* * *
Two days before Ashe's fourteenth birthday, Ashe walked along the path where the mobile homes had stood. None survived the battle between the Dark and Light Elemaiya and Nathan, Aedan, Trace and Jason had all pitched in to clean up the debris. Ashe kicked at a few clumps of dirt and grass as he contemplated what had happened in such a short span of time.
Things were settling into a normal routine; he and his mother were back to work at Cordell Feed and Seed and Chump and Wormy were locked up in a windowless house for the rest of the summer. Word had it that both boys snarled and spit at the ones assigned to take meals and clean clothing, including Diane and Neil Booth. Ashe shook his head over so much disrespect. Chad and Jeremy had nobody to blame except themselves.
The community breathed ragged, relieved sighs over the whole thing and Winkler, Trace, Roger and Toby had gone back to Dallas. Jason stayed behind and asked Sali's Aunt Marcie to marry him. She said yes. The wedding was scheduled in August and the community was already making preparations.
Ashe waded through knee-high grass where Edward's mobile home had stood. Now, only the outline of the foundation was evident, while new grass attempted to consume the imprints. "I wish I knew where you were, Edward," Ashe sighed. "I hope you're safe and happy."
Sali trotted up beside Ashe, panting a little since he'd run from his house as wolf. Ashe didn't speak to the young werewolf at first, pondering instead the beautiful woman he'd seen on the other side of his gate. Her image ran through his mind, as did her silent words for him. He also weighed Ren's final warnings. Had he ever thought of not befriending the tall, blue youth? Thanks, Ren, Ashe sent out in silent gratitude. There was no reply.
* * *
Epilogue
"So, young Renegar, have you learned something from your study of the Elemaiya?" Nefrigar smiled down at his brother's child. Nefrigar, Keeper of the Larentii Archives, was ancient, although his appearance belied that fact.
"Yes, Uncle," the nine-year-old Larentii child smiled back at his only uncle as he handed over a tiny crystal data chip. "You know the Legend of the Ir'Indicti?"
"Of course. We hold a copy of the H'Morr here in our Archives. Why do you ask such a question, child?"
"Because I found him. I saw the Ir'Indicti, Uncle." Nefrigar almost dropped the data chip, he was so stunned.
The End