Ch 21 – When the Dust Settles
As Briar Rose heard the steps behind her come closer, she drew her sword and tried to steel herself for the cruel task of killing the man behind her if Jack had indeed possessed him. She knew the mechanics of such a kill; charge in fast to bypass the defenses, slash hard across the neck with intent to remove the head, then stab down the front of the chest plate to hit the heart. A warrior of Paladin's skill would most likely mortally wound her in turn, but the damage would be done. In fact, if Jack was possessing Paladin, such a death might be best. Her imagination would not abide the idea of a world without him.
Even as she though all this, she felt her hand slacken and her sword drop to the ground with a clatter. She couldn't do it. As much as she tried to ready herself for such an act, there was no way she could bring herself to kill the man, even Jack now wore his body. Finally, she spoke, loudly enough for the man behind her to hear. "If you are Jack, then just slay me now where I stand."
She heard the steps behind her quicken and approach and braced herself for cold steel ripping up through her stomach and through her body. This is it, she thought, I've failed as a Hero. I've failed to defend Albion. I've fai-
A large hand gripped her shoulder and spun her around to face her assailant. She involuntarily flinched and held her eyes shut.
Nothing happened.
Briar Rose's curiosity overrode her fear of what she might see, and she opened one eye. The sight before her encouraged her to open both eyes wide. Paladin stood there, with no mask; she could see that he had a slightly amused grin. He stood staring into her eyes for a moment. In those eyes, she saw concern, humor, and tiredness vying for control. But then she saw something else…something very encouraging, given her talk with Scarlet Robe. And she saw a moment of resolve – he'd apparently decided to do something.
Paladin broke the silence again by speaking. "I told you I'd come back." He hesitated for a brief second, then continued, "After all, I have someone important to come back to."
Well, they weren't quite the words she longed to hear him say, but Briar Rose decided that they would do for now. Paladin bent a bit and stopped; she realized he was wordlessly asking her if he could kiss her. She leaned toward him and leaned her head back in clear response. He began bending closer to her. This is it, she thought, we're about to kiss…
Suddenly, a throat cleared somewhere nearby. Both immediately jumped apart; Briar Rose silently decided to seriously maim whoever was interrupting this special moment. The spark of lightning she noticed running over Paladin's gauntlet suggested he was thinking similarly.
However, the cause of the disturbance clearly didn't care what they planned; and why should he – he was a ghost. Reaper quirked an eyebrow and had a rather nauseated look. He shook his head, then began to speak. "Yeah, definitely overly sentimental and sappy. And way too noble. But, as I said before, you are an excellent fighter." Then, without another word, he dissipated and floated up toward the sky.
Nostro appeared next. He clapped his massive hand on Paladin's back, almost knocking him over. "Well done, lad. You truly are a warrior above all others. Now I go to my brothers of battle, with my head high and my banner bright." He bowed, then vanished and floated away.
Paladin glanced around quickly, making sure that his mother wasn't going to intrude immediately. Then he turned back toward Briar Rose. Both tried to speak at the same time; then Paladin stopped them and began speaking. "Rose, I've been meaning to tell you…ever since we first worked together on that bandit Apprentice Quest, I've felt drawn to you in a way I couldn't explain. As I wandered Albion, every woman I met who tried to attract me failed to do so. And I realized that the reason for that was that I was unconsciously comparing them to you. None ever met that standard. And I realized the only woman I cared about that I was related by blood to was you. Ultimately, what I'm trying to say is…I love you, Rose."
Those were the words. Her face lit like the sun, happiness radiating off of her in almost palpable waves. She found her voice again and answered, "Paladin, I was wanting to talk to you, as well. You're the only man – the only person, really – who has pierced through my shell of self-reliance and attitude. Even Weaver hasn't been able to connect with me at this level. When I thought Jack had possessed you, I just about died inside. I was ready to really die if that had happened. I…love you, too, Paladin."
Both looked as though paradise itself had unfolded around them, instead of the harsh fields of ice surrounding them. He bent again to kiss her; she rose on her toes, impatient to resume where they'd been interrupted; and for one heavenly moment, all was right with the world, as though all the hardships of their lives had led to this moment.
That moment was interrupted, this time by the sound of clapping. They separated, but each had a look that promised the other more to come. Scarlet Robe stepped into view, clapping and smiling. "Well, it's about time you two came to your senses."
Paladin blushed a bright red that almost succeeded at matching Briar Rose's outfit.
Before either of the new couple could speak, Scarlet continued, "You two really are perfect for each other. Oh, and congratulations in advance, since I won't be able to say it later at the appropriate time."
Paladin noticed that she was slowly becoming more transparent. "Mother, what's going on?"
Her face took on a sad air. "When you destroyed Jack, the Shrine released us. Now that our purpose in this world is fulfilled, we are going to our eternal rest. I can remain here only a short time longer. So…I'd best be saying what I wanted to say. My son, keep doing what you have been, and everything will be just fine. Take care of your family and of Albion."
She turned then to Briar Rose. "And I guess, since I can no longer do it myself, I need to pass on the keeping of my son…to my daughter-in-law."
Briar Rose blushed now. She clearly understood; Scarlet Robe was giving them her blessing.
Scarlet looked at her with care, affection, and compassion. "Take care of him, my dear."
Briar Rose smiled. "I will…Mum." The honorific was intended as a joke but also for many other purposes. Rose would never again get to call her this. Scarlet would soon be gone forever.
Calling her "Mum" also filled a gap that Briar Rose hadn't even realized until now existed. She hadn't called anyone that since her mother had told her that she was no daughter of her house. No one had treated her like a daughter until now. She was now a part of a family.
Scarlet bit her lip for a second. Then she looked at them and sadly spoke. "Well…I guess that this really is goodbye. I love you both; and I thank you for allowing me to help rid the world of that demon." Her voice hitched as she appeared to tear up. "Until we meet again in that great Hall of Heroes…" And with that, she disappeared and floated into the sky.
Scarlet Robe was gone.
Paladin looked down to see Briar Rose crying as well. He heard her quietly speak for both of them, "Goodbye."
He looked around, then began to talk. "Well, this might seem rather sudden; but then, I think we're both expecting this. Rose…will you marry me?"
New tears, of happiness, joined the old on her face at these words. Rose nodded emphatically before being able to verbally respond, "Yes! Yes."
She looked to the sky. "Maybe it's time we considered the future."
Paladin kissed her gently on the cheek. "No need. We'll probably just keep being Heroes and saving Albion, just as we have been. Everything else about our future is right here, together." Briar Rose smiled at his words and gave him another kiss.
As they left the Shrine, Paladin couldn't help but think about the story of his life. He'd endured enough to break many people. He'd lost his family at such a young age, his home and friends dead as well. He'd become a great Hero. His sister had been found and had again left. His mother was killed before his eyes. He himself had avenged her murder by slaying the demon who'd killed her and stopped his evil from conquering the land. And yet…the crowning achievement of his life was winning the love of this woman with whom he now traveled…the woman who had consented to marry him. He smiled. He had indeed found his Rose.