Queen of the Moon

Part 10: The Weirwoods

We got to the Weirwoods at sunset and drenched in sweat as the Weirwoods were always hot and muggy and covered in mist. The Weirwood tower off the side of a cliff but guarded about the front with a huge gate. Flying dragons greeted us, zooming over as we rode up. I loved this place. And the familiar scent of smoke and wet air and pine that the Weirwoods always boasted of. The Weirwood boys came running, knowing of our arrival from at least half a mile out as the towers could see that far.

Maximus got to Jacob first, Peter the second born to Aiden, and Henry to me, to exchange hugs. The King and Queen greeted us in the hall with their three daughters, the eldest Princess Erica, the second youngest Rebecca, and the third Cassandra. It was awkward when it was Maximus's turn to hug me, but I was the only one awkward as he easily gave me a hug and a kiss. A handshake for Andrew who glared at him. Maximus still friendily pat him about the back. Eventually we wounded up in the Royal Dining Hall, the table was already set for a meal half finished, the family must've been eating when we arrived. The servants rushed to set more spots at the table for us. The knights would eat in the servant's quarters.

"To what do we owe this pleasant surprise?" asked the King.

I hadn't seen Maximus in at least 5 years I just realized. He looked good, for a guy with two young daughters, robust and as handsome as I remembered, I couldn't help but notice but not linger long in thought of. I forgot my fondness for the Weirwood boys and all of the times we'd spent capturing frogs and skipping rocks in the lake behind the palace. Our faces sticky from Miss Maple's cherry pies.

"Has the news travelled of what's happened to our sister?" Jacob asked. I always let him do the talking, all of us normally did, because he loved to talk, and he was good at it.

The warmth in their faces shifted to a bit of pity and concern.

"Very sorry to hear, and if you need anything at all, do not hesitate to ask," said the Queen, whom often spoke for all the Weirwoods.

"Yes, in fact we do. We need your support, in this war we're rallying up against them," said Jacob.

"Of course, we'll send 500 men and at least 50 dragons. Is that enough?" said the King. I almost choked on my water.

"Um...yeah...that's more than enough," Jacob said, we were all surprised at how easy it was.

"If anything like what we had heard had happened to any of our daughters, we'd be horrified. And we'd react the exact same way. And we know you would also do the same for us. It's the least we could do," said the King.

"I'll fight in this battle," said Maximus. Then Peter and Henry said just as quickly, "Me as well."

"We are more than grateful for your support and if you need anything of us, please don't hesitate to ask," said Jacob.

"Let's not speak of such grim things, please catch us up on all of your lives for the past 5 years. I heard you were engaged to Lord Andrew, have you went through with the wedding at this point?" asked the King.

And now I was wondering if they were gauging whether I was available or not. But I couldn't for a second believe they would in anyway try to force a marriage on me. When my father had said he did not wish for me to live so far when Maximus was offered, King Weirwood easily pulled back the offer. It wasn't even a problem.

Andrew reached for my hand and I took his.

"We're waiting for all of the ugliness of what's happened to clear. We want our day to be happy. With no darkness looming over. The victory and the Darkseas skulls beneath our boots will be the greatest wedding gifts of all," said Andrew.