~ Epilogue ~

The cold light of a waning gibbous moon shone down upon the fortress of Shadowfalls, the river splitting at the bulwark and tumbling over the edge. Falling the distance to the large pool below, crashing and meeting with its subterranean twin that escaped the mouth of the underground fortress. The platforms and walkways that spanned out over the river’s mouth and ran at the base of the cliffs were alight with thousands of lanterns, like the branches of a cherry tree in bloom. Small boats were anchored out of the tumultuous waters of the fall’s reach, filled with more lanterns, blossoms floating in a dark pool of night around the reflection of the moon as it hung over the fortress and lit the elven forest city of Meliandra.

Xiana looked up at the expansive smooth walls that rose up, towering over her; the water of the falls running down and past the platforms and into the large lake-like pool. It never failed to impress, the impenetrable fortress of ancient dwarven artistry and cunning. She felt a tap at her shoulder, Rolf guiding her through the crowds of children and adults, dwarves and elves alike, following Antrandis, Sian and Winter while they walked either side of the twins Desilantre.

They had arrived an hour earlier at the roadway on the top of the falls, the same place that Antrandis and Sian had set out from two nights previously. The members of the Elite Guard taking the horses and wagons. While the rest met with Silias’s sister, Peletrinala before crossing the bridge to the upper bulwark and descending into the fortress from above.

Silias had shown her and Rolf to the temple and the meagre guest quarters set within so that they may refresh themselves. They had both been provided with simple, but comfortable robes. Before long, Silias returned, herself changed and the grime of the road washed clean, and guided them without fuss, down through the fortress to the expansive cavernous entry, the subterranean river that ran under the mountains washing past and under a monstrous obsidian platform that acted as a staging area. Xiana was surprised to find the cavern glowing from within, the edges of the platform lined with stalls and a market that tended to all aspects of the festival. People of all ages milled, dwarves and elves, she had frowned in surprise and concern as she had watched a number of dryads playing with a group of children.

She stared at Silias, “Are they playing with Dryads? How can you people allow this?”

Silias chuckled, watching, “Antrandis added another to his collection just yesterday.”

“Collection?” said Xiana, “He has a collection?”

“They are fantastic allies, Xiana. Maybe before you leave, you should visit the grove.”

“Grove?”

Silias nodded, before gesturing to the far side of the cavernous chamber. Antrandis, Sian and Winter arrived, guiding the twins. Both of the children with a mixture of awe, curiosity and relief on their faces. Outside the fortress, the twins who had spent two days in the wilds fighting for their life were needing the security of civilisation.

She watched the twins with care, their eyes wide with the sights, smells and sounds of the Festival of Sighs. Her eyes stopped on Tiffaniel, her once jet black hair was now streaked with silvers and greys, the extent of her condition unknown until the next full moon. That girl had steel, despite her stubborn streak.

That afternoon, Xiana had observed from the tree line as Tiffaniel sat infront of Calasylara, the Sword of the Aletere unafraid, stroking the beast’s beak until she woke. She spoke in hushed tones while the dazed gryphon watched her, too disoriented to fight and forced to calm. She tamed that wild creature and made it her own. That same girl now walked, her hand holding her brother’s, both sharing their unbreakable lifeline in mute silence, guided and protected by the leaders of Meliandra. Taking their first steps of many toward the road home.

End

The Twins of the Aletere - Book 1 - Shadow of the Eclipse

The story continues in The Twins of the Aletere - Book 2 - In the Shadow of Dreams

Keep an eye out for the next part of the story posting on the 3rd week of March!

While you are waiting, I will release the original short story that this book was adapted from in 3 parts!