodies for that?"
"Yes, sire. Take all the time you need"
Blackheart was relieved to have the chance to get some fresh air. Even from outside the door he could smell whatever ointments the Healer used and they were rather potent.
"Thank you, Guardsmen." Blackheart placed a hand on the Guardsmen's shoulder as he walked out. The sun was starting to dip in the sky, but there was still plenty of day left. The first thing Blackheart needed to do was tell the Prince. He took a moment outside the barracks to silently pray for Talon.
Marilyn’s Discovery
Marilyn made record time in getting to the castle and was relieved to see someone she knew working at the front gate. She recognized his face, but was having a hard time remembering his name. As she neared the front gate, she dismounted and walked towards the guard. At the last possible moment, she remembered his name. "Good afternoon, Guardsmen Riker." Once Marilyn had heard Talon was at the castle she left without thinking that they might not let her in.
"Good afternoon, Marilyn. How can I be of service?" Andrew Riker grew a little concerned and wondered how to handle this. Obviously there was only one reason she was at the castle.
Not sure what to do, Marilyn decided to stick to the truth. "Guardsmen Riker, I...well...um...I just talked to someone who claimed Talon is back and is very hurt. If it's true, would I be able to see him?" Marilyn hadn't realized how important it was to her until she said it. Now she was doing everything she could to keep from crying.
Andrew wasn't sure how to do this. "Please call me Andrew. Why don't we find Blackheart and I will let him answer you." Andrew turned around and called into the guardhouse. "Jake, I will be back in a little bit." Andrew turned back to Marilyn. "Please follow me."
Andrew escorted Marilyn into the castle. At this time of the day, he was likely to find Blackheart anywhere in the castle, but decided a good place to start was his room. They headed towards the courtyard when Andrew heard his name being called.
"Guardsmen Riker. Guardsmen Riker."
Andrew turned to see Blackheart standing at the entrance to one of the barracks. He was relieved to find him so quickly. He led Marilyn over to him. "Good afternoon, sir. I think you know Marilyn Stevens." Andrew took a step back. "She has some questions and I didn't feel that it was appropriate that I answer them."
Marilyn couldn't wait any longer. "Blackheart is it true? Is Talon here?" Marilyn thought she was going to cry.
Blackheart breathed heavily, but knew he had to answer her. "Guardsmen Riker, would you see that her horse is taking care of?"
"Yes, sire. May I?"
Marilyn handed the reins over to him. Before he could leave, she laid her hand on his arm. "Thank you, Andrew."
Andrew nodded and left with her horse. Marilyn drew her attention back to Blackheart.
"Follow me, Marilyn." Blackheart led her inside the barracks.
Guardsmen Litnor was surprised to see Blackheart back so soon. Nevertheless he snapped to attention.
"Guardsmen Litnor, could you excuse us?"
"Yes, sire."
Before Litnor could leave, Blackheart stopped him. "Excuse me, Marilyn." Blackheart walked Litnor to the door. "Do me a favor and inform the Prince of Talon's current condition and let him know Marilyn Stevens is here."
"Yes, sire."
"Thank you." Blackheart returned to Marilyn's side. "How did you find out?"
"I overheard a conversation at the Inn from the man who found him earlier this morning. So it is true?"
Blackheart didn't want to answer and found himself wishing it wasn't true. "Yes, Marilyn. I'm afraid it is true." Blackheart walked her to the front of Talon's door. He decided to show her rather then tell her. He
opened the door. "Are you...okay?" Blackheart realized how pointless the question was. He watched as a small tear escaped out of her eye. With nothing else to say he led her inside.
Marilyn walked inside. She found Talon on a bed in the far corner. She walked over and kneeled down next to him. He looked pale and she started to notice the amount of visible scars. She lost count of how many dressings she saw. His arm was wrapped tightly against his body and his breathing was shallow and faint. Marilyn could feel Blackheart behind her and she couldn't bring herself to cry in front of him. She stood up, and forgetting about her early promise, fell right into Blackheart's arms and cried.
Blackheart was surprised by her reaction. He hadn't realized how close Talon had become to her. Not entirely familiar with this kind of situation, he just held onto her until there was a knock on the door. Marilyn looked up at Blackheart who started to let her go. "Uh."
"Go ahead, Blackheart. Would it be all right if I stayed?"
Blackheart could tell she was serious and he decided he couldn't think of a better person to be with Talon until he was better. "Okay. There will be a Guardsmen outside the door should you need anything." With one last glance Blackheart headed to the door. He left Marilyn to her vigil.
Marilyn returned to Talon. She kneeled down next to the bed and settled in. She wasn't going to leave until Talon came to.
Blackheart opened the door and headed into the foyer. Prince Christopher was there with Guardsmen Litnor.
"I apologize for disturbing you, but the Prince wanted to see you."
"Think nothing of it Guardsmen and thank you." Blackheart turned his attention to Prince Christopher. "You have been informed?"
"Yes. Litnor filled me in on the way over. How is she doing?"
"I...well, to be honest, I didn't realize the extent of their relationship. She is in there now."
Prince Christopher walked over to the room and carefully opened the door. He could see Talon laying on the bed with Marilyn kneeled down at his side holding his hand. The Prince closed the door. "I've seen enough. Guardsmen, I want you to provide Miss Stevens with every and anything she needs."
Guardsmen Litnor snapped too. "Yes, sire."
"Good. Blackheart we need to talk."
Blackheart nodded to the Prince and followed him out of the barracks. Blackheart had the feeling this was going to be a long meeting. Prince Christopher was mad.
Three days later; Muster on the Parade Field
Four hundred Guardsmen stood at attention and in their newly formed ranks on the parade field. It was early in the last morning these men and women would have for awhile in Heartfelt. All eyes turned to watch as the back gate opened. Newly appointed Royal Man Daniel Knight called to his troops. "Guardsmen, attention." He smiled to himself as he heard the sound of three hundred and fifty men and women in unison.
The back gate was halfway open.
Knight continued. "Royal Guardsmen, present honors." Fifty of his finest knelt down on one knee. Knight turned and faced his Guardsmen. Seeing everyone was in position, he turned back around to face the dignitaries. He knew his position in life and knelt down on one knee as the gate finished opening.
Prince Christopher and Blackheart walked through the gate, followed by a small squad of Guardsmen. The entourage walked until they stood in front of Royal Man Daniel Knight. The squad broke in half and created a wall. Prince Christopher and Blackheart each took one side. After taking their places both men knelt on one knee.
King Heartfelt stood at the gate and gazed out at his four hundred Guardsmen. The King walked through his squad of men and stopped by his son. "Rise my, son. Royal Man Blackheart, rise and show me your army."
Prince Christopher stood and waited patiently as Blackheart rose. "I will be more than happy to show you your army, my King."
King Heartfelt laughed. "Nonsense, utter nonsense. Although you flatter me Blackheart, I won't take up much of your time. I would venture to say the army has better things to do then entertain an old man."
Blackheart looked over at Prince Christopher for guidance and maybe a little help. Of course, the Prince wasn't about to let him off that easily. "Shall we show him your men, Blackheart?"
Blackheart bowed to both men and received a wink from Prince Christopher. He turned and stepped back to let the King walk over to the army. Blackheart took his place behind the Prince.
King Heartfelt walked up to Royal Man Daniel Knight and laid a hand on his right shoulder. "Rise, my son."
Royal Man Knight rose to full height. "Your Guardsmen await, your Majesty." Knight turned around to face his army. He uttered the last command before the tour would begin. "Rise." Knight felt a surge of pride as the Royal Guardsmen stood and assumed control of each segment of Guardsmen.
King Heartfelt started to walk up and down the ranks. Royal Man Knight fell in behind Royal Man Blackheart. The procession continued this way for each member of the entire army. The King would occasionally stop and speak with members who had been around awhile. The procession finally returned to its original position.
King Heartfelt spoke. "Today, I am asking you to leave your homes, your families, your friends, to return Valerica back to us, to Heartfelt. One land, one people. Each and every one of you will be in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. Until your return, lead with your Heart." The King turned and started to head into the castle walls.
Royal Man Knight had planned this surprise for quite some time. He raised his voice and yelled for all to hear, "To Heartfelt."
The King turned and was rewarded by the sound of four hundred voices yelling in unison, "To Heartfelt." The army did this three times and then returned to attention. King Heartfelt raised his hand and cried, "To Heartfelt." With that he abruptly turned and walked to the gate followed by deafening applause.
Prince Christopher walked on the King's right side. King Frederick felt strong after the inspection. "My son, Markham tomorrow, then, shortly, Valerica will be ours.
Prince Christopher looked back to see the army that would win back the land.
The Heartfelt Saga Page 20
