Epilogue

Adam sat back with a sigh in his comfortable chair. He gazed into the flames reflectively as Lirael spoke to him. He knew she was talking to him about Library matters, so he could find out what she was saying later. He continued to gaze.

His wife Mel was rostered for the kitchens today, so the big communal room was empty except for Lirael and his thoughts. Still staring absently into the fire, he allowed his mind to wander.

It had been nine years since the last battle at the Oval, so they were all well and truly retired. Adam smiled ruefully and ran his fingers through his hair; the once-lovely brown was now liberally streaked with grey.

Adam thought of the children of the Sons. Harrison, his son, was on the Nine Day Watch. Annie-Jean, his daughter, was in class, having not yet Awoken. Jessica, Justin's eldest daughter, was working with the Paperwings; Ali-rose and Sophie, two more of Justin's daughters, were at Sight training and the fourth, Grace-Nicole, was also in class, unAwoken.

Joining Annie in her class was Joshua, Matt's son; two years above them was his Awoken daughter, Grace. Terciel, he knew, was in the Nursery with Elaria. And as always, the thought of these last two made Adam grin involuntarily.

Terciel and Elaria Martyn were the children the Clayr had foreseen, on that day when Damien had given up his life to save the others. Damien had a dreadful record for maintaining relationships and had come to the Glacier alone.

But once there, he'd been given work in the Infirmary; and it was there that he'd met a lovely young Clayr. Her name was Annika and right from the start Damien had been smitten. Despite a twelve-year age difference, they were married within months. Terciel had been born a year after Damien's arrival. Elaria had followed a year and a half later.

Adam groaned and stretched. Lord, he'd been at the Glacier for six years! That made him feel old. He sighed again and smoothed down his Second Assistant Librarian's red waistcoat.

Justin and Matt, he knew, were out on patrol with the Rangers. Brad was teaching Archery and Brett was in the Watch. Damien and Annika were working in the Infirmary. Sue, Justin's wife, Kellie, Matt's wife, Andrea, Brad's wife, and Liz, Brett's wife. The only reason Adam was not working now was that he was waiting for Ricky and Rianna.

Ricky, although not a Son, had the Sight, and for six years Adam had longed for the day he'd see his best mate again. Now, finally, Rick had handed over the captaincy to Michael Clarke and was headed here.

Adam was just dozing off when a familiar voice entered his mind.

Hola, Adam. We're almost there.

Coming. I'll meet you down there.

Adam stood, startling Lirael, and pulled on his warm coat.

'You weren't listening to a word I said, were you?' Lirael smiled wryly.

'No. I'll be back in a bit Lirael, Ricky's here.' Then he hurried out.

Feeling the chill of the Glacier against his cheeks, Adam laughed. He felt wondrously vivid and alive. He'd often worried about life after cricket, but now, he had no worries, because he was working and he was useful.

Still laughing, he stepped outside and saw Ricky and his wife Rianna coming up the path. He was inexplicably reminded of the first time they'd met; despite only three years age difference, Adam had been the stern, older captain, and Ricky the prank-playing youngster. And Adam felt young again as he ran to greet them, knowing that the Glacier was a truly great place to be.

sobs thats the end of the story! There was going to be a sequel, but i thought that the interest was so lacking that there wouldnt be a lot of point. If anyone wants to know the full (Clayr-ized) story of Damien and Annika, review and I will post it.

PS I don't own Annika either - she's real!

Luv for the last time, Lady Siruae XXX