The Vengeance of Mirickar

  “Yes, of course, madam,” Sraikura answered as she stepped back from Mirickar. Her gaze never left his face. “Have you come to heal and then leave again, to hunt more kurakvin?”

  “Questions later, girl,” Elthrana admonished, but Sraikura held her ground.

  This time Mirickar did not hesitate. “No, my love,” he said, shaking his head gravely, “I have done all that I can, at least for now. I have avenged my parents, and your adoptive parents. We slew many kurakvin, but the king must bring his forces to bear to rid the land of their evil. I now understand Kallosarin’s teachings even more. I cannot keep on with this as merely a personal mission. Word was sent to Madarre, we must hope the king takes the matter seriously.”

  “So you will stay?” Sraikura pressed.

  Mirickar nodded. “As long as I am welcome.” He frowned slightly. “A day may come when I must go and fight the kurakvin again, but I will not seek them out on my own. That is not my place. Until the kingdom itself is ready for that, my place is with you, if you will have me.”

  Sraikura stepped into his arms again and held him even more tightly. “I love you, Mirickar,” she whispered. “If you wish to leave again, I will go with you, for I never want to be apart from you again.”

  “Come, Sraikura,” Elthrana said, but this time her voice was gentler. “You will have many hours with Mirickar, but the weight and wounds of his battle must be tended to.”

  Sraikura nodded and stepped back for a moment, before leaning forward and kissing Mirickar. “Come inside, Mirickar, my love,” she said when their lips parted. “Let us make you whole again, in body and spirit. When you are ready, you may tell me of your travels and adventures, and when you are ready we can celebrate your return.”

  “Sraikura,” Mirickar said hesitantly when she turned to lead him into the cottage. She stopped and looked back questioningly. “Will you… will you forgive me for leaving you?”

  “Of course, Mirickar,” she said with a gentle smile.

  “And will… will you consider giving me your hand in marriage?”

  Sraikura’s eyes grew wide and her smile grew larger. She moved forward and embraced Mirickar once more. “Of course, Mirickar, my love. I am yours. Forever.”

  About the Author

  Stuart J. Whitmore writes fantasy, science fiction, and other works of fiction and nonfiction from his home in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. When he is not writing, he enjoys taking advantage of the many opportunities for outdoor adventures in his region.

  If you liked The Vengeance of Mirickar…

  This novella is set in a world that is explored in much more detail in a series of novels by Stuart J. Whitmore. If you would like to be among the first to hear about new releases, sign up for the author’s newsletter.