Fear

Epilogue

It took many months to travel. It was hard, but then, I've learned that nothing worth having is gained easily.

Matt did an excellent job in setting the fire. It burned hot and bright. We took the opportunity of the ensuing chaos to leave the city. We had to have frequent stops to rest. Nigel tired as quickly as I did. The Deathstalkers were used frequently – not to choose guards but for the honour of carrying Nigel so we could cover more miles. Grant, and only Grant, carried me when necessary.

We lived off the land, eating anything we could find. Memories returned, slowly at first, then faster. The bad came first. I had to relive the rapes and see my tormenter's face often. I named my kidnapper and seller – my uncle, who ruled in my absence. Luke promised he would die. The love from Grant and the loyalty of the rest eased me through the horrors.

With the fresher food, I became fit and muscular – for a while. When I grew large with child, we had to slow again. Neata was not born there. We had reached our transport a month before she arrived. She is a Ventis citizen. I had no idea I was so far from home...on a different planet, in fact. We are not elves. We are natives of Ventis, and we have pointed ears. Grant has decorated mine with jewels, as he promised.

One of our first regal decrees was to prevent another kidnapping like mine. Grant insisted on harsh penalties for rape even though it was rare on Ventis anyway. Luke has yet to use his discipline on any new offender, although we allowed him public vengeance on my kidnapper. He was not merciful. I doubt anyone will attempt it again.

Nigel recovered, although he was badly scarred. The girls flock around him, thinking he's a great hero and gravely wounded in battle. He only has eyes for one woman though. She's sweet and dainty and adores him, but she would give him an even harsher flaying if he ever betrayed her - not that he's interested in anyone else. Their second child is due shortly.

Bruce recovered from the coffee drugging. He vows will never drink it again. It doesn't grow on Ventis. I miss the taste, but not the effects. He's another one that settled down. It's a good partnership, although no children have arrived yet despite trying. The pair enjoy playing with our young ones at the moment.

Although not originally from Ventis, Bess became a good friend and chose to remain with us. A simple change of clothing transformed her. She positively glows in the Ventis atmosphere. I bought her a sofa. Wearing a white robe, she is luminous in the orange glow from the sun. Draped over her sofa, she appears almost ethereal. She revels in her strangeness. Wolgen is home to the only witcher on Ventis – at the moment. She has a man in her life. He's blind. He thinks she's beautiful - we haven't told him otherwise.

Luke is our Master of Arms. He loves his job. No country would think of staging a war against Wolgen. Surrendering is a better option, even before an angry word is exchanged. Wolgen prospers and grows.

Charles is our cook. We eat well. Adam is chief of house. My home is spotless and welcoming. Both are incredibly loyal and still tolerate us well, despite our children. The rest of the group still serve us in some manner and we meet up regularly. The Deathstalkers still entertain. We laugh a lot.

I always wear the pendant. The tear-yon still clings to the moon in the skies above Ventis. Once a year, the moon shows her face. We join the tear-yon in singing the song of love.

Grant and I have a growing family. I'm never alone, as he promised. Neata was our first child. We are stopping at seven. Not because we have stopped loving, but because Bess has discovered a way of preventing pregnancy. Our last baby is due any day now. We have decided to call her Fe'a.

Fe'a – no more.