Ellas - Two years ago

Kane

As we walked toward them, as they looked to us, recognition dawned in their eyes. A collective gasp left their mouths, and I could not help but smile as I took in their faces and the wonder, amazement and questions that those faces held. It had been such a such a very long time… far too long.

Sitting off in the trees, away from them all, treating them as I had ordered, had been almost the most difficult task of my life. But it had been necessary. He could not be allowed to suspect that it was I who sent him back – he had to be as unknowing as I had been.

Now I did not hide, and yet still there was a barrier; a gulf existed between those I had called friend and who I now was. A barrier created by a dozen lifetimes, a thousand horrors, anguish, despair and finally a victory… of sorts. Would they understand, could they accept me now? Would they still call me friend?

Carthia took my hand and led me forward, as she whispered. ‘You cannot hold back now, Kane. You have waited far too long for this day.’

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

‘What the hell is going on?’ Garam growled, as he pushed himself to standing, his hand on the pommel the sword that, at Kane’s command, had been returned to him.

Carthia glared at him, until, cowed, he at back down again. Then, her face split into a wide smile, as she said, ‘He will explain in good time, but for now renew your friendship so that we may sit and eat - I grow tired of this farce that we play.’

Jain pushed himself up, leaning sprightly on his battle staff, the shock gone from his face, replaced by something else… understanding, comprehension perhaps. A smile on his face, he stepped toward me.

My smile became a grin, an uncontrollable manic grin with a life all of its own. I reached out, took Jain in my arms and held him tight.

‘Kane?’ Jain said, a statement but also part question.

‘Let me look at you, Jain,’ I said, as I pulled back and let my eyes take in every detail of his face.

‘You are Kane, but you are not the one who left us but an hour ago.’ Jain said, this time not a question but a statement of fact.

‘As Carthia said, I will explain and tell you all. But first I need a little time as she said… to renew my friendship with you all… and to let it all finally sink in.’ I said, gently.

Jain’s looked confused, but he smiled regardless as he stepped to one side.

Then, one by one, I shook hands and hugged and embraced the friends I had once thought lost to me forever.

Not a one understood. How could they? But following Jain’s lead they accepted me, smiling and laughing as their so very recent loss turned to an unexpected and bewildering reunion.

Questions filled the air, alongside Step’s mutterings and curses, and I laughed and wept as I hugged, kissed, shook hands, and then did it all again.