The Heir of Kings

Chapter Seventeen: Reunited in Triumph

Relma awoke and wished she hadn't as the light entered her eyes.

Her head felt like bells had been ringing inside it like a temple during mass. Her tongue felt like lead on the base of throat. Her body ached all over, especially where Ajax had kicked her. Just moving an inch was painful. Little by little, she pulled herself up and found that the sky above was turning to twilight. There was a campfire where the last of the firewood was burning.

Ronald was cooking stew on it, stirring a ladle in one of his pots. He looked oddly content while he did it and looked up. When he saw her, he put down the ladle and hurried over with obvious relief. At least somebody cared. "Relma, you're awake. Thank Barden."

"Unfortunately," said Relma with a wince. Note to self: It was not possible to become a master swordsman over a few weeks. Picking a fight with Ajax had been a bad idea. "What happened?"

"You healed my wounds," said Ronald, raising a bandaged arm. "Well, some of them. All my bones are fine, but I've got a bunch of scratches."

"What happened with Ajax and Ergath?" asked Relma.

"I don't know," admitted Ronald. "They slipped off a ravine, still fighting. They might still be fighting. Estela followed them to watch the fight.

"What now? We have Lightning Trail."

Relma looked down at the shining blade by her side. It lay there, naked, gleaming, and very beautiful in the light. It really was the most magnificent thing she'd ever seen. No wonder Zeya had thought it worthy of Anoa the Bright. "Well, I guess we head back home. I'd love to see the look on Pandora's face when she finds out that I've gotten Lightning Trail-"

And then a white owl descended and took on the form of Aunt Pan. Her hair blew around her as she threw back her black cloak. Her eyes were alight with fire. "Relma Artorious!" "

Relma smirked and raised Lightning Trail. She called this a victory; there was no possibility of being just another link in the chain now. "Aunt Pan. Look upon my achievements and despair."

Aunt Pan froze in place, eyes wide. "I... you... you drew... why would..." She stalked forward and snatched the blade out of her hand. "You stupid girl! You run off into the middle of the wilderness, into enemy territory! You drag me away from the battle line! And now you, you derail centuries of work for pure spite!"

"Mmmmhmmm," said Relma, smile widening.

Just as planned. Relma had already surpassed Hadleim by this alone. No matter how many battles he won, he'd never gotten Lightning Trail in hand.

"Stop smiling! Do you have any idea what you've done?!" roared Pandora.

"Screwed up your plans for me," said Relma. "And Elranor gave me permission to wield it, so there."

Pandora shook visibly, clenching a fist. Then she breathed and looked to the lands below. "... We'll discuss this later. We're going back to the battle line at once. There is bound to be a war soon, and I have to be there. "Where is Estela? Or have you gotten her killed?"

"She went to watch a battle between a giant and a werewolf-" began Ronald.

And then Estela staggered out of the darkness, carrying Ajax over one shoulder. "Man wolf. And the giant won." She threw him down.

"Ajax," said Ronald. "Why did you bring him back here?"

"He was beaten into unconsciousness," said Estela. "Ergath limped off into the mountains after that. I think he was afraid I'd finish him off. Relma, can you heal him?"

"Heal him?" asked Pandora. "Relma doesn't possess..." She froze and looked at Relma. "So you did meet with Elranor. What is he thinking?

"No matter. Ronald, do you have any rope left?"