Chapter Twenty Two - Homecoming

The next day, after a light breakfast, we met up with Mr. Prodettier. He was cheerful and full of energy, unlike me who was very nervous and Eiran who was worried about me. But maybe that was his reason for acting that way. The sight of our downcast faces probably spurred him to be positive and motivating.

„I've thought about it, and I think we should go on horseback." He said after we greeted each other.

„Are you sure?" I asked a little worried. He wasn't young anymore and I didn't want to tire him out.

„I haven't had a chance to ride a horse lately and I really miss it." He winked at us, then turned serious again. „And in cases like this, time is of the essence." I don't think I can express how grateful I was.

We hired three horses and after checking everything we set off. Not surprisingly, it was much faster than our trip here. We changed horses when we felt they had exhausted themselves and stopped only to eat and sleep.

It was hard to control myself, but I had to be considerate of my travel companions and the animals, so I restrained myself and didn't go as fast as I would have liked. The closer we got, the harder it became. As the distance grew smaller and smaller, my fear and anxiety increased.

How is my father? Are my mother and brother well? I hope that despite our hardships, they are eating well and getting enough sleep. Especially father. He probably blames himself for causing us problems, and mother thinks it was her fault that she didn't realize that something was wrong with him. And Rihian feels as helpless as I do that he can't do anything or put their minds at ease. Don't worry brother, I am coming! We'll get over this and return to our happy lives!

My heart trembled when I spotted our castle for the first in a long time. It looked the same as if nothing grievous had happened in our family. In a way, I was relieved. Life goes on as usual, nothing can stop it.

„Little Miss!" The servant who noticed me exclaimed in surprise.

„Good day, Maritte." I greeted her. „Please call someone from the stable to look after the horses and bting them back to the Moonflower Inn after they have had enough rest." She bowed to me and hurried away.

Mr. Prodettier and Eiran followed me as I entered the building. The servants we passed seemed delighted to see me, but I couldn't pay attention to their words. All I could think about was finally seeing my family again.

First, I wanted to see my father. I needed the reassurance that he was still… alive. I went straight to his room. I honestly hoped he wasn't at least in his office. I was rude, but by the time I realized I should have knocked, it was already too late because I opened the door.

My father was half-sitting, half-lying on his bed, reading some book, and my mother was sitting next to him, watching him anxiously. Although I came with fervor, they still didn't notice me.

„It's enough." My mother said in a stern voice. „You should rest now. Or I can read it to you."

„I barely read a few pages." He sighed in exasperation, but his face was full of love. „If nothing else, this boredom will kill me, let me read a little. I am not a child."

„Don't even say something like this." She reprimanded him angrily and hurt. „The doctor said you need to rest."

„If I rest more than that, I become one with the bed."

My father looked pale and had lost some weight as well. His face was sunken and the light in his eyes dimmed. No wonder my mother was so worried and upset. She was also a little more gaunt, but she held her head high up and seemed ready to face anything.

„Father, Mother," I finally said in a faint voice. It wasn't that long ago, yet I felt as if I had seen them years ago.

„Lirietta!" My mother jumped up and looked at me. The next moment I found myself in her embrace. „My silly girl, where have you been?"

„Mother…" I didn't realise how much I missed them until this moment. I felt so safe and at peace in her arms that I haven't felt since I realized the severity of my father's situation.

„Liri." My father extended his hand out to me and I grabbed it, then hugged him carefully and felt his warmth. It's okay, he is still here with us. Everything will be okay.

„How are you, father?" I tried to hold back my tears.

„Oh, I'm fine. Everyone is just overreacting." He rolled his eyes. „I could even win a war." He winked at me and I laughed a little.

„You're so impossible." Mother looked cross but she gently brushed aside a stray lock of hair from his forehead. „You can't even stand on your own two feet, how do you want to fight?" I was happy to see that their dynamic hadn't changed at all. Despite the dire situation, they kept their spirits up and didn't let depression and despair overwhelm them. I felt such an immense relief that I had to sit down.

„You can win a war with wits, not just strength." His eyes suddenly fell on the two unknown people in the room. „Rihian told us why you left, but you still caused us endless worry. It's time for you to tell us where you've been, what you've be doing and who these people are with you."

„Sister!" My brother crashed into the room like a wild horse, causing everyone to turn towards him. Just as rude as I am. Definitely my brother. „I heard the maids talking about you coming back. Are you okay? Have you found anything? Are you tired? Would you like something to eat or drink?" He bombarded me with questions. I ruffled his hair and he beamed at me. I missed this little boy too.

„I'm alright, but slow down. I was just about to say everything, so your timing is impeccable. Take a seat or something." I felt a little awkward with everyone staring at me, but I took a deep breath and began to tell all that happened since I left.