The Youngest Mage [Completed]

(19) Alias' Funeral

Bekma took Deearo aside shortly before they were all to leave in two carriages for the funeral in town, which was at the old cemetery on the hill. This cemetery had graves going back two thousand years, mostly for the Faen population of Sylnaberneath, for the Tilithneaa preferred cremation rather than burial. Burial for the Fae was an old custom that went back to the world of their origin, many billions of light years away from Avalon.

Deearo's father had been Fae, but his dead mother had been Tilithneaa. "Your father was a good man," said Bekma, as they stood outside waiting for the others to come out of the Nunn mansion.

"I know," said Deearo.

"You should sell the stables, and use the money to go to Mage School. I know about Maurinn's offer. It's a good and sincere offer. You should take it."

"I told Maurinn I'd think about it. I'm still thinking," said Deearo.

"Well, don't take too long. The summer is going quick, and you know how impatient Dalbreath is to everyone, including you."

Deearo laughed. "I'll let you all know soon."

"Fair enough," said Bekma. "Come on, let's see what's keeping them."
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Bekma and the boys rode in one carriage, and the Nunn couple, Mauriel, and Maurinn rode in the other carriage. The cemetery was on the far side of town, on a beautiful hilltop surrounded by ancient trees. It was a beautiful spot for the dead to be laid to rest. Unbeknownst to Deearo, Maurinn bought Deearo's father a plot, it was by an old oak tree. Most of the town showed up to bury their native son, Deearo's Da, Alias. Bekma said the eulogy, at Deearo's request.

Bekma stood on the hill with his back to the great oak, for the Fae didn't like to have their eulogies done in a church, but rather out in nature which they so loved. "We are gathered here today to honor the memory of Deearo's Da, Alias. There isn't one amongst us who doesn't remember his quiet ways and his quick wit. He was a hard working man, and there are none who knew livestock better than Alias. I won't spend a long time talking about him, he wouldn't like that. Alias was an open minded man, and he did not complain when I asked him to lend me his son to be my student. 'What will he be learning?' was his only question. 'The fine art of Magery,' I said. 'He's like his mother, then. I expect so, teach him well then, Wizard. Teach him well.' He will be missed sorely by all in this town, and may NaGoeVoDaa take him up and bless him in the afterlife until it is time for him to return again, whenever that might be."

Everyone stood solemnly and waited for Deearo to throw in the first handful of dirt, and to say something.

"My Da was the very best," he said, then he threw in a handful of dirt, "and the cat-witch is going to pay for what she did to my him"
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There was a memorial at the church in town after, and the church was packed with people. Everyone came up to give Deearo their condolences. He was very thankful for their heartfelt words.

"He's with Finn now," said Mrs. Lindismorne.

"Your Da was the best farrier in town. None of the horses he shoed for me ever threw a shoe," said Mr. Nautier.

Many people had nothing but praise for the man, but there was one guest no one knew. She was a young woman dressed all in black. She stayed to the back, and did not come forward until the end. Bekma noticed her at the funeral too, and kept an eye on her. It wasn't until she came toward Deearo and Dalbreath, who stood beside him, that he understood who it was. He acted immediately but Maurinn attacked her first with a bolt of lightening that shot from her hand and nearly severed the cat-girl's panther arm. She hissed and drew back in retreat.

"Curse you Maurinn, and your little Mages. We'll get you all in the end."

"Who is we?" yelled Maurinn, but the cat-girl was already gone.

"I'm not surprised she showed up," said Bekma.

"I'm not," said Deearo, a bit shaken.

"Me either, she's so brazen. It's a word, right?" Asked Dalbreath.

"It is indeed," said Bekma.

It was a somber evening at the Nunn mansion that night. Bekma stayed to help defend the mansion should the cat-girl return. He even put up a magic perimeter. It was a tense night for everyone.