Continued from S3-5-10: Some Wounds Heal Slowly. “My Duke!” Nadjana said with reverence as she dropped to her knees before him. Avan had literally leapt from the boat as it hit ground; rushing toward them with a warm smile on his face “What is this?” he asked in a good humored tone, as he leaned down and took her by the shoulders. “Nadjana, you’ve been too good a friend for far too long for this!” Pulling her to her feet, he embraced her like a lost kinsmen. “Its good to see you well… I was afraid you would be otherwise,” he said with clear relief and honest concern in his voice. “Lord Syn’s healing spells and potions have restored my body. But there are other wounds which will take longer to mend,” she reported in a meek tone that surprised him and confirmed his fears that she had suffer terribly at the hands of the Inquisition. Avan smiled comfortingly at her and embraced her again, and then he turned toward the others. “There is no way that I can express my gratitude,” he said with warm sincerity. Then his face turned solemn. “Before I left court, Cardinal Garrick informed the King of the assault on the Abbey. Apparently several Knights returned from one of their “inquests” to find it all but burnt to the ground, but there were a few survivors. One of them, Avvon Helforth, claimed that they were attacked by Melniboneans with a flight of dragons; which has Garrick clamoring for an all out strike on Imrryr!” Nykira and Nadjana scowled at the news that their chief tormentor had survived, but even their rage was nothing compared to Syn’s at the thought that he had failed to end the miserable dog’s life, and worse, now he was taking advantage of that mistake to further his own agenda. “I’d have welcomed you to stay in Old Hrolmar as some small sign of my gratitude, but now, even I don’t dare,” Avan said with true regret. “All I can offer is my true and humble thanks… and a means to leave Vilmir before word spreads and even my people turns against you.” “You thanks, and a way out of Vilmir, are both appreciated,” Rynard replied, then looked to Nykira and Syn, who both nodded their agreement. “We’ll be as grateful to leave this land as it is to see us go!” “I’ll take you to Kariss on the Isle of Purple Towns,” Avan offered. “The Purple Towners have little animosity toward Melnibone… at lest less then most others… and the church of Law falls a poor second to Lassa amongst the Isle’s nobility who favor Kariss over Menii, where merchants hold greater sway.” As they all moved toward the boat that waited to take them to the Duke’s ship, Nykira and Nadjana paused to embrace each other with the warmth of a sisterhood born in their common suffering. Even though it would take several days to reach Kariss, they both felt that the bond which had given them the strength to endure their torment was ending here. To be continued on S3-5-12: The Proclamation. The eleventh installment in the fifth book of my Stormbringer characters' adventures. Thanks for looking... Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions always welcome and appreciated! P.S. For those who have followed this series, you may notice that there is an image missing. The ninth installment was removed by the Rederosity censors. Anyone interested in this installment, please contact me and I will direct you to where it can be seen.