Chapter 25: Waiting and Hoping

Night had fallen over the kingdom of Nockmaar. The soldiers of Galladoorn gathered with Willow, Madmartigan, and Sorsha to celebrate the victory against Bavmorda. There was much feasting and songs in the night. Absent from the merriment was Raina. Despite the victory, Raina was in no mood to celebrate as Airk lay in grave condition in the healing tent. Through the night, she stayed by his side, refusing to eat or drink as she watched his labored breaths rise and fall beneath his bandaged breast.

"Want some company?"

Raina was startled from her vigil when she noticed Sorsha enter the tent and sit by her side.

"Well to be honest, I was hoping to be alone, but since you're here, might as well stay," Raina said glumly.

Sorsha revealed a welcome bundle in her arms. "I thought you'd be glad to see someone else if not me."

Raina's heart leaped as she noticed Baby Willow cooing and smiling up at her and she heartily embraced her daughter. "I didn't think I'd live to see her again."

"She's lucky you're still here," Sorsha replied.

Raina gravely eyed the wounded Airk. "I didn't think I would be here. I was so certain it would be him in my place and I in his."

Raina's hands shook as her eyes filled with tears. "I just never thought I would have to tell my daughter her father isn't coming home."

Sorsha held her quivering free hand. "You're forgetting that he's still fighting. He's not gone yet. He's a general of Galladoorn and they're the mightiest sort. He survived Kael three times before and I know he'll survive again. If he fought so hard for you and your daughter, I'm certain he'd fight harder to get back to you."

Raina stopped trembling and smiled grimly. "It doesn't comfort me, but there's truth in it, so there's that," she said mirthlessly. "Why are you here anyway?"

Sorsha smiled. "I didn't think it was right that you should be alone…and I almost took your family from you so I wanted to make amends for what I've done."

Raina chucked low. "Well, I did almost break your nose with my head, so I think we're even."

Sorsha laughed merrily. "That was a hell of a hit. If I had known how fierce a mother you would be, I would've thought twice before taking you."

"Too bad you didn't," Raina said smartly.

Raina thought to herself and realized Sorsha had also lost. Her mother might have been an evil sorceress, but she was her mother. Raina knew what it was like to be without parents and she felt compassion for her.

"I'm sorry about your mother," Raina whispered. "I know what she was, but I know what it's like to be without parents."

Sorsha smiled at her. "My mother might have gone but she lost her way years ago. But I still have a father."

"You do?" Raina asked.

"My father was under her spell in Tir Asleen, and now that she is gone, I will be with him again," Sorsha explained. "All the more reason why you should not give up on Airk. If my father can return to me, the same can happen for Willow."

"I like those odds," Raina said, full of hope.

"Take a drink with me," Sorsha implored her. "Surely Airk would not want his wife to be alone on a night like this."

"I would not forgive myself if I did," Raina replied. "When I was a child, I ran off to fight Kael to avenge my family. I was young, stupid. Kael nearly killed me. And Airk stayed by my side the entire time and didn't care how foolish I was. I would never forgive myself if I left him now."

"Then let me be by your side tonight," Sorsha replied. "You should not have to keep watch alone."

Raina was touched by Sorsha's loyalty. For the longest time, it felt like she was alone. She feared she would suffer alone should Airk not live. She was glad as she kept vigil that she had a friend at her side.

"I really haven't been nice to you, have I?" Raina whispered, brushing a tear from her eye.

"Well, to be fair, I was a bitch to you, so I deserved it," Sorsha replied with a smile.

The two former enemies laughed merrily and embraced as friends. Raina knew she had a long night, but she was glad she would not face it alone.

By dawn, Raina kept her watch on Airk with Baby Willow in her arms. Baby Willow was blissfully unaware as she cooed and reached her arms up to playfully tug on Raina's hair.

Raina smiled as she released her hair from her baby's grasp. "Keep your hands to yourself, little lady. You got your father's boldness in you already."

Raina watched Airk sleep and then back at her daughter. She was greatly weary and her eyes were red from her lack of sleep.

"You miss your father," Raina whispered to her baby. "I miss him, too. I'm so sorry you haven't had much time with us. We both wanted a safe world for you to grow up in. That's how loved you are. You are so loved, little one."

With her free hand, Raina clasped Airk's hand. "Your little girl misses you. She needs her papa to wake up. Please wake up. We made this world better for her, now we need to be together. Please come back."

Airk remained still and silent. Raina wept as she lost herself in despair. She had fought so hard to have a family and now it was fading fast. She did not know how long she could go on without Airk.

Suddenly, Raina felt a tug on her hand. Raina thought she was dreaming. Then, there was a firm grip on her hand. Raina's heart lifted as did her hope.

"Airk? My love?" she whispered, her hope rising in her voice. "Come back to me. Come back, my love."

Airk's breast rose and fell rapidly beneath his bandages. Raina could feel her heart beating faster. At long last, Airk's eyes fluttered open and gazed back at her. Raina's heart was pounding so loud she could dance to its rhythm.

"You came back to us," Raina whispered lovingly.

"I promised I'd never leave," Airk replied wearily.

Raina held Baby Willow before him. "She's been waiting for you. And so have I."

"She doesn't have to wait anymore," Airk replied. "I had two very good reasons to fight. Now I have two good reasons to live."

Raina leaned forward and their lips were one. As they kissed, Raina's heart lightened and she was at peace knowing she had the two most important people had come back to stay.