The B and B

The Horizon's Edge

Author's Note: Like with 'The Prower Chronicles/The Prower Experience, this is the last chapter of 'The B and B' that will be in this series. Thanks again to all of the fans who have supported my work. Please look forward to the prequel to this series entitled 'Ancient Evil' which will be debuting in a few months. Now enjoy this final installment...Ferny's orders!

Hannah and Hoban, sitting in the crow's nest of The Cyrodrake's Gaze, looked upon the gorgeous sunrise together. Like a Fire Youyoo slowly bouncing up from the ground, the sun climbed into the sky and Hannah shed a tear as a gentle, sea salty breeze blew by them both. It had been only a few days and she already missed her best friend.

"I know I can call her or email her at any time but..."

"It's just not the same as working side by side, is it?" Hoban replied finishing Hannah's emotional thought.

"No, no it's not...but I do get to see Kanrik and Mariko twice a week so I can't complain too much. I'm just glad that we're headed there now to deliver their supplies for the weekend."

Hoban was going to agree with her verbally but Captain Tuan's infamous horn, signaling that Bonju had finished making their breakfast, interrupted any plans for carrying their conversation further. In a small way, to save her rough and tough image, Hannah was thankful.

Meanwhile at the Meridell Bed and Breakfast...

Ferny was very solemn as she, and all but one of her closest companions, entered the one room in her castle turned restaurant/inn that only they could enter. It was a practice that they had done together once a year for five years and it was a very important reminder to them of the sacred charge that they had: to prevent the return of the most powerful wizard that had ever set foot in Neopia at all costs.

In the room was one singular item: a rainbow-colored orb which pulsated on the outside, and swirled like crashing waves on the inside, with magical energies. Held aloft by a powerful magnetic field it was the sole container for the Five Spheres of Magic and the permanent place of imprisonment for Jahbal. Outside of Ferny reciting a very long and detailed cantrip that only she knew it was impossible for him, or the elements inside, to escape their circular prison.

After gazing in silence at the artifact, and each other, they exited the room as quietly as they had entered. Speaking a short but effective spell aloud, Ferny magically sealed the door shut. They continued to smile at each other, like little kids who loved having a secret just to themselves, as they went downstairs together with the intent of looking as if nothing unusual had happened. Magnus the Torch waved goodbye to them almost immediately after they had stepped away from the helical staircase as Magax followed closely behind: Jeran and Jazan opted to stay and order an early lunch before they returned to their conference with King Skarl and King Hagan the Wise.

About ten minutes later Armin and Anastasia had their food ready and Ferny picked it up and carried it over to the table nearest the front door. After taking a long whiff at the goodness that waited to tantilize their taste buds, Jazan and Jeran leaned closer to Ferny and she did the same.

"I wish Hannah had been with us...our reunion just didn't feel quite right without her" Jazan said in a whisper so as to keep their discussion as private as possible.

"It couldn't be helped. She is now in the service of Captain Tuan and his crew and she's happy there. I'm just sorry that we weren't able to work out our professional differences before she left. I can't tell you how many times I have to explain to patrons where she is and what she's doing." Ferny replied as she laid down their meal on the table.

"You should call her later...let her know that, ahem, 'it' is safe and sound." Jeran lightly joked as Ferny gave him a playful smirk in return and walked back behind the service counter.

"I might just do that..." she thought as she organized a few things on the shelves behind her.

Back on The Cyrodrake's Gaze...

After eating a breakfast that would make even the chefs at The Kelp jealous, Hannah and Hoban began their daily chore list with earnest as they neared the Lost Desert coastline. Passing by the familiar, but still awe-inspiring, glaciers that floated from the southern end of Neopia, Hannah pushed the deck mop she was holding as she hummed a sea shanty that she'd heard Anjou whistling to himself earlier in the day.

Hoban returned to the steering wheel and, after finding a proper anchorage for the ship, guided her ever so gracefully into the same nook that they used to dock the ship twice a week.

"Want to drop the anchor, Hannah?" Hoban asked as Hannah almost skipped towards the anchor rode and watched the chain and anchor sink down into the depths of the sea.

"Anchors aweigh, Hoban!" Hannah yelled with joy as she suddenly heard her cellphone start ringing in her dress pocket. Her boyfriend, and soon to be husband, couldn't help but laugh at Hannah acting like a newcomer as he watched her go below deck to answer her phone in private.

Once she was near her private quarters, Hannah clicked her phone open and heard a familiar and welcome voice on the other end. Although Hannah was very glad to be talking to Ferny for the first time in a few days she also felt a little regret as well for having missed their yearly reunion for the first time.

"So was it any more exciting than it usually is?"

"Not really...I'm sure your adventures on the ship are though. I've got the open ears if you have the time, my friend." Ferny replied as Hannah almost immediately started telling them about Captain Tuan surprise visitor, Isca, a few months ago. Story after story followed back and forth between them and, to their silent surprise, it was as if they'd never left each other's side...

The End