Return to Solgrad

Freydis bursts into Runa’s room.

“Runa!” She runs over to Runa who is lying down, only slowing as Runa turns her head at a careful pace, “No.”

Runa smiles. “I’m ok, princess Freydis.”

“You are not.” Freydis kneels next to Rauna’s bed, “What happened? You. Your body, your magic.”

“It was the cost to protect everyone. But I was saved by Eiric, Vilgur, and Sigrun. Those three are brave, I think they are excellent friends for you to have.”

“Runa. How much did you give?”

“Most of my magic. I only hold a few memories now. But I kept my lifespan, they stopped me before I could do any more damage.”

“Sorry.” Freydis holds Runa’s hand as she cries, “You sacrificed so much. And I failed you. I’m so sorry.”

“Failed? I think you did great. We have a chance. That is more than we have been able to say for a long time. I should apologize, I know this is a lot of responsibility to take on.”

“I can avoid it no longer. I think it is time.”

“The decision is yours; you will have my support no matter what.”

The return to Solgrad is bittersweet. Although the meeting with the five realms is an accomplishment that many see hope in, the failure to establish anything more leaves many with fear.

Runa is kept in a doctor’s care. She is stable and healthy, but they believe she will never be able to fight again. Losing a captain is devastating to Solgrad, though Freydis only cares about Runa’s health.

Leif is returned to Sanctuary. He woke days after the fight in decent enough condition to move around. His recovery time will be long, but he was happy that they succeeded in protecting the meeting.

“We see how you hesitate to take the throne. That cost you, Freydis. But that is fine, we will take the seat from you and establish the relationship with the other realms as you have begun. All you must do is give the word.” A member of the Odi family said.

“The only family capable of leading Solgrad is the Bal family. We will be the ones to lead. And there is no time to waste, we are even prepared to do so today.” A member of the Bal family said.

The nobles inside the meeting room of Solgrad’s castle continue to bicker with each other until Freydis slams her fist on the table.

“How selfish and inconsiderate you all are. You don’t care for our people or the relationship with our sister realms. I’ll give you this warning, I will find who sent the attack against me in Selby. I did not call you here today to give away the throne, I came here to give you orders. First, all blessed experiments are to be released immediately.”

“What? Are you insane? Where will we release them to?”

“I will have some options sent your way. Anyone who disobeys my direct order will face extreme punishment and lose their title.”

“You can’t do that!”

“You are experimenting on humans! You’re lucky I don’t throw you all in jail. I’ve had enough of your arrogant and deluded chase for power. I do not trust any of you. I will be taking the throne myself.”

“Is that your final decision? I hope you understand that you must marry one of our members to be formally established as queen.” A member of the Njor family said.

“I understand this. As much as I hate all of you, I will make my decision in two weeks.”

“Perfect, that will give us all time to present our members to you.”

“I will not be seeing anyone. The two weeks are simply to prepare for what is to come after. You will know of my decision on the day of the announcement.”

“Ridiculous! How is that even fair?”

“Fair? I’ll remind you that one of you sent a person you experimented on after me. They had to kill them because of you. How about this. Find who sent them and turn them over, then, maybe I’ll consider your members over others.”

Freydis smirks as she watches the nobles inside the meeting room eye each other. The rats will eat each other alive if they must. Dangling the opportunity to have throne makes them drunk, and the room bursts into accusations as she leaves.

Freydis runs to the guest room after her meeting with the nobles.

“Thank goodness, you all are still here.” Freydis runs inside and hugs the group, “Thank you. Runa told me everything.”

“Don’t mention it.” Sigrun said.

“Please don’t, dad would kill us.” Vilgur said.

“I’m sure he would be proud of you for standing up to someone so strong. I have some good news, the blessed we have under captivity will be released. Although, some may have to be put to rest, it will be difficult to let them go free after all they have suffered.”

“But they will be free of pain.” Eiric said.

“They will. Thank you for understanding. And Eiric, thank you for bringing Leif and Runa back. I know it must have been a big risk to do so.”

“Don’t worry about it, I feel fine. How did everything go?”

Freydis slumps into a nearby chair. “I have to be strong handed or the nobles will take advantage of the situation. But I have made it official, I’ll be taking the throne upon marrying.”

“Marrying?” Vilgur said.

“Yes. To be recognized as the queen, I must also present the people with a king as well. I’ll have to choose the least annoying of the noble bunch, that alone could take me two weeks.”

“Are you ok with this?” Sigrun said.

“No. There is still a lot I wish to do, most of it impossible after becoming queen. I won’t be allowed to travel with you all, I’ll have the ability to offer as much support as I can from here. Don’t worry about me however, I’ll make sure those darn nobles do nothing with the power they receive.”

“Is there any way we can help?” Eiric said.

“You have a long journey ahead of you, don’t worry about me. I’ve also cleared your name, Eiric. Runa vouched for you as well; she would have died without your help. All of you saved two beloved captains, you’ll be considered heroes for some time.”

“Thank you. If you need help, please ask us. We’re still friends.”

“We are. I will. The journey ahead of you will be much more difficult however, I will be ready for your calls if need me. Of course, it will be difficult to help in the other realms, I will do all I can once I meet with them once more.” Freydis grabs her three friends and hugs them, “I’m sure you’re eager to return home. Please, come visit before you leave.”

Vilgur stares at the castle from Solgrad’s gates.

“Forget something?” Sigrun said.

“No. Freydis, I’ve never seen her that sad before. I wish I could have done more. Should I have done more?”

“There isn’t much we could do. I’m sorry, Vilgur.”

“It’s ok. She’s doing this for all of us; I have to support her.”