Unexpected Returns.
The sun was beginning to sink behind the distant hills as David leaned against the outer wall of the cabin. The construction had been going steadily since he and Gabrielle had returned home. He smiled as he saw the interior of his home beginning to take shape. The floors were in and sanded smooth, the main wall was about three feet up, made of interlocking logs. The stones for the base of the hearth were set, and the mounting points for the interior walls were carved with exacting precision on the thick wood. He took a long drink of water and looked over towards the barn where their temporary living quarters had been set up, on the loft. The roof had been patched and didn't leak any longer and the home would be completed long before the threat of winter. Gabrielle came out and saw him, smiling as he poured the rest of his water over his head. Her left hand was still bandaged and barely moveable, but it had healed and set better than he could ever have anticipated.
The last of the work crews had departed, the tools were all put away and it was nearly time for them to head into town for their customary dinner with Gabrielle's sister.
"Seems to be coming along nicely!" A voice called from the gate by the road. They both looked up and saw Hercules strolling through it, a smile on his face and a large bag slung over his shoulder and several smaller bundles in his one arm.
Gabrielle laughed with delight and ran out to greet him, throwing her arms around his neck in an enthusiastic hug.
David jogged after her and pumped Hercules hand.
"Hey, buddy," he greeted, slapping his other hand on Hercules massive shoulder. "How've you been?"
"Doing well," Hercules replied. He unslung the bag and handed it to David. "I found this while going through the wreckage at the castle.
David's mouth dropped in surprise and he took his knapsack, flipping the top up and seeing all of his possessions still stowed where he had placed them, and undamaged. He pulled the sheathed katana out and half drew the blade to make certain it had suffered no adverse effects. It shone mirror smooth in the fading light.
"I'll be damned," he said gratefully as he checked the other items. "I thought this stuff was gone for good."
Hercules smiled. "No, we found it on the outer edge of the rubble, lying at the top of a pile of stones." He shrugged. "Just waiting for us?"
David smiled and sighed with appreciation. Then he slid everything back in place.
"Let me just put this stuff away," he said, backing toward the barn. "We were about to head back to town for dinner. Care to join us?"
"Actually," Hercules continued, handing the other two bundles to Gabrielle. "I ran into Lila on my way here. She sent these along and said that 'we kids' should have a quiet dinner tonight. She also mentioned something about spending some time with Beltanus?"
David grinned and nodded. "Well, what do you know?"
While Gabrielle made a quick inventory of the goods, their friend had brought, Hercules and David procured a table and three chairs from the storage stall in the barn. A few hours later, they sat upon the marriage pavilion, enjoying a well prepared meal, courtesy of Gabrielle's younger sister.
"So," David said, refilling Hercules cup again. "What's going on with the kids?"
Hercules wiped his mouth with a napkin and cleared his throat.
"Well, the academy's gone, obviously. I made sure all the kids got back home safely," Hercules said easily. "Now, I'm just wandering about, you know. Seeing what the Fates throw my way?"
"That sounds familiar," Gabrielle smiled, sipping her wine. "What about the others?"
"Alia sends her regards," Hercules said, reaching for another piece of bread. He smiled. "She's an interesting one, but she's got the Amazon Nation back on its feet, and they look like they're slowly returning to normal."
"How about the girls?" David asked.
"Antonia and her friends have officially joined the Northern Tribe," Hercules reported. "And from what I've seen, they're loving every minute of it."
"That must have broken poor Rasten's heart," Gabrielle mused.
"That's the best part!" Hercules said quickly, taking another drink. "He got permission from his family and moved to Tripolis."
"He what?" David almost choked on his food.
Hercules smiled. "They got pretty close on the way out of that valley, and when it was time for her to head up into the hills, Rasten refused to leave. Last I heard, his family bought him a small farmstead on the outskirts of the town, and he sees Antonia quite often."
"Well," David laughed. "I guess alls well that ends well?"
Hercules jerked suddenly and reached into the small pouch at his hip.
"That reminds me,' He said, fishing in the pouch for a moment. "Antonia said to give you this? She also said to say she was sorry. It stopped working while we were traveling?" He handed David his MP3 Player and speakers, a little travel stained but otherwise unharmed. David laughed out loud and took the items gratefully.
"I'm sure they'll be fine once I charge up the batteries again." He said with relief. "You have no idea how much I've missed this!"
Hercules smiled and sat back. He looked around at the construction and nodded.
"Well," he continued. "Aside from the house, what else has been happening with you two?"
David sat back and took a drink, a smug, almost proud smile on his face. Hercules looked at him for a moment and then at Gabrielle, also smiling slightly.
"You want to tell him, or should I?" David asked.
Gabrielle merely shrugged, looking at Hercules slyly.
Hercules smiled, suddenly a little nervous. What?" he asked, holding his hands out helplessly. "Tell me what?"
END