Epilogue
It had been over two weeks now since that dark day at Lancaster Castle and life was moving on, as it does. I had used some of my new funds to secretly commission an engagement ring for Penny. She had told me it wasn’t important but Rose assured me privately that if I didn’t get a ring she would see to it that I suffered painful consequences. I was grateful for the advice, and I’ll stick to that story till I reach my grave.
We were gathered now in the chapel. I had some misgivings about that, considering Father Tonnsdale’s involvement in the treachery that had nearly killed us all, but the new priest assured everyone that would listen that the man had been acting on his own evil impulses rather than some dark intent given by the Evening Star. I’ll keep my own counsel on that, the books I was studying were rather plain spoken with regards to how far the gods could be trusted. In any case the young Father Terragant seemed like an earnest and faithful man.
I stood at the head of the church, directly before the altar. Since this was not a religious ceremony Duke Lancaster stood before me looking down. Following long tradition I knelt before him, holding my hands up before me, palm to palm as if praying. It was the ancient position of homage, given before one’s liege-lord. James Lancaster took my hands between his own and I repeated the oath I had been carefully tutored in, ten I swear on my honor that I will in the future remain faithful to James, Duke of Lancaster, to never cause him harm. I will observe my duty to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit.”
James answered me, “It is right that those who offer to us unbroken fidelity should be protected by our aid. And since you, a faithful one of ours, have seen fit to swear trust and fidelity to us in our hand, therefore we decree and command that you shall ever be sheltered by us and given succor in time of need.”
The ceremony of commendation was essentially complete at that point, but naturally the occasion demanded some extra pomp and circumstance but I won’t bore you with the details. I had spoken with Genevieve before hand and she and James had agreed to let me add something of my own at the end, while everyone was still gathered. When my time had come, I stood and addressed the assembled crowd, “While you are all gathered I have one final and important moment to share with you all.”
Some of the people in the crowd looked at each other questioningly. This hadn’t been mentioned previously, but Marc and Dorian nudged each other knowingly. I stepped down from the dais then, and walked to where Penelope sat in the first row. She had been seated there even though she had no standing because the Lancasters already knew of our plans.
She looked a question at me, obviously concerned that I was about to do something foolish in front of the gathering, but I ignored it. Taking her hands I drew her to her feet and then went to one knee, “Penelope Cooper, I have never known a lady so noble, lovely and kind as yourself. Will you marry me?”
She blushed more deeply than I had ever seen her do, “Yes, yes I will marry you Mordecai.” The gathered crowd burst into cheering and applause. As the noise rose in volume she whispered to me, “Dummy, you still don’t have a ring.” But there were tears in her eyes and her smile would have lit the room even had it been the dead of night.
As I looked on her she seemed to glow and it took me a moment to realize my magesight had returned. The subtle radiance around her shimmered with what I can only assume was happiness.
***
A small figure moved through the garden. It had the shape of a small boy, but an observer would note that it moved oddly. Some movements too quick, others awkward, as if it were too strong yet unfamiliar with its own body. A full moon lit the landscape as the figure turned, and its face was clearly recognizable. Timothy smiled at the night and walked on, searching for something to satisfy him. He could sense life in the night, the small shapes of animals moving. They weren’t much but they would do... for now.
Coming Soon:
Book 2 of the Mageborn Series
Mageborn:
The Line of Illeniel
About the Author
Michael Manning, a practicing pharmacist, has been a fantasy and science-fiction reader for most of his life. He has dabbled in software design, fantasy art, and is an avid tree climber. He lives in Huntsville, Texas, with his stubborn wife, two kids, and a menagerie of fantastic creatures, including a moose-poodle, a vicious yorkie, and a giant prehistoric turtle. This is his first novel.
Michael G. Manning, The Blacksmith's Son
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