Alcander and Aderes wandered far and wide for many days after leaving the palace of Queen Roani,for the Land of the Khosani was vast and beautiful, verdant valleys, high mountains, rushing rivers and lush forests made up this land of plentitude. Even the weather was kind to them, being mild and spring-like, making it pleasant to ramble along without a care in the world. Leaving had not been easy, there were many tears, not all had come from the maidens, much to Alcander’s embarrassment! Roani smiled gently at Alcander and said “Alcander, do not be ashamed of what you feel, for it is only a true man who is not afraid to show his emotions in such an open manner.” She continued “You have the soul and the heart of a poet, the body of a warrior and the mind of a philosopher. Use these gifts bestowed on you by the Gods, well and your name will be spoken of with awe around camp-fires in many lands” She took his hand and pressed it softly to her cheek saying “We, the Khosani tribe will never forget you and Aderes, for you have given new life to the tribe. For this I am eternally grateful, if you ever are in need of help, just call my name, I will hear you no matter how far away you are, for we are as one” Roani put her hand on her stomach and smiled shyly up at Alcander, he knew then, like a thunderbolt, that he would return to Roani for he knew, as he gazed into her lovely tear filled eyes, that he loved her with every fibre of his being. He was torn between leaving and staying but knew in his heart that he had to get the wanderlust out of his soul,so that when he returned he would do so happily, content in the knowledge that he had fulfilled his promise to his father, Kael, to go out and experience the world and all it has to offer!!!! After many hugs and kisses and even more tears, Aderes and Alcander departed after promising to return as soon as they could!!! Alcander and Aderes came to a fork in the road…which way to choose? One path was well trodden, the other less travelled. Aderes was standing, tail swishing, looking down the slightly overgrown path, he glanced over his shoulder at Alcander, their eyes met and Alcander knew he must allow his companion to pick the road this time, so without more ado they set off down the narrow winding path which would lead them to where and what??.......... Sorry this isn't so good but Martie (my dog) isn't too well and I'm finding it hard to concentrate:-( Thank you for taking a peeking and if you leave a comment a big thank for that too:-)A thank you to everyone who added 'His Kingdom' to their favourites, you helped to put it into the Art Charts at No 37 last week!!! Huggles Sylvia Hugs Sylvia