She Didn’t Go Alone

Glad you could join us for the next cautionary episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

Vernon continued, “Before another word escaped Benito’s mouth, the Queen shot from the Hive and stabbed him in his treacherous heart, condemning them both.”

“I hope someday I’ll be such a fierce and devoted mother.” Cassandra’s eyes glowed with determination.

Elliot’s eyestalks shivered and bent her way. “I am certain our children will never wish for a better mother,” he said, “but I shall be very careful never to threaten them without your approval.”

A slow smile spread to Cassandra’s cheeks.

Elliot turned to Vernon. “What happened next?”

Vernon smiled. “Princess Lilian’s coronation took place immediately. She consoled those who had lost loved ones in the battle even as they tried to console their new Queen. To honor the memory of the Suns of Glory, she founded the Hive Elite, Fen’s Royal Aero Squadron. Her own beloved had perished in the battle, but she did her bittersweet duty, rebuilding the Hive’s colony.

“One day, Persephone returned, alone and in despair. Queen Lilian’s news of her mother’s sacrifice and the fate of the Suns crushed what remained of her friend’s broken heart. They shared one last precious day together, and Persephone left the Kingdom forever.”

A flicker of motion in the doorway called their attention to Queen Lilian’s presence.

“It’s a sorrowful tale,” she said, her voice just above a whisper, “and few know what became of my friend, the Lady Persephone, after she left Fen.”

When she said nothing more, Elliot spoke. “A friend of King Arnie’s from the Suns of Glory told him Persephone had gone alone to the Deep Woods.”

Queen Lilian’s eyes held such tender sorrow as she looked at Cassandra, the young snail’s heart beat harder fearing what she might say.

“Yes, Persephone had given me permission to tell him that much. But she didn’t go alone.”

To be continued. . .

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .

Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story... View all posts by Sue Ranscht