The Adventures of Tanis Thalin: To Rule a World
Chapter Seventeen

The gargoyles came early the next morning to collect the remains of Gargomel. Reverently they moved to the site where he fell and collected him into his wings and carried him away. A young gargoyle came to Tanis and King Talis, “My lords, we gargoyles are now without a leader. Tanis it was you Gargomel said to follow in the event of his demise. Yet we must first go to our home and give proper burial to our beloved leader. I feel he knew this was coming. He made too many plans for it to be otherwise.” Said the young gargoyle.

“It is with heavy heart that I take your care into my custody. I was unable to protect him. I failed him. I fear that I will fail you all as well. But do not fear and do not have care of abuse at my hands. The war is over. The Dark Knight is slain and evil has once again been destroyed on our world. All may live free and work as we have to see our lives pleasant and full. I pray that there is no more need for fighting in my life time.” Said Tanis.

“Over?” asked the young gargoyle, “are you sure of this, my lord. I am called Ruark and am Gargomel’s son. I have it from good sources that we are just beginning. Over? I think not, there are many other folk in this land that would like to see you destroyed and this world in their evil grip. Over? It will never be over. The best we can hope for is the balance of power that once controlled this world. Victory? For today there is victory but the darkness comes. It is spreading and only through vigilance will we ever truly be safe. The Dark Council will not be overjoyed to hear that their champions are falling. I fear war is still on the horizon, and it will be for all of us.”

“The gargoyle is wise in his young years,” said the great wyrm. “Tanis, you were equally young and jaded when you came to my home those many years ago. You feared that all was lost and would never be as it should. Well you saw that happiness can come from the strife and it did. You have to work for it, Is that not right my young friend elf?”

“Young?” replied King Talis. “Surely you jest an old friend. Yet to you I suppose even the earth we stand upon is young my ancient friend. As for your question, happiness must be taken when it can be. To assume that it will come to you is fallacy. We are all subject to whims of fate and sometimes they are kind. And at others, well let us just say that they have a warped sense of humor. But come. This battle is over and no more loom in our near future, let us celebrate the lives of the fallen and the futures of those survived!”

“Once more your wisdom astounds me, Father. Tell me when our celebration starts and I will be there. But for now I have a city to put right. Perrick! Get over here I have a task for you!” yelled Tanis.

The group moved into the city together to the screams of approval of the people. The likeness of Tanis was hung from the buildings lining the entry to the city and people lined the sides of the streets to catch a glimpse of their savior. “Father, why do these people line up and shout in this manner? Who is this hero they call for?” asked Tanis.

“Their hero is you, child. It is for you they yearn to see. You have delivered them from the rule of the Dark Knight and now they see a bright future awaiting them. You have brought them a greater life, whether you know it or not. Enjoy the honors today for tomorrow it is likely that you too will be unreasonable and uncaring for their welfare. After all, they are dwarves.” Said the king.

“Father, are you prejudice? I sense a distinct dislike for the dwarves in your voice. And I was hoping that I could give them into your care. Perrick, my old friend, it is you who will rule here in my name. I hope that you will take them to your bosom and love them like a father. Can you do that for me?” asked Tanis.

“My lord, it would be my honor but is there not any better suited for this task. After all, I am not the most well known ruler. My kingdom is of another nature and I suspect if my loyal subjects found out the other nature I follow that you might find your steward hanging around upon the walls that awaiting you in his grand palace.” Said Perrick.

“Then I guess you had better be sure they do not find out then. Perrick go to the palace and make ready for me as I come now to see to the great beginning we have made here.” Laughed Tanis as he spurred his horse forward and caused his bodyguard to mutter expletives as they moved to surround their charge. The older folk were right. Happiness must be taken when it was available. It was so now and he was going to take it.

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