"You've got to be joking Kate," laughed Sam, who at this point was trying his hardest to keep from falling over in a fit of laughter. Terra just rolled her eyes and giggled at her mate's reaction, although she found the story that Kate was telling them to be really amusing.
As it turns out, Marcel and Paddy, while relaying messages to Nars and the other Northern Pack officials, stumbled across Sam's family, although they didn't know it at the time.
"I'm serious," chuckled Kate, finding the story just as amusing herself, "when Marcel found out your mother was from Quebec, they just had a field day talking about things that neither Paddy nor the rest of your family understood."
The four adult wolves were practically leaning on each other, laughing so much that some might think they were hyenas. However, the fun soon ended when a voice sounded over the laughter.
A voice Sam and Terra recognized as sounding familiar, but were unware of the voice's owner until they turned to see a teenage wolf running toward them them.
"Hey Mom, Dad," he called, a smile forming on his face as his tail wagged in excitement, "what's so funny?"
Sam's eyes widened at the wolf before him; he reminded the former Rogue of Humphrey when he was that age, but a few stray bangs from his mane hung over his ice-blue eyes, that Sam and Terra simultaneously recognized as the eyes of the pup they had helped save three winters ago.
Sam slowly stepped toward the young wolf, eyes wide in surprise. His mouth was slightly agape until he spoke.
"Runt?" he choked out, catching the young wolf's attention.
Until his name was called, Runt didn't even notice the two other wolves that his parents were with. At first he didn't recognize the two wolves before him, until he took in the familiar aura of compassion that he hadn't felt in three years. His eyes widening, Runt ran to the male, burying his face in the former's chest, eyes clenched shut as tears began to stream down his face.
"Sam," he sobbed out, "my friend."
Sam held the teenage wolf close to him, tears falling from his own eyes as Terra, who was at a loss for words, fought to hold back her tears.
He's grow so much, she thought to herself.
Sam then brought one paw up and began to run it through the young Omega's mane.
"I'm here, kid," he soothed, opening his eyes to see Humphrey smiling at the tender seen with Kate, who was also becoming misty eyed as she nuzzled herself into her mate's side. Pulling away from his old friend, Runt soon noticed the auburn female behind them.
"Terra!" he called out in excitement, tackling the female to the ground as he laughed in merriment. Princess began laughing as well as the young wolf attacked her with affectionate licks. Sam, upon witnessing this, decided to tease his friend.
"Runt, Buddy," he called, still laughing, "You trying to make a move on my mate?"
This caught Runt's attention, resulting in him quickly getting off of Terra, and looking between the two adults, each with a teasing smirk on their faces. Runt, however, did not know that Sam was joking and began stammering apologies, making the adults laugh in amusement until Sam decided that Runt had had enough.
"Runt, I was only teasing."
Runt, calming down, soon took on a flustered expression as he realized he had just made himself look like a fool. The four adults merely laughed at the Omega's expression. The laughter soon died down as Sam noticed Anna approaching the group, a lovely violet aster in her mouth as she bounded toward her parents. Sam beamed at his only child.
"Anna, dear, what have you found?" he inquired, curious about the flower in his daughter's jaws.
"It's an aster, daddy," she responded, her tail wagging in excitement, "I didn't think I would find one this early in spring. Can you please put it behind my ear for me?" Sam chuckled at his daughter's excitement, and with a nod, did as she asked. As soon as he was finished, Sam turned to Runt, and instantly became very concerned when he noticed the dumbfounded look on the young male's face as he focused on the young female before him. Gulping down a lump that had formed in his throat, Runt slowly approached Anna, who turned when she noticed the wolf behind her.
"Hello, my name's Anna, what's yours?" she greeted happily, her tail still wagging in excitement.
Runt, on the other paw, was just staring at what he thought could only be the most beautiful wolf he had seen in his life. In truth, he had had a crush on Magril, the sister of HIS sister's boyfriend, but she only had eyes for his brother. This girl, however, with her auburn fur, with blonde streaks in her mane, and blonde socks on her fore-paws, looked into his eyes with her lovely hazel ones. And to Runt, the aster in her mane made her look even more beautiful.
Sam, upon realizing that Runt was being a bit shy, smiled as he began nudging his daughter forward, catching her somewhat off-guard as she was placed before the male she had just met.
"Anna," Sam began, "this is Runt." Sam indicated the wolf across from his daughter. "He's the pup your mother and I told you about, remember?" Anna, upon hearing this, looked to the young wolf in front of her and, for the first time, took in what she found to be extremely boyish good looks, accentuated by the stray bangs hanging over his stunning ice-blue eyes. Anna herself soon became at a loss for words.
Looking back to his mate, Sam saw her roll her eyes at the obvious first indication of puppy love. At the realization that his only daughter was becoming infatuated, Sam began to internally panic at the prospect of his little girl growing up so quickly. However, he swore to himself that he was not going to prove his mate and father-in-law right about him being protective. Unlike some fathers, Sam knew that one day Anna would go out on her own and meet a handsome young wolf.
He just didn't expect the latter to happen so soon.
The moment was soon interrupted by a loud howl that Humphrey and Kate instantly recognized as belonging to her father, Winston. Looking to Sam and Terra, the couple silently conveyed to their friends what was happening.
"Sounds like the leaders have reached a decision about King," stated Humphrey, solemnly. Upon hearing the mention of the wolf that had ordered his kidnapping all those years ago, Runt's face recoiled in fear, and understandably, disgust.
"What is that MONSTER doing here?" he snarled; big mistake.
Anna, dropping her love-struck gaze, quickly took on a look of offense, and sharply growled at the wolf she was going all goo-goo over just mere seconds ago.
"HEY!" she snapped, "THAT'S MY GRAND-DAH YOUR TALKIN' ABOUT!"
Her irritation had caused her Irish brogue to come out, which really added to her angry appearance. Runt was taken aback by her outburst, but quickly overcame the shock as he too took on a look of offense at being yelled at by this girl he had only just met.
"Well I'm sure King must have told you about the time's he tried to kidnap me, attack my family, as well as steal territories from the wolves he murdered, all because he hates Omegas. Or do you not know him like I do?"
Runt's voice, although moderately composed, still conveyed the amount of anger and disgust toward the wolf this girl was defending. The four adults, unsure of how to interject, just stood aside, waiting to see how quickly this altercation would escalate.
Anna, upon hearing these accusations, took a step back, appalled that this male would even suggest such a thing about her grandfather. Looking to her parents, as well as Runt's parents, their downtrodden faces silently conveyed that the wolf before their daughter was telling the truth. However, Anna's love for her grandfather was boundless. She could care less about what he had done in the past.
What mattered now is that he had clearly changed in her eyes.
"So what?!" she barked back, leading to Runt taking a step back in surprise, "even if he did all of those things, I can tell you that he's changed."
As she spoke, Anna's face became sorrowful, almost as if she was about to cry,
"And besides, if he really hated Omegas, then why does he love me and Daddy so much?"
Runt, once again, was surprised at this new information. Deciding to step in, Terra began to support her daughter.
"It's true, Runt," she began gently, "He has changed, and he is truly a much more kind wolf than he was before."
Runt racked his brain, trying to make sense of what he had just been told. Looking to his old friend, Runt saw Sam nod his head in agreement. Realizing how badly he had just messed up with Anna, Runt lowered his head in shame, and after a moment, approached her.
"I'm so sorry Anna," he began, not meeting her gaze, "I shouldn't have said those things."
Anna, although still very upset, smiled kindly at Runt, happy that the young wolf had some sense of being humble enough to admit his mistakes.
However, a thought soon crossed her mind.
"So, what are the pack leaders going to do with grand-dah?"
All the adults then looked to each other, eyes wide at the realization that they need to find out what the verdict of the trial was. Sam, however, was the first to speak.
"Looks like we're about to find out how deep in the hole King really is," he said, eyes glinting with uncertainty.
Before long, the party of six began moving toward the part of the valley where pack meetings were generally held. Upon reaching the area, almost all of Jasper's wolves was gathered around the towering rock formation. At the foot of the formation, was King, his mouth bound shut with vines, as were his paws.
Looking to the top of the rock formation, Sam could make out the forms of the pack leaders. His eyes soon settled on Nars. Although he had always said that a big wolf never holds grudges, the Omega could not help but grind his teeth in frustration at seeing his pup-hood tormenter sitting so high above the other wolves of Jasper.
Speaking of which, Sam began looking around at all the wolves that had congregated to witness the fate of King. Almost all were jeering, or just plain snarling at the bound wolf, who had his head hung low in defeat. Soon, Sam's attention was drawn to a female in the crowd. A female who he recognized only too well.
"Allison."
Looking to the area around the female, Samuel could make out the forms of his entire family, including a teenage male, who appeared to have the same markings as Sam, only that his mane had specs of black in it. His eyes, however, shown a bright blue. Looking to the wolves by his side, Sam saw Kate give a smile and a nod. Looking back to the pup, Samuel muttered;
"Collin."
Soon, Winston stepped forward, and after clearing his throat, began to address the crowd.
"Wolves of Jasper! Today, your leaders have tried King of Banff, the mastermind behind the Rogue attacks that have plagued our home, and have declared him guilty of his crimes!"
A chorus of approving howls rang over the area. Raising a paw for quiet, Winston continued once the noise died down.
"And it is the decision of us, your leaders, that as pension for his crimes, that King be sentenced to death!"
Soon, all the wolves in the area, save for some Omegas, Sam's group, as well as his family, erupted into a chorus of howls and cheers. Anna, not willing to let her grandfather be killed, began running toward the bound figure.
"Anna!" Terra called, terrified for her daughters safety, began running after her, fearing the worst.
As Anna approached the foot of the rock formation, she noticed a group of wolves circling King, obviously preparing to tear him apart. Just as the first wolf was about to lunge at King, Anna threw herself in front of her grandfather. The executioners froze, and the otherwise rowdy crowd fell silent as they witnessed this girl break down into her grandfather's chest.
"If you take him, the you have to take me too!"
Every wolf in the area stood silent at the display before them; a young girl had just placed herself between the executioners and King. One of the executioners was one of Winston's best Alpha's, Candu, who had just recovered from a blow to the head, which was inflicted upon him by one of the wolves accompanying King when he was captured. Candu, overcoming from the shock, sneered at the child, who was all too willing to die with her grandfather.
"Fine by me kid," he snarled as he inched toward the young wolf. However, before he could even get within five feet of her, Terra leapt between them, snarling and baring her teeth at the small-statured Alpha before her. Candu took a step back at this display of defiance.
"Lay one paw on my daughter," she growled menacingly, "and I will rip it off and shove it in a place where the sun doesn't shine."
Almost every wolf recoiled at the thought of such an action, many of the males wincing at just imagining it. Candu, however was unfazed.
"Do you want to die with them, you Rogue BITCH?!" he seethed as he inched closer to the group. At this point, Anna had removed the vines that were wrapped around King's muzzle, finally giving the ability to snarl at the overly ambitious Western wolf.
"YOU DO NOT TALK TO MY DUAGHTER LIKE THAT YOU BASTARD!"
All eyes were now on King, surprised that he was so ready to jump to his daughter's defense. The usual word about King was that he was only interested in his own self-interest, but after witnessing the scene between him and the young female, and now this. Looking to his wife and Brother-in-law, Winston was beginning to wonder if he was wrong to sentence King to death. The looks on their faces conveyed the same thing. Nars and Alexander, however, were having none of it.
"SILENCE!" bellowed Alexander, catching everyone's attention, "REMOVE THE PRICNESS AND THE GIRL! ONCE WE ARE DONE WITH KING, WE WILL DEAL WITH THEM!"
Everyone in the area fell silent as Terra was quickly subdued by a separate group of Alpha's. Hutch, although with a heavy heart, pried Anna away from King, her cries echoing throughout the area, causing almost every wolf in the area to second-guess their leaders' decision.
Sam looked to the leaders. In the eyes of the United Leaders, he could see remorse and heartbreak as they witness his daughter being pulled away from King. Looking to Alexander, Sam could see a glimpse of remorse in his expression, but the need for justice far outweighed it. As for Nars, the overall determination to see his family punished was almost sickening.
Finally, Sam made his decision.
With a loud voice, he called out as Candu raised his paw, preparing to use his claws to finish King.
"ENOUGH!"
Every head turned to see this new arrival. Kate, Humphrey, Runt, as well as a newly arrive Stinky and Claudette, as well as the latter's boyfriend Fleet, and his sister Magril, also turned their attention to Sam. Looking to his young friend, Sam could make out the tears that were beginning to form in Runts eyes at this atrocious display of so-called justice.
Looking to his old friend, Sam was given a reassuring smile and nod, as well as from Kate. The other young wolves simply stood aside, confused as to why this strange wolf was intruding in the execution. After taking a moment to compose himself, Sam began to proceed to the front of the makeshift arena, careful not to face his birth family, as it would cause unwanted drama at this already precarious moment.
Alexander, appalled at this wolf for having halted the execution, began to angrily address the wolf.
"HOW DARE YOU!" He bellowed, "WE are on the brink of JUSTICE, and you dare to deprive the wolves of Jasper this!"
Sam, upon reaching the foot of the rock formation, looked around at the scene before him; his wife, held down by two other Alphas. His daughter, being restrained, but also appearing to be consoled by Hutch, the latter detail bringing warmth to Sam's heart, relieved that the noble wolf was not heartless. And finally King, held down by three Alpha's, his throat laid bare, prepared for Candu to deliver the "coup de grâce."
Looking back to Alexander, Samuel could see that the little remorse he held in his eyes were gone, now filled with a need, not for justice as he so claimed, but revenge. Looking to Nars, Samuel could see the same thing, but Nars gaze actually held something else; recollection. However, Samuel was relieved, as the look on Nars's face silently conveyed that he had seen the former's face before, but could not recall where. Looking back to Alexander, Samuel merely scoffed at the wolf's statement.
"Justice you say?" he almost sneered, "Try MURDER!"
The last word was said with such venom and ferocity, that every wolf took a step pack as they gasped, surprised that this unknown wolf would even suggest such a thing. Soon, the atmosphere was broken as Nars began to laugh. The very sound made Sam sick to his stomach. Turning to the Northern leader, Sam was even more appalled to see a degrading smile on Nars's lips.
"You accuse us of murder," he began through his laughing, the smile slowly fading as he continued to speak, "and yet the actions of this wolf are far greater than what you accuse…"
"I KNOW WHAT HE'S DONE!" Bellowed Sam, causing the entire area to fall silent once again.
Casting a quick glance behind him, Samuel could make out the form of his father slowly approaching the seen, his head cocked to one side in curiosity, almost as if he was trying to figure out who Sam was. Sam knew that is what he was doing, as the rest of his family held that same look. Quickly turning back to the leaders, Sam continued to speak.
"His actions at Caribou Mountain were appalling to say the least, yes, his actions against the grandchildren of Winston and Eve were heinous as well, and his attack on the Bear Kingdom was outright IDIOTIC!"
Quickly turning around, Sam faced the entire congregation of wolves.
Upon seeing the face of the unknown wolf, Alan stopped in surprise at the realization that he did in fact know this wolf...
As a parent could never forget the face of their child.
Alan, along with his wife, as well as their daughter and her husband, watched in awe as their Sam angrily addressed the crowd.
"But if you lower yourselves to their level, then what will you become!"
With the last four words, Samuel put extra emphasis on each word. Amidst the mumbling of either agreeance or conflict, Sam turned to the leaders so quickly that he failed to notice his father standing just ten feet from him. Nars, seeing that Sam was getting to the crowd, angrily barked.
"ENOGUH!" This caught everyone's attention. "I HAVE HAD JUST ABOUT ENOUGH OF YOU!"
He then glared daggers straight at Sam, with the glare being returned with equal force.
"I don't know who you think you are," he began menacingly, "but you will stand down or you will join King, as well as his daughter and the girl!"
This statement did not sit well with anyone. It was one thing to execute King for his crimes, but to kill a helpless girl. Sam decided HE had had enough of Nars. Looking him dead in the eyes, Sam spoke.
"Then it wouldn't be the first time you've ripped me from my family, Nars!"
Said wolf's name was said through clenched teeth, the severity at which it was said would have caused him to drop dead, but only if words could kill. Nars looked at the wolf in confusion, unsure as to why he would say such a thing.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Nars said, still visibly angry, but now laced with confusion.
Sam was aghast that the wolf that had caused him so much grief didn't remember him, even though he had a look of recollection mere minutes ago. Looking behind himself, Sam noticed the wide and longing gaze of his family, save for his nephew, who was quite intrigued by his as of yet unknown uncle.
"You may not remember me," he continued, his gaze still on his family.
"But they do."
Those last words where said with such a pained whisper, that Sam could see through his family's eyes the breaking of their hearts. Stepping forward, Sam was now face-to-face with his father. Taking in the extra grey around his father's face, Sam's attention was soon brought to his wide brown eyes, which at this point were filled with tears. Finally, one slipped. Then another.
"Sam," Alan muttered, bringing a paw up to caress the cheek of his lost son, which Sam gladly accepted by nuzzling into the welcome gesture.
"My boy."
Opening his eyes, Sam allowed his own tears to fall freely.
"Hi Dah," he choked out.
With that, father and son embraced each other as they wept, happy to be together again. Soon, Sam's mother stepped forward, nuzzling her head under the chin of her son. Looking down, Samuel beamed at the joyous smile on his mother's face, which were now adorned with tear stains.
"Bonjour, Mama."
"Bonjour, Mon Enfant," she wept, happy to have her son back home.
"Sam!"
Looking past his parents, Sam was tackled to the ground by an overly excited Allison, who proceeding to cover his face with emotional licks, causing the wolf to laugh at his sister's childish antics. His laughter was soon accompanied by that of their parents.
"Easy now, slobber breath," he joked, earning a round of laughter from his family, and a few other wolves in the area, as well as Winston, Eve, and Tony. Sam's attention was soon drawn to the sound of paw-steps descending from the Leader's makeshift pulpit. looking behind him, Sam could make out the form of Nars approaching him, eyes wide in shock. Sam, upon getting back on his feet, faced his past tormentor with a passive expression.
"Bet'cha never thought you'd see me again, huh Nars," Sam remarked, his eyes now laced with contempt. However, he soon took on a shocked expression at the word's that left Nars's mouth.
"I'm so sorry."
This statement led to a collective gasp from the crowd, even his own children, who at this point had moved along with Kate and Humphrey's family to the front of the crowd. Even Alexander was intrigued by the fact that not only did Nars know this wolf, but was also apologizing, which was something he usually never did.
"For what?" Sam inquired, purely to get a confession out of Nars that would be heard by all of Jasper.
"For forcing you out," Nars admitted, leading to a chorus of hushed murmurs from the wolves present, save for Sam's family, who all sported a smug smirk at being given their own form of justice that day. However, Nars's gaze was toward the ground, too ashamed to look his past victim in the eye.
"You know, Samuel," Nars said, surprising said wolf, who had always been referred to as "a meg" by the brown furred wolf in the past, "After seeing what it did to your family, I realized how badly I messed up."
Sam, upon noticing that all eyes were on the scene playing out before them, decided to find out the extent of Nars's remorse.
"Are you truly sorry?"
"There hasn't been a day where I don't feel regret for what I did. Where I don't think about that stupid wolf who drove another from his family."
Finally finding the courage to look Sam in the eyes, Nars found that his own were now brimming with tears.
"I was so blinded by what my father had taught me, that I thought that what I was doing was right. That it was right to hate Omegas. But in the end, I found that I had turned into a-a..."
Sam cut him off.
"Rogue."
A deathly silence befell the area. Alexander looked at Sam, his eyes wide in shock at the realization that he had become the very thing he had hated. Catching on to Alexander's personal epiphany, Sam stepped past Nars, gently nudging said wolf while flashing a friendly smile. Nars let out a sigh of relief as the wolf he had tormented in the past forgave him. Standing before the remaining pack leaders, Sam began to address the one whose mind really needed to be changed.
"You see, Alexander," he began, his gaze fully on the black furred wolf, "If you allow hatred to control your actions, then you are no better than the wolf whose throat has been laid bare today."
Looking from the Omega before him, to the wolf that was to be executed, to said wolf's daughter and granddaughter, Alexander's eyes fell on Winston, Eve, and Tony, who all smiled and nodded in agreement to what had just been said. Looking over the quiet crowd, Alexander could see in their eyes the acceptance of the former Rogue's words. Looking back to Sam, he was met with a pleading gaze.
"It takes a big wolf to admit when they are wrong," Sam continued, looking to King who had been brought back to his feet by the executioners. Looking to Nars, Samuel offered another friendly smile while he continued to speak.
"But an even bigger wolf to forgive."
With that, Nars looked with Sam back to Alexander, who at this point realized it would be foolish to refuse such a logical argument, especially with the majority of Jasper now swayed by the words of this one Omega. Letting out a groan, followed by an eye roll and hearty chuckle, Alexander knew that his mind had been changed.
"Omega's really do know how to keep the peace," he said loud enough for Sam and the other wolves close enough to hear him, leading to all of them sporting a rather large smile. Turning to the Alpha's who had been holding down King, Alexander could see that even they had been convinced to spare the former Rogue leader. Even Candu seemed ashamed of what he had almost done.
"Alphas," Alexander began, a smile of his pwn gracing his face "please return King to his holding den, where he will stay until the tribunal has reevaluated his sentence."
With that announcement, the wolves of Jasper erupted into a chorus of howls. As this happened, Terra and Anna ran to embrace their father and grandfather, happy at the news that he would be spared death. Sam smiled at the sight, before his attention turned to Nars's children, who at this point had joined their father, who nuzzled them affectionately. Approaching the small family, Sam offered a tender smile to them.
"I take it you are Fleet and Magril?"
Fleet and Magril both looked at Sam, smiling at the wolf who had just made peace with their father.
Returning the smile, Sam continued.
"Kate and Humphrey have told me a lot about you, especially 'bout you and Claudette, Fleet."
Fleet blushed at the comment, which earned a round of sinkers from his sister and father. Sam, upon noticing this, decided to tease the young girl as well.
"And I also have heard that Stinky is not seeing anyone at the present time, Magril."
This resulted in said wolf blushing deeply as she was now being laughed at by her father and brother, while the wolf she had just met chuckled warmly.
Looking back at Nars, the two smiled at each other. Soon, Nars extended a paw, which Sam gladly bumped with his own.
"You're welcome to come back to the North anytime you want," Nars explained.
"Thanks."
After this, the Northern Pack leader and his children left to rejoin their pack, which at this point had been dismissed, along with all the other wolves in the area. After trading a few goodbyes with Humphrey and his family, and thanking the other pack leaders for sparing King's life, Sam returned to his family. Before long, the blended Northern-Rogue family was alone.
Looking from his birth family, to his extended one, Sam gestured to his wife and daughter to come over to him, only after they had said goodbye to King, whom Sam noticed appeared to be a lot happier as he was being lead back to his holding den. Turning back to his birth family, Sam began to address his mother, father, and sister, respectively.
"Mama, Dah, pain in the arse," he joked as he got to his sister, who merely rolled her eyes at her brother's apparent lack of progress in maturity. Standing aside, Sam proudly presented his mate and daughter as he said, "there are some wolves I want you to meet."
After introducing Terra, Amelia beamed from ear to ear at her daughter-in-law's beauty.
"Mon garçon! Vous savez comment les choisir!" Terra smiled, although with a bit of a confused expression. Sam, picking up on it, translated while Allison giggled at her sister-in-law's confusion.
"Don't worry, unlike the rest of the family, I decided to pick up some French from Mama," Samuel said.
"She's just saying her boy knows how to pick 'em."
Terra blushed at the statement, but quickly shrugged it off as she introduced her own child.
"And this," she began, "as I suppose you have figured out, is your granddaughter, and niece, Anna."
Allison, needless to say, was immediately smitten with her niece, lowering her head so she was at least eye level with her.
"Hi there, little one," her lite Irish accent filled with playful abandon.
Anna, picking up on the playful energy, smiled broadly at her new aunt, tail wagging in excitement. Looking behind his parents and sister, Sam noticed his brother-in-law standing close behind.
"It's been a long time brother," Sam said, earning a chuckle from the slightly larger wolf.
"Indeed it has," Ewan responded with a hint of a Scottish accent.
Looking behind his brother-in-law, Sam could make out the form of the teenage wolf he had seen earlier, staring at him with eyes full of wonder.
Moving past Ewan, Sam began to approach the young wolf, whose tail was wagging in excitement.
After reaching the boy, Sam was met with a beaming smile as the pup, with a lite Irish accent, happily greeted him.
"Hello, Uncle Sam."
Sam choked back a few tears as a smile graced his muzzle.
Bringing his head down, Sam closed his eyes as he nuzzled the boy's forehead with his own, said boy sighing in content at the action.
After a few moments, Sam spoke.
"Hello Collin."
Looking back to the rest of his family, who at this point where smiling at the tender scene before them, Sam, after a moment of taking in the familiar scenery, smiled as he said;
"It's good to be home."
End of Part III