SONGS AND TRAILS (Book 1)

EPILOGUE

Evening became deep and Daya laid her head on Rai’s lap, her feet on Mia’s lap. Marietta’s head laid back on the couch, eyes closed and Mima just sat freely gossiping with Caldor who seemed to listen attentively to whatever she was telling him. Arabella was asleep in Finehas' arms all the while.

“I don’t know why you guys are concerned with my love life.” Caldor said after they pressed him about his love life. “I’m not dating Janine nor am I fucking her.”

He didn't know why he needed to make it clear, especially to his trainees.

“Mima?” Daya inquired.

“He’s telling the truth.” Mima confirmed.

“Then I don't get it. Who’s your girlfriend?” Mia insisted. "You can't tell me you have none."

“Why can't I?” Caldor narrowed his eyes.

"Because you're handsome and at this age, well... you're at least expected to get laid."

Caldor laughed. "Thank you for your concern. Regarding all that, it's my business."

“Did you have one though?” Marie was still curious. "Back then, as a trainee."

“Yes and again, that’s my business.” He said and before anyone could inquire more, he got up from his seat, “Times up! We need to leave. We’ve been here all day. Come on.”

Apart from everyone, he was the only sober one. They complained for a while but realized they needed to bring Arabella back to the infirmary before they had it with the healer. Just as they were wrapping up, the door opened to a furious Janine.

“Traitor!” Jenny said after spotting Caldor and he rolled his eyes, “You left me alone! You left me to listen to all those insufferable speeches.”

He ignored her as she approached stomping her feet to show her anger.

“I knew your smiling up there was too good to be true.” she ranted.

“Calm yourself, Janine.” He finally told her.

Janine's gaze fell to the table to see bottles of booze. “You were even drinking booze all alone.” She complained, “You and I need to talk.”

“Suit yourself! I’m tired and I need to go to bed.” Caldor said.

“Well, I’m going to pester you all night long starting right now.” she demanded.

“Don’t. Ms. Heydar’s asleep.” Caldor showed her and she finally stopped her tantrum.

“Fine then, I’ll be waiting in your room for you.” Jenny said as she left, “On your bed!” she slammed the door behind her.

“And you think I can deal with that for the rest of my days?” Caldor asked them.

“Definitely not married.” Daya agreed. “Anyway, let’s go before the healer kills us. I don't think I have any more threats to give.”

They left the library with Arabella carried in Finehas' arms. They walked in the corridors of the building, heading to the infirmary as the girls teased each other and Rai remained quiet all the while. It wasn't long until they reached the familiar hallway.

“Alright, we’re at the infirmary wing.” Caldor turned to face them and they stopped, “None of you can go through, seeing as none of you are quite sober.”

“You can’t do that!” Mia complained.

“Yeah, you were drinking too.” Daya said.

“Not enough for me to get myself drunk.” Caldor defended. "...not to forget, to get myself shouting ridiculously in the hallways."