Light and Dark 1: The Heir

Chapter 6: The Reunion

 Vera wrung her hands. "five months, Dorno." she said. "Arela took off five months ago. And there's been no sign of them!" her voice was rising on hysteria. "What was Tirsto thinking? I've lost both of my daughters!" Dorno looked at his wife.

"We can only hope," he said, "that the light will bring them safely home." Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Vera quickly composed herself and called, "come in!" The Captain of the Guard walked in. He bowed to the King and Queen.

"Your Majesties," he said, "we have received notice of a party of four approaching the castle gates." the King and Queen exchanged glances. Could it be? The Captain noticed the look, and said softly, "the sentries have said that one is riding is yellow horse. Would you like us to let the in?" The King and Queen nodded. The captain left. Then the King and Queen rushed out the door, calling to Tirsto, hoping desperately that their lost daughters had finally come home.

***

Tirsto stared out across the gardens. His parents were right next to him. The three of them were staring off into the distance, hardly daring to hope. And Tirsto most of all. Because if Arela didn't return, it would be his fault. He had let her go. But she was coming. He felt it in his very bones. Then he heard his Mother's gasp, and looked up. There were four figures riding towards them. Two who looked magical, with white hair, white eyes, and the pointed ears of the Fae. But Tirsto ignored them. He looked to the middle, to the two women riding. One riding on a gold horse, who had amber eyes, golden hair, and an infectious grin. The other on a black horse with white specks, who had dark blue eyes, raven black hair, and a dignified smile. Tirsto abandoned all sense of dignity as he gave out a great yell and tore off across the grass, running towards his sisters, who were finally home.

***

"Tirsto!" Arela laughed in delight as her older brother snatched her off sunlight and spun her around.

"Thank the light," he said. "I was so worried, Rela. What if I'd made a mistake..." his voice broke.

"No Tirsto," she said. "You made the right choice. Look." she pointed at their older sister, dismounting her horse.

"Laya," he breathed. "Laya!"

"Come here little brother," she said, holding out her arms.

Arela looked on as her siblings embraced, smiling. Then she looked up. Her parents were staring at them. She smiled, calling, "Mom! Dad!" She ran towards them. The opened their arms.

***

Vera pulled her youngest daughter close. She wanted to be angry, wanted to be furious, but she just couldn't. The relief of having her daughter safe, and having succeeded in bringing her eldest home, was just too great. Nevertheless, she knew she had to show her displeasure. So she pulled away. "Arelastia Moarneya," the Queen said sternly. "You may never do that again. You could've been killed! I couldn't..." her voice broke, and she had to compose herself. Arela took her Mother's hand.

"I'm sorry, Mom," she said. "I never meant to cause you pain. But I had to rescue Laya. You have two siblings. Don't you understand?" Her Mother's eyes softened.

"Three," she said softly. "I have three siblings."

"Three?" Arela asked, confused. "There's Uncle Perron, off being King of Horilo, and Uncle Jaq, living with the nature spirits. Who's the third? And why have I never heard of them?" Vera shook her head.

"I have a sister..." she hesitated. "Never mind. I shouldn't have said anything. But yes, I suppose I do understand."

"Mother!" there was a yell, and Vera turned around. Their was her eldest daughter running toward her.

"Laya!" the two embraced. Then Arela turned and hugged her father, and they were all laughing and crying and hugging. Then they turned to go into the castle.

***

"We have to save him," Laya sobbed. They had been explaining the events of the last five months, and she'd just gotten to the part where Connol was captured.

"You're not going after him," Vera replied. "That's exactly what the Dark Lady wants. We can find someone else." Laya's eyes lit up.

"I know just the person," she replied. "Mother, may I go visit Uncle Jaq? I would like some recovery time." Arela's eyes widened in realization.

"May I come too?" she asked. Laya shook her head.

"Arela," she said, "you have to prepare for the party." Arela nodded.

"You're right," she said.

"Well, Mother?" asked Laya. "May I?" Vera nodded.

"I suppose so..." she said hesitating. She knew her daughters were hiding something, but she also knew that no harm would come to Laya while she was with Vera's brother. "Yes, you may go." Laya's eyes lit up.

"And can Tirsto come with me?"

"Yes."

"I'll start out at first dawn the morrow after the morrow."