Fallen Hero (A New Adventure Begins - Star Elite 3)

“Well, it is best to look to the future, isn’t it? What is done is done. There is no point ignoring it because it has forged the future for all of us,” Sir Hugo mused thoughtfully.

“That’s true,” Aaron agreed. “While we have all had our nightmares from what happened, we have all gained something as well.”

“Yes, the other two more fortunate individuals have a lifetime behind bars,” Sir Hugo smiled with satisfaction.

“What about Horvat? Have you managed to find anything out from him yet?” Elspeth asked, mostly because she knew Aaron had been with her every second of every day since the day Thomas had killed himself.

Sir Hugo’s face changed instantly. “No. But we will get there. We expect him to break any day now. When he does, we can return the unfortunate souls who are still missing to their families. Let’s hope they are still alive, eh?”

“I hope so,” Elspeth whispered.

There was a sudden pall which hung over everybody that left none of them in any doubt they all suspected the victims had been murdered. It was difficult to believe, given the amount of time that had lapsed since they had vanished, that they were still being kept captive somewhere. Nobody wanted to openly admit it, though, because it damaged hope that they might one day return home where they belonged, alive, if a little traumatised from their ordeal.

“We will keep the men searching for them. Never give up hope,” Sir Hugo mused. “Aaron knows all about that, don’t you?”

Aaron grinned and scratched his ear. He slid a look at his wife and nodded. “Yes, I suppose I never truly gave up hope that my wife would recognise me as worthy husband material.”

“You just needed a nudge in the right direction,” Sir Hugo murmured wryly. He winked at Elspeth. “Thank God you realised what a find he is.”

“He is the find of my life,” Elspeth assured him.

“Is the house all closed down now?” Sir Hugo asked as he fell into step beside them.

Together, they all made their way down the path that would take them back to Elspeth’s former home, and the carriage that would return Aaron and his wife to their new home.

“Yes. The keys have gone to the solicitor who will

oversee the sale. I have already signed the paperwork, so it is no longer mine really,” Elspeth replied.

“Onward we go to our new life together,” Aaron added with a contented smile.

“You have several more days off yet, Aaron. I am on my way back to London to find out how the trainees are doing. For now, enjoy your time together. I suspect it is going to be very busy,” Sir Hugo grinned.

With a casual wave, he mounted his horse and set off for home. After the life and death disasters he had witnessed over the last several weeks, Sir Hugo had a driving need to see his own beloved wife and family. Before he turned out of the end of the road, he looked back over his shoulder at the man who had found his world and smiled. He knew that light would always come out of the darkness, it would always bring happiness, joy and life to people, and happy ever afters.

The End.