had stolen from them. A few of the knights from Malinor had turned their backs on the devil and now trusted in the Savior.
The seven giants had buried their three friends. They stood over their graves, mourning.
General Edandir approached them.
“I am very sorry for your loss. I want you to know that you will forever be considered valiant allies of Sanctus.”
“They were honored to die for a nation that fights against evil,” said Saclam.
“They are with their Lord now,” said Edandir.
Saclam nodded with a winsome look in his eyes.
“Please feel welcome in our kingdom. The queen considers you citizens of Sanctus.”
“I’m honored,” smiled the elderly giant, “but we are needed back in Hunter Forest.”
The large men had a deep loyalty to their forest. Edandir wondered if they had a secret city somewhere up in the tall trees.
The giant rested his huge hand on Edandir’s shoulder for a moment before making his way back home with his men. The general watched them leave. They had been invaluable fighters, but sought no reward or recognition.
Edandir glanced at his remaining army. Battle hardened and weary from burying their dead, it was finally time to return home.
*****
Talya stood before Queen Roselyn in the throne room with her traveling bag. General Edandir paced back and forth as they spoke quietly. He wiped away the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead. His daughter was going to be the death of him. He could not remain silent any longer.
“Are you sure you know what you are doing? You are a knight, not a missionary.”
Talya’s sad eyes met his and she nodded. It had only been two days since the battle in Malinor. She had loved Jalarn.
“I can’t kill another human being, Father. Please understand.”
“Yes, I do. But do you want a life constantly on the run? Where people would rather hang you than listen to you about God? I’ve been to some of those foreign places, Talya.”
Talya raised her chin.
“I am a knight, Father. I do not fear death.”
“Are you sure this isn’t just to run away from the loss you have been feeling?” Edandir asked.
Talya shook her head.
Queen Roselyn placed her hand on his shoulder and they exchanged looks.
“Who else will go if she does not? Our country is at peace now. Her duty to the army is finished.”
“I have to do this,” said Talya.
“I just got you back. Please, promise me that you will not leave me forever.”
“I promise that I will not be gone so long,” she said.
She ran to him then, and he held her, wishing that she could become that carefree little girl again. But she had grown up so much in the past month. God was now her first priority.
“I am so proud of you, Talya. Your mother would be, too.”
“Thank you.”
“I do hope that you will bring your sword this time. For protection only, of course.”
For the first time since the war, Talya’s mouth turned up into a slight smile.
*****
Under an overcast sky, Tanel rode with Talya to the edge of the south border of Sanctus. They stopped their horses, sitting in silence for a few moments. A world that did not know God was out there.
Talya peered over her shoulder at the outskirts of Sanctus. She could still see the top of the castle’s highest tower. Her heart raced. It was the last time she would be in that familiar place for a while.
“Please don’t be gone too long,” said Tanel.
Talya looked at him and smiled.
“I will be back one day. I promise you.”
“I can see it in your eyes. You are hoping that Jalarn is still alive, transferred somewhere by the spell.”
Talya looked down. It was what she had hoped, but she did not want to cause herself more pain by thinking so.
Tanel took her hand and gently squeezed it.
“You have to let him go,” he said quietly.
“I know, but not yet.”
Tanel nodded with a sad smile.
“I wish you weren’t going, but I can feel it already. You are going to change the world, Talya. I always wondered when Sanctus would become too constraining for you.”
Talya leaned toward Tanel and hugged him once more.
“Good-bye, my friend,” she said.
Talya then kicked her mare into a full gallop. Her heart still ached with the emptiness left by Jalarn’s passing. He had given his life for her. She was not going to waste it by coasting through life, by living her life by the sword.
Her heart swelled with compassion for the lost as she rode into the unknown world.
The End
About the Author
Sara Flower is a twenty-something Canadian writer that has been writing stories since she was five years old. She is addicted to traveling and music while also being something of a fitness nut.
You can contact her at: Sara_flower@live.ca
Table of Contents
Start