All Things New: Chapter Thirty-nine

This is actually a VERY happy chapter. VERY!

CHAPTER THRITY-NINE: IT CANT BE!

After a couple of days of staying at the Helmers, Artham found himself getting a little concerned. Esben was planning to propose sooner than later, and Artham had the nagging fear of what he had heard in Symia playing in the back of his mind. So, one afternoon, he got Esben out of the house to go and spend some time with Rudric, he took Arundelle and Arthra and Nia to the Marketplace, where he dashed off to go to the library to do some studying.

“Good morning, Miss?”

“Sidler. Can I help you?”

“Yes. Could you point me in the direction of any books having to do with Pirates, dragons, dragon killers, or…Scale Raker?”

The woman eyed him suspiciously. “Right this way.”

Artham smiled and followed after her. She took him to a large shelf just crammed with books about his topic.

“Thank you, ma’am.”

She bowed somewhat awkwardly and then left him to his work. After scanning the shelf for a good ten minutes, he decided on about five books, oh, wait, six, found a table where he could be alone, and started his studying. Finally, he found the account of Scale Raker. And it fascinated him. It was all about a young pirate who had been known for killing many young dragons, but when a teenage dragon faced him, he was not able to kill it, but he was able to severely wound it. The dragon was ruby red coloring.

Something inside of Artham told him that he knew that dragon. And then he remembered. On the cliffs. With Arundelle.

He continued reading.

He rode the dragon briefly, but lost his leg in the process…

“Podo,” he whispered, a dread seizing his heart. So those men in Symia were right.

But there was always a chance he could have changed…but then Artham continued to think. Wendolyn had specifically said that her and Nia would visit them, but she had not mentioned Podo.

Artham’s breathing was heavy as he thought about this. So heavy that he didn’t hear the quiet footstep, didn’t hear the gasp from an elderly man’s lips, and didn’t see the hand that trembled as it extended toward him.

Artham jumped when he felt an old and sinewy hand placed on his shoulder. He looked up to see who it was, and his heart stopped. Those clear brown eyes, that kind, fatherly look…it brought tears to Artham’s eyes.

“D-Danniby?”

“My boy!” the old man cried, and he hugged Artham right on the spot, sobbing slightly as he did. This was impossible, and yet, Artham found himself hugging the man that he had long supposed dead. The man that had taken care of him and his siblings. The man that he loved as a father.

After a moment, Danniby sat down opposite Artham, a searching look in his eyes. “Maker be praised. I found you.”

“What? What do you mean? You could have come to Anniera and- “

“No, lad, I couldn’t. Not with what happened to me.”

“What happened?”

“I was shipwrecked. Thought dead. But I was spared. I was brought to Yorsha Doon and banned from ever going to Anniera or anywhere else. I was forced to work there fer years, ‘round nothin’ but thieves and vermin of the like. Finally, seeing me an older fellow, they let me go. To the Hollows. But never to Anniera. But lad, I prayed and prayed the Maker would bring you and your siblings back ta me, and He ‘as! He has indeed! Praise be to the Maker.”

Artham was still rather shocked at this encounter. He was not expecting that.

“What about you and your family? How are your siblings?”

Artham hesitated, and then he slowly began to relate to what had happened. Danniby mourned for Emerald, but he very much wanted to meet Arundelle and Arthra.

“Oh, my lad, there is one thing I must tell you about.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about your aunt Illia. She is gone. And that’s the second time I lost my wife. I was married once before, and I had a little girl, who would be close in age to you. I lost them north in a shipwreck, probably caused by the same people who caused mine. But my daughter survived, and she is here. I would love you to meet her and take care of her back in Anniera. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I cannot stay here.”

“Why?”

“Because those people might come back, and I cannot risk that. I was going to leave back to Skree, but I was worried about my daughter. Now I, now I know I have an option for her if you would be willing.”

“Of course, Danniby. I owe it to you. Now, please, I want you to meet my family, and to see Esben again.”

Esben was just as shocked as his brother had been, and there was a happiness in him that Artham had long miss. Arundelle was greeted warmly by him.

“Oh my, you are just as pretty as Artham ever said you were.”

Artham laughed awkwardly. Ari just giggled. “Thank you, Danniby. That’s very sweet of you.”

“And who might this little one be?” Danniby asked, kneeling down in front of Arthra, who was hiding behind Artham. “This is my little girl, Arthra,” Artham said.

“Hello there,” Danniby said, holding out his hand.

Arthra looked up at Artham, who nodded, and Arthra placed her little hand in Danniby’s.

“Hello little one. You’ve got your mother’s beauty.”

Arthra blushed, and then she smiled. “Thank you.”

“Call me Uncle Danniby.”

“Okay.”

“Now, there is someone I want you to meet.”

Danniby got up and went to the door. He opened it, and behind it was a young woman with short black hair and a bright smile. “This is my daughter, Natalia.”

“Hello!’ she waved.

Artham smiled, and Esben returned the greeting. Arundelle went forward and took her arm. “I know you’ll love Anniera,” she said. Natalia smiled. “I think I will.”

The following day, Danniby knew he had to leave. “Alright, my love, you will be safe with them. I will go to Skree, and, Maker willing, I will see you again,” Danniby said, hugging Natalia. Natalia was uncertain how to feel because she had only known her father for a very short time.

“Goodbye, father. Thank you.”

Artham hugged the old man, and Esben followed suit. Arundelle let him kiss her hand, but Arthra placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, and the old man smiled. “I am happy I got to see you all again. Maker’s blessings on you all. And I love you all.”

Artham inhaled sharply. He wanted Danniby to come home, but he knew that he would not come. This brought more questions to Artham’s mind. Who was behind all of this? Who did all of these things? Who could do all of these things? He watched Danniby get on the boat for Skree, and he tried to smile. But there was still a deep concern on his brow.

He glanced at Podo. There was so much mystery still surrounding his life.

Danniby didn't die! 🥳

And he has a daughter!! No trauma!! Except for some Podo stuff :p