The battle is won.

Ava gave me more healing before I was good enough to ride back to the city. I found my friends at Gregor's tavern along with Helga and her sisters. Even Gregor was glad to see me alive and thanked me for finding Roses mom. I headed to the castle and headed into the throne room where the Queen was holding court.

"Your Majesty." I bowed and winched in pain.

"I hear that the enemy failed to take the fort."

"They took the fort my grace but not without great losses. On both sides I am afraid. We lost twenty five men and three civilians who stayed to fight as well as seventeen centaurs and six elves who joined us."

"The crown will see they receive a proper burial."

"Thank you your grace."

"While we were fighting Princess Willow carried out a sneak attack on the rear and took their general hostage forcing them to retreat. Though during the battle I crossed swords with a man who claimed to be lord Warricks son. But he escaped with a dark elf mages help. He was also at the battle of the Elder Grove."

"More of lord Warwick's treachery." The Queen shook her head. "As for you my friend. How can the crown ever repay you?"

"I ask nothing for myself my queen."

"I expected you might say as much but you have served the realm on several occasions. When one is appointed to the kings or queens guard they are given a sword made from the masters of the Kingsforge but you do not guard the queen nor the king but the realm itself and a sword is not a fitting weapon for you." She said and Araseli brought forth something wrapped in cloth. It was to wide to be a sword. The Queen pulled out a bow.

"This bow was commissioned for you for your valor at Goblinstown and now again at Huntersstand.
It is a symbol of that dedication that you have shown to the people. Wield it not in the name of any king or queen but for people whom you fight to defend."

"Thank you my majesty." I bowed and took the bow. It looked almost to beautiful to even use. The wood was reddish brown elderwood and the bow was made in elfish fashion but the grip and ends where kingsforge steel plated in gold.

I headed to town for a good meal and to hang out with all of our friends. I was glad though when I got the thing I wanted most. After two weeks all I wanted was to go home.

"Home sweet home." Aurora said as she spread out her arms.

"I know what you mean." I nodded.

"We could have just hid in here during the battle." Felicia joked.

"No. Someone broke through the barrier at the Eldergrove. I didn't want to risk your lives." I shook my head. Until yesterday I might have agreed with her but now I knew someone with enough power could get through.

"And that is why we love you." Rose smiled and gave me a kiss.

"If not he might have turned or home into a safe haven." Aurora teased. She was right there. I might have. This place could hold a good number of people.

"I am going to get washed up." I nodded.

"Okay." Rose slid off of me. I went up to my room and took off my shirt and saw the cloth was slightly bloody. Ava had told me not to use the numb pain spell so I would know when I popped a stitch. I used a healing spell on myself though I didn't have her talent I could at least stop a little bleeding which is the only reason she had let me go anywhere at all. She got to more then practice her skills today after the battle. We might have lost more wounded if not for her help.

"Knock knock." A knock came at the door and Felicia entered.

"Oh sorry." Felicia said. "Ouch. Was that from the battle."

"Yes." I nodded.

"Looks like it must have hurt?" She gave me a look. With those big eyes. "Just a little bit. Can you help clean it?"

"Sure." She nodded and closed the door and came over.

"Thanks." I smiled and she tenderly wiped around the wound.

"I am glad you are okay. Aurora told us about the trip. Worst vacation ever." She joked making me laugh which hurt a little.

"It had its moments." I grinned.

"I am just glad you are okay." She said in a sincere voice. "Speaking of moments. Tomorrow is the first full moon."

"Selena?" I nodded.

"Yeah. Her mom has my old master now but she still needs attention." Felicia nodded. Delilah had moved to Felicia's old farm and hooked up with the old man. Selena wanted to stay. I was more then happy to let her. Despite her young age she had experience farming the hill and the magic to do it faster.

"I will be there or she can come here if she likes." I nodded.

"Really?" Felicia asked.

"Yes." I nodded.

"Thank you." She hugged me making me winch in pain.

"Sorry." She said as she let go of me and bit her lip in that cute way she did when she did something wrong. I smiled and gave her a kiss on the head. I redressed the wound and headed to see what Rose and Aurora where doing. When I opened the door they were sitting on the bed kissing. Both pulled away blushing.

"Oh sorry. Don't let me interrupt." I joked. It looked like they had talked things out. Rose whispered something and Aurora nodded. They had figured that little trick before we had left. They could carrying on a whole conversation across a room just by whispering.

"Care to join us?" Rose smiled.