Epilogue: Not Alone
Will opened his eyes. He let out a deep breath as he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. "Well... it's over." He looked up at his father, who smiled at him. "I've said goodbye, I guess."
"I know it's not easy," Daniel said quietly.
Will nodded in agreement as his mother joined them.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. You'll see them all again one day."
Will tried to smile. "I know."
She held out a hand to him. "Are you ready?"
Will closed his eyes, and for a brief moment, he saw them all again: Alyss, walking slowly home from his grave; Horace and Evanlyn, seeking comfort with each other as they walked together through the woods outside Castle Redmont; Halt, staring into the fire with a familiar bronze oakleaf in his hand. They were all there, all the ones he loved the most, and now he was leaving them behind.
Focusing on each of them, seeing their faces clearly in his mind one last time, he whispered firmly, "I'll see you again. I promise."
Then he opened his eyes again, and Daniel smiled encouragement at him as he reached out and took his mother's hand.
"I'm ready."
You call out my name, but your voice is fading
Into the wind, embraced, you'll fly away now, fly away now…
My eyes are closed. I feel you're far away (so close).
Far beyond that shining star,
I know you'll find what you've been fighting for,
Far beyond that shining star.
Down on bended knee I pray, bring courage to these souls.
Make'em live forever in the heart of the bold.
So I say farewell my friends, I hope we'll meet again
When my time has come to fall from grace.
So this is goodbye, I take leave of you and
Spread your wings, and you will fly away now, fly away now…