Belford's Heart

Chapter 30: Flame

Evelyn stood with Kressida to look upon the second gate from their final camp. The past days of travel had been so wonderful, she forgot that malice had even lived in that place. It had been largely cured, thanks to Lady Kressida. Since joining their caravan, the only remaining construction was the Westworm, and that was simply because she said it was essential to maintain the structural integrity of the land between the gates. Evelyn had asked why the gates were built in the first place, and it was to place a veil between the world and the Eternal Peak. While she questioned further, asking why the Eternal Peak needed to be hidden, Kressida said that it would be revealed to the world again once it was ready to be seen. Knowing all that she could do, and how wonderful she had made her feel in their week of travel together, she only hoped that she could help it become ready. At the very least, she would be able to look upon it herself.

"I never thought we would make it this far," Evelyn said, looking up at Kressida. She was so tall, Evelyn could not even believe that her fallen companion was even taller. It was a shame that he was not strong enough to carry her all the way, but he did do all that was asked of him. He brought her heart back to her, and gave himself entirely to do it. There was something missing in her mind about him, and it was certainly something she wished to remember. She thought it would come back to her soon, maybe as they crossed through the second gate.

Kressida smiled down at her. "So long as I am with you, my child, you shall go wherever you wish. Are you feeling more whole with your heart?"

Evelyn nodded with excitement. "Yes, yes I am! I feel so wonderful every day, I can't wait to see what is waiting for me beyond the gate."

"It has been waiting for you for a very long time," Kressida said. "I do not wish to understate it. Those who follow me do so in service to you."

"Really?" Evelyn could not believe it. All this trouble, all of her running, and there was never any point to it. These people were only trying to bring her back, to have her stand before them. Why had Maligwa kept her away for so long? Why was anyone afraid of this wonderful woman? "Does my hair look alright? Maybe I can have Philip braid it for me before we cross. I do not want to give a bad impression."

"You are beauty breathed into life by creation itself, Evelyn," Kressida said in her soothing voice. Evelyn could not help the warmth that washed over her in every word. "All will bow at your feet sooner than appreciate the braids in your hair."

"You are so kind," Evelyn said, blushing. She turned behind them, watching as Philip and Grant emerged from their tent with Grifford. Philip ran off to fetch the horses, and Grant stood there waiting for the duke to fumble his way out of camp. "May I enter the gate with my friends? Grimbo worked so hard to carry me. I think it is only fair that he carries me through the last of this final road."

"I am joyous at your arrival in any way it comes," Kressida said, her eyes glowing in contrast to the total-red of First Light. "I shall alter the Westworm one final time as we cross. Go with your friends, and send Duke Haradin in your stead. I have much to discuss with him."

"Right away, my lady," Evelyn said, wrapping her arms around Kressida's waist. "Thank you so much for helping everyone."

"It is I that will be thanking you soon," Kressida said. "Go on, now."

Evelyn walked quickly to greet Philip and Grifford. Grifford ran quickly to meet her, nearly tackling her to the ground as he wrapped her in his wings and nuzzled his beak on her shoulder. "Good morning, Grifford. I missed you, too." He huffed twice in agreement, and pulled away to sit tall beside Philip as the minister made his way to greet her.
"Evelyn," Philip said. "I know you have been having your lessons with Lady Kressida and all, but I was wondering if you would ride through the gate with us."