At the sight of his sister this time, Nathan nearly fell from Chrysolis’ back in shock! He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Like a fantastic vision or day dream, there was Nataleigh, seemingly back from the dead and riding toward him on Jewel as though it was just another day in the Ivory Palace!
As Jewel landed on the beach, Nathan leapt from his dragon to meet Nataleigh. The others were only a step behind and there was much laughing and cheering as brother and sister embraced. This time there was no ridiculous bickering between them, only the absolute joy of their reunion! For several minutes words were forgotten as tears of joy flowed and hugs were exchanged all around.
Finally, Nathan asked what they all were dying to understand.
“So what happened to you, Nat? How did you survive that magic cloud?”
Nataleigh smiled as she explained.
“When I destroyed the Serpent’s Eye, all of the magic that it contained was absorbed back into it and since I was closest to the center, I was pulled in as well. But nothing that was drawn in was destroyed. Rather it was returned to where it belonged. I’m not sure where the dragon and the giant were sent, but I was sent home to Amiera where I found Jewel already waiting for me. Father had called her home. When I returned he forgave me and restored me and sent me to fetch you home this time.”
“How did you know what to do in the end?” he pressed. “I mean, how did you know that the Serpent’s Eye had to be destroyed in order to defeat Snagglefang?”
“I didn’t know for sure,” she said. “But I realized that the dragon was drawing power from it so it just made sense to get rid of the source of his power. But I had no idea that the Serpent’s Eye and the dragon were connected like that. I mean it was like the dragon couldn’t exist without the eye. It was like a window into the dragon’s wicked soul. Once the eye was shattered, the wickedness was cut off. I could only hope that it didn’t destroy me at the same time. I was fortunate.”
“Fortune had nothing to do with it, Lassie!” beamed Vonkar and then realizing who he was addressing, he stuttered, “That is, uh, your highness, I mean. Fortune cannot be given credit for what a valiant heart has done. You and your brother have come along way since your quests began. To face such a menace and see it vanquished takes noble courage indeed!”
The princess shook her head.
“Oh, I don’t know, Vonkar,” she sighed. “Was it courage or desperation? I don’t know, but I wish I had realized my foolishness sooner. It nearly cost my poor brother his life and in the end, that was what woke me up. How can I thank you enough for coming after me, Nate? And I was such a self-centered jerk to you. Can you ever forgive me?”
Nathan hugged his sister again.
“I’d already forgotten all of that, sis,” he said. “I understand that it was the draw of the Serpent’s Eye that made you crazy. Besides, I understand how weird girls get when they grow up. Women lose their minds with all of that emotional stuff.”
He paused at that statement and held her back at arms length to look at her closer. “So how did you grow up so fast anyway?”
“I’m not the only one.” She answered. “Have you looked at yourself since leaving the palace? Both of us have aged like 10 years in just a few short days! Don’t ask me how it happened.”
Finally Chrysolis spoke up.
“Have neither of you ever considered why your Father forbade you both to go below the clouds of Ivory Mountain?” She asked. “The Ivory Palace exists above the woes of Darrowold and its conflicts. It is a place free of time where those who reside never age. The moment you left the safety of its confines you began to age rapidly. Sin and sorrow added to your condition, acting to multiply the effects. Unfortunately you have both lost your innocence on this journey, but because of your repentance and reliance upon your father in the end, you have both gained maturity in the process. Now perhaps you are ready to return home and accept the responsibilities the High King has had in mind for you both from the beginning.”
Nathan looked at Nataleigh and nodded.
“I sure am.” He agreed.
Nataleigh took his hand and turned to their friends.
“So am I.” she said. “So I guess this is goodbye.”
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