Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 18 .

 

18

The battle lasted for the rest of the day with the Order of Lancelot re-taking Port Monmouth from the remaining machines. Balthazar even joined in using his strength to keep casualties down as the robots fought to the bitter end. The Milesians and Faeries trapped in their homes were released with food and drink brought to them by the knights and survivors of Trader's Landing. Crying, prayers, and revelry broke out among the populace as they enjoyed their restored freedom. Balthazar received a metallic eye-patch from the Order it was crude but it did the job.

Sam and Kaguya were found unconscious by Sir Gareth and were in that state for three days. The grateful populace tended to their needs during that time, Bridget had made a full recovery and helped people to start growing food once again. At the same time, the Order started to re-purpose the industrial facilities for their own use. They also began deactivating tracking devices and control programs on converted individuals, those too far gone were put in a sleep mode until a way could be found to return them to organic form.

Around the third day. King Ronan and Queen Reiko visited the Port. They brought more food and drink, along with veterans to aid in the defense of the land. The King was a blue-skinned faerie, with wings like a monarch butterfly, aqua colored hair with a braid down the back. Like his wife, he had emerald eyes and was dressed in armor with a red and white surcoat. A blooming red tulip on white and two swords on each flank made up the heraldry of his house, the House of Tara, royals of the Kingdom of Falias.

Sam and Ronan shared a brotherly hug, The King's dulcet tones were something he had to get used to again. They both talked like they were old friends in between them preparing for an enemy attack. Eventually, he told him of what he had learned about Daimos. With the aid of a magic mirror, he conveyed that information to the Enchantress as well.

“This explains much. We have much work to do and will inform you once it is complete, Champion. For now, rest and enjoy your victory.”

“That was certainly cryptic of her,” said Ronan.

“The Enchantress being cryptic? Must be a day ending Y.” Ronan chuckled at that. “But she's worried about something. It was slight but I heard a bit of it in her voice.”

“If the information on the enemy's origins prompt concern from the Enchantress. Then it is a grave matter indeed.”

“Agreed. But that's for later. Right now our adoring public needs us.”

In the port town, an impromptu celebration was being held to honor the Order of Lancelot, the King, the Queen, and to celebrate the people's newfound freedom. Mead and meat flowed freely. While people danced and conversed in the town square. Sam was in the middle of refilling his mug when Sir Gareth walked over.

“Sir Bailey,” said Gareth.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“I was never one for social gatherings. But I must say I do enjoy the atmosphere around us. You brought us victory.”

“Don't sell yourself short you help bring the victory.”

“That will take some time for me to accept. But I will work on it, and to do that I plan to stay here. The people will need leaders and we will have much work to do, and doing that is the second chance that was given to me.”

“Glad to hear it. Any sign of your parents?”

 “I did. Praise Kira's mercy they were not converted yet. She will be able to give birth to her new child in peace. Perhaps I can pass on your advice to him or her so they turn out better than me. One day at a time.”

“That's how it starts. Each day it gets easier, just remember all of this around you. You made it and we get rid of Daimos. You'll be a hero one that the bards will immortalize in song.”

Gareth gave a soft smile. “I will miss that optimism of yours. Know this, Sir Bailey, If you have need of me. Just make your request. I owe you that much.” 

“Just keep doing good and the debt is paid.”

“Understood. Oh, Her Radiance wanted to see you when our conversation concluded. She said something about dancing.”

Sam wasted no time rushing over to Kaguya.

“Waiting long, honey?”

Kaguya smiled. “No. I waited years for every Earth summer to come and see you. A few minutes is minuscule in comparison. Did you and Sir Gareth have a productive conversation?”

“Yeah. But right now I don't want to think about him. Only you.” He held out his hand. “May I have this dance, My Lady?”

She took his. “Certainly, My Lord.” They joined the other dancers with Sam leading the dance and holding her close. They spent the evening dancing and enjoying each others company before leaving with the King and Queen back to Camelot. They rode swiftly and managed to arrive untouched by the enemy.

Sam's dreams were also peaceful as none of his nightmares made their appearance. No flames, deaths, or Daimos. It was an image of a house near a lake, with Kaguya sitting in Sam's lap as they fished.

For the first time since coming to Aetherium. Samuel Bailey had a good night's sleep.

The End

Book 2 Prologue

Chapter 17