A Path Toward Home (The Annals of Avonea) (17 page)
Read A Path Toward Home (The Annals of Avonea) Online
Authors: Heather Lorenz
“So that Bible that Moolow gave you is the actual Bible Sergio owned?”
“Indeed, and it has been handed down from generation to generation.”
“Was Sergio a king?”
“No, they didn't have kings in Avonea until eight generations later. I'm sure I would bore you if I told you all of my family history.”
“I don't get bored too easily.”
“Well, I think could,” Drinian replied as they continued on.
***************
Several hours passed without incident until they reached the edge of a dense forest. They spotted a narrow trail heading deeper into the trees, and a few minutes later they stumbled into a small clearing. The evening sun glistened from a flat, round, golden stone. They had arrived at The Circle of Return.
“Here we are, Woodphere sighed, as he stood there with his head down.”
Constance walked ahead reluctantly, wishing they had not come upon it so soon. She paused, studying it for a few seconds until Drinian and Woodphere joined her.
“Do you have all your things?” Woodphere asked solemnly.
Constance barely nodded her head, as she walked toward him.
“Thank you so much, Woodphere for bringing me here. I will always remember all our adventures together,” Constance replied, hugging the old man with tears swelling in her eyes.
“Thank you dear for being with us, I treasured every moment. It was like being with your mother again. You are so much like her.”
“You don't know how much that means to me to hear you say that.”
“Now you make sure you take good care of yourself. Keep your spirits up and remember to always look to God when times are tough,” Woodphere said, trying to hold back the tears and keep his strong chin from quivering.
“I will.” Constance whispered into Woodphere's ear. “Please take care of Drinian, and tell him on his coronation day that I am so very proud of him and that I love him so much.”
Woodphere nodded his head, and kissed Constance on the forehead.
Now the hardest moment Constance had ever faced in her entire life was upon her. It was time to say goodbye to the man she loved so very much.
“Drinian,” Constance's eyes filled with tears as she walked up to Drinian.
Drinian kept his head down until Constance lifted his chin.
“I love you so much, there will never be anyone in my world who I love more,” Constance whispered looking into Drinian's dark eyes.
Drinian took Constance hand and held it up to his dark cheek. “Constance, I love you, but you will never know how much.”
With that comment, Constance could no longer hold back her tears, and they trickled shamelessly down her cheek.
“I cannot say goodbye to you. I must go with you,” Drinian replied
“Drinian, it’s not possible. You must stay here and rule.”
“The councilmen can do it. They have been doing it for years anddoing a fine job.”
“No! Your people need you. You’re the bravest, kindest, and most determined prince I have ever met, and your people need you so much more than I do.”
“You've never met any other prince,” Drinian replied with a smile.
“I guess you’re right,” Constance replied.
Constance gave Drinian a quick kiss on the cheek, followed by a warm hug.
“Drinian, I know that you will be the best king of Avonea, as long as you trust God in your decisions.”
“I will. You will always have a place in my heart.”
“And you in mine,” Constance replied.
Constance took a deep breath and walked resolutely toward the golden stone. She turned around once more to look back into Drinian's brown eyes and Woodphere's pensive gaze.
Constance gently waved as she stepped into the Circle of Return. Then she was gone.
Drinian put his head down as the tears trickled down his dark cheeks. Woodphere tenderly put his arm around Drinian’s shoulder.
“Drinian do not worry, it is not the last time you will see Constance. We will see her again someday,” Woodphere said comforting Drinian.
Drinian took a deep breath and lifted his head, his eyes red from tears that lingered in them.
“Let’s go home,” Woodphere softly said.
Drinian nodded and dejectedly started the trek back to the palace with Woodphere by his side.
*****************
Constance slowly opened her eyes as she struggled to regain focus. She lay on the ground with leaves and a small branch or two on top of her. Constance pushed them aside as she raised her hand to her head, for she had a nasty headache.
Where am I? Did I dream all that
?
Constance carefully arose, and as she brushed the leaves from her dress she nudged an unfamiliar object that hung from her neck. She glanced down, and there to her delight was the beautiful necklace which Drinian had given her.
It had not been a dream after all! It had really happened
! Looking to the ground Constance spotted the pouch of money from Drinian. She opened the pouch to find Canadian currency, just as Drinian had told her.
Constance started to make her way to the house. She opened the door and walked down the hall past the paintings of ships which reminded her of Woodphere’s room.
Constance walked into the living room where her aunt still lay sprawled on the couch with the radio on.
Constance only grinned and shook her head.
“Constance?” Uncle Blake's voice came from his office.
“Yes?” Constance asked, as she entered the room.
“I thought I heard you, seems I was right. Where have you been for the past two hours? Have you been swinging the whole time?”
“I guess you could say that.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Uncle Blake questioned.
If you only knew
Constance thought to herself. “Oh, by the way, here’s some money to help with the bills.” Constance said, putting the pouch in front of her uncle.
“Constance how did you get this?”
“It's a long story. Maybe I'll tell you about it later. I'll call you when it is ready.”
“Alright, you better. Oh, and Constance that is a nice necklace you are wearing today.”
“Thank you,” she replied as she closed the door.
Constance went into her bedroom and closed the door. She gently removed the necklace and put it on her dresser. How many memories that necklace held now. She sat on her bed and closed her eyes. She thought of Drinian and his sweet caring face, his big brown eyes and his cheering smile.
Now I know how it feels to truly love someone.
ONE LAST THING
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author, Heather R. Lorenz, currently a high school student, lives in Ohio. Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, she transports her readers to another world with a dash of romance, an abundance of adventure and a touch of mystery.
Thank you for taking the time to read
A Path Toward Home
, the first novel in
The Annals of Avonea
series. If you enjoyed this book I would be very grateful if you would post a short review on my Amazon book page at:
http://amzn.to/19Zvesz
Thanks again for your support. It really does make a difference.
Heather R. Lorenz
Acknowledgments
I wish to personally thank the following individuals for their contributions to my inspiration and knowledge in creating this book. Not only have they inspired me to be a better writer, but have been my encouragement along the way. First and foremost, I thank God for helping me write this book; He has inspired me in so many ways. I would like to thank Melissa Lorenz and Madeline Brock for advising me throughout the writing of this book and giving me creative ideas. I would also like to thank Marvin Lorenz, LaDonna Lorenz, Carrie Lorenz, Julie Dennison, Lydia Brock, Martha Dennison, Jana Hunkapiller, Kenneth Lorenz, Charlotte Thompson, Diane Thompson and Vivian Faler for providing guidance. I am beyond blessed to have you in my life.
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