afterward

[cellio]

"Today's the day today's the day today's the day!"

Larissa groggily opened one eye. "It's not 'day' until the sun rises."

"A mere technicality!", Hrolf answered. "I just didn't want you to forget."

Larissa flung a pillow at him and rolled over. "How could I forget? I promise; we'll go, not least so I can find out what this is about. But later -- scram!"

Hrolf seemed particularly chipper all that fine September day, flitting about with a glow around him and a smile on his face. (Who knew owls could smile?) He spent uncharacteristic hours preening in front of a mirror, and somehow got help adorning himself in finery. His magical chain of shielding was augmented by gold rings on his ankles, a splendid ruby pendant that magically glowed, and a fine embroidered silk cap. Larissa never found out where those came from.

Late in the afternoon he joined Larissa in their quarters. "Um, boss? Could you, you know, dress up a bit? This is important."

Larissa looked at him. "Would you please tell me who we're going to visit?" Hrolf started to speak and Larissa joined in in unison -- "no, it's a surprise -- of course. Honestly, I don't know what's gotten into you." But, partly to humor Hrolf and partly out of curiosity, she donned fine robes and jewels and girded Sunrise at her waist, waiting for his approving nod.

"And the crown", Hrolf said. "You have to wear the crown!" Larissa reached for the heavy, jewel-encrusted crown that she had not worn much since coronation. "Yes, yes", Hrolf said, "the formal one -- and don't forget the other effects".

Turok let out a long whistle. "I haven't seen you this dressed up since coronation -- where are we going?" Larissa replied that she didn't know who they would be seeing, but Hrolf was insistent.

"Are you sure this is safe?", Turok asked. "I trust Hrolf", Larissa replied, "and you will be with me". "Nonetheless", Turok said, "you do have all of your usual magical protections in place?" Larissa nodded -- "and some that are not usual, yes". "Then", Turok said, "I am ready."

Just before sunset, the trio appeared in a small clearing in the woods outside Duvik's Pass, accompanied by a loud magical fanfare, wisps of smoke, and a shower of rose petals. ("Overdone", Turok said later. "I don't disagree", Larissa replied.) Larissa hovered a foot above the ground, Hrolf perched on one shoulder and a larger, menacing owl, looking distinctly unused to avian form, on the other. They appeared to be alone.

Hrolf leapt off his perch and took flight, letting out several loud hoots. From the surrounding trees emerged dozens -- no, hundreds -- of owls. "Keep looking regal!" Hrolf mind-spoke to Larissa. Larissa spoke a few words, and then she and Turok were able to understand the owls' chatter.

"Hoot hoot -- where have you been for the last year?" "When are you coming back to us?" "What is the hunting like out there?" "Your mother has been worried sick about you!" ("Some things are the same all over", Larissa whispered to Turok.)

"Listen up and I'll tell the story!" Hrolf had to raise his voice to be heard above the din. As the crowd quieted down, more owls arrived and had to be quieted in turn, until, finally, Hrolf stood on Larissa's shoulder in the center of a sea of owls. (Turok had retreated to the relative comfort of the ground.)

"One year ago tonight..." Hrolf began to speak, and for the next several hours the awe-struck flock was silent.

Later, as they prepared to leave, Hrolf whispered to Larissa and Turok: "That'll show them!"