Chapter Twenty Two — Conclusion

I felt like it might be a bold new adventure, having a child. Many people were wondering if my child would have wings or be an Elf. Because of the new laws on angelic transformation, the child probably wouldn’t have wings. Unless, of course, he earned those wings in a past life. Because of the laws of genetics, I was willing to bet he would have pointed ears, and my eyes.

Eohl and I were given what King Lotus referred to as “the small mansion” as a wedding present from the entire family. The small mansion had thirty bedrooms, an indoor battle room and a library that swallowed one of its four floors entirely. Like all Elfin homes, it wasn’t a blemish to Isastan’s surface, because it was build completely underground. I insisted on having a private garden and a quick way out from my bedroom, so I could take evening flights and have distant picnics with Eohl.

Everybody spoiled me, including Uruza, who was expecting a second child several months sooner than myself. She was staying with us until her child was born, because it is the duty of the younger sister to help the eldest in delivery. I was actually looking forward to that time, when her baby girl would be born with my help.

Her first born kid, Golun, ran around the house playing pirates and slavers with other children whose names I wasn’t really familiar with. Eohl patted my belly almost daily, happy and afraid, just like me.

“I promise,” Uruza said, her serious Elfin manner still that of a warrior. “When your time comes, I’ll be your midwife.” She said it very seriously, as if it were a personal sacrifice.

I smiled at her, surprised when she hugged me. Being surrounded by Elves gave me a different perspective on childbirth. Creatures of pure formality, everything had to have a ritual. I found their sense of duty unparalleled, and the source behind their need to serve was equally surprising. Though they seemed formal, their devotion to their family and love of their friends was the force behind everything they did.

I found it strange because their expression of love was without emotional parallel, and yet they would never express it outwardly. The only thing that really made me wish that I still wasn’t pregnant was the Lenitians. They were still a slave economy, and that made it difficult for me to sit around and wait to have my child. With a child to think of, I couldn’t go on binges of piracy against the Lenitian merchants. I was in no condition for such games, and when the baby was born Eohl and I’d both be too busy caring for it to be hopping around the galaxy in the name of liberation. Eohl and I spoke of it one evening, when I was feeling a little depressed.

“I wonder how long it will be before my name is forgotten completely by the Lenitians.” I said, sipping at a glass of water.

“Probably never.” Eohl said.

“Why is that? You know something I don’t,” I said, putting my head on his arm.

“It seems that you’ve made a few friends among the pirates. I let word out that the reason the Lenitians have been so lucky lately is that the great and mighty pirate Bit would soon be the gentle and loving Mother Bit. I got an unexpected response. Captain Jonas took up arms in your honor, and agreed to continue your mission for as long as it takes for you to return to the Captain’s seat.

“Captain Jonas and his men have been raiding slave ships — using your exact same attack strategy — nonviolent but unyielding. During every attack, they declare they’re freeing the slaves ‘in service of Captain Bit.’” He giggled mischievously, kissing me.

I was happier than I’d ever been before, confident and successful. Besides the Lenitian affair, there really wasn’t much going on in the galaxy, so for now, I enjoyed my vacation. I figured my time in service might even be done. The years past with few concerns. One evening, when my son was old enough, Eohl and I decided to take him into Otherspace for a history lesson. We flew to the remains of Transcendence, scavenging for memories. As Eohl talked about the angelic wars and how Transcendence had been built from the dreams of the angels, I was temporarily separated and found myself at Wisdom’s throne.

Tester and Wisdom were waiting. “I knew you’d find your way here eventually.” She said. I bowed reverently, and was rewarded with a hug from Wisdom.

“Enjoy your rest honey. When I need you again, I’ll call on you. You are the last angel, after all.” Wisdom kissed my forehead and Tester my cheek.

A flash of light signaled the end of our conversation, and when I regained my senses I was in Eohl’s arms. He looked concerned. Transcendence began to lose its glimmer, and, with my child in my arms, I turned to Eohl, a single tear running down my cheek.

“Let’s go home, dear. This isn’t the place I thought it was.” Taking his hand, we shifted back to Realspace, Transcendence behind us, and our future ahead.







End Book One







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