Chapter 35
CHAPTER 35
T wilight the next evening saw everyone gathered on the new pack lands. Earlier that morning, Puff, Atticus, and Mateo found their current location, which overlooked a pond, to hold the vigils. Using dragon magic, they made it perfect.
Three altars were standing ready. There was enough space around them for a dragon to shift and watch over their fallen.
Puff, Blake, Baylan Alex and Tudor were in suits and wearing their crowns. Mateo and Atticus were also wearing suits, with Mateo having his sword strapped to his side.
All dragon and gargoyle guards were in formal military dress, and pack mates were wearing suits.
The three kings and two consorts greeted everyone who arrived and then led them to the altars.
The pack mates stood together, with family members standing close. Dragon guards surrounded them with the gargoyle guards and other shifters forming outer rings.
After a nod from Blake, Puff stepped forward. “Today is a solemn day. We stand here, getting ready to hold this space for our fallen brothers and sister. For Sergeant Laural Cartwright.” Her shrouded body appeared on the first altar. “For Corporal Travis Wainscot.” His shrouded body appeared on the middle altar. “And for Corporal Chance Challoner.” His shrouded body appeared on the final altar.
“We found out in days of old, a vigil was held for the dead, a way to help the earth to accept burials, or for fires to burn brighter and hotter. The vigil will start in a few moments, and last until twilight tomorrow evening. No one needs to stay for the full vigil, but myself and King Bob will hold the space. We have also found a way, using dragon magic, to bring forth the dragons of the fallen so they can help hold the space and mourn their loss.
“Anyone who wants to shift, help yourself, just do whatever feels right.” His voice was nearly giving out but he managed. He looked towards the west and the setting sun. “It is time,” Puff all but whispered, taking off his crown and handing it to Blake. He then shifted into Bob.
Bob let out a roar of anguish and, calling on his magic, three dragons appeared in front of the altars which held their humans.
Bob sat down and started holding the space. Family members shifted, their roars of anguish and sadness sounding into the fading light.
Fire-lit torches appeared, offering a gentle glow.
After an hour, people started drifting away. Mateo and Atticus shifted into their dragons and Barden and Salvador flanked Bob.
The dragon guards stayed watching over their fallen.
Twilight the next evening saw everyone back, gathered around the altars. Blake, Baylan, Tudor and Alex were again wearing their crowns.
Bob stood up and roared. “Thank you, my dragons and friends,” he said in his deep voice, which sounded scratchy. He shifted back into Puff.
Blake handed him his crown, which he settled on his head. “It’s now time,” he tried to say. He turned to look at Atticus.
Atticus stepped forward. “It is now time to bury our fallen. Each family has asked for their relatives to be buried here, on these pack lands. Before they are buried, if anyone wants to come forward and say something, you are very welcome.”
Atticus stepped back next to Puff.
Thanks, Puff said to him.
One by one, family members stepped forward, laid a hand on their relative and recounted a memory. Tears were shed, but love flowed.
Finally, General Delinga stepped forward, walking around and laying a hand on top of each of the shrouds. “Our brothers and sister were taken much too soon. All three of them were exemplary guards. They will be missed by everyone.” The general stepped back.
Puff pushed his magic out and three graves appeared.
Atticus stepped forward again. “If anyone would like to lay their relative to rest now, you can.”
No one moved.
Using his magic, Puff put the three bodies in their graves and covered them up. Beautifully carved headstones appeared by each one.
A few moments later, the sound of a flute was heard floating gently around them.
Blake stepped forward. “Friends, refreshments have been laid out for everyone. Join us in a celebration of your loved ones’ lives.”
Family members walked to the graves to lay flowers down while other people started leaving, walking over to where tables had been set up, laden down with food and drinks.
Puff walked over to the three dragons. I’m truly sorry for your loss, but I’m glad the three of you were here. If there is anything King Bob or I can do to help you, don’t be afraid to ask, he told them, touching each of the dragons.
Thank you, Your Majesty. We just need time to mourn our losses, one of them said. Thank you for letting us be here.
You’re welcome. Now off you go, Puff said to them, and the three dragons disappeared.
Puff turned away and walked to Atticus and Mateo. Thank you for staying.
“As if we would leave you,” Mateo said gently.
“Your Majesty,” a voice said from behind.
They turned and saw Mr Cartwright. “Thank you, that was lovely,” he said.
“You’re welcome,” Puff whispered.
“I wonder if I can ask you a favour.”
Puff nodded.
“My Laural and I were true mates, so I don’t have much time left. I fear what will happen to my children. We have some relatives out there, but none I would entrust my boys to.”
Puff looked at Atticus.
“King Puff understands. Your boys are welcome to move into the pack house and live with us. The king promises to protect them and keep them safe.”
Puff nodded.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I wonder if I can be buried by my Laural.”
Puff nodded again.
“You can. We can hold a vigil for you as well.”
Mr Cartwright sighed in relief. “Thank you, but I don’t need a vigil, just to be placed beside my wife, which dragon magic can help with. I have two, maybe three, days. I’m holding on for as long as I can to get everything sorted for my boys.”
Puff touched his arm. “We’ll be ready,” he whispered.
“Thank you. They’re good boys, but losing us both will hit them hard. I always loved the fact I was true mated, now I realise it’s not all a blessing. I should be alive to see them grow into the amazing men I know they will be.” He paused, his eyes watery. “Sorry, you don’t need to hear my ramblings. Just know I am so grateful to you, Your Majesty.” And with that, Mr Cartwright bowed, turned, and walked away.
Puff sniffed and rubbed his eyes.
Mateo slipped an arm around Puff and Atticus took his hand.
“We’ll look after the boys,” Mateo promised softly.
Puff nodded.
“We will. Now, let’s get you some tea,” Atticus proposed as he squeezed Puff’s hand.
Standing a little ways away, watching, was Han. He had never attended a vigil or burial before and was touched by the outpouring of love he witnessed.
“Han,” Hades said, appearing at his side.
“Hello, my friend. The vigil was lovely.”
Hades nodded. “It was. The gargoyle one is tomorrow evening, if you want to come to that one as well.”
Han gave a small self-deprecating laugh. “I’m almost certain no one wants Death at their funerals.”
“I don’t see why not. I’d want you there,” Frederick said sincerely as he walked over to join them. “Plus, no one needs to know you’re Death. You can just be known as Han, a member of our family.”
“He’s right. Here you are free to be you, sci-fi nerd and all,” Hades said, grinning.
Frederick laughed. “Sci-fi nerd? I mean, I know you like Star Wars as Hades told us you secretly want to be Han Solo.”
Han laughed. “I really do. But I love most sci-fi: Star Wars, Star Trek, all the Stargates, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, both the old and new versions, Farscape, the list goes on.”
“You should see his DVD collection,” Hades said, clapping Han on the back.
“I hope the next time I’m in the underworld we can come over for a film night,” Frederick asked with a smile.
Han nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Good, now let’s go and get some food.”