Last Voyage
Chapter Seven: Fiddler's Green
Elias opened his eyes, staring in wonder at the vast green expanse that stretched out before him. He took a deep breath, and the salty tang of the sea reached his nostrils, making him quiver in delight. He set off across the land, not sure of where he was going but knowing that he would see something wonderful when he got there. Now he could hear sounds-sea birds calling, the sound of waves crashing against rocky shores, and snatches of sea shanties.
He topped a rise and stopped dead, mouth open. Less than twenty feet away from where he stood was a small cottage, its roof freshly thatched, with a garden of roses growing wild. But that was not what made him tear up in joy and run down the hill. Standing in the door was a tall, regal woman with dark hair and eyes. "Jessicah!"
Jessicah beamed and ran towards him, and he caught her up and kissed her over and over, both of them laughing and crying at the same time. "Elias Sullivan, it is high time you got here! I have been waiting for you for quite some time now!"
Elias pulled away and stared into her eyes. "Oh my Jessi…I am so very sorry for everything!" Jessicah kissed him.
"My sailor, I forgave you long ago, when I saw you reconcile with our Alannah. And now, we have eternity together."
The carriage slowed to a halt and Ilosovic climbed out into the hustle and bustle of the Port. He looked around, and spotted the Bird heading towards the docks. With a sigh, he winded his way through the crowd, which parted before him, and waited at the edge of the dock.
The Bird pulled up against the dock, and Ilosovic spotted the three young women that were on deck. One spotted him and dropped the gangplank, motioning him on board. He made his way onto the ship, and the women bowed their heads in respect. The eldest spoke. "Ilosovic Stayne?" At his wary nod, she continued. "I am Claudia, and these are my sisters Serena and Lydia. We are dear friends of your youngest, Victoria."
Ilosovic relaxed. "You're the mermaids she constantly speaks of. It is a pleasure to meet you. Where is my wife?"
"In her father's cabin, keeping vigil," Serena said in a mournful voice. Ilosovic nodded his thanks and headed for the cabin, entering as silently as he could.
Alannah was sitting in a chair at the head of the bed, her eyes shut. Elias lay under the covers, and even in the dim light Ilosovic could tell that he was no longer amongst the living. He gently shook Alannah's shoulder. "Love? Wake up." Alannah stirred, then opened her eyes.
"Ilosovic?" He nodded, and she leapt out of the chair and into his arms, sobbing so hard her entire body shook. "He's gone….he's gone…my Daidi's gone….he's gone…"
Ilosovic held her as she cried, muttering soft words of comfort. "I know. But he is in a better place now, and he died knowing that his daughter loved him and forgave him long ago."
Alannah hiccupped. "He wanted to be buried next to Momma." She blinked the tears away. "Ilosovic, how did you know I'd be coming home today?"
Ilosovic kissed the top of her head, chuckling. "I've been coming down to the docks every day since you left. Today I just got lucky." Alannah cracked a smile.
"Are the children with you?"
"No, they're back at Marmoreal. They miss you, though."
"And I miss them. I need to get home, Ilosovic. Daidi…needs to be put to rest."
Ilosovic thought for a moment. "I'll ask Mirana to send a funeral carriage for him. In the meanwhile, the weather's cool enough that he won't…"
"Spoil?" Alannah finished, and Ilosovic gulped.
"Yes, that. But I don't like the idea of leaving him alone."
"We will keep vigil, Ilosovic Stayne." Lydia stood in the doorway, a friendly smile on her face. "My sisters and I will watch over Captain Sullivan until his body is claimed for burial. Go and see your children, Lady Stayne, they will need a mother's comfort in the days to come."
Alannah grasped Lydia's hands in hers. "I don't know how to thank you."
Lydia kissed her cheek. "No thanks are needed, Lady Stayne. We do this out of love for Captain Sullivan." She gave her a mock stern look. "Now, go to your children!"
Alannah nodded, then headed towards the carriage and home, Ilosovic by her side.
