Those around the table nodded in agreement, and a comfortable sense of wellbeing settled on all. Makilien looked at each person, noting the diversity she had come to know. What would the people of Reylaun think if they could see?
When the meal had finished, Makilien went upstairs to her bedroom to retrieve her things. She had two bags now—her old pack containing everything she’d had since the start of her journey, and another, larger pack holding the dresses Lord Darand had given her.
After making sure she had left nothing behind, Makilien walked to the door and turned to take one last look at the room. Would she ever return to it, or even just to the palace? But that was something she chose not to think on right now. Backing out, she closed the door.
The palace was quieter than normal as most everyone gathered outside, but voices still came from the throne room. Makilien entered and found Darand and Darian and a couple of her closest friends. A kind smile from Darand brought Makilien into the group.
“You will be greatly missed here, Makilien,” the king said.
“I will miss being here, my lord. Even though I was born in Reylaun, I now look on Eldor as my home. This is where I found truth and, in a sense, was reborn into a new life.”
Darand smiled again. “Will you be returning to Reylaun?”
“Yes. I promised Aedan I’d return with the truth. He needs to hear it, and so does my family and everyone in Reylaun. That is what Elohim wants of me, and I am anxious to serve Him.”
Knowing the danger Makilien would face returning and spreading the truth in Reylaun, therefore defying Zirtan, Darand said, “You have been blessed with great strength and courage. I admire your faith in Elohim. I know you will serve Him well.”
Makilien was touched by his words considering what little faith she’d possessed just days ago. “Thank you, my lord.”
“And thank you, Makilien, for what you’ve done. We are very grateful for the part you played in our lives and our victory.”
“I am also very thankful to have been a part of all we’ve been through.”
“You will be welcome here at all times,” Darand assured her. “Your family as well.”
“Thank you. I hope someday I can bring them here. It is beyond anything they have seen or could imagine.”
Realizing time was short, Darand said in farewell, “Goodbye, Makilien. I will pray for your safety and success in Reylaun as well as your return here.”
“Goodbye, my lord. I am grateful for your prayers.”
Before Makilien moved to say goodbye to Darian, Lord Darand drew her into a hug. Makilien smiled into the king’s kind face and turned to his son. Their goodbye was brief, but no less sincere. Makilien would miss them both deeply.
Finally, Makilien and her friends left the palace. A great number of people and horses had gathered in the courtyard, waiting to leave. Makilien was glad she had thought to say goodbye to the dragons and Arphen earlier. It was going to take her long enough just to say goodbye to the rest of her friends, and she didn’t want to hold anyone up.
Working her way through the crowd, Makilien found Glorlad and Gilhir first. She had enjoyed their company in the last days, and was sad they were not coming to Elimar. Eredan and Bornil, who she had become good friends with, were next, then Lord Andron, and finally General Nirgon.
At last they had all said their goodbyes and mounted up. After a final call of farewell to Lord Darand, Darian, and Nirgon who stood on the palace steps, the various groups moved out and rode through the city. Outside the city gate, Elimar, Althilion, and Beldon’s soldiers had gathered and awaited their lords to begin the march home. Lord Elnauhir and Lord Glorlad rode to the head of their Elven armies and Lord Andron took the lead in front of his men, and everyone moved out.
In a group with her friends, near Lord Elnauhir and his family, Makilien rode quietly. The sun climbed up behind them as they maintained a steady pace. When they came to the rise where Makilien had first ever looked upon Minarald, she brought Antiro to a halt and turned him so she could look back once more at the city. It was different now with the walls still stained black and scarred, but that did not take away from its splendor.
A horse nickered, and Makilien looked up to see Halandor had stopped with her. They said nothing, but Makilien knew he understood the questions she had inside concerning whether or not she’d ever see the city again. But that was in the hands of Elohim, and Makilien trusted Him.
* * *
After four days of travel, the large group made it to the river ford just as night had fallen. Across the river, welcoming light flickered in the houses. Crossing the shallow water, they entered into the beautiful Elven city. As soon as they reached the outskirts, doors opened and Elf children ran out followed by their mothers. Many happy reunions followed as soldiers returned to their homes and families, but Makilien knew many families would be mourning rather than celebrating. Heart heavy with these thoughts, Makilien prayed silently, Please, Elohim, help the families who have lost loved ones. Give them comfort and strength to endure the grief.
The somber mood seemed to affect everyone, but entering Lord Elnauhir’s house lifted their spirits again.
“Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but I am famished,” Elandir stated matter-of-factly.
“Me too,” Elmorhirian chimed in.
Their father chuckled. “I’ll go inform the cooks we have returned and have them prepare us something to eat.” He turned to Vonawyn. “Will you show Sirion a room?”
Vonawyn nodded and led Sirion away.
“You are welcome to the same room as before,” Elnauhir told Makilien.
Smiling her appreciation, Makilien hoisted her pack up again and walked down the hall. Once in her room, she set her belongings down at the foot of the bed before cleaning up a little in preparation to go to the dining room.
* * *
The sun was barely up on Makilien’s third day back in Elimar. It had been a delightful, restful two days, but she knew in her heart it had to end. Slowly, she rose from the edge of her bed where she had spent a long time talking to Elohim.
Dressing in a pretty green gown, she left her room. She saw no one as she made her way through the house and out the front door. Outside it was cool, but peaceful. The birds were singing and everything sparkled with dew. Descending the stairs, she walked down one of the winding, leaf covered paths through the city. New summer flowers had grown up for her to enjoy along the way, and still as many butterflies as when she’d first come.
Eventually, the path brought her back around to Lord Elnauhir’s house and into one of the gardens. A beautiful fountain sparkled in the center. She circled the wide pool slowly where the water collected, admiring the bright colored fish that swam there. Makilien was so mesmerized she startled slightly when she looked up to find Sirion standing there, watching her. The look in his eyes puzzled her, but in the next instant it was gone, replaced by his smile.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Good morning,” Makilien echoed happily.
“You’re up early.” Sirion joined her at the edge of the pool.
“It’s become a habit. Usually I stay in my room to pray and think, but today I decided to come out here.” Makilien allowed herself a little sigh and sat down on the edge of the pool. “A part of me wishes to never leave here, but I know I must.”
Sirion sat next to her and looked at her thoughtfully. “When will you leave?”
“I think I should leave as soon as Halandor can take me,” Makilien said with some reluctance. “I wish I could know if I’ll come back or not.”
“I believe you will.”
Makilien looked into Sirion’s warm eyes. The earnestness and confidence in them comforted her. “Do you?”
“Yes.”
Makilien continued to stare at him. She’d known him for the shortest time out of all her friends, yet they shared something special in their friendship. Saying goodbye was something she knew would be very difficult.
Finally, glancing down at the ground, Makilien steered her thoughts and the conversation away from her departure. For a long time they sat and spoke quietly, just enjoying each other’s company and the beautiful morning.
As the sun climbed above the trees, the sound of Elmorhirian shouting breakfast was ready came from the house.
“We’d better hurry,” Makilien said teasingly as they rose, “or he and Elandir will be upset that we delayed the meal.”
Sirion chuckled as they walked together to the house.
* * *
Immediately after breakfast, Makilien asked to have some time to talk to Halandor. They left the dining room and entered a small sitting room in one corner of the house.
“I wanted to talk to you about returning to Reylaun,” Makilien told him as they each sat down. “I feel it’s time for me to go whenever you can take me.”
“I can take you as early as tomorrow if that is what you would like,” Halandor offered.
Makilien sighed. “I think that sounds best. I’ve been here three days. The longer I stay, the harder it will be to leave.”
Halandor nodded slowly.
“I know what you meant now when you said that when you trust Elohim, you are free no matter what. I may be physically imprisoned again, but my soul will never be. So I am not afraid of going back. My only reluctance comes from having to say goodbye.”
“Goodbye is always painful,” Halandor agreed, “but for those of us who know Elohim, it is never permanent. The day will come when we are all together in His presence forever.”
Makilien smiled, finding great peace in that thought. “I will be ready in the morning then,” she said as they stood. “Thank you, Halandor, for taking me back. I know it’s no short journey.”
“I’m very happy to see you arrive home safely.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
Homeward
Makilien tugged the cinch of her saddle a little tighter and let the stirrup down. After checking that her packs were tied securely behind the saddle, she led Antiro outside where Halandor waited with his horse.
“Ready?” he asked.
Makilien nodded. They walked back up to Lord Elnauhir’s house where everyone was waiting to say goodbye. When they arrived, both were surprised. Three more horses stood saddled and waiting—Torick’s, Loron’s, and Sirion’s. Makilien and Halandor turned to the three questioningly.
Torick stepped forward and spoke first. “I’ve been with you all this way, Makilien. You didn’t think I’d stay behind now, did you?”
Makilien smiled, but asked, “Are you sure, Torick? Riding all the way to Reylaun won’t be very comfortable until your ribs have fully healed.”
Torick just shook his head in disregard. “I’ve ridden much farther before in worse condition.”
“Maybe in your younger days,” Elandir murmured, still loud enough for everyone to hear, and he and Elmorhirian burst into laughter.
Makilien couldn’t help laughing a little too as Torick gave the Elf brothers a hard look.
With an amused smirk, Loron spoke next. “The last time you three traveled through Eldinorieth, you almost ended up eaten by mountain wolves. I thought I’d tag along and prevent that from happening this time.”
“Thanks, Loron. I surely don’t want to end up in some wolf’s belly after all I’ve survived so far,” Makilien said with a grin.
Sirion’s reason for joining them was much the same. “I'm going along to make sure nothing of the sort will happen.”
They shared a smile, and Makilien was delighted with this turn of events.
“Thank you all for doing this for me.” Makilien was touched by their loyalty and friendship, and glad she would have a few more days with them.
But goodbyes still needed to be said to Lord Elnauhir and his family. Makilien began with the Elf-lord.
“Thank you, my lord, for welcoming me with such kindness and generosity. I will never forget the time I have spent here.”
“We were blessed by your company. As in Minarald, you are welcome here always. Goodbye, Makilien.”
“Goodbye.”
Makilien said farewell to Lorelyn and then Elandir and Elmorhirian. The two brothers joked and tried to keep everything lighthearted, but Makilien could tell they were sad to see her go. Finally, Makilien came to Vonawyn, the hardest goodbye so far. Tears formed in her eyes as she tried to smile.
Speaking first, Vonawyn said, “I’m going to miss you very much, Makilien.”
“I’m going to miss you too,” Makilien replied, trying hard not to cry. “You’ve been a wonderful friend to me.” She thought of all the times Vonawyn had been with her when she’d felt the most lost and uncertain.
“As you have been to me.”
Without further words, they hugged tightly, both shedding a few tears.
“Goodbye, Vonawyn,” Makilien murmured as they parted.
“Goodbye, Makilien.”
With a teary smile, Makilien backed away and made herself mount Antiro. Each taking hold of their horses, the men mounted too.
“Don’t forget,” Vonawyn said to Makilien, “wherever you are or whatever happens, I will be praying for you every day. I promise.”
“I can’t thank you enough, Vonawyn,” Makilien said, looking down at her. “I will take great comfort in knowing that.”
Encompassing everyone with her gaze, Makilien said one final, quiet goodbye and lightly squeezed Antiro’s sides. The men said their goodbyes, though theirs were only temporary, and rode out with Makilien. They hadn’t gone far when Makilien looked back toward the Elf family. Elohim. Just saying His name in her heart helped ease the pain of her goodbyes. It is difficult to leave such good friends, but I thank You with all my heart that You brought me here and put them in my life. Even though goodbye is painful, just having known them is worth it.
When they came to the ford, Makilien looked back once more at the city nestled peacefully in the warmth of the morning sun. She then fixed her eyes ahead as they crossed the river.
Riding horses made the journey much different this time around. Traveling at a good pace all day brought them to the edge of Eldinorieth by nightfall. They set up camp under the boughs of the first trees, and Halandor and Torick fell back into their role of preparing supper.
Though she missed all of her other friends, Makilien enjoyed this time with Halandor, Torick, and Loron, the first three friends she’d made outside of Reylaun, and having Sirion along was even better. She couldn’t imagine a better group to travel with.
That night the men set up a system of a two-person watch during each night. Makilien felt capable and confident she could stand watch now, but the men insisted they could manage and Makilien was happy to let them.
Rolling out her bedroll, Makilien laid back against her saddle and stared up at the stars while she listened to the others prepare for sleep. She took particular notice of Torick shifting around, trying to find a comfortable position on the hard ground. She was tempted to say something, but she only ended up smiling to herself as she thought of what his reply might be. Her smiled widened as she considered what Elandir and Elmorhirian might say.
* * *
The next couple of days passed smoothly without any incident or mishaps. No mountain wolves bothered them at night and no sign of any goblins or Shaikes were found along the way. It was a pleasant journey, but one Makilien felt passed much too fast.
During their third night on the trail, Halandor told her they would reach Andin the next day. They would stay there for the night and then ride to Reylaun. That gave her only two final days and nights to spend in the company of her friends.
Wanting to remember things just as they were now, Makilien took out her sketchbook to draw them as they all sat around the fire. She opened it up and found only one empty page left. How fitting, she thought and began the sketch, trying to capture each of her friends as accurately as possible.
* * *
The next day, they left Eldinorieth early, coming
to the dry, open grassland leading to Andin. They slowed their pace a little, allowing for conversation, in no great hurry to reach the village since they wouldn’t leave it until morning anyway.
This slower pace brought them to the village gate right at nightfall. By this time, all of them looked forward to a good meal indoors. After making sure their horses were comfortable and well provided for at a nearby livery stable, the five of them went to the inn.
When they walked inside, all the familiar sights and smells greeted them and brought back many memories for Makilien. She was an entirely different person than the last time she’d entered this building. Apparently, she appeared different because when they approached the counter, the innkeeper showed no recognition of her.
“Halandor,” he said, not quite as gruff as Makilien remembered him to be. “What can I do for you?”
“Good evening, Rindal,” Halandor replied. “We’d like a couple of rooms if you have some available.”
“I do.” Rindal turned and grabbed two keys. He handed them to Halandor. “There you are.”
They walked through the crowded common room and into the hall where Halandor unlocked two doors and gave one key to Torick. It was decided Makilien would share a room with Halandor while Torick, Loron, and Sirion shared the other. Even though Makilien knew she could have stayed in a room alone, they all agreed Andin was quite a dangerous place. Makilien had already seen for herself what kind of men frequented the inn, and who knew how many were in league with Zirtan being this far north. For that reason she was glad to have Halandor close in case of trouble.
After depositing their belongings in their rooms, they returned to the common room for supper. While they ate, Makilien and Halandor recounted the tale of how they had met and the trouble Makilien had gotten herself into. She had been so naïve. She couldn’t believe she had actually left her money pouch out for all to see. But then, if she hadn’t, Makilien realized she may never have met Halandor. She never would have survived without him and thanked Elohim for how He had orchestrated everything.
Truth: Makilien Trilogy - Book 1 Page 24
