The Rangers, Jennifer, and the prisoners made it to Icebor as the sun crept over the horizon.
Farondil and Garel had to help the unconscious Demorac into one of the huts. “I'm going to need bandages,” Farondil said.
“I'll ask Jennifer if the village has any medical supplies,” Garel replied.
“Better get some ale too.”
“For you or for Demorac?”
Farondil laughed. “I think we're both going to need it.”
Jennifer stood at the edge of the village, looking across the river and to the hills. She thought that Arkan would come bounding over the hill at any moment.
“Jennifer, do you know where I could find some medical supplies?”
She turned to find Garel behind her but her attention went back to the hills. Her hands were clasped so tight together that she couldn't even bring them apart if she wanted to.
Garel knew exactly what she was worried about. “He'll be back. Arkan knows how to take care of himself.”
“I know. But I still fear that he will never come back.”
“We need bandages for Demorac. Do you know where we can find some?”
Jennifer sighed and began walking through the village without saying another word to Garel.
She brought him to her home that hadn't been touched since that day the barbarians raided. Her parents were inside picking up pieces of broken pottery.
“Mother, can we get some bandages? One of the Rangers is seriously injured.”
Eliden nodded and ran off to the kitchen. She came back quickly with so many bandages that they were falling out of her arms. “Will this do?”
Garel nodded. “Thank you those will do fine.” He took the bandages from her and ignored the ones that had fallen on the ground. “I'll be off now. I must get these to Farondil.”
Jennifer was left alone with her parents. They all hugged for several minutes, enjoying each other's love.
“Thank you for coming for us,” Raldar said. “But never do that again!”
Jennifer was shocked by his booming voice.
“We could never forgive ourselves if you were hurt because of us.”
Eliden agreed with him and Jennifer could only stand there and accept it. “I know I'm sorry. I just couldn't let you both become slaves to those barbarians.
They hugged again with a lot of kissing on the cheeks.
“I'm just glad were all back home and in one piece. I guess we have your Rangers to thank for that.”
“I think I will cook them a glorious feast,” Eliden said. She noticed that Jennifer wasn't even listening to them anymore. She seemed far away. “What's wrong dear? Shouldn't you be happy that we're all back here safe and sound?”
Jennifer shook out of her daze. “I am happy. It's just that Arkan is still out there.”
Eliden smiled. “You care for that man, don't you?”
Jennifer blushed. “Well I'm not sure.”
Eliden took her hand. “You're my daughter, Jennifer. You can't hide your feelings from me.”
“I think I'm in love, Mother.”
“That's great news!” Eliden hugged her.
Ralder stood there with his arms crossed. “I will have to approve of this man before you can go with him.”
Jennifer couldn't confess that she'd “gone with him” already. Her parents wouldn't understand.
“I just wish I knew that he was all right.”
Jennifer left her hut and went back to the river overlooking the hills. The stream was quiet today, a few fish could be seen swimming in the clear water. A figure appeared over the hill. Jennifer couldn't quite make out what it was.
It almost looked like a barbarian. He wore a furry coat just like they did.
Jennifer thought that this could be the beginning of another raid. Losing her parents again would be unbearable. She looked around for someone to call out for help when she heard a familiar voice across the river.
“Did you miss me?”
Arkan was back.
He stumbled down the hill towards the river. He had a barbarian coat around his shoulders and his bow stowed behind his back.
Jennifer couldn't wait for him to come to her. She jumped into the river and sloshed her way to him.
They met in the middle of the river and Jennifer jumped into a hug that almost knocked Arkan over.
“Easy there,” he said.
Jennifer kissed him a hundred times before she stepped away and examined him. “Are you okay? Are you injured?” She checked under his coat for any signs of blood.
Arkan grinned. “I'm fine. Just very tired.”
“Let's get you back to my house so you can rest.”
“First tell me how Demorac is?”