We've made it to the end of another story!! ✨
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: THE SCHOLAR
A peaceful seven years past. But now, Nia was pregnant! And there was a general sense of joy in the castle. But perhaps I should reintroduce you to my characters.
Artham, a handsome young man of thirty-three, with a few grays in his hair and beard, has collected more books.
Arundelle, thirty-one, still young and beautiful, has been working on something in the castle that only Artham and Arthra know about. It’s been about a year. But they haven’t said a word.
Esben is now a mature king, with golden curls nearly the same hue as his crown. He has grown much.
Nia is much the same, perhaps wiser and more beautiful. But nonetheless, truly lovely.
Reginald has gotten older, and perhaps a bit odder. And not in a funny way. He acted rather strange anymore.
Madia, and Wendolyn were both touched with age, though Madia had to have a hand-maid (Natalia!) by her side at all times. She could no longer walk.
Finally, Arthra, a beautiful teenager, has attracted much attention from the young Annieran boys around. And Artham has not been thrilled about it.
But now, Nia has gone into labor, and Esben is pacing and waiting, Artham trying to keep him calm, while Arthra is about ready to burst with excitement.
“Oh Papa! Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?”
“I’m hoping for boy,” Artham replied with a smile.
“Do you think they’ll live?” Esben asked.
“Yes, I do. Nia is very strong, and I’m sure your baby will be as well. Try to remain calm.”
“My king!” the good midwife shouted, coming out. “You’ve got a young boy!”
Esben jumped up and raced into the room. The midwife laughed, and she looked at Artham and Arthra. “Come along! You want to see him don’t you?”
Arthra smiled and grabbed the midwife’s hand as they both ran, and Artham lightly sprinted to keep up with them.
They waited for a moment, the midwife going in, and then they heard a faint voice call, “Come in!”
The door opened, and there was Nia, smiling, looking tired, but still happy. Wendolyn was by her side, rubbing her hand.
“Artham, be a dear and go and get Madia will you?” Wendy asked.
“Wait a moment,” Esben said, looking up, a pure blissful wonder in his eyes. “Come meet your nephew first.”
Wendy just looked down. Artham walked forward. “Oh my, he is beautiful. What’s his name?” Artham asked, putting his finger near the baby. The boy seized it and didn’t seem to want to let go.
“We are still thinking,” Nia said.
Artham managed to loosen his finger. “I see a bright future for this boy. This young Throne Warden. Let me go get your great-grandma and auntie,” Artham said, gently kissing the small hand.
Artham disappeared. “Would you like to hold him Arthra?” Esben asked.
Arthra gasped in joy. “Oh yes, uncle yes! Let me sit down.”
“Just sit at the foot of the bed dear,” Nia said, smiling.
Arthra did so, and the little boy was placed in her arms. She gasped, and then a few tears started on her cheeks.
Nia and Esben exchanged a smile.
“Janner,” Arthra whispered.
“What?” Esben asked.
“Janner. It means scholar. And he looks very intelligent.”
“I love that name,” Nia said.
“Really?” Arthra squealed.
“Yeah. Janner Alkaio Wingfeather.”
“Alkaio?” Arthra questioned.
“It was my grandpa’s nickname. It means ‘protector’ in old Hollish. He was known for that. And if he is a Warden, I think it fits. “
“Hello little Janner,” Arthra whispered. At that, the baby opened his eyes. A new life was here.
EPILOGUE
Deep in the heart of the Killridge mountains, working for an even greater and evil force, an old man stood. Bonifer Squoon. He was speaking to a young woman, with curly red hair, emerald, green eyes, and a look of royalty about her.
“The first one has been born. But we need all three. We shall wait. For now. But when it does happen, princess, is there anything special you would like me to do? Spare anyone?”
The woman stepped forward. “Spare my niece. She has great potential. And keep my name off the record, Bonifer.”
“Of course,” Bonifer said with a bow, just as she walked away. “Emerald,” he whispered.
Just a few notes on this chapter and epilogue. I picked the name Alkaio because it's the name of Janner's actor, and I will so a similar trend for Leeli and Kalmar as well. Another thing, yes, that was Emerald in the epilogue. You won't get details for a little while yet but you will soon. Let me know if anything seems weird or wonky!
And All Things New is finished!!! Thank you all for reading it! Especially @PaiWingfeather (✨Unaligned✨, BLC, AMLC, Oreo Warrior), @Marki Sel, @Lavender_Moon, @Clark Christian, High King of Books and Sports and Also Baguettes (✨Unaligned✨, BLC) and @Lili Shakespeare, Provider of Caffiene (FF, FAR, BLC, ASC). And of course, thanks to the mods! ✨💛😉
I saw it coming... but not Emerald alive, and still betraying😭 I have so many questions!!!! Can't wait to find out the answers!
Everything made sense to me, and you took care with the details which makes the story intriguing and captivating. Thank you for this series!
😱EMERALD?!?!? THATS WHERE SHE IS?!?!
I love how you put Janners middle name as Alkaio, that was a awesome detail
also...
NOOOOO ITS OVER!!😭 THIS WAS A SUCH A GREAT STORY AND I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!