Page 102 of The Warrior's Echo

No one hadto stay. They were free to leave Avalon and go back to their original century alone, or back with their loved ones to their century. They all chose to stay with their partners.

Wolf vowed that he would help his wife grow accustomed to the rugged mountains of his home. He would make certain she was happy, and safe.

Hild would be staying on in Avalon, with the queen and the sisters. She was happy there and would grow strong. Wolf and Camelee would always be there for her whenever she needed them.

Fin swore his fealty to the queen and though he was not permitted to remain in Avalon, he would come to her side if ever she called upon him. He also swore to look after Alric and to teach him well.

Kestrel and Nicholas promised to send word to the sisters when she gave birth.

Michael and his sister didn’t want to part and Camelee swore she wouldn’t let them go unless the sisters promised to bring them together once every year. Maybe at Christmastime, she suggested.

The sisters agreed and sent Michael and Charlotte, Nicholas and Kes home first.

Sebastian took a bit of time leaving his father. It was clear to see that things were different between them.

“I’m looking after everything in New York,” he told Arthur. “I will see you then, at Christmas.”

“Yes,” the king agreed and pulled his son into a tight embrace. “Son of my youth. I’m sorry about your mother.”

“Her end was her own doing, Father,” Sebastian said into his father’s neck. “I’m just thankful I didn’t kill you.”

“So am I.”

They laughed and Arthur patted his son’s shoulders. “You are strong, Sebastian. More than you were ever taught, for you resisted her power. Well done.”

Sebastian pulled back and smiled, then nodded and returned to Noelle. He faced her and held their hands between them. And then they, too, were gone.

“Ulf,” the king said, “I trust you with my daughter’s life.”

Wolf bowed his head. The honor was too great to speak of. “I will never disappoint you, my lord.”

The king and his wife and daughter smiled at him.

“As a way of thanking you for saving those I love,” the king continued. “I will ask the sisters to grant you one thing, but remember, you can only have it here in Avalon.”

Wolf nodded and looked down at the woman who burrowed her way under his skin and laid waste to his heart. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. Her smile widened and she nodded her approval.

“We want a night of music and dancing. Slow music,” he added, remembering how his new family had danced with each other.

“Fast music, too,” his wife corrected quickly and with a smile. “Some rock and roll. Don’t worry. You’ll love it. The louder the better.”

He turned a worried look at her father. Had he chosen the wrong thing? He had anything to pick from, after all. He chose a night of music and dancing.

And then Camelee smiled at him, and he knew whatever they chose would be perfect.

Certainly, he would learn how to dance if it made his wife happy.

Wasn’t that what husbands were supposed to do?

The End