Epilogue

.o

My thoughtspeak faded. I came back to the present like a child waking from a long dream. So many memories.

The female beside me raised her stalk eyes towards the statue. Her main eyes focused on me. She studied my face for a long time.

I didn't wilt under her stare. Not like I would have when I was a child.

Wind rippled the pond beneath Elfangor's likeness. The biggest sun swung low towards the reddening horizon. When it swept behind Elfangor's statue, I remembered the first time I saw him.

And I smiled.

{That's quite a story. You...you really went for it.} The female frowned, {But what happened next?}

{Well, um-}

{Semeir! There you are.} Prince Breeyar called out. He was at my side in three gallops. {The StarSword is taking off in twenty minutes. I need you on board now.}

I saluted him. {Yes, my Prince.}

Prince Breeyar nodded his acknowledgement and trotted towards the space port platform. I lost sight of him amongst the others boarding the Dome ship.

{I want to be like you,} said the girl.

Echoes of me resonated in her thoughtspeak. I heard myself again. Ages ago when this point in my life was only a far-fetched dream. Then I met Elfangor, and everything I dreamed became real. He showed me what was possible.

I turned to the young female. {What is your name?}

She dug a hoof shyly into the grass. {I'm Estrid.}

{Well then, Estrid, it's nice to make your acquaintance. But I'm afraid I have to go.}

Turning away, I trotted up the ramp to the launch platform. My hooves clicked against the rough metal.

{Hey!} Estrid followed me to the ramp of the StarSword. {What about the rest of the story?}

{Like I tried to say bef-}

{Semeir!} Leehan stuck his head out. {Captain Feyorn is an old traditional. He wants to brief all the warriors on this mission. Breeyar says he doesn't like it when people are late to line up.}

{I'm coming!} I said. Then I winked at Estrid. {This is the rest of the story.}

I stepped into the Dome ship.

Realization dawned in Estrid's eyes. She took off like a shot towards a slender male standing on the platform. {Hey, Ajaht!}

That male looked so familiar-

Of course.

Ajaht-Litsom-Esth.

Step-Father fought him in a tail fighting tournament long ago. A fight that birthed my dream.

Estrid was in good hands if she wanted to follow in my hoofbeats.

Good luck. I thought.

The hatch closed with a thump.

I took my place on the bridge and stood at attention. Prince Breeyar on my left, Leehan on my right and Korjig across the way.

The T.O. announced the Captain's arrival. Captain Feyorn walked in not long after. He paced back and forth, studying every soldier. I met his eyes when he focused on me. Then he moved on without breaking his stride.

{Good afternoon, warriors. This is our mission...}