“It was not his time,” Alex answered as he stood up. “Now, what else remains to be done?”
“Nothing remains to be done,” Colesum answered. “We are victorious.”
“How did you defeat the black guards?” Alex questioned. For the first time, he looked around to see how many of Colesum’s men had survived, and he was surprised to see hundreds of soldiers in the street. “Where did all these men come from?”
“My father,” said Colesum. “He understood the trouble we were riding into and was quick to send help.”
“And a good thing he did,” said Virgil. “When we were divided in the first chamber, things looked bad. The group I was with was pushed back almost to the doors of this building.”
“These men are from the armies of the inner kingdoms,” said Rallian. “They answered Lord Talbot’s call and arrived just in time.”
“Very well,” said Alex, leaning on his staff. “If we are all safe, and if the city is under the king’s control, then there is something I really need to do.”
“What is that?” Rallian questioned.
“Rest,” Alex answered with a weak smile. “I am tired beyond words.”
“If anyone deserves to rest, it is you,” said Rallian. “But I have to ask—what happened to Magnus? You said he was no longer in this land, but what did you mean? Have you destroyed him? Did he escape?”
“I was not able to destroy him as I had planned to do—well, not all of him anyway,” Alex answered with a slight laugh. His friends looked confused, and it took Alex some time to explain exactly what had happened to Magnus.
“So he is free to return to Nezza if he wishes,” said Rallian when Alex had finished.
“I don’t believe he will return to this land,” said Alex. “In fact, I think he is facing a far harsher punishment than anything I had planned.”
“How so?” Colesum questioned.
“He was working with people outside of Nezza,” said Alex. “If I’m right, those people will not be pleased when they learn of Magnus’s failure here. I think they will make him suffer a worse fate than simply being destroyed.”
“He deserves whatever they do to him,” said Rallian.
“Perhaps he does,” said Alex. “And now, if there are no other questions that can’t wait, I would really like to rest.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Home Again
Alex felt a great deal better when he woke up. He was alone in a tent, and after a bit of painful stretching, he’d managed to pull on his boots. He stepped out of the tent into the morning sunlight and found Talus, the captain of Shelnor’s guards, waiting for him.
“My lord, I trust that you are well rested,” said Talus, bowing deeply.
“I am,” said Alex, returning the bow. “How do things stand in Karmus?”
“Very well, and very busy,” said Talus. “The king has been sending messengers in all directions since last night. He has also sent out scouts, hoping to discover where Lazar and the rest of his army have gone.”
“The king is wise,” said Alex. “Do you think he has time to talk with me?”
“I believe he would make time for you even if the city was burning around him,” said Talus with a smile. “In fact, he asked me to see if you were awake and invite you to join him for breakfast.”
“Then lead me to the king, most noble Talus, as I am very much awake and also very hungry,” said Alex.
Talus laughed and led Alex through the massive camp to Rallian’s tent. Alex was happy to find Virgil and most of the lords of Nezza already there, waiting for Rallian to appear. Talus led him to the chair to the left of Rallian’s, then bowed and hurried away.
“Alex,” Rallian almost shouted as he entered the tent. “I mean, Master Taylor. I wasn’t sure you would be up and about so quickly after your battle with Magnus.”
“I am rested and restored to full health,” said Alex, bowing to the king.
“I know some of what happened in the tombs,” said Rallian, taking his seat. “It appears that all of Nezza is deeply in your debt. I know that my own debt to you may never be repaid.”
“I am happy to have served,” said Alex. “I am also glad I was near in your hour of need.”
“My hour of need,” Rallian repeated with a laugh. “You make it sound like a story, a great legend of heroes and dark villains fighting to save the world.”
“Was it not so?” Alex questioned with a smile. “Did not all the heroes of Nezza, and even some heroes from distant lands, come to the aid of the true king in his time of need?”
“Yes, yes, I suppose they did,” said Rallian, his smile fading. “And sadly, many of those heroes fell and are no longer with us.”
“Yes, that is so,” Alex agreed. “That is the one part of the legends I wish was not true.”
“The fallen heroes will be remembered,” said Rallian in a serious tone. “But now the living need something to eat.”
“Your wisdom is great,” said Alex, bowing.
Rallian smiled and clapped his hands. Trays of food were brought into the tent, and without ceremony, they all started to eat. Alex could see that everyone in the tent was happy, but their mood was not overly cheerful. There was still the question of Lazar’s army, and it appeared that everyone knew it.
The camp was busy that day. More soldiers were arriving, more scouts were sent out to search for Lazar, and there were many things about the city of Karmus that needed to be discussed. Personally, Alex didn’t have much to do, so he spent most of the day with Skeld, Tom, and Virgil.
Skeld was still sore from his wound, and both he and Tom were weak. The two seemed to take turns dozing off while Alex and Virgil talked. Colesum and Hathnor joined them that afternoon, but they said there was no news of Lazar’s army and that it would be several weeks before Rallian’s messages to distant kingdoms could be answered.
“I think most of the kingdoms will accept Rallian as king,” Colesum said in a hopeful tone.
“With all that has happened, I can’t see any of them denying his claim as king,” said Hathnor.
“Lazar will,” said Alex. “He will never surrender to Rallian. I wish we knew where he is and what he is up to.”
“Lazar will turn up soon enough,” said Colesum. “Our scouts will discover him, and the royal army will deal with him and whatever is left of his army.”
“Royal army?” Virgil questioned.
“As all the lords have sworn allegiance to Rallian,” said Hathnor, “all the armies have been combined into one royal army.”
“With Rallian as king, the lords have no need to keep private armies,” said Colesum. “I thought it would take longer for them to all agree, but King Rallian has convinced them. The lords will have some power to command the men posted in their lands, but only Rallian can command all of the army.”
The four of them left Tom and Skeld to rest and made their way back to King Rallian’s tent for the evening meal. They had only just sat down when Stonebill flew into the tent, landing on the table in front of Alex.
“I have discovered Lazar’s army,” Stonebill said. “They are miles away, and unless I am much mistaken, they are in great danger of being destroyed.”
“Destroyed?” Alex questioned.
“Lazar has taken his army east to invade the lands of Lord Bray,” said Stonebill. “He knows that Bray’s army was destroyed in the north, and he thinks to claim Bray’s lands while his kingdom is in disarray.”
“And?” Alex asked.
“And it appears that the people of Bray’s kingdom are not as confused as Lazar might hope,” said Stonebill. “They have grown tired of their weak lord and were planning to replace him. He did, after all, do everything Lazar command him to do, and the people are sick of it. They have raised their own army, and their lords are all working together. Lazar is marching into a trap. I don’t think he is strong enough to take even the smallest city in what was Bray’s kingdom.”
“Lord Taylor, what news?” Rallian
questioned.
“Good news,” said Alex.
Alex relayed what Stonebill had told him, and Rallian was quick to take action. The evening meal was delayed as Rallian arranged for part of his army to travel east. He sent riders with messages to all the lords of Bray’s kingdom, and he ordered his own army to try to capture Lazar and his army without battle, if possible.
“We cannot blame the men who follow my uncle,” said Rallian. “They have been blinded by his lies and do only what their honor demands of them.”
“And your uncle?” Lord Talbot questioned.
“I want him alive,” Rallian answered, his tone growing cold. “I want him to answer for all the evil he has done in this land. He will face the king’s justice, and he will answer for his crimes.”
A great cheer rose in answer to Rallian’s statement, and it made Alex happy. Rallian would rule by law, and Alex knew that would make him even more popular with the people of Nezza.
Days went by, and all the news that reached Karmus was good. Lazar’s army had turned against him and put him in chains. The same army then surrendered without battle to the royal army, and each man swore his allegiance to King Rallian. The lords and people of Bray’s kingdom were also quick to accept Rallian as the king of Nezza.
There was other good news as well.
Messengers started to arrive in Karmus a week after Rallian had taken control of the city. The more distant kingdoms of Nezza had heard rumors of Rallian making his claim on the crown and had decided to accept him as the true king. The messengers had been sent to find Rallian, wherever he was, and let him know that they supported him and were ready to do whatever he commanded. Celebrations were held everywhere, as long-forgotten happiness spread like wildfire across the land of Nezza.
Alex, Virgil, Tom, and Skeld decided to remain in Nezza until Rallian was officially crowned king. The ceremony was only three weeks away, so it didn’t seem like a great delay. Besides, Skeld was still healing from his wound, and Tom was still a little weak. Their plans changed, however, when Rallian asked Alex and Virgil to stand up for him at his wedding to Lady Annalynn of Talbas. The wedding was set for two weeks after Rallian was crowned, and Alex and Virgil were happy to accept.
“I would ask Skeld and Tom to stand up for me as well,” Rallian told Alex. “But I’m not sure they can stand up long enough for the ceremony to finish.”
“I think if you asked them, they would stand up for you no matter how long the ceremony,” said Alex.
Alex was sitting in the garden of Rallian’s restored palace a few days later. It was still early in the morning, and he was watching some small fish dart around the weeds in a pond. He was relaxed and happy but a little sad as well.
“It seems you have done your work well, wizard,” said Annalynn.
Alex looked up and saw Annalynn standing on the opposite side of the pond, watching him. He smiled and bowed to her, remembering the first time they had met. She had arrived the day before, but Alex had not had a chance to talk with her until now.
“I will ask you once again, now that you have found success, what price do you ask for your services?” said Annalynn, moving around the pond.
“What would you offer?” Alex asked in reply.
“Anything and everything for the happiness you have brought me,” said Annalynn. “But not just the happiness you have brought me, but also for the peace and happiness you have brought to all of Nezza. Name your price, and I will gladly pay it.”
“I will ask for only one thing,” said Alex.
“And what is that, master wizard?” Annalynn questioned.
“Your friendship,” Alex answered, bowing once more.
“If anyone can claim to be a true friend, it is certainly you,” Annalynn answered, returning Alex’s bow.
The time came for the wedding of Rallian and Annalynn. Alex, Virgil, Tom, and Skeld all stood as guards of honor for the king on his wedding day, while Colesum and Hathnor stood as the guards of honor for their sister. The wedding was one of the grandest events Alex had ever seen, but the celebrations that followed were almost beyond belief. People sang and danced in the streets, and free food and drinks were handed out to everyone. The celebrations went on for days, and every night the story was told of how Rallian had won his crown and brought peace to the kingdom of Nezza. It was said that parties to celebrate the wedding were held in every city and town of Nezza, and that wherever two or more people met, toasts were made to the new king and queen.
Finally it was time for Alex and his friends to leave, though they were all sad to go. Rallian gave them all titles in his kingdom and rewarded them for their service to him. Alex was reluctant to accept any reward, but he let Rallian have his way and kept his complaints to himself.
“Farewell, my friends,” Rallian said as they mounted their horses. “May your paths lead to good fortune, and may you return often to my kingdom.”
Alex and company bowed to Rallian, and then the four of them rode out of Karmus with crowds cheering for them all along the way.
Stonebill landed on Alex’s shoulder as they passed through the city gates. The raven didn’t say anything until they had ridden for a few miles, and Alex didn’t ask any questions.
“You’ll be off on new adventures, I suppose,” Stonebill said, breaking the silence.
“I’m sure I will be,” said Alex. “What of you, my friend? What will you do now that our adventure is over?”
“I’m not sure,” the raven answered. “I have enjoyed our time together, and I would like to travel with you to new lands, but . . .”
“But?” Alex asked.
“But I miss the red lands of Nezza, and I miss Tempe,” Stonebill answered.
“Then I think you should go home, at least for a time,” said Alex.
“And I think that you are right,” said Stonebill. “I will miss you, dragon lord. I will hope to see you again, someday.”
“May your feathers never fall,” said Alex, bowing his head slightly. “I hope we will meet again, my friend, and have another adventure together.”
Stonebill took flight, letting out a single loud caw as he caught the breeze and flew into the west.
“I’m going to miss that bird,” Skeld said. “I think I was starting to understand what he said.”
“Are you sure he didn’t get hit in the head when he was wounded?” Alex asked, looking at Virgil.
“I’m afraid he’s always been this way,” Virgil answered. “A blow to the head might do him some good.”
They all laughed and rode on, happy to be together and on their way home.
When they were getting close to the great arch, Alex noticed a change in Virgil. It seemed like some shadow covered him, a great weight that pressed down on him. Alex thought he knew what the problem was, but he didn’t say anything until they had made camp for the night.
“You are wondering if you can call this adventure a success,” Alex said as they sat beside the campfire.
“Hard to call it a success when so many of our company were lost,” said Skeld.
“But we won in the end,” said Tom. “Nezza has a king, and there is peace in the land.”
“I know we have won a great victory, and we have done more in this land than we set out to do,” said Virgil. “So, yes, the adventure is a success. The price for our success, however, has been a high one. Much higher than I ever thought to pay.”
“The others knew the risks,” said Skeld. “We all knew and accepted the risks when we accepted the adventure.”
“Knowing the risks and paying for them are two different things,” Virgil answered.
“I understand your feelings,” said Alex, his tone thoughtful. “I never met the dwarf Thorson, and I only knew Cam for a few days. Dain, I truly miss. I wish they could all be here with us. Still, I think they would be proud of what has happened and proud to have given their lives to make it so.”
“A kind thought, but . . .” Virgil started and stopped.
?
??There are no buts,” said Alex. “I believe that all of them would have still come on this adventure, even if they knew beforehand that they would die. They were true adventurers. They were heroes from distant lands, just as I told Rallian they were. They will always be remembered in Nezza, and their families, wherever they are, will be proud of them for what they have done.”
“Alex is right,” said Tom.
“Yes, I know,” said Virgil. “But that does not make their loss any less painful for those they’ve left behind.”
“Perhaps, but it does give meaning to the loss,” said Alex. “It is the meaning, the reason why, and the knowledge of what was gained that will bring comfort to those who are left behind. If there was no reason, if nothing was gained, then I think the loss would be far more painful for us all.”
They sat in silence for a long time, looking into the flames of the fire. Alex wasn’t sure he had expressed himself as well as he might, but he couldn’t think of any other words to say.
They left the land of Nezza late the next day. They had reached the great arch near midday but had stopped to remember and pay tribute to the fallen adventurers before riding on. The shadow seemed to lift from Virgil, and Alex was glad that it did. They made their camp on the Telous side of the great arch, and Skeld was just starting to cook their dinner when a loud ding interrupted them.
The geeb that appeared had a message for Alex. He retrieved the message and paid the geeb, noticing that the handwriting on the envelope was Whalen’s. He sat down on his blankets and tore open the envelope, wondering what his teacher had to say.
Dear Alex,
I have no idea how far along you are with your current adventure, and I don’t want to worry you, but I need your help. I think I have discovered something important in our hunt for the Gezbeth. I don’t need you just yet, as there are things I need to check into before I’ll be ready to move.
Please try to finish your work in Nezza as soon as you can. If your adventure has concluded, start for home at once. I will be arriving at your home in Alusia tonight, and I will leave a message for you there. I would like to talk to you in person, but I cannot wait.