As they made their way across the land, back to the palace, people all across cheered them. Everyone had abandoned their work and stood on the sides of the road, holding flowers in large platters. They showered it on the roads ahead of them and on them as well. It was a slow journey, but no one spoke a word.
Azriel was still in shock and barely registered the jubilation around her. She looked pensively at Eva, who sat on her horse, staring ahead into the distance. Duke Ashdeen smiled and waved at the people. The remaining Irismian soldier was stoic as well.
What had really happened in the Mines? Had Ashmeer planned to jump into the receding Blight with the Book and the Cup? Had this really happened? What about their kisses and their engagement? What would happen now to her?
The Book, had no such doubts and qualms and seemed to be buzzing and purring alternately in her head.
'We said nothing is as it seems. The love of a young girl is foolish. There will be more suitors, more worthy suitors."
She flinched when the Book said that, "No! no more suitors."
"A maid cannot always choose. Sometimes the choice is made for her."
"Hmpppppfffffff, I ....Book...tell me why did Ashmeer do what he did? Why did he steal the Cup and jump into the Blight?"
"It was a trap," said a voice behind her and she almost fell off her horse.
She looked sideways at the Duke and he said, "Meet me tonight in the garden Azriel. I need to speak with you alone."
"Alone?"
"Yes, alone for god's sake! I'm not planning to jump you right after such a terrible experience. We need to speak. The more I think of it, the more I conclude that it is a trap."
She felt the Book vibrating against her bare skin as it hummed into her mind, "The answer is in Irismus.....must go to Ismir with the Duke...must...here is death...only death."
Azreil shook as she heard the words, "Irismus"....the answer lay in Irismus but how would she go there?
She asked the Book the question a couple of more times on the ride, but it stayed silent. The Duke and Eva were also very quiet, so she decided to keep her counsel and ask the Duke this question late. Now that Ashmeer was not there, she wondered what would happen to their engagement as well.
Galvin was at the gate to welcome them, resplendent in all his finery. There were maids and men holding colourful pennants, and garlands of flowers. The nobles had come dressed in all their finery, and Azriel found it ironic. No one had been there to bid them goodbye. And now that they had won, everyone was there to celebrate. Malvin stood behind Galvin, smiling sheepishly at them, but he didn't quite meet their eyes.
Galvin ran and embraced the Duke and Eva, and nodded to Azriel.
"At least he acknowledged me," she thought. She was shocked to see everyone in their finery and out of their black clothes. Were they no longer in mourning for father?
"Where is Ashmeer?" Galvin asked, "Where is my brother?"
The Duke said, "The day has almost ended my friend, and we are tired after our ordeals since the whole day."
Galvin shook his head and said, "No Duke, you have returned to the castle after a week. It's been a week since you all entered the mines."
Azriel, Eva, and the Duke looked at each other in shock. The Duke was the first to recover and said, "Time passes differently in the Blight. Ashmeer, my soldier and your brave whisperers where martyrs to this cause. I am afraid this is not time for celebration and gaiety, my friend."
Galvin at least had the grace to look somber and said, "I understand..this is indeed terrible. We will mourn our heroes."
The Duke paused and looked around him as if making a decision. He looked weary and tired and suddenly, Azriel wondered if things had taken as much of a toll on him as they had on her. They had it seemed, but he was not going to show it.
"My brother Ashmeer is no more, but we will still honour the promise to Andora, " the Duke declared in a strong, clear voice. "Azriel will travel to Irismus with us and I will solemnize my vows with her after the grace period of six months. I will also present her to court and take full responsibility for her."
For a moment there was shocked silence. Galvin finally found his voice, "Yes, of course Duke. Andora is forever indebted to you. Let us speak of it tomorrow, once you are refreshed and recovered from this ordeal."
Azriel only stared at the men in shock. "What of me? What am I? A piece of chattel to be passed on from one brother to another?" she fumed, but now was not the place to say all this.
Suddenly the Book said, "Irismus, we must go...must...must.....only death here."
She shook her head and said," Oh, keep quiet for god's sake.....will you?"
The Book piped up one last time and said, "Must....."