Home Again

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

Joseph landed in the field where Fen’s troops had assembled what seemed to Elliot like an age ago. Queen Lilian waited for them.

“Welcome home,” she smiled. “I trust your flight was uneventful, Joseph?”

“No signs of trouble on the ground or in the air,” he replied, “and no unpleasantness on board. If I didn’t know Pierce personally, I’d say Elliot’s reputation was unfounded.”

Chuckling along with him, Elliot elaborated. “It was an event of unparalleled splendor. Sailing on a rainbow into the dawn, uplifted and windswept, fearless and completely trusting — it’s freedom in the most infinite sense. I don’t know why I couldn’t experience flying that way before.”

“Perhaps it’s because you’ve changed, Elliot the Faithful,” the Queen proposed. “My friend, I wonder if you would agree to keep your Name just between us for a little while longer? King Arnie’s arrival this afternoon will be followed by a banquet this evening to celebrate our victory. You already know the surprise we have for the King; I was hoping we could surprise Princess Cassandra as well with your latest honor.”

“Of course, your Magnificence. But if it’s all right with you, I’d like to let her know I’m back as soon as possible.”

“She’s in the bower. Go.”

Elliot’s elation went with him. Bent over the shivering Vernon, Cassandra and Clifton didn’t notice him in the doorway. The sight of his love so tenderly caring for their ill friend wrung a sigh of longing pride from his heart. “How is he?” Elliot asked.

“Elliot!” she cried rushing to him with laughter and kisses. “Where have you been? What have you been doing?”

“I’ve been too far away missing you, my only love.”

“Take note, Clifton,” she called to the young bee, “when you finally meet the love of your life, evasive answers should sound just like that.”

“Yet every word is true,” Elliot said. “It matters only that I’m here with you now.” Wrapping himself around her, he felt at one with life.

Vernon’s hoarse gasp gripped their attention. Raising his head, he locked eyes with Elliot and forced his breath to form words.

“Rebels… rebels are coming.”

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