The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 3 Departures and Arrivals

I spent so much time worrying over the letter I missed any opportunity I might have had to sleep. I could only hope I would be able to rest on the airplane, I was nervous about showing up to the Keeper Citadel sleep deprived.

I wasn't allowed to pack any of the beautiful clothes I had acquired while in Los Eres, but that was just as well, I couldn't imagine what I would do with them all once I became an official Keeper.

The four of us with three Keepers, Shane was noticeably absent, took a limo to the airport where a sleek private jet was waiting. The wind whipped around us as we stepped out onto the tarmac, the skies were clear at the moment, but to the east over the sea, dark clouds loomed.

"What's this?"
Kamala asked with a sigh, her eyes fixed on a figure marching towards us with three others in tow.

"We're in a bit of a hurry, your highness."
Evangeline informed Ranen as he came to a halt in front of us.

"This will only take a moment."
He insisted.

"After everything, there was someone I thought you deserved to say goodbye to."
He explained, looking me straight in the eyes.

When he stepped aside, I realized my brother was one of the Prince's companions. I didn't waste any time leaping into his arms, squeezing him tight, almost afraid to let go.

"This is highly irregular."
Kamala protested.

"Perhaps, but it is within the rules."
Ranen answered, standing in the Keepers way of reaching me.

Solomon clung to me as tightly as I did him, his warm tears splashing on the back on my neck.

"We won't forget you sister, none of us will."
He whispered fiercely.

"Tell Esha how much I love her. Tell her I'm so sorry for breaking my promise.

I needed her to know, someday I hoped I would have the chance to tell her in person, but the chances were remote.

"I will, she'll know."

"I'm sorry Solomon, for being so difficult, for being so broken. You've always been kinder to me than I deserve."

"Don't apologize for what you can't help."
He murmured.

I sucked in a shaky breath.

"I love you, Solomon."
I nearly choked on the words, knowing it might be the last time I would ever say them to him.

"And I love you, little sister."
He answered back, voice equally full of emotion.

"We're on a schedule here."
Kamala complained.

Solomon and I broke apart, our eyes overflowing with tears. A silent understanding passed between us as we squeezed hands and I backed away. I couldn't help my trembling lower lip or my shaky hands. I was losing my family, once and for all.

My gaze fell on Ranen who's face was stoic.

"Thank you."
I murmured.

He grasped my elbow and drew me closer to him, his lips nearly touching my ear.

"This isn't goodbye, we'll see each again. I promise you that."

I wanted to believe him, but who knew what the future held? All I did know was the Prince had become my friend, and I would miss him in the days to come.

"Farewell then Princeling, until we meet again."
I replied in a low tone.

He released me from his grasp and the annoyed Keepers hurried us four victors forward towards the plane. It took all my willpower not to turn around one last time, but I couldn't let myself, I knew it would break my heart to see Solomon standing there, watching me go.