Savoring the Bittersweet

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

Elliot 135
Image credit: NatGeoWild / S.T. Ranscht
“Hey, what about King Arnie of Bog and his Knights of Service? They don’t write… they don’t call…” You, trying to remember what they were doing 50 episodes ago.

When we last saw the fine fighting forces of Bog, King Arnie was honoring Lady Connie, her family, and their neighbors for helping to win the final battle against the Marauders. Well, final for now. Together, Bog and Fen had repelled the enemy without conquering them, and no one was foolish enough to think the war was over.

So what have they been doing?

~~~

King Arnie’s triumphant return to the southern border of Bog took the surviving troops back through the battlefields, both east and west. At each site, citizens had begun the solemn clearing efforts, and the soldiers set up camp to help.

The King himself visited all the surrounding families to offer comfort and learn what they needed. By the time the army reached home, he had dispatched help and supplies to each community. He gladly accepted their thanks, but gently refused tributes and offerings, explaining that the Kingdom was forever indebted for their invaluable sacrifices.

No one minded that the welcome home celebration was subdued; its sincerity was undeniable. The King honored Knights who had performed extraordinary acts of valor with special note, but none — living or dead — went without recognition and acknowledgement.

Knightling Barry became a full Knight of Service. His friend Trevor was so proud, he threw a legendary party among the Knights to welcome Barry into their ranks. With humility and gratitude, they removed the southern barrier of piked Marauder heads, vowing never to reveal the heads’ final resting place.

Life in the Kingdom of Bog was returning to normal when a member of Fen’s Light of Day Aero Squadron arrived requesting King Arnie the Former’s presence at Queen Lilian the Undisputed Monarch’s court. The messenger gave no indication of the visit’s purpose.

Asking no questions, King Arnie gathered a small entourage and left immediately.

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...

4 thoughts on “Savoring the Bittersweet”

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