“In my heart, I just knew it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Makilien questioned.
“Would you have believed me?”
Makilien paused. She wanted to say yes, but realized she could not. “I probably would not have.”
“You had to find faith to believe without seeing on your own,” Halandor said.
Makilien nodded.
When she and Halandor parted, Makilien went up to her room and walked to the mirror. Turning her head a little, she looked at her once wounded cheek. The wound was indeed gone, but in place of it was a thin scar across her cheekbone. She touched it lightly with her fingertips and smiled. She was glad it remained. It would be a reminder forever of what she’d been through, and most importantly, what she’d learned.
Chapter Twenty-five
Celebration
At the gentle tap on the door, Makilien sat up in bed.
“Come in.”
The door opened just a little at first, and Vonawyn smiled in at her. “I hope I did not wake you.”
Makilien shook her head, and Vonawyn came fully into the room carrying a bundle of clothing. Makilien eyed the clothes and gave Vonawyn a questioning look.
“What are those for?”
“We have a surprise for you,” Vonawyn said mysteriously, still smiling, “but you must put these on first.”
Filling with curiosity, Makilien crawled out of bed. “What kind of surprise?”
“You’ll see,” Vonawyn said with a slightly mischievous grin, which reminded Makilien of the Elf’s brothers.
Vonawyn handed Makilien a royal blue dress that matched the color of the shirts Eldor’s soldiers wore. Over it went a femininely-shaped jerkin and a four-paneled skirt. Both were sewn of soft black suede. Stars were embroidered in silver thread around the collar and bottom hem of the jerkin, and silver clasps adorned the front.
After she was fully dressed in the new garments and wearing a pair of black pants, Vonawyn gave her another item she had brought with the clothing. A black leather belt fitted with a brand new black scabbard. Stars were tooled into the belt, and its tip along with the tip and throat of the scabbard were plated in sliver.
Makilien was puzzled but said nothing as she buckled the belt around her waist. When she was finished, Vonawyn fixed her hair, pulling back a little from each side of her head and securing it with a clip.
“There,” the Elf said, pleased with the outcome. “Follow me.”
Makilien trailed Vonawyn out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Along the way, Vonawyn peered down the halls as if making sure they were not seen. Finally, they came to the closed door of the throne room. Vonawyn looked around once more before opening the door and ushering Makilien inside. All of Makilien’s friends were gathered near Darand’s throne. They smiled at Makilien as she and Vonawyn walked the length of the room. They all seemed, like her, to be dressed for a special occasion.
“What is going on?” she asked as she joined them.
“Makilien,” Darand said. She turned to face him as Vonawyn backed away. “You have faced many dangers since leaving your home. You came into the midst of a war you were not required to become involved in, yet never once did you choose to remain in safety here or in Elimar. You bravely offered your services many times. In doing so, you helped save both my life and my son’s, you saved Sirion, you saved Halandor . . .” Makilien glanced at each one in turn and they smiled warmly. “. . . and you saved Dolennar from the rule of evil. You came to Elohim, acting faithfully, and He used you to accomplish much. We all want to show you our gratitude for your actions, which have saved our countries. Take a knee, Makilien.”
With tears in her eyes, Makilien dropped down to one knee in front of the king. Darand pulled out his royal sword and continued speaking.
“By the power granted to me by Elohim, I dub thee Lady Makilien, Swordmaiden of Eldor and valiant warrior of Elohim.”
Lord Darand touched both of Makilien’s shoulders with his sword. Everyone broke into applause, and Makilien stood, speechless. But Darand was not quite finished.
“As a sign of the service you have shown our country, I give you this.” In the king’s hand lay a ring. The thick silver band gleamed and in the center was embedded a polished royal blue stone. Makilien gasped. She’d only seen three other rings like it on the hands of Halandor, Torick, and Nirgon. Rings gifted only to those who had done the greatest service for Eldor.
“I am honored, my lord,” Makilien murmured as Lord Darand placed the ring on her finger.
Just when Makilien thought she’d received all she could possibly imagine, Lord Darand turned to his son who handed him a sword. The king turned back to Makilien and offered her the sword’s hilt.
“And as a token of our gratitude for your service, we give you this sword. May it serve you well should you ever again find yourself in need.”
Makilien took the sword, her eyes running over it in admiration. It weighed about the same as her old sword but was much more beautiful. Smooth leather, dyed a dark blue, was wrapped around the grip. The silver cross guard was slightly curved with a star plated in the middle. On top of the rounded pommel there also was inlaid a royal blue stone. Her eyes traveling up, Makilien saw her name was engraved into the fuller of the blade near the cross guard.
“I don’t know what to say,” Makilien told them, an emotional tremor in her voice. “I don’t feel like I deserve any of this. Thank you all so much. I am proud to have fought for Eldor.”
She smoothly slid the new sword into the empty scabbard at her side and embraced each of her friends who had become so dear to her.
“Today is a day of celebration for the victory Elohim has given us and to celebrate, between us, what He has done through you,” Darand said. “Tonight we will have a feast of celebration and of thanksgiving.”
* * *
Though much was yet to be done to repair the damage left behind by the battle, the whole city took the day to celebrate victory over their enemies. Soldiers spent the day in the company of their families and friends. Those without family and those from Elimar, Althilion, and Beldon gathered together at the barracks and palace.
Just before everyone gathered for the feast that evening, Vonawyn brought Makilien back upstairs to her bedroom. Spread out on the bed was an array of dresses. Gesturing to them, Vonawyn said, “You may choose one to wear for the celebration tonight.”
Makilien’s eyes widened. “Any one?”
Vonawyn grinned. “Any one.”
Slowly, Makilien walked around the bed, eyeing each of the dresses, each more beautiful than the last, but she could not make up her mind.
“I don’t know which one to pick,” she said. “They are all so beautiful.”
“May I make a suggestion?” Vonawyn asked.
“Please do.”
Vonawyn walked around to the end of the bed and picked up a dress made of light blue satin, the color of a pale summer sky with white beaded trim. It was short sleeved with open drapes from the elbows down. The front of the skirt was open with a contrasting white skirt underneath. The sleeve drapes too were lined with the white fabric. Makilien’s breath caught a little at the sight of it, and her wide grin told Vonawyn she had made up her mind.
Makilien changed into the dress and looked in the mirror.
“I love it.”
“You look beautiful in it,” Vonawyn told her.
“Yothaun,” Makilien replied, practicing a bit of the Elvish she was beginning to pick up.
Next was Vonawyn’s turn, and she chose a pale pink gown accented with beaded pearls and brocaded elbow-length sleeves. Makilien thought she looked stunning.
Finally, Vonawyn had Makilien sit down in a chair where she worked on her hair. She gave her a beautiful, Elven hairstyle that left Makilien's hair long with a little pulled back and a few decorative braids woven into it.
“There,” Vonawyn said in satisfaction. “You’re ready.”
Makilien stood and stepped
in front of the mirror. Her appearance was almost as different as when she’d dressed for battle. She turned to her friend.
“Thank you so much, Vonawyn.”
The Elf maiden smiled. “It is my pleasure.”
Now that both were ready, they hurried downstairs. The sound of mingling voices drew them to the dining room. Many people had gathered, nearly filling the room. Makilien had never before seen such a beautiful array of colors as she did now seeing the gowns worn by the women and girls present. For a few moments she just stood and stared until Vonawyn gained her attention.
“We have places at Lord Darand’s table,” she said. “Come, the meal will soon be served.”
Makilien followed Vonawyn as she navigated her way through the crowd and in and around a great many long tables set with hundreds of pieces of fine tableware and beautiful white tablecloths. At the head of the room stood one table perpendicular to the others. Here Makilien found most of her friends gathered. They all smiled as she approached.
“Makilien, you look lovely,” Torick complimented when she joined them.
Makilien blushed a little when the others chimed in to agree. “Thank you,” she murmured with a shy smile.
Halandor then guided her to one of the chairs at the table as everyone took their seats. He sat next to her on one side and Torick on the other.
Shortly, Darand and the rest of the kings and lords joined them, and the cooks came from the kitchen bearing tray after tray of food. More food than Makilien could have imagined. Just before the meal was about to begin, Darand rose and a hush fell over the room.
“Citizens and friends of Eldor. Today we have celebrated our great victory.”
A round of applause and cheers filled the room before the king continued.
“If not for the grace of Elohim and the courage of those of this great country and her loyal friends, we would not be here to celebrate. I want to thank everyone from Elimar, Althilion, and Beldon, everyone who left their homes and joined us in our fight. We could not have stood alone.” Darand raised his cup. “To the brave men, and women,” he nodded to Makilien, “who have risked and given their lives to defend our countries from evil. And to Elohim, without whom we would not exist nor have countries to defend and would not have achieved victory apart from His will.”
A deafening cheer followed. Everyone raised their glasses and drank with the king. To Elohim, Makilien repeated in her heart as she sipped the sweet jent wine.
Everyone sat again, and the feasting began amidst much joyful talk and laughter. Tales of the battle and heroics were traded throughout the meal. Makilien enjoyed every minute of it, constantly reminded of how thankful she was for their victory and to be here.
As soon as the feast concluded, and everyone was filled and content, the dining room emptied and the guests gathered in the ballroom. To see it filled and lit with many sparkling chandeliers delighted Makilien.
From one end of the room drifted the sweet sound of music as a group of Elves played a variety of stringed instruments and flutes. Couples paired up and the room soon came alive with dancing. Makilien watched, captivated by the sight—the lovely way the couples glided across the floor, perfectly in sync with each other.
Quite content to just watch for whatever hours remained of the evening, Makilien didn’t notice anyone approach until Elandir and Elmorhirian appeared in front of her. She smiled at them, but before she could say anything, Elmorhirian said, “You look very beautiful tonight, Makilien.”
Makilien shrugged, blushing again.
“It’s true,” Elandir quickly added.
“I owe it to your sister,” Makilien told them. “I wouldn’t even know how to prepare for an evening like this.”
An awkward silence fell between them. Makilien waited for the two Elves to say something, but when they only glanced at each other, she grew suspicious. They were definitely up to something.
Then, in the same moment, they asked, “Would you like to dance?”
Frowning, they looked at each other irritably.
Makilien raised an eyebrow. “So that’s what this is all about.”
“Is that a yes?” Elmorhirian asked, grinning impishly.
“Whoever said you got to go first?” Elandir demanded.
“I asked first,” Elmorhirian claimed, which his brother and Makilien both knew was absurd.
Elandir scoffed and crossed his arms. “You did nothing of the sort, and I’m the eldest. I should be first.”
“I know how to solve this,” Elmorhirian said. “Makilien should decide.”
Both Elves turned to her expectantly. Makilien shook her head and raised her hands. “Oh, no you don’t. You’re not making me choose. You will have to sort this out for yourselves.”
And with that, the brothers were arguing again, neither one making much sense. Makilien watched them in amusement but wondered if she would be caught in the middle of their argument for the rest of the night. She knew them too well to believe either one would give in.
Wondering what to do, Makilien felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned, meeting Sirion’s smile. Tipping his head, he motioned for her to follow. Stifling a giggle, Makilien quietly walked after him, leaving the Elf brothers oblivious to her departure.
When they stopped some distance away, Makilien grinned at Sirion.
“Thank you,” she said. “I have a feeling I would have been caught in that argument for quite some time.”
Sirion chuckled. “I’m sure. Now, as long as those two are occupied, would you like to join me in a dance?”
Makilien hesitated. “Well, I didn’t have a chance to tell Elandir and Elmorhirian, but I’ve never really danced before. Not like this . . .”
But Sirion gave her a reassuring smile. “Just follow me.”
Makilien smiled in return. “All right.”
He took her hand and led her to the edge of the dance floor. Just before they began to dance, Elandir and Elmorhirian’s voices echoed from across the room.
“Sirion!”
Makilien and Sirion both broke into laughter but ignored the Elf brothers.
At first, Makilien felt awkward trying to figure out the dance, however, enjoyment soon overcame her apprehension, and she was able to laugh at her mistakes all the while learning how the dance was performed. She found she loved gliding across the polished marble floor, her gown swishing around her feet. It was like living a little girl’s dream.
“Are you enjoying the celebration?” Sirion asked her.
“Very much,” Makilien answered. “I never could have imagined anything like this. I am very thankful to be here.”
“So am I. This is the largest celebration I have ever witnessed. It has been generations since so many from Eldor, Althilion, and Beldon have all come together like this.”
“Then I feel even more blessed.”
When their dance ended, Makilien and Sirion walked off the dance floor. Stopping at the edge, Sirion turned to Makilien and gave her a little bow.
“Thank you, my lady, for the pleasure of this dance.”
Makilien grinned. “And thank you, sir, for putting up with my dreadful lack of skill.”
Sirion chuckled. “You are not lacking in skill. You are a quick learner.”
“You are a good teacher.” Makilien smiled fondly. “And a good friend.”
A smile grew on Sirion’s face and a look of gratitude softened his eyes, letting Makilien know her words had touched him deeply. “Thank you. I value your friendship.” He paused for a moment as the two moved toward the refreshment table. “I don’t find I make new friends easily.”
Makilien found this strange. She could hardly imagine him having trouble befriending people. “Why is that?”
“I’m afraid of losing them,” Sirion said quietly, with an emotion that spoke of deep pain.
It saddened Makilien to hear him speak this way, but she could not bring herself to question him. She longed to give him comfort, but without knowing what had caused such
distress she didn't know what to say. However, after a moment, Sirion went on to tell her.
“When I was a young boy, I lost my family. They were murdered by Shaikes.” He paused again, and Makilien’s heart ached for him. “Gilhir had taken me out hunting that day else I too would have been killed. Ever since then, I’ve struggled with the fear of losing those close to me. At times I have allowed it to keep me from making the friendships I might have had.” Finally, a smile returned to Sirion’s face. “I’m thankful I did not this time.”
Makilien smiled too. “So am I.”
With the spirit of celebration having returned between them, they enjoyed a refreshing cup of tart fruit punch. Afterward, seeing no sign of Elandir or Elmorhirian, they happily returned to the dance floor.
It was a night unlike any other. Makilien wished it could go on forever. She took countless turns around the dance floor with many of her friends. Eventually she did dance with both Elf brothers, but only after Elmorhirian somehow snuck away from his brother and reached Makilien first. The festivities did not end until well after midnight. When it came time for everyone to retire to their rooms, Makilien was weary and a little footsore, but her heart was overflowing with joy and thankfulness. Always this night would be one of her fondest memories to cherish no matter what the rest of her future may hold.
Chapter Twenty-six
Farewell
One week after the celebration found Makilien saying goodbye to many of her new friends. The time had come for Lord Glorlad and Lord Andron to journey back to their home countries, and for Lord Elnauhir to return to Elimar. Halandor, Torick, and Loron were joining him so Makilien would too. She was delighted when Sirion decided to come along, but she would have to say farewell to the rest.
Early on the morning of their departure, everyone gathered in the dining room for breakfast once more. Near the end, Darand stood and everyone’s attention turned to him.
“Before we leave this room, I want to say how blessed I am to have each of you here at my table. You have all played important roles in the struggle we have faced in the last months, and I am so thankful you are here now at the end of it. As you begin your journeys home, back to your families and your friends, I ask Elohim to grant you safe and easy passage.”