There were a lot of graves. They lined neatly row after row along the road from the Greenway to Kairon Aoun.
Alavari troops were buried toward the entrance to the Greenway where they’d camped. Meanwhile, the Allied dead slept in the shadow of the walls of Kairon Aoun.
Frances sat atop a hill formed by the rubble from the First Terrace, leaning against a wooden beam. She’d stayed behind with a garrison to be left for Athelda-Aoun and Kairon-Aoun. Titania was marching into Alavaria to secure Minairen. Erlenbergian troops and later, Lightning Battalion contingents were going to assist her in securing Alavaria and rooting out Thorgoth’s loyalists.
For the moment, however, Frances basked in the cold fact that the war was over.
“Rebuilding is going to be a bitch,” said Elizabeth.
Frances arched an eyebrow at her friend. The Korean girl gently replied with a light tap on her shoulder. “What, am I wrong?”
“No. In some ways maintaining the peace is going to be harder than fighting the war. It’s not like the tensions between Alavari and humans will just go away,” said Frances.
Martin nodded. He was kneeling, allowing Ginger to rest her head on his lap as he played with her hair. “We need to make sure the next generation cannot conceive of a war of this scale, ever again,” he said.
“Well, the first step is to ensure everybody has access to the Otherworlder shrine. A permanent guard made of all the kingdoms and nations needs to be established,” said Ayax.
“Yes, but that won’t stop arguments from breaking out,” said Ginger. She sighed. “If anything it might cause arguments.”
Ayax’s tail swayed side to side as she pursed her lips. “We could use Respite?”
“Respite?” Elizabeth asked.
Ayax nodded. “I’ve been talking to my fathers. They’re thinking of sending my adoptive brother Benjamin to Respite. They think that the quality of education there, the people and folk he’d meet would benefit his upbringing and frankly I agree.”
“We could market that. I could market that actually. A few words in the right places and we can make it fashionable to send children of nobles to Respite. So they can befriend other children from different backgrounds,” said Martin.
Frances imagined the plan of the school in her head, crossing her arms as she did so. “The school grounds would need some expansion for a boarding house, but Athelda-Aoun has plenty of space.”
“Would they really want to send their children to an Alavari school?” Ginger asked.
“Frances and Timur becoming the rulers of Athelda-Aoun will satisfy both humans and Alavari. Besides, if Cuz teaches there, people would flock there anyway,” said Ayax.
“But what about the children who can’t come to Athelda-Aoun? The orphans that won’t make their way there?” Elizabeth asked. She took a breath and suddenly, her eyes widened. “We… we could find them.”
“Come again?” Ginger asked.
“Ayax and I have been talking. After everything’s settled down, we want to go traveling for a bit,” said Elizabeth.
“You’re thinking of looking for trouble and rescuing children?” Ayax raised her hand and Elizabeth hi-fived her.
Ginger laughed at the troll’s smirk, but she looked thoughtful. “We’d need to better connect Athelda-Aoun to Alavaria and Erisdale at least to make this work. I can’t imagine many parents would be enthused about week-long trips just to get to Athelda-Aoun.”
“What about a train?” Frances asked. “You know, the coaches that run only on steel rails that I told you about?”
“It will take a long time to get one operational from what you told us about the tunneling needed, that is unless you can use True Song Magic to speed it up?” Elizabeth asked.
Frances looked down at her open hand and closed her eyes. “I can’t. I think—I know that I can’t summon that magic at will. It may have been a one time thing, or something that I can only do in a truly dire situation.”
“I thought you explained that you could use True Song Magic if you are at peace with yourself?” Ayax asked.
Meeting her cousin’s questioning gaze, Frances closed her hand. “Yes, but honestly that spell almost didn’t work.”
“What do you mean it almost didn’t work?” Martin asked, his voice very quiet.
A slight shiver ran up from the small of Frances’s back to her shoulders. “I was completely out of magic. Morgan helped me a little, but when I drew on that power to dispel those blessings, I drew on a part of myself that I’d never tapped into before. Something in my body tells me that because I did that, it will be some time before I can ever do that again.”
Frances took a breath. “There’s also the matter that peace is hard to maintain. Life goes on and there will be more challenges and frustrations to come that will upset us. I am wholly happy with myself now, but who knows what will happen in the future?”
Ayax grimaced, whilst similarly morose looks started to take over Elizabeth, Martin and Ginger’s features.
“Hey, hold on, I didn’t say I was never going to be happy,” said Frances. Smiling, she looked up towards Kairon Aoun. She could already hear the victory feast that was starting. “I don’t think I can use more True Song Magic, but I’ve more or less accepted what happened to me when I was a kid. I will never go back to being the scared girl that I was before. I think that’s good enough.”
Ginger blinked owlishly, her lips pursed. Slowly, a grin began to return to her face. “Yeah, that’s good, and besides, we just won the war people!”
“Hell yeah!” Elizabeth cheered, hi-fiving the queen.
Martin, grinning now, unceremoniously evacuated Ginger from his lap and helped her up. “Well what are we waiting for, let’s get to the party!”
And with that the five friends strolled up the path towards the sounds of laughter and celebration.
***
In the school cafeteria, Nicole and Jim shared bubble tea while scrolling through their phones. Around them, hushed conversation
“So, have your parents asked?” Nicole asked.
Jim let go of his straw. “Asked about what?”
“The gold you brought home?” Nicole asked, through a mouthful of boba pearls.
“That’s the funny thing. They can’t see it unless I let them. It’s why I managed to move them home.” Jim pursed his lips. “I did show my grandad, told him a little of what happened and he believed me. Even offered to help me cash them.”
Nicole nodded. “That’s cool of him, but be careful. You didn’t show him all the gold, did you?”
“Nah, and that was what he told me to do too,” said Jim. Something caught Jim’s attention and he looked away from his phone to wave at an approaching student. “Hey Jess! Getting used to your face?
“One of the few good things about being back on Earth,” said Jessica as she slid onto the bench. “I’m not sure why I got the gold, though. Not everybody did, but all of us that were, you know, trying, got the reward.”
“Who knows.” Nicole pursed her lips. “We should check in on Elizabeth’s parents. See how they’re doing.”
Jessica coughed into her fist and lowered her voice. “Well, it turns out I saved where Liz lives on my phone thanks to a group project when we were in elementary school. The thing is… they seem... fine?”
Nicole arched an eyebrow. “What.”
Jessica glanced over her shoulder before leaning in. “Yeah, they did have a little shrine up and I swear this is true, it had a drawing of her and Ayax.”
“Wait what? But how?” Nicole stammered.
Jim blinked slowly and steepled his fingers. “I think they know. I don’t know how, but they know.”
Jessica nodded. “Yeah. Anyway, as for Leila’s parents, they are still pretending to look for her, as are Frances’ parents.”
“Too bad we can’t do anything about them,” Jim said, his hands balling into fists.
“Yeah, Frances may have escaped them forever, but her step-sister is still a kid and is still with them,” said Nicole.
Jessica tapped open her phone, grumbling as she scrolled onto the first local news page. “I can’t believe they have the audacity to fake cry about her after what they did.”
“Frances told you what happened to her?” Nicole asked, eyebrows raised.
“When we were working together on Respite, she mentioned a little.” Jessica pinched the bridge of her nose. “I can’t believe I was such a bitch. I mean, my mother and father asked me if everything is alright. They couldn’t believe I was being so nice.”
Jim snorted. “Tell me about it. Dad couldn’t believe I wanted to start training with him. He’s asked me to start going back to the dojo.”
“Taekwondo right?” Nicole asked.
“Yes. I have a few practical tips for self-defense now, though—Oh. Hello Mr. Thomas,” said Jim.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Grenfall High’s librarian’s lips were twisted tighter than the threads of the best Erlenberg ropes. Even so he forced a thin smile. “Jessica, Nicole, and Jim right?”
“Yes sir,” echoed the trio.
“When was the last time you talked to Frances?” Mr. Thomas asked.
Jessica exchanged a glance with her companions. Hoping her heart wouldn’t hammer itself out of her chest, she frowned. “What date is it today, Mr. Thomas?”
“December 12th,” said Mr. Thomas.
“Then it was December 4th,” said Jessica, naming the date before they’d been sent to Durannon.
“Yeah, same with us,” said Jim.
Mr. Thomas stilled for a moment. “Can you come with me for a moment?”
***
The three youths, for that was what they had become again, soon found themselves in a room with the school’s resource officer, the Grade 8. Counselor and the vice principal.
It was a good thing the three had rehearsed their story before because they were all asked about the circumstances they’d seen Frances, Elizabeth and then Leila. These questions were quite soft, but the former Otherworlders could tell the adults were writing down everything.
Jessica was taking a sip of water when Mr. Thomas asked the question she’d been dreading.
“From what we’ve heard, Jessica, you had many encounters with Frances, not all of them friendly. Are you sure there’s nothing else you’d like to tell us?”
The blonde girl’s gaze dropped to the table, but she managed to swallow her water quickly and wipe her lips. Maybe it was teenager hormones, the memories or just the situation she was in, but Jessica could feel her hands shiver ever so slightly.
She could feel the seconds tick by, until two warm touches rested against her shoulders. Looking up, she found Nicole and Jim, smiling at her reassuringly.
Jessica took a breath taking comfort in her comrades’ trust in her. Still, she had no script.
So the truth, in a fashion it had to be.
“I bullied Frances, Mr. Thomas. That’s what I did. I’m going to regret that for the rest of my life. Before she disappeared, though, I managed to apologize to her. She had the good grace to accept it and forgive me.” Jessica bit her lip. Was there anything else she could say?
Mrs. Chang, the school resource officer, wrote something down on her notepad before smiling warmly at Jessica. “What brought about your change of heart?”
Jessica grimaced. “Frances didn’t deserve any of what I was doing to her. It was wrong and she—” The blonde Otherworlder blinked as she was struck by a sudden thought. She wasn’t sure where it came from, but before she could think further, she found her lips moving.
“I don’t think I was the only who was person hurting Frances, Mrs. Chang. After she accepted my apology, I shared some of my lunch with her and she mentioned something about sleeping in a walk-in closet. I thought she was joking, but…”
The Grade 8. Counselor the white-haired Mr. Abdul leaned forward in his seat. “But?”
It didn’t take much for Jessica to recall the horror that she felt when she found out about Frances’s abuse. It was almost too easy to show it again.
“I saw some bruises on her arms and legs, sir. I have no idea how she got them. She was very careful to hide them, but she couldn’t help but massage them a little.”
Jim nodded. “I remember that too. I…I also remember her never really having good clothing, but that she always wore long sleeves.”
Nicole pursed her lips. “I was in her elementary school. I can’t remember the last time she joined a swim meet.”
Jessica examined the adults seated at the table, who were all exchanging glances.
“Thank you for your time, all of you. Sorry for taking your recess time,” said the vice-principal, Ms. Richards, smiling wanly at the three former “Otherworlders.” “Mr. Thomas, can you escort them outside?”
The three echoed their thanks. As they left the school offices, Mr. Thomas waited for a moment, his hand still on the door.
“Mr. Thomas?” Nicole asked, looking up at the librarian.
“Are you sure there’s nothing else you know? About Frances, and the others?” Mr. Thomas asked.
The pleading worry in the man’s eyes and frame was more than evident. It was then that the trio remembered that Frances had spent as much time as she could in the school’s library.
Nicole warred with herself for a moment, before she nodded once. “I think Frances escaped, Mr. Thomas. I don’t have evidence, sir, but that’s what I think.”
“I agree. She’s strong, and smart too,” said Jim.
“I don’t think she’d ever give up, Mr. Thomas,” said Jessica.
For a moment, Mr. Thomas’s eyes were wide with surprise, before the edges slowly softened. It was as if he’d let the words shine for a moment, before the reality that pre-teens were telling him this set in.
“That’s a comforting thought. I’ll hold onto that. Thank you again and see you later,” said Mr. Thomas. He closed the door, but before it locked shut, the trio could hear him sigh. “I hope she’s safe.”
Standing together, Nicole, Jim and Jessica exchanged knowing smiles before turning to enjoy the rest of lunch break.
Nobody would ever find a trace of Frances Wendlan, Elizabeth Kim or Leila Ali. However, an investigation by police and child social services would find signs that Frances Wendlan’s parents had abused her. Denise Wendlan was soon quickly found a home with relatives who could raise her well. Wendy and Dan Wendlan were sentenced to prison and barred from ever coming near children.
The former Otherworlders who had known had cheered this before the rigors and dramas of highschool soon took over. That all being said, their Grenfall class demonstrated a strange maturity compared to even those far older than them.
After all, many of them knew the future was going to be hard, but they’d fought through worse and triumphed. They would never forget that, or the friendships they’d forged.
***
Steadying herself against the doorway, Frances let herself breathe for a moment. The cool walls of her house were so familiar to her. They called her in, as did the sight of her fiance, daughter and apprentice taking their shoes off in the foye.
“It’s good to be back,” said Timur, hanging up his jacket. “Now I don’t know about you all but I am in dire need of a bath.”
“Do we have enough time? The feast is tonight,” said Morgan.
“I think so. Those left in Athelda-Aoun started cooking but they can’t do everything by themselves,” said Timur.
“Frances?” Hattie asked.
Frances met her first apprentice’s eyes and shook her head. “I’m alright. Just really grateful to be home. There were times I wasn’t sure if everything would be alright.” Reaching over to squeeze Hattie’s hand, Frances took a breath. “Morgan, can you check the plants? I’m not sure if the spell I cast to drip feed them water still has power.”
“Got it, mom!”
Mom. Frances’s smile widened. Taking a deep breath, she patted her faithful wand, who hummed in return, before stepping into her home.
***
A short ceremony for those who hadn’t made it back to Athelda-Aoun before the feasting. There wasn’t any monument or dedication to the fallen in the city just yet, but the cemetery near the south western entrance of the city did nicely.
Frances had thought of Ulric, Forowena and Jerome during the service and remembered their voices and laughter. She knew she was lucky to be able to think of them that way, as there were others who shed tears throughout the quiet gathering amidst the headstones.
After that, was the feast, which was held in Athelda-Aoun’s market square. Some had remarked that it was a bit strange that it would be held under the shadow of the upturned Alavari standards flown from Athelda-Aoun’s City Hall building. However, the market square was the only place large enough for such an event.
Besides, there weren’t many people looking up when good food and company were in front of them. Upon news of the victory at Kairon-Aoun, the cooks of the city had broken open the larders. Individual families also contributed ingredients, skills and recipes to the tables filled with steaming dishes, kept warm by charms. Roasted nuts, Frances recognized roast beef, crispy pork, and even the Dalebrick fries that she’d introduced to Durannon. To her delight, Alavari cheese curds and a rich gravy had been added to turn the dish into a close approximation of Canadian poutine.
On long trestle tables, people and folk drank and ate. Chatter flowed as much as the wine and ale did whilst plates continued to be emptied at a prodigious rate. Guests moved around, doing their best not to lose their plates or cups.
As she danced, Frances saw Ginger and Martin having left Viscountess Katia, who had a visible lump around her torso from her bandages. She was speaking quietly to Renia. Whether the human’s cheeks were red from drink or something else, Frances wasn’t sure, but the harpy was smiling and that’s what counted.
King Martin and Queen Ginger on the other hand, were already starting a conversation with Sebastian and Megara. Already, Ginger and Sebastian were sitting down at the table and locking hands to arm wrestle, whilst their spouses watched with raised eyebrows. Frances caught a glance from Martin, who smiled and raised his glass to her. The light of the torches caught the gleam of his crown which seemed to fit so naturally on his head.
Frances didn’t think that Ginger had seen her, before her friend let out a roar and slammed Sebastian’s arm into the table. It was only there, still pinning Sebastian’s hand did Ginger look up and wave like a young child. Her brown eyes danced with delight as she displayed the smile on her face.
Frances waved back, with just as much youthfulness, as she whirled away, Timur’s firm hands leading her on, swaying her to the beat. As they danced through the center of the square, where a crowd of guests moved with abandon, she and Timur nearly collided with Elizabeth and Ayax.
Stopping short, Frances and Timur silently watched the pair. The dark-haired troll and tall Otherworlder danced like they were alone. Hands resting on each other’s necks, foreheads touching, the troll and human sashayed through the chaos around them, their eyes only for one another. Even as Frances and Timur tried to dance around them, the pair spotted them.
“Save us some ice cream, cuz,” Ayax said, smirking slightly.
Elizabeth said nothing, she only smiled and the world was brighter for a few moments. Until Ayax leaned forward to capture her lips.
Exchanging a knowing look, Frances and Timur danced on. Prince and mage, restlessly enjoying one another’s touch and the closeness of their bodies. All the while, they searched with each other, for their friends in the crowd.
Aloudin, Kellyanne and Spinera, trying a range of Alavari and Erisdalian delicacies. Wands and staves waving as if discussing magical theories. Dwynalina and Anriel sat with the other old timers across the table, somehow soundly asleep against each other’s shoulders.
Lakadara, Fennokra and Yolandra’s long necks towering over Athelda-Aoun’s houses as they enjoyed their meals a little distant from the feast and caught up with one another after their separation.
Olgakaren and Epomonia were also sitting against one another. The centaur’s arm entwined around the harpy. The harpy’s wings covering the centaur. The pair were quietly talking, sipping from their cups. Frances winced as she heard Olgakaren mention her mother. The pair still hadn’t spoken, and they honestly may never speak again.
Leila was fussing over the pregnant Janize’s coat like a mother hen over a chick. As she cut up the food for her beloved with narrow-eyed concentration, Frances and Timur saw Janize smirk before she called out to Leila. Frances’s reformed bully looked up at her former victim and shrugged sheepishly before diligently resuming her task. To that, Janize could only sigh even as her smirk faded and adoration replaced it.
Ignatius and Ember sat swaddled in Eleanor and Paul’s arms. The proud grandparents didn’t even notice Frances and Timur as they swung by. Then again, they did live rather close. Still, in her heart, Frances promised to spend more time with them.
That left Edana and Igraine.
“Your mom’s not much of a dancer,” said Timur, drawing Frances’s eyes up to her prince.
“No, but she is a romantic at heart and Igraine loves dancing,” said Frances.
“As much as you do?” Timur asked.
Frances giggled. “You know, I didn’t use to love dancing until I met you.”
“I guess I’m just that good,” said the prince, his drawl making Frances’s heart skip a beat and her cheeks warm.
“Yes, because when I’m with you, all my doubts disappear. You make me feel I can do anything,” said Frances.
Timur blinked and his roguish grin flashed into an open-mouthed gawk for a brief second. His dark eyes bright with barely-repressed emotion, the prince leaned forward and Frances kissed the love of her life. The depth of his love made her heart race as the feeling in her chest blossomed into a soft warm glow like the light of a beautiful sunset.
Breathless, she parted with great reluctance from her prince, and even so, found herself in awe of the intensity in his eyes.
“I love you, Frances. May you forever, hold your heart to mine,” Timur said, kissing the back of her hand.
“Mataia, I swear that I will.”
And the pair danced like that, so close to each another as if joined as one.
Until a gentle tap on Frances’s shoulder broke the spell and she turned to find herself looking up at dancing emerald eyes.
“Mom!”
“Frances, may I have this dance?”
“Of course, um—” Frances turned to her prince, who only grinned.
“I dare not hold onto the dragon’s hoard for too long,” said Timur. He mouthed, “I’ll be with Morgan,” and before Frances could stop him, her love let go and waved her away.
Edana shook her head. “What a rogue.”
Igraine gently nudged the mage with her elbow. “You didn’t let go of me nearly as graciously when your mother asked you for a dance.”
Sighing, Edana snuck a kiss on Igraine’s cheek. “Keeping me honest. Oh well, Frances, it’s alright if you want to spend more time with Timur—”“No.” Frances smiled as she placed her hand in her mother’s. “We have time. All the time in the world really.”
Igraine chuckled. “I’ll be with your mom, Edana. Got to get some more embarrassing stories.”
“Go on! I have no shame!” Edana exclaimed, even as she waved her wife away.
Then, linking hands, Frances and Edana danced.
***