Epilogue

In and out among the trees of the singing forest the children ran and played. The Jewels of Majesty frolicked riotously, while high in the trees above their angels watched.

But Jenna had been in a quiet mood since her return from the lands without a name. She was hanging solemnly upside down in the top of her favourite Lutetree, hoping for an accident.

"Cherion?"

"Yes, small one."

"Am I getting old?"

"Not that I've noticed, Jenna."

She frowned, "Well, I don't feel like playing as much as I used to. I thought maybe that was because I was getting old. Do angels grow old, Cherion?"

"We are of different ages, and, yes, we grow older."

"Why?"

"Why, do we grow older?"

"No, why don't I want to play?"

"Well, Jenna," Cherion said slowly. "There are some things children know more about than angels. Play is one of them. I have a hard time understanding play. My joy is watching out for you and doing whatever else King Joy wills me to do."

Jenna looked very perplexed. "But you like playing with me, don't you? I make you play games all the time. Have I made you unhappy, Cherion?"

"No, Jenna, you make me very happy. I'm happy doing whatever makes you happy. I wouldn't be happy playing tag, say, by myself."

Jenna hooted: "Who could play tag by herself?"

"You mean besides yourself?"

"No, I mean you'd have to be 'beside yourself' to play tag with yourself!" Jenna said smugly.

"You're silly," Cherion smiled.

"I know; it's so much fun!" Suddenly Jenna lost her grip and went sailing through the trees.

"Growing up indeed!" said Cherion as he shot off after her.

~ ~ ~

In Chion _

's reign a man who lived less than 150 years was thought most unfortunate. For the laws of the Grenwilde had been forever changed that day in the King's Chalice, the day when King Joy had walked in his jewelled world. King Chion spread the rule of peace through all the world of Grenwilde; during his reign - the last reign in Grenwilde - borders ran between provinces, not countries. Men were just and good, but not perfect. Yet in his whole reign, a reign of nine-hundred-and-sixty-five years, there was not one war in Grenwilde!

Crist Anakara lived many years and was the favourite uncle of King Chion's children.

Telliam _

's remains were buried beneath the trees in the valley of the Bindaved farm. While they lived, Nalitha and Jessef visited his grave every evening. As for Telliam himself, it has been said that his sleeping form appeared on the High Portal of Loridan. There was he wakened by the Great King and there to this day he lives.

When Jenna, returned from the land of mist, she promptly asked Melchizedek when she could go on another quest. It is rumoured that she remains determined to be the first human to fly with her own wings. Cherion, I hear, is always very busy.

Noma might be busier still. I do hope you will see Loridan in person, dear reader, before Hector discovers a way to eat the sky! I can guarantee nothing.

It has been reported that occasionally a winged-horse is still seen in Grenwilde. Every now and then, Sky Born feels the need to visit his one time master, Jaomin Bindaved. Jaomin and his wife, Caylene, are always glad of the visit, for Sky is a wonderful favourite of all their children.

~ ~ ~