2023 Story Collection

The Isle of Dragons and The Land of Giants XIII

Knox and Liliana stand side by side, looking down at the Isles, from where they stand on a small terrace. The water was lit with floating lights. Large and small platforms floated on the water as well, with rope bridges that connected them to the islands. People flooded the markets and platforms below, cheering, dancing and singing. The atmosphere was that of excitement for what the future had in store.

There are colorful banners hanging on ropes that Fredor had tied far above the Festival that go from one island to another. He walked along the rope with Katie and lit the strings of fabric that had been infused with magic to burn for the week. Sparks flew from the fabric in a blue hue. Katie came up with the idea.

On the mountains sit the Giants that play the music and dance. Knox had been surprised by how kind the Giants were. He'd met them the day his people sailed to The Land of Giants. They had welcomed his people and helped them build homes and set up businesses. The Gold's also helped the Giants with tasks they struggle with due to their size. Now the Giants Smiled happily at the people below.

A lot had changed since the Golds joined the kingdom. The Isles became a huge market for merchants and trade. Though most of the Gold's live in The Land of Giants now, the ones that stayed in the Isle made it colorful and lively. Tonight, the islands are filled with food dealers and merchants selling all sorts of goods for the celebration.

The Golds wanted to hold this festival to celebrate, it would last a week. James had led the planning for the festival.

Knox stood there now, looking out at their kingdom with pride. The same excitement that the people below felt also filled him. Hope.

He looks, at that moment, to Liliana.

"Its hard to believe I can finally call you my wife." Knox wraps his arms around her from behind. She melts into his embrace on instinct.

"I can't believe you're my king."

They stand there like that for a while, just enjoying the moment before she turns and faces her husband. "I love you."

"I love you too." He kisses her, holding none of his hunger back, finally able to let all of his love flow out of himself into her.

"Wait," she says breathlessly, gently pressing a hand to his chest. "Shouldn't we go enjoy our festival?" Her face is filled with lust, which contrasts her words.

"Yes," he kisses her. "We should enjoy it fully," another kiss, "together," kiss, "alone."

She laughs and pulls him along to her chambers. He looks at her, the long white silk dress hugging her curves, embroidered with red roses. The crown on her head that matched his own. It felt unreal.

But it was real. This was all real. Maybe God did favor him.

---

He lay beside his wife. She was fast asleep, resting her head on his chest. He was so incredibly happy. He married the woman he loved. He was on good terms with his family. His people were settling down in the Land of Giants. All seemed to be good, getting even better.

He thought back to a few weeks ago, when they had brought the Golds to the Land of Giants. Who welcomed them and helped them build homes. James had stayed to help them get back on their feet and start the new settlement. Knox was incredibly proud of him. He had taken the role seriously and had worked hard to make sure his people were thriving.

James had finally found their parents. They had gotten separated from James in the madness of their escape. He had brought them back with him for the marriage ceremony, coronation, and festival.

He wasn't sure how they'd react to seeing him again after everything, but they had welcomed him with open arms and apologized. He had spent the day with them and introduced them to Liliana at dinner. They all got along well. He finally felt like a family. With James and his parents there with him, and Liliana. He felt loved. He felt finally where he was supposed to be.