Valtava: Dragon Sword

Chapter 26

"Yuuuuu." Tony pulled back on his horse's reins, signaling it to stop as it arrived at Emeradia's camp. The soldiers waiting there caught of him and the others, promptly standing up on their feet and running to greet them.

"Tony! General Turbo! You've all returned safely!" the soldiers exclaimed.

Tony jumped off his horse and approached the crowd of soldiers welcoming him. "Yes, we're back! We've successfully completed our mission of restoring peace to the Hollow Men!"

"Yes, we all witnessed a bright light in the sky and knew you must have done it!" the soldiers cheered.

"Oh, did any of you see Ada return? She came to help us in the Northern Lands but went missing afterwards."

The soldiers exchanged glances and shook their heads. "Sorry, Tony, we weren't able to keep an eye on her. She seemed adamant to leave and none of us could stop her."

Tony sighed, then said, "It's alright, maybe she got lost and couldn't find her way back to the camp."

Turbo stepped forward and said, "Ada has done us a great favour in helping us complete our mission. We must make sure she doesn't get in any danger." He turned to a group of twenty soldiers and ordered, "Go out and search for her. If you don't find her anywhere in Emeradia, return and we'll discuss further plans."

"Yes, General Turbo!"

Tony then remembered there was someone else still waiting for his help. He ran inside one of the tents to where Stephen's body was lying and bent down next to him. The others followed him inside, and Turbo said, "Here, let me feel his pulse." Tony shifted to make room for him, and he placed two fingers on Stephen's wrist.

"How is he doing, Uncle Turbo?" Tony asked, not able to maintain his patience.

After a few seconds, Turbo smiled and stood up. Instead of answering his question directly, he said, "Go ahead and wake him!"

Feeling a spark of hope, Tony shook Stephen lightly by the arm and called, "Stephen!" The body in front of him nudged ever so slightly, and his eyes slowly peeked open. Stephen turned his head to the source of the voice, and he took a moment to recognize the friend next to him.

"Stephen! You're awake!" Tony cried in joy.

"Stephen!!" a familiar high pitched girl's voice joined in. Stephen watched as Fennie ran up to him and grabbed his hands excitedly.

"Tony, Fennie...am I alive or dead?" Stephen mumbled as they helped him sit up.

"Of course you're alive, dummy!" Fennie answered, struggling to keep herself still.

Turbo smiled as he observed colour return to Stephen's once-pale face. "It looks like the Dragon Sword not only returned the hearts it stole from the Hollow Men, but also the energy it absorbed from those who were carrying it."

Seeing a confused look on Stephen's face, Tony explained, "We just went to the Northern Lands and unleashed the energy from the Dragon Sword. The Hollow Men have now returned to their benevolent selves, and all of Valtava can finally be in peace! We couldn't have done it all without you, Stephen!"

"Really? That's amazing, Tony!" Stephen uttered gleefully.

"All of us must be hungry after a long day. I'll tell the soldiers to prepare us a big meal to celebrate!" Janice said.

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"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their cups and drank their cups of wine. Stephen scanned the various dishes on the table and said in a mesmerized tone, "Wow, I've never had such a big feast in a long time!"