But it wasn’t. When she looked out the widow, she saw a huge, shaggy, gray dog bounding up the driveway. She recognized Daisy immediately, and behind her came Solomon, tall as ever, but in strangely fashioned clothes. With him was a tall, stately woman, dressed in a gold gown, more suitable to a costume ball than broad daylight. And behind them, of all people, were Luke and Lacy Roberts.
“What on earth are you doing here?” she asked as she opened the door.
“Hello, Maggie,” Solomon said. “I’d like you to meet Willow. She’s a friend of mine, and she’s going to help Ed.”
“What?” Maggie’s eyes filled with tears. No one had been able to help Ed, or tell her what had happened to him in the first place. But when Solomon said it, she believed it could be true.
“Well, I will try,” the woman said. She touched Maggie’s arm and she felt a warmth flow through her, and a calmness that she hadn’t experienced since Ed had been hurt.
“He’s in here,” she whispered, and led the way to the bedroom.
Once there, Solomon, Lacy, and Luke stood quietly near the doorway, while Willow sat on the edge of the bed. She motioned Maggie to the other side and took Ed’s head between her hands. Maggie watched as she closed her eyes and began to softly chant in a strange language.
Ed’s eyes moved under his lids and his lips parted. Maggie took his hand, trying not to hope for too much. Willow’s chant grew softer, until it was barely a whisper.
A few moments later, she stopped entirely, released Ed’s head and stood. She swayed slightly and Solomon moved to support her.
“Maggie?” The voice was a whisper, but it was more than Ed had said in days. Ever since that horrible night.
“Ed?!” She could barely keep her voice under control.
Ed didn’t move much, but his mouth opened and he whispered something too quietly to hear. Maggie bent to him, then collapsed on his chest, sobs pouring out of her.
“I love you too, you big dope,” she finally managed to squeak. Ed’s hand came up and found her back.
“Thank you,” Maggie finally said, when the worst of her sobs had passed. She sat up and glanced at Willow but kept her gaze mostly on Ed’s face.
“This is just the beginning, Maggie,” Solomon said. “I’m sure Willow can bring him back all the way. But you have to come with us.”
“Where?”
“Well.” Solomon ran his hand through his hair, “That’s kind of a long story.”
End
AFTERWORD
Writing Solomon’s Exile was a much different experience than the other books that I’ve done. The first thing that stands out to me is the fact that it’s not nearly as humorous, nor is it meant to be. Although I did still try to give Solomon, and some of the others, a sense of humor, the overall tone of the book is much darker than my previous works.
It was also different writing one continuous story, not broken into sections. I enjoyed it, although I have to admit, it did take some extra planning to keep the threads straight. In the end, they came together nicely, I think, and I hope you agree and enjoyed the read.
I’d like to thank my early readers; Joyce Maxstadt, Marty Roberts and Tom Siler, all who provided valuable insight and made the book better. And of course, my wife Barb, who has to listen as I read the chapters to her as I finish them, then correct them, and put up with me pouting when she tells me something doesn’t work, even though she’s always right.
Thanks also to you, for picking up the book and reading it. If you’d be so kind, a review on Amazon would be wonderful, since authors like me depend on those greatly.
I sincerely hope you enjoyed the book. Solomon will be back, I’m sure. After all, he does have to go find Celia.
James Maxstadt lives in Burlington, NC with his beautiful wife Barbara and their old dog, Manny. When not writing, he’s usually found reading, watching mindless TV, or performing a home renovation project. (Thanks, Dad!) But rather than read about James, he would much rather have you read the adventures of Duke Grandfather and his friends, or visit his website at www.jamesmaxstadt.com!
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