In the midst of the Abbey, a gaping hole exposed the dungeon room where the maston rights were instructed. Oddly, the benches and altar were still there. It was now open to be seen and even the stairwell leading there was still intact. It was while Lia wandered the wet grounds around it that she saw the floor stone raise up and curious heads began to poke out. Kieran Ven and the others emerged from the tunnels below ground. Lia watched their faces as they emerged into open air where once an Abbey had stood.
* * *
The traveling supplies had been gathered. Sacks and blankets, sturdy boots and thick cloaks adorned everyone, even the little children. Pasqua had tears in her eyes as she tried to determine which of the five ladles she would bring to Pry-Ree and then beyond. Lia bit her lip and hugged Pasqua tenderly, helping her to choose her favorite.
The door of the kitchen opened and Kieran strode in, spraying beads of water. He reminded her of Jon Hunter with his unshaven face and unruly hair. He wore a gladius at his side. “It is the third day. The storm has broken, just as you said it would.” He gazed at Lia and then reached for Marciana’s hand. Their fingers entangled. That had been a surprise to Lia upon hearing of the news. The two had been married by irrevocare sigil by the Aldermaston days before the fall of Muirwood. Marciana had passed the maston test. Sowe clung to Edmon’s arm and stared at Lia with worried eyes.
Kieran glanced at those assembled. “We must go.”
Marciana looked hard at Lia. “I wish you could come with us.” Her voice caught. “But since you must stay, as Maderos bid you, you may hear what became of my brother. I still hold him in my thoughts. I have not given up hope.”
Lia experienced the deep ache of pain that happened whenever she thought of Colvin. “It was not my choice to stay behind. But it is certainly my duty. There may be others seeking to escape the Blight when they realize what form it has taken. I will send them to Tintern, after you. Unless they are infected – I will not send on any who may bring the sickness among you.”
Sowe came and gave Lia a hug. “Will you be safe here? All alone?”
Lia smiled and wiped her eyes. “If that wind did not kill me, I doubt loneliness will. This kitchen has always been my home. It brings me comfort knowing that it still stands. Please take good care of my sister,” she said to Edmon, giving him a hug farewell. “Make her laugh. Every day.”
A crooked smile contorted his mouth. “I will. If we by chance have any daughters, we will name the first after you. That way, we can be assured of a mischievous child!”
Lia laughed through her tears, hugging them both again. It was painful, saying goodbye. But the roles had changed, for it was her family that was leaving her behind. Pasqua was next and then Prestwich, who was holding one of Siler’s children by the hand. A kiss to each, a firm hug.
Reome lingered in the back, uncertain about what to do. She had transformed since they had last seen each other. The haugtiness was gone. The swell of the babe was visible, but still just barely. Lia approached her and took her hands.
“I was always a little afraid of you,” Lia said softly.
“Were you?” Reome asked, looking baffled. “I am sorry, Lia. I am sorry for all of the dreadful things I said and did to you. Teasing you and mocking you.” Her eyes squinted thoughtfully. “I suffered greatly from my guilt and shame until I spoke with the Aldermaston. We really spoke, Lia, as I am sure you often did with him. He was so gentle and kind to me. He helped me see that punishing myself accomplished nothing. He taught me to be grateful for what I have instead of what I lost or never had.” There were tears in her eyes, and she blinked rapidly. “If I have a boy, I will name him Gideon.” She bit her lip. “I will never forget what you did for me, Lia Hunter. May the Medium comfort you and keep you. I believe in it now as I have never believed anything in my life. You gave me the first spark of it.” She squeezed Lia’s hands and then gave her a kiss on her cheek. “Bless you, sister.”
Lia’s heart shuddered with emotion and she clenched Reome tightly, amazed at her surging feelings. The two had never shared a hug in their entire lives together at Muirwood. It truly was the end of all things.
As they left the kitchen into the chilled morning air, Marciana and Kieran halted while the rest gathered outside.
“Do you think Pen-Ilyn will still be by the shore?” Marciana asked. “With his boat to ferry us across to Pry-Ree?”
Lia pursed her lips. “I believe…someone will be waiting for you. The Medium responds to our needs. I cannot see who, but I sense it. Someone will take you to the ships.”