The Mearsmaine Chronicles 1 - The Return of the Queen

Chapter 24 - In which they find out how to defeat Uldreyin

Nathaniel was already gazing the dark tunnel with sparkling grey eyes: finally, they were living. If someone read the boy's mind at that exact moment, they would think that he had been locked in a dark cell for a whole eternity, which was a completely hyperbolic view of the last few days the group had spent with the dwarves. Of course, Nate was one of those people who always wanted to be where they are not and who are never content with what they have, except that the boy in question was quite happy with his life by this time of the story. 

He turned back to see an extremely excited Keziah, a Lewis who could be considered even grumpier than himself, a Ronan that was clearly not sure about what was happening around him and who couldn't quite understand where he was being sent to, and, somewhere behind these three faces, the black haired boy could also see Elizabeth, Nigel and Edmîntor saying their goodbyes and, as the nice subject he was, he smoothly walked across the small crowd separating them, to deliver his farwell to the King of Thargorlum and, if I may add, one thing was for sure, Nathaniel would never forget Thargorlum.

When our grumpy character reached the small group, he bowed to Orunghur, who nodded at him and immediately diverted his attention towards Elzabeth, a warm sort of smile already on his face and his eyes actually seemed sad to watch the girl and her small group leaving them, even if their journey back would be much safer than the one they had to do to make it into the dwarvish city.

'I hope you have enjoyed your time in Thargorlum, Elizabeth.' He told her and her lips parted in the most beautiful smile there was in the world, at least from Nate's point of view. She was going to say something, but the King did not let her. 'I have something for you, Queen Ludwigle. Take it as a proof of our restored aliance, as an immortal document for our people to remind our common enemies and for us to remember our mutual friendship.' As Orunghur was saying this, a servant got closer to him and, wrapped in a red cloth, was what seemed to be a sword. The King took the gift from the dwarf's hands and gave it to Lizz, who unwrapped it quickly, curiosity getting the best of her, and, when she saw what was indeed a sword, her eyes widdened and a surprised grin crossed her mouth.

Elizabeth held in her delicate hands the most beautifully made sword that she had ever laid eyes upon. The sword had a long, narrow, smooth blade made of bronze, being held by a grip of what looked like pure gold and, exacly in the middle of it, rested a smooth jewel, which was exctly the color of the blond girl's eyes. With just a razor-sharp point that weapon was made to cut up her enemies in thin slices of flesh and bone. The blade itself was engraved: a single word could be read on both sides of the narrow and light, but deadly, blade: Ludwigle. Lizz smiled at the sight of her family name on her sword, the family that she never thought she had, and a tear wanted to fall down her pretty eyes, but she composed herself before that could happen. 

Orunghur's voice sounded in her ears and drove her thoughts away. 'It's called Epilogue, because that's what it is supposed to do: to put an end to this story. Even if Uldreyin cannot be killed by a simple sword.' Elizabeth gazed the King in the eyes, a thankful expression on her elvish face, and the dwarf gave her a faint smile. 

'Thank you.' She breathed out and, in a blink of an eye, Elizabeth had bent her back and her arms were wrapped around a very surprised Orunghur, who could bring himself to return the hug some seconds after the initial shock. 'I promise I'll use it well.' The girl told him, all her words filled with sincerity.

He patted her back and they broke apart. 'I know you will, Elizabeth, Queen of the Elves.' And, with a nod and a last goodbye, the girl and her companions went to join the rest of the group, starting to make their way towards the long dark tunnel as Keziah turned back to hug her parents once more.

The elves smirked at one another, a grin of genuine happiness, all of them thinking the same: We are going home.

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