smiled, knowing that like the porcelain girl, Willow now understood that water held within it something much more precious than her reflection.
Caleb awoke the next morning to the sound of loud rapping at the front door. He rose from his bed, stretching his lean body. “Alright, Alright!” he called as the knocking became more impatient. “I’m coming.” He made his way down the hall and pulled the door open.
Jonas greeted him with a happy smile. “They told me in the village that you had come home.” Caleb smiled as his dear friend embraced him. “It’s good to see you, little brother.”
“It’s good to be back home.” Caleb admitted, patting Jonas on the back. “Come in. Is Shauna with you?”
“No, she’s still sleeping.”
Caleb shut the door and regarded his friend with an amused grin. “Did you dress for me?”
Jonas scowled and looked down at the beige tunic that covered his usually bare chest. “It’s been quiet in Predaria. I haven’t had need of my sword since we left the palace, so…”
Caleb nodded, and ushered him into the sitting room. But the mighty Warrior did not sit down. “Have you been to the fields?” he asked quietly.
“Yes.”
“And how do you feel about it?”
For a moment, Caleb thought he was back in Alare with the healer. He understood why Jonas was asking, so he was quick to set his friend’s mind at ease. “I feel terrible, Jonas. But I’m going to fix it.”
Jonas’ face lit into a cheerful grin. “I’m very glad to hear you say that.”
“Jonas,” Caleb said, and threw himself into a chair. “I know how difficult and ill-tempered I’ve been these last few months. Forgive me.”
“Of course.” Jonas finally sat down next to him and waved his hand. “I understand. Truly.”
“I had to get things straight in my head.”
“And did you?”
Caleb nodded, inhaling a deep breath. “Enough to know who I truly am.”
“You’re the king!” Jonas boasted proudly.
“I’m a planter.” Caleb smiled, and Jonas agreed with a roar of laughter.
He ended up staying for breakfast, which Caleb cooked, and his friend managed to get down with a polite smile. Caleb understood when he tasted it, what a good friend Jonas really was.
After they ate, Jonas sat back in his chair, a slight tinge of green coloring his face. “So,” he began tentatively. “Any news about Willow?”
“No. She remains in Beldar with the man she loves.”
“Now that’s about as hard to swallow as your breakfast,” Jonas snorted, and Caleb laughed. “When are you coming to see my house?”
Caleb brightened. “Maybe tonight. I have work to do in the fields today, but I’ll see how I feel later.”
They left the kitchen together and Jonas embraced him again at the door. “I’ll help you plant it all again, Caleb,” he promised, then left the cottage with a bounce in his step.
“Smell the air,” Willow breathed, with a new thrill in her voice. Seth heard it too and smiled. They were approaching Shondravar, riding side by side. She could see the water tanks in the distance and her heart soared. She was going home. This was the place that could heal her. The only place that could make her forget.
“It’s damp,” Seth remarked, glancing at her.
“It’s because of the water tanks.” She beamed. “Caleb constructed them. He catches the water when it rains and keeps the ground moist by watering it daily.” She told him about the day it rained here and all the work that had to be done. “It was worth it though, Seth. Soon Predaria will be green again. Look at the grass on those hills.”
“It’s truly amazing. I’ve always wondered what those tanks were for,” he said. “I’ve seen them in Prandar too.”
Willow nodded. “Caleb is so dedicated—” Her smile faded. “What if he’s not even there, Seth?” she worried.
“Then you’ll wait until he returns.”
“What if he won’t take me back?”
“Willow,” Seth began to laugh, but he saw the sudden panic in her eyes. “Don’t worry,” he said gently. “The king is going to be a very happy man today.”
They rode on and soon entered the village. It was just as she remembered it, the wind chimes still sang in the trees, the villagers were alive with warm smiles and busy with the day’s chores. She looked around drinking in the sights and smells of her home and already her heart felt restored.
Seth dismounted first, then gripped her waist and lifted her out of the saddle. He gazed into her eyes when her feet hit the ground.
“Thank you, Seth.” Willow