“And what of yourself? Any plans after returning?”
There was a moment’s hesitation while the first of the arriving ships docked before simply saying, “Rectify.”
The two watched as a loading plank was secured for crewmen to hop off with ropes ready to secure the large vessel in place. Amongst the giddy cries of children, happy to race each other down the walkway, and excited chatter about the war’s end, there was one voice that brought an instant smile. It was not long before a young man peered over the ship’s railing at the waiting Healers.
“Ahoy, there!” Josephine’s high-pitched shout and frantic wave greeted them.
“See you made it back safely!” Wisdom called up to him.
“‘Course! I sail just as well as my grandfather did!”
“You? Sailed this?” Wisdom gestured to the large ship. “And your grandfather let you?”
“Well...yes! I mean, I turned the wheel a bit.”
“Josephine! Quit yer jabbering!” came the familiar, crabby voice of his grandfather from somewhere on deck. “Help me with these ropes, will ya!”
Wisdom caught that quizzical stare from Chronicles upon hearing the odd-sounding name. With a shake of his head, the prince explained.
“Last name’s Phine.”
“So...Joseph is..?” When he received a nod, Chronicles just shook his head. “Interesting friends you’ve made.”
“All shapes and sizes.”
“I suppose that’s a good thing.”
A chuckle. “You have no idea!”
An array of grandfatherly insults rang from deck. There came the slap to the back of one’s head before Mr. Phine stepped to the ship’s railing.
“Don’t suppose he mentioned any stowaways on board, did he?” When he saw their blank expressions, Mr. Phine let loose a string of mumbled curses. “Well, ya got company! So look around, Healer!”
Wisdom heard his father grumble something as soon as the old man had stepped from view. Curious who might have come on board while at sea, Wisdom’s eyes darted between the ships, then around the boardwalk. People crowded around, still waiting for family members to disembark. He saw a small band of Simpletons collected at one end of the dock. Now and then a few thoughts sifted his way when he opened his mind to sight-read.
They’re on the last ship, one caught on to his thought patterns.
With so many people to wade through, it was difficult reaching the last vessel. Everyone wanted explanations on the war’s progress, or else stopped to greet him as they came off the ramps. At one point, he ran into Master Nemmerl and Nickademis, both relieved to be back on dry land.
“You may be wanted near the borders,” Wisdom suggested to the doctor. “There were a lot of wounded, and I’m sure they’ll want counseling for those they’ve lost during the battle.”
“I suspected as much.” Nickademis frowned.
“But is it true?” Nemmerel said. “The war is over?”
“At least between my kind.” Wisdom gave a reassuring smile. “You’ll probably be seeing them more often now that our misunderstandings have been put to rest.”
Nickademis rubbed his chin in thought. “And what of Jenario? Did he show like you wanted?”
“He did. If not for him, we’d all be lost.”
“And what of him now?”
“He finally realized his mistake with the horn.”
Nickademis sucked in a quick breath. Beside him, the Mystic leader watched his expression change to one of eagerness. “Did he destroy it?”
“No.” The answer brought a wave of disappointment over their faces. “It destroyed him; however, without a host it cannot play its little war games. So Abraham has taken it back to Sapphire for safekeeping.”
“What a fool!” Nickademis huffed past the prince. “We should be getting to the border, then.”
Nemmerel just shook his head, his gray beard swishing across his chest. “I suppose there was nothing anyone could do at that point.”
Wisdom shrugged. “It is what it is.”
They had just said their farewells when Wisdom’s name was called. The prince pricked his ears forward, tuning in a young female’s voice over the crowd. Amidst dark clothing and moving bodies, a white dress lured his gaze to the final ship just pulling into port.
“Glory...” The way the setting sun bathed her face in a soft glow made his heart melt at her beauty. She was as lovely as ever he could remember. Even more now that she had returned home safe. “Glory!”
He shifted before thinking, frightening those nearby when he unfurled large, dark wings in his ‘Keyarx form. That brought a smile, even a laugh when small children ran along the docks after his unusual form. After circling overhead once, he hovered overtop crew members struggling to connect a loading plank to the dock. With growing impatience to be with his love, Wisdom gestured with outstretched fingers toward the scene. In an instant, the plank was gently removed from their grasps and locked in place. Ropes secured themselves to surrounding posts before crew could even get a foot on land.
While Glory was accustomed to his random shifts, the rest were eager to be out of his way. It was not long before mothers hurried their children from his landing path and men, though attempting to keep calm, still watched in fascination before disembarking.
“I couldn’t wait any longer.” Wisdom laughed, letting his wings fold into an illusionary fade. Even before he had finished shifting, she was in his arms. The smell of her hair beneath his chin as he held her close stirred emotions. He felt elated to be with her again, the same for the others who had accompanied.
Holding her close, Wisdom acknowledged his brother with a thankful gaze. He was vaguely aware of Katherine and Glory’s stepmother, as his attention focused solely on the one thing he treasured most. Why did she leave?
“See you cleared a path.” Glory checked the vacant ship. Even the crew had stepped off to give them some privacy. Slowly, she slipped from the embrace, her gaze cast down in humbleness. It was in this move that the prince recognized an oncoming apology and remained silent. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t until the ship set sail that I begin to regret...”
“I’m sure you were just worried for your family,” though he knew there was more to it than that.
“I wish it were that simple.” She finally met that sapphire gaze, and was completely lost in them. “I didn’t even know there was a war until you sent Shy.”
“So, what was it?”
Glory sighed. “Earlier, I had stopped outside your room. When I heard you speaking with someone, it sounded...” She paused, seeing how his eyebrows lowered in realization. “It sounded like...”
“I know what you heard,” he said softly. When she looked away, he turned her attention back with a finger under her chin. “Glory, if I thought not loving you anymore would protect you and your family from what just happened, I would have given you back to Valor – if only to keep you safe.”
“That traitor, you mean?” Lady Pena broke the couple’s tension with her rich but sharp tone. A cultured dress of gold and wine curved over slim hips as she strutted toward them. “What I would have given to have him thrown in prison for his behavior!”
“My Lady?” Wisdom slightly bowed to her in greeting, though uneasiness was beginning to creep over him. The one encounter he had with the wealthy fish merchant was enough to prove Glory’s mistrust toward him. Now he wondered what opportunity the war may have offered. “What has he done?”
“Mother says he refused to...help father...during the fight.” Glory’s voice caught, and she fought back tears at the image of her father falling in battle.
“Mother?” Used to her hot temper should anything but ‘stepmother’ be said, he was taken back by the correction. “But don’t you mean..?”
“We’ve...reconciled a few things.” Glory then lowered her voice. “Father didn’t make it.”
Wisdom checked Katherine and Shy, who nodded with grim expressions.
“I was a moment too late,�
�� Shy said.
“And he couldn’t be healed?”
“Snapped neck,” Katherine said. “You know that’s instant...” Here, she stopped when Glory started tearing up.
“Oh, Glory.” Wisdom pulled her tight against his chest until his chin rested lightly over her soft hair. “I’m so sorry.” He lifted her hand to kiss it, wanting nothing but the world to be right for her. “I’m sorry I couldn’t have come myself. It’s just...I didn’t want it to look like I was abandoning the clan when war was heading this way. I needed to be ready.”
“Well, it’s over now,” Lady Pena said, watching the two embrace with renewed interest. “It complicates things, but if Glory wishes to remain here...” A curious smile spread across her lips. “We should probably talk about what to do with Lexington first.”
“Is it truly over?” Katherine asked to Shy’s disapproving grumble. “Did Chronicles make it here at all?”
“Chronicles...” Glory pulled from the embrace. “He’s your—”
“Watch it!” Shy suddenly thrust Katherine behind him at the approach of another.
Wisdom quickly turned to the ascending Healer on the ramp, but held up a hand to hold his brother’s challenging position. Chronicles, however, remained calm until he stepped on deck. A silver gaze locked with his younger son’s fiery glare of blazing emerald. With clasped hands in front of him, he waited.
“It’s all right, Shy!” Wisdom placed himself between the two. “He’s not the same anymore.”
“What do you mean ‘not the same’?” Shy growled. “Do you know how many have died because of him? In Lexington alone? And now you want me to believe he’s ‘not the same’?” He brushed away Katherine’s reassuring hand.
“Do you not remember losing your memory to a creature you couldn’t describe?” Chronicles asked his son in a soft tone. “And yet you swore up and down that you saw something? That it...pushed you to the edge until you had no choice but to jump. You have this vague hint of remembering something, and yet when you try, nothing comes to mind.”
Shy remained silent with narrowed gaze.
“I, too, saw it. And like you, my memories were erased. But with it went the ones that involved why I had wanted to help humans, not eradicate them!”
“Shy, the horn has been using us the entire time,” Wisdom said. “You. Me. Everyone was affected. But I had counted on it showing the moment Chronicles stepped foot here because all would be revealed at that time.” He took a breath. “We’d all see who the true enemy was, and it’s not Chronicles.”
There was a brief moment for everyone to consider the prince’s words. Wisdom even allowed his brother to sift through his thoughts in hopes of satisfying any doubts.
Finally, Shy let out a sigh. “It didn’t come soon enough.”
With heavy heart, Wisdom watched his brother shift into an owl and fly out over the docks with Katherine following closely behind, begging for him to wait.
“Guess we better be heading back,” the prince suggested in a solemn tone. “We can discuss Lexington back at the clan.” To his father, he added, “I’m sure you’ll have a chance to explain to Shy later.”
“Perhaps,” was his reply, as the group moved down the ramp to disembark. “Although I’m not sure he’ll accept any of it. You don’t just make things right by saying you’re sorry after years of teaching hate.”
After a brief period of mingling with those who had come off the ships, Wisdom led his small group back to the Eastern Clan. The courtyard was alive with a mix of clansmen, townspeople and Healers, each reliving their own experiences during the time of war. By now, it was no secret about Wisdom’s father. Chronicles merely acknowledged those who questioned or greeted him with polite nods and one-worded answers. To Wisdom, his father’s thoughts suggested they make this quick, so they bypassed some of the huddles to enter through the backyard.
It was near the far end of the garden Wisdom heard Everest’s distinctive voice. Guessing she was with her two sons, Wisdom entered the building and told his company to make themselves at home. His father, being the last to enter, hesitated just inside the doorway with attention drawn to the bordering woods.
Wisdom took a guess. “It’s Shy, isn’t it?”
“I’ll…be back shortly.”
“Do what you can.” Wisdom nodded, allowing the door to shut behind him.
“It’s so good to be back!” Glory exclaimed, relishing the coziness of the mansion.
As they headed down the hall toward the main living area, Lady Pena scrutinized every inch of decor and servant they came across. She awed over fine tapestries and throw rugs, along with a set of cerulean and gold vases setup along the wall. The furnishings were suitable to her tastes, and she was happy to sip some of the tea offered by the clan’s talented cook.
“Glory,” Wisdom said after seating her stepmother, “I’m sure your journey has been long and tiring. Why don’t you get comfortable while your...mother and I get more acquainted.”
“Running me off already?” Glory teased.
“On the contrary. There’s a few things I wish to discuss first.”
“You still have your personal servant, do you not, my darling?” Lady Pena asked.
“Of course!” Glory laughed. “But you know me. I like to do things myself.” She gave the prince’s hand a good squeeze before heading back down the hall. “Just don’t decide anything without me!”
“Such a waste, that one!” Lady Pena continued sipping tea while Wisdom took a seat next to her. “By the way, red is not your color.”
Wisdom felt his cheeks warm at the comment and glanced down at the crimson robe he now wore. He had not even noticed all the dried mud caked around the garment’s hem and wished he had excused himself first to change.
“But where are my manners?” Lady Pena corrected herself in good humor. “This war has made everything a little off. This is your place and I’m your guest. So please excuse if I seem a bit touchy a times.”
Wisdom returned her smile. “You are a lady of fine tastes and expect just as much. So will this suffice?” He weaved a hand to cast an illusionary image of what he normally wore day to day. The appealing midnight blue fabric trimmed in silver was enough to grant a nod of approval.
“Now, that’s worthy of a prince.” Placing her teacup on the tray, she settled back in her chair with hands folded on her lap. “I’m not very good with this, as Roland took care of everything.” She dabbed under an eye with her napkin and sniffed several times. “That is to say, he did handle everything. Lexington was built using his expertise in architect. Without him, I fear the city may never recover.”
“Did he supply most of the money?”
“He knew how to make it, too! I just knew how to spend it. I’m used to that, you know. Doting gifts and riches. It’s all I have.”
“No, you have Glory. And now me.”
“Well, at least she has some sense about her. I thought she deserved someone of status. But that was what I wanted. Not that you don’t have that. I’m sure you do. It’s just...”
She glanced around the candlelit room, its dark interior framed by exposed wooden beams and blue-gray stone walls. There were few hanging tapestries and only one rug where they sat. The furnishings were plain, but comfortable. She glanced to her cup and saucer, a milky-white with no decorations except on the pot containing tea.
“It’s not what I envisioned for myself,” she said. “You see, I went after Valor for myself. But now, Roland wouldn’t have wanted it for his daughter. I knew he didn’t, even though he never argued the matter.” Her bottom lip quivered in silent anger as she recomposed herself and sat up straight. “I must have seemed so uptight to you at Luxor’s ball.”
“You have an image to uphold, and a name to keep,” the prince said. “And I completely understand that. But I must ask you now in place of Master Roland. Glory means everything to me, and I’d rather wait until you’re comfortable with what I can offer before asking anything else.”
Lady Pena eyed him up and down a moment, then reached for her tea. “If you’re talking marriage, then you must agree to help me with Lexington first.”
A grin. “I think that was a done deal long ago.”
*****
Chronicles followed the scent of his younger son out into the backyard. He could still hear harpy chatter and caught a hint of white moving between scattered trees lining the garden paths. The various chirps fit that of Chanté, so he merely assumed he was back with family.
He sniffed the air again. The scent of Shy carried him opposite the Wings’ conversation. Over the stone wall that separated neatly pruned garden from dense forest did Chronicles plunge into thicket. Shifting with ease, his black and gray wolf form roamed the forest floor with flaring nostrils. When Shy’s scent intensified, he knew he was close. Opened thoughts reached out to lightly touch any individuals in the area. It was not long before he found two connections.
Can we talk? He gently tapped his mental probe on a barrier his son thrust between them. His other connection remained quiet, though he knew it was Shy’s female companion seen earlier on the ship.
A rustle of feathers caused his ears to prick forward. Though he stared up through the mass of thick foliage, all he saw were sprays of light and shadow playing over the multitude of boughs wavering overhead. Eventually, a tawny owl began to make its way into the remains of fading light. As the sun set, Chronicles kept his ears tuned to the bird’s whereabouts until it finally alighted on a low branch and peered down at him.
“There’s nothing to say,” Shy hooted.
But I know there are things you wish to tell me, things that need to be said.
And what of the others? Shy switched to pure thought, though now and then he made a few gurgling owl grunts in disapproval. How can you expect them to accept, ‘Oh, sorry, my mistake.’ It doesn’t work that way!
Shy spread his wings to glide down and join his father. Together, they shifted until both stood facing one another in true form. The air suddenly felt thick with tension, so much that Chronicles feared his son might challenge him. An ear pricked up at Katherine’s lighter bird form settling somewhere above to listen. Carefully did the Lo-ans’rel leader pick his next set of words to diffuse his son’s temper.
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