Forgotten Guardians
Epilogue

Josan sat on the mountain side, as the small band of dwarves, elves and humans, escorted their prisoners through the forest. The sun was fast sinking into the horizon. Josan watched the sunset and thought about his mentor, his mother and everyone he had met along the way of his quest. For once in his life he felt at peace, the darkness still hid in the shadows of his mind, but a new defense was now built up, the knowledge that his mother loved him. The sound of footsteps brought him out of his daydream. Josan turned to see Miranda walking towards him. She was so beautiful and he couldn’t believe she loved him too. The thought seemed to almost lift him from the ground. She sat down next to him with a smile.

“We are heading back soon,” she said as she looked out over the forest.

For a moment they sat in silence, enjoying the sunset and each other’s company. Finally Josan spoke, “So, was your adventure everything you wished for?” he asked.

Miranda looked up into his shimmering silver eyes, eyes she could stare at until the end of her days. She nudged closer and took his hand into hers, “Everything and more.” she said as she laid her head on his shoulder and watched the sunset.

A clatter of footsteps sounded behind them as Grimmly, Uuger, Frathe, and Wolf came around the side. Uuger ran over and hopped into Miranda’s lap as Wolf walked over to Josan and sat on his hunches while Frathe and Grimmly took a seat behind them.

“Well, they are taking the prisoners back to the Keep. Where are we off to next?” Grimmly said as he watched the sunset.

“I must go to the Tether Mountains and bury Bellfast’s swords,” Josan said without turning around, “I would be honored if you all joined me.”

“Of course we will,” Miranda said as she snuggled closer to him.

“’That’s right, you’re stuck with us for life,” Grimmly said with mirth.

“You mean I have to tromp around with you five even more? Bloody hell,” Frame said throwing his hands up in the air mockingly, “What about this whole destiny thing?” Frathe huffed.

“Don’t worry, I think that it will replace us,” Josan said. They all sat in silence and watched the last of the sun’s rays sink below the horizon, together enjoying the unspoken bond between them all.