"Do not question my viewpoint. Stopping that weapon saved many weredragons. The other matter belongs to the king. He can take away what I have given if he chooses. Stand tall and do not argue," Hesher replied.
"Yes, sir!" Tae did as he was told. He stiffened his spine, forced the shaking to stop, and proudly took his place among the row of lieutenants.
The mines were quieter without the Savra's bombing overhead. Kelan was knee deep in large metal pieces when Tae arrived. "Are these part of the larger weapon or discards?" he asked.
Kelan answered, "They are pieces I need help to join together. They are light, but it takes more than one pair of hands to hold them and weld them together."
"That is what I am here for. Let us get it done," Tae replied.
"Tomorrow will be soon enough. I received your message and asked for an audience with the king. He sent for me immediately. Our request has been granted. We have a different job to do. It is time to take Eveline out of the infirmary. A space in my home is ready for her. By the way, I was there this morning to see you get the promotion. Congratulations, Lieutenant!"
"Did you have anything to do with it?"
"I may have put in a good word or two, but Hesher sees everything. It was his choice to raise your rank," Kelan stated.
"Did the king say what he was feeling on the subject?" Tae warily inquired.
"He said nothing about the war or you. He simply listened to my request and granted it. There were no questions or arguments. I could tell nothing by his demeanor. Let it go for now. Eveline is waiting."
Eveline
The clothes fit, but Eveline felt odd wearing them. Michelle had sent them from her own closet so she wouldn't have to leave the infirmary wrapped in bedding. The loose dress fell to her feet to allow for her leg splint. The soft sweater kept the chill from her arms. Eveline was used to wearing coarse, dirty rags that covered very little. They were only replaced when she outgrew them, or they disintegrated from age. Her hair was brushed and shiny now that she had the nutrition her body required.
Kelan noted the sparkle in her green eyes when she saw Tae enter. He glimpsed a similar glow in Tae's. They were smitten with one another, and it made him smile.
However, Eveline's sparkle dimmed upon spying Kelan. "Are you the king?" she fearfully asked.
"No. I am Kelan, your host. Tae and I have come to escort you to my home. Michelle is waiting with a feast. She has spent the entire morning finding things to decorate your room."
Eveline let out her breath. This giant man was not her enemy. He was giving her shelter. "Thank you for opening your home to me. It was unexpected but appreciated."
"You might not appreciate it so much once you hear our son running rampantly through the house and constantly asking questions. His curiosity is never-ending," Kelan replied.
"It is adult questions that disturb me. A child's chatter is different. As you said, he is only curious. Whereas, adults can be hostile," Eveline said. "Can we stop outside for a while? I have overheard the soldiers speaking of Talonia's beauty and wish to see it now."
"That is not asking much. Your wish is my command," Tae answered as he scooped her into his arms.
The red sun was still shining as they stepped outside. It made a perfect backdrop for the volcanoes and sent colors dancing through the waterfalls. Even the buildings were at their most beautiful at this time of day as if they were welcoming Eveline to Talonia.
"Oh, my goodness," Eveline gasped. "The soldiers' words didn't do Talonia justice. It is exquisite! Even my memories of Earth pale in comparison. Are we allowed to touch the waterfalls? Can we get close?"
Tae answered with happiness, "The waterfalls are for our pleasure and our energy. Of course, we are allowed to touch them. We dive into the pools at their base and fly through the mists. Many of our dead give their ashes to them as well as the volcanoes. I will take you to walk beside them as soon as you are healed. As to getting close now, Kelan's balcony will have to do."
"Your home is near a waterfall?" she inquired of Kelan.
Kelan's roar of laughter caught the attention of others, making them smile. He replied, "Any closer and we would be in it."
"It sounds wonderful. The water seems to be calling me. I want to feel it run over my skin."
Tae explained, "It is a source of energy, and you will feel it call every day. But, there is no need to make the trek to one each day. The water in our showers comes from the falls. Even as we wash, we are given its gift."
More surprises were in store as the stepped onto the elevator platform. Eveline was rendered speechless by the scenery as she was lifted into the clouds and above. The atmosphere was bright and pleasing, pushing out the dank, sandy heat of Savra. It smelled of happiness and freedom. Her damaged soul soaked it all in and begged for more.
A party awaited her. Michelle and Keshel had picked flowers and colored signs to decorate the house. The scribbles of a tiny hand covered the “welcome home” sign. It brought joyful tears to Eveline's eyes.
A small hand reached up to touch her foot where it dangled in Tae's arms. "No cry. Happy party! Welcome," the little boy announced.
"Oh, I am happy. Thank you for the sign, little man," Eveline replied.
