“Look at that,” Raven whispered when the sky filled with thousands upon thousands of spirits. From dragons to humans, they drifted across the sky.
“Helheim is opening up again,” Dagr said softly, respectfully. “All those who died during the war can finally go to a place of rest.”
“Yes, we can,” Dagr’s ghostly sister Estrid said, joining them alongside her army of ghosts. She looked from her parents to Dagr and Maya. “All of us now.”
There wasn’t a dry eye as Estrid said goodbye, but everyone knew she would be back to visit. More than that, it turned out she had a new destiny.
“Working with Hel?” Dagr exclaimed. “Helping her transition the dead?”
“Ja.”She smiled. “It seems she appreciated my actions during the war and wants me by her side.” She winked at her parents. “At least until I can make my way back to the land of the living again.”
Tears might have fallen, but there could be no doubt how proud Estrid’s kin were when she finally nodded at her army, then caught on the wind and headed for Helheim.
“It’s beautiful,” Raven whispered as Estrid and her army drifted toward a brightening in the sky. A spectacular world of color and vividness.
“It is,” Cian agreed. “Much like my Ireland can look at certain times of the day.” He turned sad eyes Raven’s way. “Now that all the memories I held for you have been returned, ‘tis a homeland I must return to, my friend.”
“Can’t you stay on and celebrate awhile?” Raven gestured at the bonfires igniting on the beach. The wares and bottles of ale being rolled out. “It’s bound to be one hell of a party, and nobody deserves to kick back more than you.”
“I would, but....” Cian tilted his head into the wind as if he heard something. “Now is for you and your family, Raven.” He took her hands and looked at her in a purely platonic fashion, all desire gone. “It’s also time for me to start my own family.” He tilted his head a little further as though whatever he heard on the wind pulled at him. “Time for me to....”
“To what?” Raven tilted her head as well, catching what Tor just had. What Revna likely just had, too, because the four were so connected.
“Someone’s calling to you,” Raven murmured. “A woman.” She narrowed her eyes and listened a little closer. “She doesn’t sound Irish.” Her eyes widened when she realized. “She sounds like she’s from New England!”
“And she sounds lost.” Tor frowned. “Not just lost but in danger.”
“I must go,” Cian reiterated calmly. Overly calm, considering Tor swore the phantom woman called out to the wizard. “We will see each other again someday. I’m sure of it.”
He smiled at their son, who was already making the rounds, meeting gods and dragons alike. He might not be able to speak yet, but he seemed to be settling in just fine. How could he not, given the respect he had already garnished?
Cian looked from Tor back to Raven. “I wish you and your little one the very best.” He nodded once. “It’s been an honor serving you, Raven. An honor calling you friend.”
“Same here.” She stood on her tip-toes and embraced him. “Again, thank you so much. You better come back to visit.” She kissed him on the cheek and glanced from their offspring to him. “Our son deserves to know his uncle. The Irishman he inherited his wizardly magic from.”
“You have my word,” Cian swore. “Wewillsee each other again.” He offered a small smile. “One way or another, we always do.”
Before she could respond, he vanished in a wisp of warm wind Raven swore smelled like Irish woodland in springtime.
“So, do you really think he’s going home?” She narrowed her eyes. “Because I get the sudden sense he might be heading elsewhere.”
“And where is that exactly?” Maya asked. “Because it sounds a little more exact than New England.”
Raven grinned, shrugged, and surprised them all with how precise her answer was.
