by Caleb Monroe
We fly over the dismantling of the wall to cheers from those below. Cecilia and I wave as we pass them by. “You can see the builders relocating their workshops deeper into the farmland so that they can repair any damaged farming equipment more efficiently. Soon there will be no more rings, and our kingdom will be whole once again. The wounds left on our kingdom by Pontis will take time to heal, but we will endure.”
I watch below as the numerous builders and craftsmen who are working together wave at us. “What about the royals? How are they handling all of this abrupt change to their preferred lifestyles?”
“Most of them are going to remain at their current residence. We are going to keep their wall up, but only for the purpose of protecting our kingdom from another attack like we had from the Mortem Mangoners. The doors on that wall will close only if we come under attack, and anyone in the kingdom will have the opportunity to move into whichever area they choose.”
“That is quite the decree to hand down, my Queen. The royals will certainly not be happy about it.”
“I don’t care what they think,” Cecilia sternly says. “They will listen to my laws and they will abide by them, or else they will be excommunicated from my kingdom. A few of those still loyal to Pontis have already decided to pack up and move to another region of Liferné, and I was more than pleased to see them take their leave.”
I want to keep Cecilia calm, so I use my best Pontis impersonation to say, “Well, when I become king…”
Before I can even finish the sentence, Cecilia erupts in laughter and I can see the tension subsiding.
“I was genuinely surprised at how accepting most people were about our marriage.” Cecilia pulls in closer to me as we cross into the former third ring.
“Surprised? I can’t imagine why,” I say with a small laugh.
“Perhaps it’s because you were born in another universe, but I suppose when you help lead a revolution that unseats an unbefitting king and saves a kingdom from its most treacherous enemy, you get a pass.”
We both laugh as the castle comes into view. “Here come our escorts.” From the clouds above us, we see four riders emerging. They fly behind us making their way to our flanks. “How’s it going, riders?”
“Everything is proceeding as planned, sir,” says the rider on my right riding a blue griffin.
A rider on a red griffin to our left says, “The sky is clear, and the coronation is ready to proceed, Your Highness.”
“I see you brought a few more friends with you,” Cecilia says as Shadow roars at the incoming herd of griffins. We all turn to see ten additional griffins heading our way. They catch up to us and surround us in a caravan that ensures our safe arrival.
“Was this your idea?” I ask Shadow. He turns to consider my eyes. “Thanks, buddy.” I pet him on the mane as we cross over the royals’ brick houses and a lump forms in my throat. The pain in my heart is almost unbearable, but I do my best to push it aside and focus on the significance of today for the woman I love.
We are now approaching the castle, and the herd of griffins along with the riders veer off. The doors to the castle walls are open wide, and I can see the masses of people who have filled the courtyard waiting for our arrival.
Shadow skims the ground as we prepare to enter the courtyard. I look up and see that all around the top of the castle walls there are people from all parts of the kingdom, along with griffins, waiting for us.
“The sea of colors in and around the castle is a beautiful sight to behold.” I can hear the bliss in Cecilia’s voice as she looks upon her castle where every color of robe is represented today. The orange of the military, the green and brown of the farmers and builders, the blues, whites, and purples of the royalty or upper class, and the sprinkling in of the various colored griffins only adds to the wonderful mosaic of colors. “You helped me realize this dream, Jacob. I can never thank you enough.”
“You thanked me enough when you accepted my proposal that starry night.” Shadow brings us through the doors to the courtyard, and we land softly on the ruby red tiles leading us to the throne room. Both of us slide off Shadow’s back to the cheers of the Lifernians. “To think that for so long I was trapped inside my house.” Shadow nudges me in the side with his beak while Cecilia laughs.
“Just smile and try to look normal,” she tells me.
The three of us walk down the pathway that is outlined by people and griffins who have come to witness this momentous day. We make our way to the doors of the throne room where two soldiers wearing recently shined armor sparkle in the sunlight as they open the doors.
“This is the throne room my people deserve.” Cecilia stops at the top, gazing out upon the newly remodeled theater.
“You got rid of the red lines that divided the citizens of Liferné.” Shadow chirps in agreement as he gazes around the room. I look up and down the enormous throne room at everyone mixed together sitting in harmony. There are even a few griffins standing along the edges of the room.
Cecilia reaches down, taking my hand as she leads us down to the throne. The room fell silent the moment we walked through the doors and all eyes are now watching the three of us as we make our way to the brilliantly white throne.
There is not a single sound as we progress down the long walkway to the main platform. I help Cecilia up the stairs, and when the three of us are standing in front of the throne, Tayus approaches and bows saying, “My Queen.”
We went over this part earlier, so I know that my job is to bow then step to the side with Shadow, allowing only Cecilia to be front and center. This is her day. Cecilia turns around and faces the room that does not have one empty seat to be found.
Tayus walks up behind her placing a small, but elegant black crystal tiara on her head. We had the craftsmen forge it from the remnants of the Mortem Mangoners.
Tayus steps back to join Shadow and me while Cecilia addresses the great citizens who are here. With a powerfully commanding voice, she says in her more formal accent, “I stand before you wearing a newly-forged crown that was crafted from the very crystal that our enemy was made of. I wear this unorthodox crown because I never want to forget what trials we had to face before we could embody the kingdom we were always destined to become.” All eyes are centered on our beautiful queen as she walks up and down the platform.
Cecilia then descends the stairs and takes a few steps out into the middle aisle declaring, “My father always believed that the only way for the kingdom of Liferné to truly prosper was for all of its people to work together. My uncle, Pontis, sought to undermine and destroy that dream by putting all of you into classes and rings based on what family you were born into.
“He believed dividing his own people was the best thing for this kingdom, but look at how wrong he was! Together we faced the greatest enemy we have ever known and we defeated them! It took the farmers, builders, craftsmen, soldiers, griffins, and even the royals to win this battle. Each of you played a part and without everyone working in harmony, we would have lost and this kingdom would be nothing but ruins. This battle marks a turning point for our world that we will never forget!”
Cecilia stands in the midst of her adoring people and continues.
“I will never allow our people to be divided again! Liferné is now, and forever will be, a kingdom where every man or woman is free to choose his and her own path in life. The family you are born into will not determine the path your life must take. There is not a set destiny on our world for any of its inhabitants. Only you can determine how your life will unfold. Nothing will ever hold anyone back while living in our kingdom.
“I have seen people who believed they were destined to be caged for all eternity suddenly choose to soar into the sky and free entire worlds from bondage. I want that for everyone here, and so beginning today, anything is possible for all citizens of Liferné.” Cecilia smiles at me as she makes her way back to the throne among the cheers of the people.
“I am Cecilia, daughter of King Rhine and
his beloved wife Leda. I am your new Queen.” Cecilia graciously takes her seat as her blue robes shine against the pure white throne. She is truly magnificent.
Shadow and I approach the throne as the room echoes with cheers of joy from the citizens of a kingdom finally united. I lean down to Cecilia whispering, “I think the ball tonight will be the best one yet.”
“I can’t wait.” She tells me with a smile.
Chapter 20
I see Cecilia’s mouth moving, but her words are thrown past my ears by the thirty miles an hour wind racing down the face of the mountain that used to be our old base.
“What did you say?!” I get right up next to her to ask.
Cecilia brushes her hair back into place before shouting, “I said, how many griffins will be left after this group leaves!?”
“Oh. About a hundred of the griffins have decided to go home. Every one of the wingless griffins is leaving.”
“I pray they can find peace on their home world after living through the nightmare that was Pontis.” Cecilia looks at the group of wingless griffins near her.
“In time, I’m sure they will get over the atrocity done to them, but they can’t do that living here.” Shadow has been passing around a rock from the griffins’ home world and now he is coming back.
“He looks so strong. I know this can’t be easy for him, but he is putting on a brave face for us.” When Shadow gets close enough, Cecilia throws her arms around his neck. “I will miss you so much, Shadow. I owe you just as much as I owe Jacob. Now, you must promise me you will come visit, and often.” Shadow chirps while nuzzling his beak into her shoulder. “I know, Shadow.” I see tears taken away by the wind as they fall from Cecilia’s eyes. “I love you too.”
Cecilia releases Shadow and turns to me with tears still streaming down her face.
“It’s going to be okay, Cecilia. This is the right thing for him to do.”
I pull her in tight, and she asks me, “How are you so calm?”
“I’m really good at hiding my true emotions. Most of my life was lived with me wearing a mask to hide my feelings, so that even I was lulled into the lie that remaining trapped in my house was the best thing for me.” I turn and find that the massive storm heading this way is nearly on top of us. “You need to get back to the castle. This storm is going to be really bad, and I don’t want you flying in the middle of it.” I whistle and Captain comes to our side. “You take care of her, alright. Get her home quickly.”
Cecilia climbs onto Captain’s back and the force of the wind causes her to pull herself down close to his back. “You promised to come back and visit. Don’t forget, Shadow!”
Cecilia and Captain head back to the castle, leaving me to finish up here with the griffins.
I shout into the wind, “Tell them to open their portals and get moving! The storm will be here any minute!” Shadow roars, then every griffin in the field opens a portal that will take them to their rightful home. I reach out and grab Shadow’s mane before he can open his portal saying, “Use this first.” Shadow gets the frequency from the rock I am holding and opens a portal. I climb on his back and together we start our final and most difficult journey.
How did you get us here?
“I took a rock from this cliff before the Alpha brought me back to you when we first met him.” I slide off his back, and when I try to land, I feel my legs give out, so I just resign myself to sitting on the ground instead. “I wanted to talk to you one final time before you left to start your new life.”
Shadow just stares out into the wide-open sky before us as we sit in silence trying to figure out how to do this. Saying goodbye was never something we dreamed of having to do. I can feel the uneasiness coming from both of us, and just when I feel like I cannot take the building tension anymore, Shadow slams his foot into the ground in anger.
I don’t think I can go through with this, Jacob! I don’t want to leave you or Cecilia. You are my family. We have been together since I was a child and you have looked after me like a father.
I wipe the tears away as they form a puddle under my eyes. “I know this won’t be easy, Shadow, but you were born to be the Alpha. The other griffins look up to you and respect you. They would follow you anywhere and do anything you ask of them. They need you to lead them. They will fall into chaos if you don’t take your place as their leader.”
Shadow gets up and begins walking back and forth at the edge of the cliff.
I know that. I understand what I was born to be, but I don’t know if I can do it. All the great things I have ever accomplished were with you. It was always the two of us. Every impossible task we overcame we did as a team. What if I can’t do those kinds of things on my own?
Hearing the fear in his voice makes me want to wrap him up and take him home. I want to be selfish and keep him for myself. I thought that coming to this world might make this easier, but I think I knew nothing would make this easy. Letting go of someone you love is the hardest thing to do.
“I only helped you do those great things. It was only because of you that I even got out of my house in the first place. I would still be stuck there if it weren’t for you, buddy. You changed my whole life.”
You always had the ability to do those things without me. You didn’t really need me to do any of that.
I kick a small rock over the ledge as I say, “You’re wrong; I did need you. I know that if I had never met you, then I would still be stuck in that house. I would never have been able to meet my fear head on and crush it. The prison that I created for myself was something only you could help me break free from. Because of you, I was willing to take down an Imago all on my own. You turned me from a meek, worthless coward into a real warrior.”
You did become a pretty good fighter. Almost as good as me.
I elbow Shadow in the side, and I can hear him laughing in my head. “I do recall that I taught you how to do that barrel roll.”
I will give you credit for that one… but only that one.
“That’s right you will.”
Shadow goes silent, and I can tell that he is still afraid of what is about to happen to us.
What if I can’t come see you for a long time? The current Alpha said he had to train me before I would be able to replace him, and that I would not be able to leave until my training was complete. I have no idea how long it will be until I can keep the promise I made Cecilia to come visit.
Shadow gets up and begins to nervously pace along the edge of the cliff again.
“Then you will come when you finish. I know that you will keep your promise, buddy.”
But I don’t want you to get mad at me for being gone too long, or what if I am gone for years and you forget me?
I jump to my feet, wrapping Shadow up in my arms just like I used to when he was a baby griffin. “I will never forget you, Shadow, not in a million years. You are my best friend and you always will be. Nothing can change that. Not even if you are gone for ten, twenty, or fifty years. I will always love you, my friend. There is not a thing in this world, or the next, or any universe that exists that can change that. We are family.”
I love you too, Jacob. There isn’t another person in any universe who will ever mean as much to me as you do. I promise you that, my brother.
We take a moment to just sit and be together as we stare off into the wide-open sky before us. I do not want this moment to end, but we cannot delay this anymore. It is only going to get harder if we wait any longer.
“I think it’s time, Shadow.” Those words barely escape my mouth. I have to force each syllable out.
My body trembles as I attempt to let go, but I pull away from Shadow, fighting the urge to cry out, to latch on, and never to let go. I knew this would be hard, but I never imagined that it would be this hard.
Are you sure I will be a good leader for the griffins?
I stare directly into his eyes as I tell him, “You led an army of griffins against an enemy that wanted to see your entire specie
s dead. You taught hundreds of griffins how to kill the Imago, and now your kind will never have to fear them again. You have visited countless worlds where you saved my life and the lives of other griffins from certain peril. I know that you will be the greatest leader the griffins have ever known. You will eclipse all leaders that have come before you, and no other Alpha will ever be as great as you.”
I will never forget you, Jacob, and I promise that I will come to visit you as soon as I can. Once I am the Alpha, I will make you proud of me. The other griffins on my world will know that it is because of you that I became the leader I am today.
I give Shadow one final, long hug before telling him, “Goodbye, Shadow. I will miss you more than you ever know, my friend.” I have to hold myself back as every part of me screams to reach out and keep him from going.
Shadow opens a portal up that will drop me right in front of the castle and I make my way to cross through it.
Goodbye, Jacob.
I never turn back around as I walk through the portal. It would be too much for me at this point. I hear the portal close behind me, and when I turn around, I find that he is truly gone and fall to my knees as I have nothing left in me to keep me standing.
The tears I fought to keep back finally break through the dam, and I allow myself to cry as the loss of my best friend settles on me.
I mourn until I realize that my hands are now wet from the falling rain, and not from my tears, which dried up a while ago. The furious storm above has reached the castle, and I painfully get up to make my way inside.
I get about halfway to the main entrance of the courtyard when I hear the wind screaming above me in various pitches. This world is screaming at me just like it did on that night when I found Shadow. The night my whole world changed.
I stop walking and close my eyes to let the sound engulf me. I just listen to the wind as it changes from higher pitches to lower resounding ones that rattle my chest.
