Chapter 21

The Final Meeting

I wake up in my caravan with Ronan and Jack curled up beside me with red faces of tears. Max is by my side asleep. I exhale and everyone bounces awake suddenly. "Mum!" They yell in unison tackling me in a hug.

"Hello." I mutter barely able to breathe as they grip me. Max barks once then runs off.

"Where's he going?" Jack asks watching him leave.

"He's going back to his master." I smile as they release me. "Where was I hit?" They look at each other then back at me.

"The heart..." I frown and stare down at my bandaged chest. "How? We thought you were dead for sure." A small tear escapes my eye as i wrap my arms around them. "I'm always coming back. I promise."

I leave a note for Jack explaining what Theresa told me and begging him not to come looking for me. I lead the boys into Brightwood and to Garth's tower. He leaves a note on the edge but I simply take off the 'For Sale' sign and burn it. Jack and Ronan run about the building exploring it and playing around with all the instruments.

I walk out to the Cullis Gate as Garth walks up the steps. "Hello." I utter.

"It's good to see my home is going to left in your care." I smile looking back at Jack and Ronan. "Did you tell him you were leaving?"

"I left a note. I'm not strong enough to tell him that in person."

"You promise to take care of this place?"

"Promise." We hear a sudden crash and I lower my head in shame.

"Well... I hope we meet again. I'm going back to Samarkand." I hug him as he turns to leave again. "I'm going to need all the luck I can get," he adds halfway down the steps, "Reaver is coming too."

"Bloody hell, all the best to you Garth." I give him a salute before he leaves.

"Who was that?" Ronan asks covered in black powder.

"A friend. What happened?" I ask.

"It wasn't my fault!" Ronan runs back into the tower and I sigh one last time before chasing after him.