Soldier

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

I didn't know what spot to fix my eyes on. I certainly wouldn't want to stare at Nicholas grave, among with others. I tried to keep my tears in during the ceremony, but several slipped down on my cheek. Back at the camp Yoesphin healed my wound with Unicorn-dust. My mind wasn't at ease yet knowing it was all over. The peace was coming and no one needed to hide anymore. The happy feeling I was supposed to feel became a big ache and sorrow. I'd left the others to wander around alone. I thought I saw Nicholas everywhere. I could swear I felt him touch my arms and when I turned to check he wasn't there. You're stupid. He's dead and you need to realise he's never coming back. I wished several times Nicholas didn't save me from that arrow, then I would be dead instead. And still we wouldn't be together.

Finally I let myself look at the graves. The elves had dug themselves several big holes in the ground at the edge of the forest. Most of the dead were supposed to be buried together, but I said I wanted Nicholas to have his own. The pile of dirt signified someone dead laid there. It was hard to believe his cold body was buried several feet under ground, already starting to moulder. I wiped away my tears once more and hugged myself. On top of the pile of dirt I had placed several flowers. I'd carved in his name into a stone and placed behind the flowers. It took me hours to make it. At least it kept me sane and occupied.

Yoesphin hadn't felt better than I did. She didn't only lost a father, but the elves also lost their leader. This meant Yoesphin was supposed to take the spot. She was only three to four years younger than me and had a greater responsibility than most of the kids at her age. I had given her Erlikia when I knew she was the new leader.

“You'll be a great one” I'd said and squeezed her hands.

“This is what we all have been waiting for. My father would be proud” She had wiped away her tears. At least she still have Thyon. He promised to look after her and help her.

After I killed the king I didn't thought about how to tell princess Isadora. I suppose in some way she already knew. We arrived at the palace a day after the king's body had arrived. She didn't even look me in the eye. When she finally did the words she said wasn't kind.

“How could you?” Her voice was hoarse. “Destroy my own father and Tahol's king”

I wanted to explain the situation. All the secrets her father had kept from her. At this time I was glad Thyon and Yoesphin was with me.

“Because of this” Yoesphin held up Erlikia for everyone to see. “My father died as well, but knowing it was for the better”

“You're an-” Isadora lost her words at the sight of Yoesphin. I don't think her father mentioned that little piece of information that the Elfoak in fact did exist.

“They are elves and they have been hiding, along with their people, in the forest. Your father held them captive, princess” I began to explain. “You must understand. The story everyone's been hearing since they were small isn't true”

Isadora burst into tears and it took a while to explain it all. I also told her I didn't meant to kill the king. I only did it in defence for Thyon. We left her alone for a while, but never leaving the castle. I know this information is a lot to take in.

I stood in the background at the king's funeral. Princess Isadora stood in black at the front. Several times she turned around to look at me. I knew she understood the truth.

Soon Isadora's coronation was held. I knew she would make a terrific queen. With her kind heart she knew what was right to do.

“I believe you” She said when I brought Yoesphin with me to meet her afterwards. “My heart is still aching for my father, but it does not ache after its king”