well, we have the last chapter. and the epilogue. 😂. But don’t worry! I am currently writing All Things New. Here we go!
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: DEPARTURE
Artham lugged his ginormous suitcase down the steps of the Helmer household. Emerald and Esben were waiting outside, already having said goodbye to Podo and Wendolyn.
The Keeper’s goodbye was somewhat rushed, but the Keeper was sad to see them go.. Emerald cried when she said goodbye to her friends, but Esben and Artham were more so disappointed…mostly Esben, because Artham was just thrilled to be going home. But now the awkward business of saying goodbye to the Helmers, people who had been so kind to him. Wendolyn was drying her eyes with her apron, but her tears started when she saw Artham.
Artham went forward, and shook Podo’s hand, but then Podo left the room, as if knowing Artham would rather his farewell to Wendolyn not be seen by anyone.
“Oh, my dear boy. I really, really wish that you weren’t leaving.”
She walked towards him, and hugged and kissed him tenderly. She held his head in both of her hands.
“Artham, be a good man, and be a good brother. I know you will be. I hope you’ll not forget me.”
“Impossible, Wendolyn.”
Artham bent down and slightly kissed her cheek, and Wendolyn smiled.
“Oh, Artham, I’ve grown to love you as my own son.”
“And I’ve grown to love you as a mother.”
“Oh, you best just hug and kiss me once more or else you’ll never get out of this house!”
Artham laughed, but did as he was bid with watery eyes, and then raced out to join his brother and sister….and Arundelle, on the carriage which led them to the docks, where the ship would take them home.
Nia was waiting for them at the docks, wanting to give a proper goodbye.
When they arrived, and paid their carriage fare, Artham began to feel nervous. The last time he had been on a boat had been a sad time, and now, even the person he had traveled with that day was now gone. It filled his heart with sadness, but he had no choice. He had to…to….to do this one last difficult thing before he got home .
Arundelle bid a quick goodbye to Nia, saying she would write to her, since the girls had become good friends. Emerald hugged Nia, and then followed Arundelle on the boat. Esben politely shook hands with her, blushing a bit, especially when Nia laughingly kissed his cheek. Esben quickly muttered a goodbye and dashed up the dock to the ship. Last was Artham.
“Well Miss Helmer, it was a pleasure to know you.”
“Likewise to you, Throne Warden Wingfeather.”
Artham smiled. “Really though, Nia, it has been nice knowing you.”
“Has it?”
“Yes. My sister will write to you, I’m sure. But I think we will see each other again.”
Nia smiled. “Yes, I guess you can’t stay away from the Hollows forever.
“Nope. Well, Nia, I wish you well.”
And then, with a mischievous gleam in her eye, he bowed and kissed her hand, making Nia blush, but when she saw that glint in his eye, she narrowed her eyes a t him.
“You knew I had a bit of a crush on you, didn’t you?”
“No offense, Nia, but you aren’t that good at hiding your feelings,” he said, a laugh on his lips.
“I guess not. Well, Artham, goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Nia.”
With a final bow, Artham turned and boarded the ship, more than happy to take that last step towards freedom…towards home..
And we have the happy ending! Huzzah! They’re going home!
EPILOGUE
The trip was lovely, but even more so was the welcome home. Madia cried over each of her grandchildren, especially Artham, who looked so much like his father and grandfather.
And so, dear reader, as you can see, trials were defeated, and many things conquered. Though each child suffered their own things, they were all still their happy selves….for the most part.
But now trouble was brewing across the waters, in Yorsha Doon. A young man, with red painted over his eyes, dashed into a room where another man was.
“Hello, sir.”
“Welcome, Ronin.”
“What did you call me for, oh Great Chief?”
“Ronin, what do you want more than anything?”
“A new name. A clean slate.”
“And you can. After one, last, job.”
Ronin cringed. “What? ”
“Get rid of the foreign princess. The pretty girl that danced with the Throne Warden. Eliminate her, and you get a new name, if Bonifer says.”
“Bonifer?”
“Yes. He’s the man that dispelled of the old king and queen, you know.”
Ronin sighed. “So, if I do this last job, I get a new name? A clean slate?”
“Of course….have I ever broken my word?”
“Not yet.”
“Then….I’ll see you in a week ……to collaborate the plan.”
Ronin bowed. “Yes sir.”
Hmm….who is he supposed to eliminate?! 🫢.
Well. I suppose now I must end this story. puts on Florid Sword voice A mighty thanks to all my faithful readers! I willeth try to write this story most speedily, to put you out of your wonderings. Aha!
back to normal voice:
I hope you enjoyed! 🤗
gasp ARUNDELL! and I think you messed something up here; "And then, with a mischievous gleam in her eye, he bowed and kissed her hand, making Nia blush, but when she saw that glint in his eye, she narrowed her eyes a t him." also, was 100% expecting him to say something hinting at Esben