Hermia001-
Liia rushed to Wolvern, falling to her knees and kissing the
white wolf on the nose. “We are here, my Love.” She
whispered.

“Oh my!” 

They all turned toward the Princess. She was hypnotized by the 
crystalline beauty of the castle before them.

“It’s so beautiful! Oh, to live in such a wondrous
place!”, She exclaimed.

“Princess, need I remind you of the contract between your
father and Tegraine?” Merle stated with heated indignation.

“Yes. I mean no. I remember it well, dear Merle. Lets go.”
She started forward.

“Princess, I must remain behind. I am not permitted to enter
the castle. Tegraine would mount my hide on his walls if I
were to enter the castle.” Wolvern’s great head sagged in
shame. 

“I will go with them, my love. I will see that we all return
safely.” Liia kissed him again and stood to go.

“We are not without weapons, either.” This from Danel, who
stood beside the prince.

“Very well. Go safely, my friends.” Wolvern sat to watch
them go. 
 
Tegraine turned at the sound of the opening door. He 
slumped into a chair as the troupe of rescuers marched into
his study. He no longer had the will to keep the princess as 
prisoner. He resolved himself, then and there to a life of 
loneliness. Tegraine was sure that no one would ever love 
him or would want to live in this frozen land of exile.

“Tegraine, we demand you release Princess Jandra!” In 
unison Padraic and Danel drew their swords.

“Do you really think you can scare me with your puny toys?” 
Tegraine drew himself up to his full height. “I will smash 
you!” he roared.

“Stop!”

They all froze at the tone in Princess Jada’s voice. She 
strode forward to stand by Tegraine. She turned toward the 
giant. She opened her purse and poured its contents on the 
floor at the giant’s feet. 

“I will stay with you Tegraine. And I offer this small pittance
of jewels to you as well. Release my sister and I will stay 
with you.”

“Princess…” A raised hand stopped Danel’s protest. Merle 
was not happy with this turn of events and chittered
furiously. He scurried over to the princess, putting his paws 
upon her dress and looking up at her.

“Princess, if you are certain you wish to remain, I will stay as 
long as you need me.”

Jada had continued to gaze up at Tegraine. There was
tenderness in his eyes as he looked down at her. He took
her tiny hand in his and bent low to kiss it.

“She will not need protection here, Furry One. She will 
forever be safe. But you are welcome to stay.” Tegraine’s
voice was soft.

Tegraine turned to the mantle where rested the block of ice 
that contained Princess Jandra. Instantly Jandra stood 
before the great fireplace. The sisters ran to each other 
hugging each other and crying. After much catching up, the 
sisters, with the help of Danel, Padraic, Merle and Liia,
plotted justice for their father. They agreed that he should
be banished to a far corner of the kingdom.

“Complete with servants and such.” Insisted Jada.

“You are far too kind to one who helped to imprison your
sister.” Danel’s reply was gruff.

“My dear Danel. You will see that my sister is returned
safely home. And that Father is dealt with.” Jada gently laid
her hand on Danel’s arm.

“Your bidding, is my life, Princess. But I shall return to serve
by your side.” Danel knelt at her feet and gently kissed her
hand. “I shall return”

“I’m staying here.” Came from Merle who had moved to sit
between Jada and Tegraine. He frowned as he looked up at 
the giant.

“It will be entertaining to have you here, Furry One.”
Tegraine leaned over and picked the ferret up by the scruff
of the neck …the ferret squirming and kicking… and stuffed
him in the pocket of his long robe. They all laughed as the
ferret’s small head peeked over the top of the pocket, a look
of indignation on his face.

Tegraine and Jada stood at the foot of the bridge watching 
the group of friends march across the frozen tundra.

Danel’s booming voice echoed back at them…
“I shall return, my Princess!”