Swan Song

Twenty-Two

Roan explained most of what happened to the people, his passionate speech instilling confidence, at least for a time. Just as the sun was setting and the prince was beginning to worry about Anike's state and what it meant for the kingdom he returned to the lake to see her and the others transform. She explained all that she could about the curse and that tomorrow she would be a swan again. It was evident to Roan that he could not leave. At least not now. Anike's position was tremulous and truthfully she had less knowledge of how to run a kingdom then he. But they would learn and get through it together. He owed her that much.

With the curse broken and DeKnave's stain off the land many truths come to light, including that Odessa was Rebecca's daughter. Anike and the guardians had moved Odessa to the Isle of Sorrow, placing her in a bed they had made for her, inside the gazebo in the center of the Isle. She was still as a statue but according to Madam Rumbel she lived. Her breathing so slow and shallow it was almost undetectable. She would be safe in the gazebo Marali declared and Julia was inclined to agree. The Isle was a magical center, a wealth of power and off limits to DeKnave should he try to return. The Isle and the forest of thorns they erected would also keep her safe from age and decay while a cure was searched for.

It was a few days later that Rebecca came to visit Odessa. "I'm ashamed to say I hadn't the courage to see her like this. Before the curse I remember her as a little girl, so full of life." She held back a tear as Anike stood by her side.

"What happened exactly? I remember Dess from before but not much. We were so young."

Rebecca nodded, "I was married to Rothbart. He seemed kind when we met, although terribly ambitious. He worked for your father as the royal sorcerer. But he wanted more. Greed turned him into a hateful man. I left him when Odessa was about six. It broke her little heart to leave you. You two where friends even then. I remember one night, about a year later there was a terrible storm unlike anything I had ever seen. It was unnatural. And then there he was. At our door. I told Odessa to run and that's the last thing I remember before his curse fell." she touched Odessa's cheek. Soft but so cold.

Suddenly rage filled Rebecca. "He's lucky he mastered that awful spell. Because if I had known what was going on, if I had remembered what he'd done to me and my daughter, I would have gotten rid of him myself!" she seethed between clenched teeth.

Anike touched her shoulder. "I'm sorry this happened. Odessa's my best friend. I won't leave her like this. We will find a way to restore her. I promise,"

Rebecca nodded. "I have to go and get some things. If it's alright I'd like to stay here, with her."

"Of course. I can have someone help you with your thinks if you need."

Rebecca forced a smile. "Thank you. I'd appreciate it." She lifted her head and raised her voice slightly, "I'll be back soon." She said seemingly talking to her daughter as well.

Anike watched her go then turned back to her friend, "I'm so sorry Odessa," she squeezed her hand. "I wish we hadn't fought."

"For what it's worth she was on her way to apologize to you. We both were." Roan said coming in.

Anike nodded, "I never got to talk with her though. She doesn't know that I forgive her. And that I'm sorry too."

"You'll tell her." Roan insisted.

Anike sighed, "I want to believe that. I promised Rebecca I'd find a way to bring her back."

"And you will. I know we haven't known each other long, but I know you're not the type to back down. Not when it matters." Anike shook her head, but Roan went on, "You saved a kingdom. Not with an army at your back or even your friends believing in you. You didn't do it for vengeance or glory. You didn't even remember your parents then and had no desire to rule. You did it because it was right."