When I finally reached Arnwell Castle, it seemed that nothing had changed. The Monster Crushers were training with their Swords in the courtyard, stabbing fake creatures and jumping over logs and swinging on ropes. But when I walked in, many started clapping and cheering, and Lee even gave me a hug, which had me blushing so much I tried to brush my hair over my cheeks.
“Well done,” he said, flashing me a smile and shaking my shoulder.
I muttered something like thanks, meeting his eyes for a second and then quickly looking away. Oh, Lee. Not quite Liam R. Kelp, but definitely something.
I spotted Allison watching from the courtyard, and I waved and walked over. She glared at me as I approached. Was she actually jealous? That was laughable in itself.
“What were you talking about?” she asked sharply.
“Cupcakes,” I said. “What do you think?”
She just scowled and folded her arms. “He always talks to you.”
“So why don’t you go talk to him?”
“Me?” she said, flushing just a little. “And say what?”
I couldn’t believe I was having to do this. She was acting like Mia Mouse.
“I don’t know…hello? Ask him to hang out sometime.”
She shifted, and then nodded. “Okay. I can do that.”
I watched as she approached, wondering how a girl that looked like that would ever be afraid of talking to a boy. Of course, Lee was probably the cutest boy I’d ever seen. Ugh. They were perfect.
They spoke for a moment, and then Allison stormed back toward me, her small dark eyes flashing dangerously. I raised my eyebrows. Why weren’t they in love already?
“What happened?”
“He said girls were a distraction,” she hissed. “He said that he wouldn’t be able to spend any time with me anyway, since I was your Sword. It wouldn’t be proper.”
I glanced at Lee, and he gave me a shrug and a smile. I couldn’t help it. I laughed.
Allison just glared at me. “I hate you,” she muttered.
“But you have to protect me.”
“Shut up.”
“Besties?”
She just scowled and scooped up a bow. “I’m going to go kill things.”
I laughed as she stormed off. Even Allison Black couldn’t get everything, I guess. I watched as she shot a feathered arrow into a fake goblin’s forehead. She was a difficult girl sometimes, and kind of mean, but I was very glad she was one of my Swords.
Eldon soon appeared, striding toward me from the castle. He looked different now: the heavy bags under his eyes were gone, and he’d shaved the thick stubble that had been creeping across his neck and face. His hair was loose, falling past a rare smile.
“Hello, Laura,” he said. “I was wondering when you might pop by.”
“Figured I’d get some rest.”
He nodded. “Derwin is in a full celebration, as are the other realms. Many of the Monster Crushers used the battle here as a cover to push their own enemies back, so we have peace…for now. The Brotherhood are planning a celebration for you in Derwin a month from today. It seems they have a medal for you.”
“Sweet,” I said. “I haven’t won anything in awhile.”
“And probably nothing like this,” he said proudly. “I was wrong, you know.”
“About what?”
“The spell being broken. Magic is strange sometimes…your brother might have been the target of the monsters, but you ended up being their bane. You’ve done well.”
He suddenly grew sombre.
“I paid Laine a visit. The Brotherhood wanted his head, but I told them you asked for him to be spared, and they reluctantly agreed. He is forbidden from re-entering Derwin, or from going near your home. I believe he’s currently planning to move. I told him that would be a good idea.”
I nodded sadly. “I still can’t believe it.”
“Neither can I. But it’s a reminder that we always have to watch our backs.”
“So what now?” I asked.
He shrugged. “The war isn’t over, I’m afraid. The monsters have fallen back, and it will take them some time to find a new leader. Months, maybe years. But they will return eventually, I’m sure. We’ll just have to be there when they do. And there are other monsters to watch out for of course, so we’ll stay busy. Speaking of which, your brother…”
“No.”
“I understand, Laura,” he said. “I do. I lost my family to the monsters. It’s natural to want to protect them. And he is very young, I know. But when Tom gets older, I would love to sit down with him. He could play a big part down here, Laura. He has the Sight. He can help us.”
“I’ll think about it,” I grumble. “He’s already asking about it.”
Eldon laughed. “I’m not surprised. I suspect I will see him in Derwin before too long.”
Eldon glanced at me, as if remembering something.
“By the way, Caria mentioned she found some spiders by a tunnel entrance. Probably just followed the army up—I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Let us know if any wild monsters pop up in your world. That’s part of your job now: getting rid of them again.”
“I look forward to it,” I muttered.
He smiled. “Are you going to continue your training?”
“Probably should,” I replied. “I might take the week off, if that’s all right.”
He nodded. “You earned it. Go get some sleep, Laura Monster Crusher.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Laura Monster Crusher?”
He laughed and started for Arnwell.
“That’s what the people of Derwin are calling you. They’re singing it in the streets. Laura Monster Crusher: the girl with the mighty swing. She may be young, she may be small, but when
