Frits faded in and out of uneasy dreams as a healer worked on him. The green magic being emitted did its best to soothe him, but it did not shield him from his unfriendly thoughts.

Had he given all the news he should have to King Edwin? The pain and exhaustion made it difficult to concentrate and he wished to say more, but the news he worked through in his mind left as soon as the moment came. So many details were lost. Was it enough to warn Hailgrad?

Guilt washed over him as he thought of Kalos sacrificing himself for Frits and Jon. Agnes and her broken leg. Sam riding away, trying to draw the northfolk off. The woodsmen paying dearly for helping the messengers. They had been so selfless and brave.

Then, he thought of Jon. He thought of laying there singing to him as the both drifted away. Finally, his thoughts laid with Eva. Refusing to leave with her at the cabin, then leaving her on the battlefield. So many regrets filling his mind.

"Shhh, it is okay, everything is okay,” a soothing and melodious voice called out.

Frits rolled his head from side to side and groaned as he opened his eyes. He was in a bed that was not his own. He was in a large bed, covered in soft blankets. He felt his hand being caressed softly as he opened his eyes to reveal a familiar face.

“Sasha?” Frits said was a warm glow filled his heart. “Is that really you?”

“Yes, I am here,” she said with a smile. Her kind, grey eyes were a most welcomed sight as a tear fell from them. “I thought you promised me to come home safe. I hardly believe this can qualify.”

Frits could not help but to laugh. His sides ached, but it was a dull pain that paled in comparison to before he went to sleep.

“I am here, and that is all I could do,” he replied. Then his mind suddenly raced with thoughts of the northfolk. “Are the northfolk coming? What happened to my family, are they okay?”

He then saw his mother enter the room with a smile. She came to the other side of the bed and it was clear that she had been crying as she wrapped her arms around her eldest son.

“Hi there, sweetie, how are you feeling,” she said in a soft voice. "If I had known you would have gone through all this, I would have let you have that meat and eggs before you left."

“I am much better,” Frits said with a grunt as he tried to sit up. “Is everyone else okay?”

“Yes, your brothers and sisters are outside. We wanted to give you some time and take it slow. We were all spared from the plague. The people closest to the capital had it the worst, so we were lucky in the regard,” Frits’ mother said. “As for the city, they were properly warned, thanks to you.”

“Were?” Frits asked in confusion.

“You arrived at the palace five days ago,” Sasha said. “The northfolk army came in force and there was a siege. With your help, Hailgalad leadership was able to organize their forces and held against the assault.”

“It is over? Where are we?” Frits asked.

Sasha, and Frits’ mother looked at each other. Then, Sasha said, “We are in the palace. No, it is not over yet. After the siege, they found out that the person that caused the sickness was still out there, north of Frostwatch. King Edwin and the royal council decided to march north to confront him. We are still waiting to hear from them. Based on all accounts, they should have arrived in the White Mountains to confront them by now.”

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Frits could not believe everything that he was told. Even when he heard the northfolk talking about attaching the capital, he thought it was all just talk, but it was not just talk after all. Hailgalad had been taken to the brink and by all accounts, its fate still hung in the balance. As if to answer his next question, another figured appeared in the doorway.

It was a woman with brown eyes and short, brown hair. She was in a sling and walked with a bit of a limp as she said, “Look who decided to wake up.”

“Eva!” Frits said. “What happened?”

Eva smiled, “We won the fight. Another scouting party found us and we broke the northfolk. After they fled to the woods, we made our way to the capital. It was not long after that when the northfolk army came. After a visit with a healer, I decided to join the ranks of the defenders. It was only through some crafty maneuvers from our leadership that we saved the city. I wanted to join the army north, but my body could not take anymore.”

“I cannot believe we both made it. After everything,” Frits said.

“Speaking of, can I have my pendent?” Eva said as she held out her hand. “I told you I would get it back.”

Frits realized he was still wearing the wooden owl around his neck. He smiled and took it off and handed it to her.

Eva gestured to the bed, “More comfortable than that hole in the forest?”

Frits gave a smile, “Yes it is. I do not think I have been more comfortable in all my life.”

“Well, you deserve it,” another voice came from the doorway.

A regal woman dressed with a yellow gown walked in. Her hair was held up in a tight bun and she stood tall as she seemed to glide through the room.

As she came into view, she continued, “We owe you two a debt a gratitude.”

“Thank you,” Frits and Eva said. Frits was confused on who this was, but that was quickly answered.

“I am Elizabeth, sister of the late King Edward and acting queen of Hailgalad while Edwin is away,” the woman said. “I hope you know how vital the information you brought us was. I am not sure you knew, but Sylvester and Helewise both brought an army to our gates after the sickness. Your news gave King Edwin the information he needed to confront them and he turned quite a few of their followers to our side before the siege. I am confident the advanced news, along with the conversation of these troops saved us all.”

“Thank you my queen,” they both said as they bowed their heads slightly.

“Eva told us about your companion. I have sent a detachment of troops to gather him so he can be properly buried in accordance with his family’s traditions,”

She scanned both of them closely and continued. “Based on your injuries I cannot imagine what the two of you went through on that rode, but it is your determination that makes this kingdom great.”

Elizabeth bowed her head and put her right fist over her heart. “Thank you again.”

“Happy to be of service,” Frits said and he put his fist over his heart and bowed.

“Thank you, my queen,” Eva repeated and returned the gesture.

Queen Elizabeth left the room as Frits’ siblings came crashing in to hug him. They were followed into the room by Sasha’s parents. He grunted and shifted as they ran into his wounds, but he did not care. He was safe with his family. This was where he belonged.

As Frits looked at everyone in the room, he smiled. His eyes ended with locking with Sasha’s. He felt at peace and knew that he did not need the glory, he did not need the recognition. All he needed was the love of his family and friends.

Frits turned to Sasha’s father and said, “Sir, I am sorry I am not asking for your permission, but I cannot wait another moment.”

He turned to Sasha and asked, “Will you marry me?”

Tears streamed down her face as she was able to force out, “Yes!”

Everyone cheered as the two embraced.