Thronegarden by Andrew Dickerson (top rated books of all time .txt) 📕

Matriarch had sparked something deep inside him back to life, and it was a joy to see. Gregorian had been named Commander of the Guard after Bakka declared the Garden Gate would be replaced by new waterways. Gregorian may not be the greatest swordsman, though he had proven his loyalty beyond doubt, and the other guards accepted him without hesitation. Any thoughts of the Fairy King and Luyna had been banished with an explosion of enthusiasm. Only Blakast, a prisoner in the castle dungeon, mourned their departure. A great banquet had been set up in the royal apartments with all welcome. King Abeldine sat at the head alongside his new wife and queen, the Matriarch. Gregorian sat proudly on the king’s other side along with his guards. Pariah, as Master of Bells, was also given a prominent position with greater research into the lost magical art declared by royal proclamation. Old Nana and Pilgrim were reunited, this time permanently. Although they missed Damselfly, they found solace and companionship in each other. Librarian Scroll had newly been appointed as Judge Scroll, replacing the dismissed Judge Vale, who had been cast out for his collusion with Luyna and condemning Damselfly to the Evergarden.

One of King Abeldine’s first acts after returning to his throne had been to order the gate which led to the Evergarden be destroyed so no one else could face such cruel injustice. With the land flourishing once again, there was plenty of food with fresh fish, cured ham and succulent fowl. A mature cheese had been brought from the castle cellars for the celebration to accompany vintage wine and mead kept for just such an occasion. The masters were all toasted individually for their skills in rejuvenating Thronegarden. Tarq the master builder was praised for his repairs to the castle. Lokei the master shipwright was lauded for finishing King Abeldine’s newest galleon, which had been christened The Bell Tower. Balius the Master of Horses and Bullan the Master of Hounds were celebrated for building up the royal stocks while Mayden the master brewer was drunk to with her own creation. For a whole day the castle dined and celebrated their victory. The tradesmen, kitchen staff and performers were all invited to share the revelry. There was still much work to be done so that Fable could once again be a peaceful united land. On this day, that was forgotten and what they had was celebrated. After much encouragement from his followers, King Abeldine stood to give a speech; the hall quietened as everyone sought to hear the regent’s words.

“When a wise friend told me, I would be king and bring peace back to Fable, I did not truly believe it.”

The king saluted Phoebus who bowed his head in acknowledgement. “It has been a long journey to reach this day. We have all suffered from doubts and dark times that have tested our resolve. Those experiences only serve to make this celebration sweeter. To be here today as your host is my honour. Sharing this bounty with loved ones, friends and family.”

This last sentiment was toasted loudly by the delegation who drank deeply of the finest nectar to celebrate their triumph over adversity.

“We don’t just celebrate each person in this hall but those who are absent too,” the king continued. “For those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us we remember.

“We remember,” the guests echoed.

“Do not be fooled. There are still difficult challenges ahead. Death stalks the land once again and beggar or king, none of us can dismiss his call. Yet with the threat of death comes the promise of life. I personally have a great deal to be thankful for, especially my beautiful wife who has just enlightened me that she is pregnant.”

If the previous gaiety had been raucous, this latest announcement caused an eruption of jubilation that did not surcease for several minutes.

“Thronegarden will have a new heir,” King Abeldine announced proudly.

“A new future,” the queen announced, standing beside her husband.

“Let us all be united in creating a bright future for everyone in Fable.” King Abeldine raised his glass one last time.

The celebrations continued well into the night with a half-moon appearing in the sky as a sign of transition. Phoebus, who had dozed a little despite the tumult, decided it was time to go hunt. Spreading his wings, the ancient owl took flight on the wind that came from the west. His eyes were not what they had once been so he was unable to catch any prey as they went about their business in the flourishing fields. One figure that Phoebus could not miss was standing upon a knoll, cloaked in black and calling to him with a silent voice. Phoebus alighted on Death’s shoulder, feeling his aches and pains disappear. The wise owl took one last look at Castle Thrane, illuminated by light and warmth, before allowing Death to carry him onto his next journey.

The Magicgarden was once again full of vibrant colours. The bazaar was busier than ever with fresh trade coming in from all over Fable. Eloise had taken over from the Matriarch as custodian. Luyna had been imprisoned in the gaol and was guarded by the old king, Handel.

Handel had volunteered to be warden as he had yet to forgive himself for his weakness in allowing Luyna to manipulate him. His daughter, Damselfly, had also not fully forgiven him, although they did see each other now and then. This was because Damselfly had travelled with Kimson and Uriel back to the Magicgarden where they had a sweet little cottage away from the bustling marketplace. It had a large garden for Trigger the Dalmatian to run around. Buttons, who had now developed a strong bond with the canine, often rode on the dog’s back as he careened through the flowerbeds at breakneck speed.

With her father replaced by her uncle as regent, Damselfly had gladly left Thronegarden and