The River Ghasts of Lid and Other Stories

The Eidola and the Tree Serpent - Epilogue

The next morning Thomasine of Hiermarch, and the man who had been King Gracious IV, met to watch the sun rise over the jungle. The day bats were just waking, flitting through the hot, still air, calling out as they caught tiny bugs.

'It has been recorded as an accident. The guards saw it, and will testify. The ancient laws that protect this place will mean that will be the end of it.'

Massy nodded, watching a flock of tiny blue bats circle above them, chasing each other in silly games.

'My grandson will return, unharmed. My son will have no one supplying him with flintberry, and will have to sober up. Or not. It doesn't matter. His life will have been shortened from his addiction and his successor is competent.'

The two of them listened to the early morning chorus from the trees.

'Does he know she is his sister?' asked Massy. 'Does anyone?'

The old king frowned, and then laughed.

'You are quite remarkable. No, as far as I know, no one found out. Durran came here to end the line completely, kill both brother and sister together. All that unfortunate guard knew was that he had to kill the prince and the novice, and he took the opportunity when he could. I found out the same way I expect you did, reading his notes in his room. He was careful to keep them hidden.

'I presume his plan was to reveal her so she was cast out, and then murder then both on the way back. Then he would have had full control of the throne of Norda. His mistake was underestimating this place.'

Massy nodded. 'That was pretty much what I thought, too. She is talented, is Hedbha. She will make a fine High Priestess, one day.'

'She will. My grandchildren may well end up eclipsing me.'

'That can't be such a bad thing.'

They sat in agreeable silence as the sun came up. When the first snake called out from the jungle, with a smile at each other, they stood; and then both faded away into the day.