The Octopus Brigade had noticed the turbulence near the northern island and, after the flash of Hilbert's attack, they decided to ignore Napoleon`s orders and went to that place to further investigate the situation. There they find the prince and the survivors of the sinister clash wounded. The brigadiers give them healing potions and accommodate them on a ship. They returned to the port, but no words were said by the companions that fought the dark lord, only later Hilbert started to explain the situation to his peer. Hilbert thanked the brigadiers who bowed to the prince and princess.
“Trevor! In that place, there is still a body on the bottom of the sea! I ask you to look around and take him to Whitecastle. It is an elf.” Hilbert said wistfully and the brigadiers respond affirmatively.
“I will try my best Hilbert! I`m sorry for all of this… I wish I were there for you.” Trevor bows and Hilbert nods.
“Worry not, Trevor! Nothing could change the outcome of our battle.” Says Hilbert.
After the survivors arrived at the port everyone announced their intentions. Hilbert was getting ready to meet his mother as soon as he checked that everyone was fine. Gödel would report the incidents to Kayleigh. Timo returned to his home and met his bride, as Hilbert had released him from his duties as long as the young man deemed necessary. Matilda reported her entire journey to her brothers. Charlotte was returning to her small room in the castle and was resting and talking to Hilda.
Marjorie follows Hilbert with determination. Upon entering the throne room, they managed to find the Queen being informed of the situation to the north. Several soldiers and people in important positions were in the throne room plotting some emergency plans. Queen Helena asks everyone to leave as she sees her children walking by. Only the royal family and Jørgen Ir were in that room. Jørgen Ir was very happy to see Hilbert and Marjorie well, despite having suffered a lot of apparent damage. The Queen was impressed by the messy looks of her children.
“What happened to you? It looks like you both came straight out of a war zone! I didn't expect your return so quickly! They just told me Southstar had been attacked and the islands to the north were attacked by a mysterious enemy. We are looking into what happened.” says Queen Helena with suspicious looks.
Hilbert was beginning to tell his mother the whole story. Gradually the Queen was amazed and surprised by what she heard. After hearing the whole story, the Queen was silent.
“I am sorry for lying, mom! I thought I would not have your support,” says Hilbert, looking at his mother with determination.
“You wouldn't have! That's right, Hilbert! But since you both are alive, I'm just going to ground you for a while and expel you from your brigade command as a punishment for your actions.” says the Queen coldly. Marjorie is irritated by the comment and begins to speak in a serious, but angry tone.
“Punishment!? We ended one of the greatest threats to our world peace, faced death, and lost many valuable friends, and you punish my brother in this selfish way. We are no longer kids to be grounded, mother! I am going to leave for Southstar, there I felt at home as I had never felt here, stuck to your whims. If you don't reconsider what you just said, I will ask Bruce to withdraw the pact of union between our kingdoms which he will surely do, because he is an honest king who does not want to marry me if I do not truly love him! What do you think about that mom? Can't you look at the situation again with less selfishness? Can’t you see how selfish I was with my response to your egoistic decision?” Marjorie tried to calm down.
Queen Helena looked at her daughter a little astonished by her daughter's reaction and words. Hilbert had realized at that moment that Marjorie had changed. A brief silence filled the room and the Queen spoke again.
“What do you tell me about this rant, Hilbert?” says the Queen looking at her son.
“That Marjorie is right! Everything we've done has helped restore peace and prevent a major threat from returning to this world! I don't think that kind of attitude is consistent on your part, my mother. I will abdicate my position as a prince and leave my beloved kingdom if I can no longer be Commander of my brigade. This is neither a threat nor blackmail, as I still need to make our world never suffer the same as it has suffered these last days, and if it is not at my own homeland it will be elsewhere! We need to gather and train more people to fight for this world, we need to prepare for something worse, we need to teach our combatants to use the celestial powers otherwise we cannot be as lucky as we were.” says Hilbert determinedly. The Queen looked at her children with astonishment and a certain admiration. Silence washed over the room again.
“What do you have to say about that, Jørgen?” the Queen was still looking at her children.
“That I could not be more proud of the people that they have become in few days, Your Majesty.” says Jørgen Ir smiling. The Queen rises from the throne and begins to walk slowly towards her children.
“Unfortunately, you didn't take after me!” says the tearful Queen and hugs Hilbert and then Marjorie giving a kiss on the princess's forehead. The Queen spoke again, still embracing the princess. “I take back what I said before; because I allowed fear and attachment to speak louder than reason! Something tells me that I should trust you, and that is what I will do. It is probably what my beloved Hansen would do.”
Marjorie hugged her mother and by doing so, she could remember the times that her mother had shown affection.
“I think that our negotiation skills came straight from your side, mother!” says Marjorie.
“I back this statement!” says Hilbert, smiling. The Queen composes herself and returns to sit on the throne.
“And what will both of you do now?” asks the Queen.
“I need to check out the others and visit the families of our friends who died. And also provide pensions and support for family members.” Says Hilbert sadly.
“I want to accompany Hilbert on his endeavor!” says Marjorie looking at her brother.
“Do as you wish! I will keep these events hidden from the nobles and commoners, but I will make it a point to honor our noble fallen warriors!” says the Queen.
“Thanks!” says Marjorie. The two proceed to leave the throne room.
Marjorie and Hilbert leave that place and go to Leon's house. In front of the house, Hilbert recalls that Leon had no family. Hilbert was silent.
“It looks like there's no one at home!” says Marjorie looking at the small closed house.
“Henry had no living relatives! I had forgotten that fact,” says Hilbert, with his head leaned down.
“This is very sad,” says Marjorie, heavy-hearted. Hilbert kneels before the house and closes his eyes.
“Henry, I promise I will train every day in honor of your commitment!” Hilbert gets up.
“I promise that the kingdom and the world will be protected in the name of your bravery and sacrifice, Sir Leon,” says Marjorie with determination.
The siblings go straight to the Marketplace at Amadeus` parents' shop. Upon reporting of his son's death, Flick's parents were shocked, but they were calmed down by Marjorie and Hilbert after a couple of hours. Amadeus' father looks sadly at the prince's face and hugs him. Then he goes to his desk and starts talking softly.
“We don't need anything from Whitecastle, Your Majesty! We were blessed with prosperity! Amadeus left a letter for you, in case he didn't return alive from some mission.” says Amadeus's father, who took a handwritten letter from his desk drawer. Hilbert starts reading the letter.
Hilbert, if you're reading this letter, I probably won't be alive anymore, so I guess you are talking to ghost now. You probably won’t be laughing at this silly joke. I would like you to know that it has always been an honor to fight at your side and that I would do anything to protect you and our friends and allies. Never feel guilty, we always have been and will be by your side and not because of duties and oaths, but because we want to take care of you, as much as you always took care of us. You blame yourself too much as I do sometimes, but we can’t control every outcome. I always considered you a brother to me. Be strong while I am not around, you will have to take care of Timo that has been very scared lately, Leon that only thinks about battles, and Daniela that is hopelessly in love with you. She will not give you up easily, so don’t take advantage of her. I mean, don't be an asshole with her or I'll haunt you for the rest of your life. You know they need you as much as you need them. I left every piece of gold coin that I received throughout my life as a soldier and brigadier. That gold is in the royal bank and I ask you to donate to the orphanage. This letter will serve as proof but deliver the money yourself. I hope not to die so soon, so I can gather a huge pile of gold for them. I love you, my dear friend. I'll see you in the other world if Nocthanath allows it.
Amadeus Flick
Ps: I have to think of a better joke when I return home.
Hilbert started to cry at Amadeus' posthumous words as he thought his dear friend and Leon were taking good care of each other in the other world. Hilbert leaves the trade of Amadeus' parents and keeps his friend's letter. Marjorie accompanies him.
“I will never forget Amadeus,” says Marjorie. “He was so cultured and so determined! He saved me from the attack of that evil being and risked his life to protect me in Southstar,” says Marjorie with sadness and longing.
“His kindness and altruism were the things I admired the most about my friend! I wish I could blame me now for his death, but he told me not to do that,” says Hilbert, wiping tears.
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On their way to the castle, the siblings find Timo Eckhart wearing Galadror's armor and carrying the celestial bow. Timo smiled when he saw his friends.
“Timo, what are you doing like this. I thought I dismissed you?” asks Hilbert surprised.
“And you sure did! I’ll go to the Shadow Forest to fulfill my promise to Elwin! After all, he gave me another chance to walk and helped me with my traumas.” says Timo confidently.
“You are unbeatable, Eckhart. I can feel that it is like someone else! Don't be offended by that comment, please.” says Hilbert, smiling at his friend.
“Do not worry, my friend! I think Amadeus and Leon would be proud of me too, don`t you?” Hilbert nods and Eckhart mends. “Thanks to your company and Elwin's, I was able to put my fears aside and strengthen my skills and spirit! Well, I'm leaving now. When I return, I will be on standby for our brigade. See you.” Timo shakes hands with Hilbert and with a smile says goodbye to the siblings.
“Will he be fine alone in that place, Hilbert?” asks Marjorie looking at the young man leaving.
“Timo has changed! I feel a great determination in his spirit! With Galadror's armor and that celestial bow nothing in that forest can stop him.” says Hilbert and then smiles at his sister.
As they passed through a street that led to the castle, they watched Matilda smiling beside her brothers. Hilbert and Marjorie smile approaching their brave companion and friend.
“Matilda! I am happy to see that you are fine after what happened! That dark energy was unstoppable.” says Hilbert.
“If it weren't for Elwin, I would have died in a terrible manner!” says Matilda with regret. Everyone's hearts are filled with sadness and admiration for the last act of the noble elf.
“I will try to recover his body to take it to his folk! It's the least I could do!” says Hilbert determinedly.
“The elf must have been very brave!” says Bravius gazing at the sky.
“If I lost Matilda I would be sad forever,” says Brando, with tears in his eyes.
“I want to be strong like you are, Matilda!” says Marjorie, with determination in her eyes.
“You are even stronger, Your Majesty!” Says Matilda, smiling at the princess.
“Call me Marjorie! It is an honor to have you by our side!” Marjorie smiles at Matilda and then hugs her.
“All right, Marjorie! It is an honor to be able to serve Whitecastle and have fought alongside you!” Matilda says proudly and stroking the princess's hair. At that moment Brando gently embraces Marjorie and Matilda in tears. Hilbert and Bravius laugh at Brando's silly face, as he lets go of the sleepy-faced girls looking at Hilbert and his brother. Marjorie stops hugging Matilda and both look at Hilbert and Commander Bravius without understanding what was going on.
“Hilbert and Bravius are mocking Brando, I don’t like it,” says Brando, with an angry stare towards Bravius.
“Hilbert,” Matilda says with determination. “I would like to modify our forges and also apply Galadror's methods to the armor and weapons of our brigades!” Matilda looked at Hilbert who at that moment was in Brando’s crushing grasp.
“This could not be more convenient.” Says Hilbert with difficulty. “I am thinking about creating an army to fight the servants of Chaos. Everything you ask for will be provided, Matilda! Thank you my friend!” says Hilbert with a smile and Brando let him go.
“I am very grateful Hilbert! I also cherish you as a true friend!” says Matilda proudly and shakes Hilbert's hand. After a while, the three siblings say goodbye and return to the headquarters of the Bear Brigade. Matilda was anxious to be able to pass on the techniques she learned from Galadror.
When they reached the castle, they could see Gödel and Kayleigh waiting for them.
“Hey, boy! How can I convince this hardheaded friend of yours accepts the post of Commander! I have tried several times to get him to accept this post!” says Kayleigh and sighs. Gödel put his hand on his neck and gave a forced smile. Hilbert and Marjorie laugh at Gödel's face.
“I don't think Gödel could handle all the burdens that come with this post! He's a free spirit, Kay,” Says Hilbert looking proudly at his friend.
“It is true! I think I will have to find someone else after I retire!” says Kayleigh with a smile on her face.
“I think Gödel would make an excellent Commander!” says Marjorie hugging her friend. “I never realized how much you cared about me, Gödel! The people of the kingdom would be in good hands as I always have been!” Gödel started to blush which causes a burst of laughter in Kayleigh and Hilbert. Gödel was irritated by their reaction.
“Hey you jerks, you are ruining the moment here!” Gödel says angrily. Hilbert and Kayleigh tried to contain their laughter.
“Thank you Gödel!” says the princess looking into her friend's eyes.
“I will always be there for you and those muggles, Marjorie!” Gödel says smiling at the princess.
“We will also be there for you my dear!” Hilbert said that with a smile.
“Don't forget to call me for a last adventure, you brats!” says Kayleigh turning her back and leaving the place as the three waved goodbye to her.
“Oh, I need to show you Fenriz puppies!” Says Gödel excitedly. Hilbert and Marjorie look at each other with excitement.
Gödel whistles and three puppies appear out of the bushes. Two were gray and one was black. Hilbert and Marjorie kneel and begin to pet the puppies that seemed to be very tame. Hilbert approaches the black one and he bites his hand. Gödel and Marjorie laugh at the puppy growling at Hilbert.
“How do you know they are Fenriz's puppies?” asks Marjorie.
“Fenriz was half gone and I could see, after following him for a long time that he was courting a large black wolf that wandered near the Whitecastle forest. After a while, the puppies were born and I always went there to visit them.” Gödel says cheerfully.
“What about their mother?” asks Hilbert.
“She is a very ferocious wolf! I think these puppies will be even stronger than their mom or dad!” Says Gödel proudly.
“I'm sure you will do a good job with them, Gödel!” Says Hilbert, smiling.
“By the way, I would like to learn to manifest this aura that you use! Could you teach me, Marjorie?” Gödel looked at the princess seriously.
“I learned from the best how to use this energy, Gödel. I'm sure you and Hilbert will soon master it! Your aura has always been above average. I think there will be no problems!” says Marjorie smiling at Gödel and thinking about Dorogon.
“Thank you, my friends! I will dedicate myself to train even more and I will transform these hairballs into true warriors. Fenriz would be proud!” says Gödel.
“For sure!” says Hilbert shaking his friend's hand. After a while, Gödel retires with the puppies and goes to his hut.
At the entrance to the castle, they saw Charlotte watching them with a smile on her face. As they approach, the redhead starts talking.
“How cute those puppies are! I don't believe that Gödel can make them into a beast like Fenriz!” says Charlotte in the greatest innocence while Hilbert knelt before her. Marjorie couldn't believe what she was witnessing and starts to shed tears of happiness.
“Charlotte! Would you like to be my wife for the rest of our lives?” says Hilbert, looking affectionately at Charlotte who was shocked.
“I would like it very much! I love you, Hilbert! I always loved you too!” Charlotte says with emotion and takes Hilbert's hand. Marjorie was very moved by the scene. The two kiss and stay there for a while, and then go hand in hand walking to the throne room. The Queen was with Jørgen Ir discussing the tributes they would pay to the fallen brave warriors. Hilbert approaches and introduces his future wife.
“This is Charlotte! I asked for her hand in marriage and she accepted it!” Says Hilbert with a smile on his face. Marjorie was still very moved. The Queen gets up and goes to the girl and speaks;
“You chose one of the most beautiful girls in the kingdom, is not it Hilbert?” says the Queen, smiling at Charlotte who bows. The Queen takes her ring off her finger and hands it to Hilbert and then complements it. “Do not bow to me, my daughter-in-law! I think Hilbert has something to give to you!”
Hilbert puts her mother's ring on Charlotte's finger and the two kiss. Queen Helena smiles at Marjorie who hugs her mother in law. Jørgen Ir approaches emotionally and hugs the young redhead and then Hilbert.
“We will have to prepare your wedding Hilbert, but not with the emergency money I left for you in the royal bank.” The Queen glared at Hilbert with a look of anger. Hilbert was starting to sweat.
“It really was an emergency mom!” says Hilbert with a forced smile. And everyone but the Queen laughs at Hilbert's fearful face.
A week had passed since the last battle. The Octopus Brigade was unable to find Elwin's body and after several attempts, they ended the search. Timo finally delivered the letter to Elwin's sister and then returned to Whitecastle. Galandrawin was reading her brother's last words with tears in her eyes.
Galandrawin, I shall honor the pledge our folk made to the gods, but I cannot honor the promise that I made to you, not on this plane of matter. Forgive my selfless selfishness to abandon you and our mother. I love you dearly my sister. Be strong when grief strikes, for I have already accepted my destiny to sacrifice my life in order to lift the spell that our ancestral made to imprison Arkhatov. Gaia whispered in the winds we would emerge victoriously. Tell our parents that I love them and that I don't hold a grudge against our father. May Gaia light your way for all the eternity. Live in peace and the way you have always lived; free from the burdens of our folk.
From your brother, Elwin.
After some time, Hilbert and Charlotte's wedding had taken place and they lived happily, much to Daniela's sadness. Daniela decided to try to move on with her life, for Hilbert was very happy. It was a great celebration and the whole kingdom was in the festivity. King Bruce and Hanemann were present at the party. Holt had stayed at Southstar and received the soldiers sent by Whitecastle and the other allied kingdoms. Bruce had informed Marjorie that he was training to become a warrior, as he also wanted to have the power to protect his people with his own hands. Marjorie was happy to meet Bruce again and this time the king did not try to impress Marjorie and started to speak more loosely. The princess began to accept the differences between her peers after spending time with Charlotte, Dorogon, and her other friends. She no longer thought she was as unique as before her journey.
Peace takes over the world once more. The hearts of those affected by the terrible events, orchestrated by the Paladin of Chaos, were slowly healing from the deep sadness of grief. Everything seemed to return to normal, as the world could not afford to stop spinning. The winter had passed and the moons were beginning to take distance from each other, and that minimum distance brought relief to the afflicted hearts. New winds blew across the horizons.
End of book one.