The Lexters had, in the meanwhile, sailed home. They were indeed sad to leave their friends. They had all gone through much together, and they were despondent for the first few days.
Brindar pulled himself together at length, and called a meeting one evening.
"It is time", he said, "For us to stop moping about our friends. I have been talking with Thar here, and Thar has a very good sense in his bones. He told me yesterday, that we will meet our old friend again. The path will be difficult, but we will all meet in happier circumstances."
He paused, took a deep breath, then went on.
"
We have been through much pain together, and much sorrow. We will go through more pain and sorrow. I can only foresee that the next days will be dark indeed. However, there is light again, at the end of the tunnel, and I am convinced that, if we have faith in our hearts, the days of sorrow and pain will pass. The sun will shine again, and joy will sweep through this world again." "Yet, this means, that we not only have to be steadfast and true, we must be strong together. My father gave us these Spirit Rings, and they will come to our aid, when the time is right. Now drink, my friends, for tomorrow we arrive at home." There were loud cheers, and the room glowed warm in the waning light. The glow that came from the lamps was reflected in the heart of each man and woman in the room, and the wooden floors, the paintings that hung on the floor, all seemed to be gladdened by the prospects of happier days to come. Their ship sped through the water, and the moonlight reflected warmly on the ocean's water, as they neared home. Early the next morning, when they landed on the shores of The Land of Ice and Snow, a warm welcome awaited them. Heralds had warned the village of their homecoming, and Sindar the Elder and the rest of them welcomed them with great joy in their hearts. Winter had come around again. Many months had passed since the last battle in the Land of Ice and Snow, and everyone seemed to be just a little older (not more) than when they left them. The day was spent in merry making, and over the next few days, the returning Lexters did nothing but recover, rest, eat and be merry. When they were well rested, Sindar the Elder called Brindar, Thar, Sindar, and Rollo to his side. Indu accompanied them. She and Rollo were inseparable. "Come", said Sindar The Elder. "Let's share the news". Brindar told the other Lexters of the days and the adventures that they had had. As they listened, Sindar the Elder had his eyes closed. He seemed to be meditating, as he listened to the tales of the adventures of the days that had passed. When the tale was done,he opened his eyes, and said. "Threye is gathering armies to rule the world. There will be battles, and the fate of the world will depend on the forces who win. We, our side, have small forces. We need to gather some friends about us" "Who, father, are you talking about?", asked Brindar. "The Black Forest, for one", said Sindar the Elder. "But, the Black Forest has it's own way", said Thar. "They will listen to Rollo this time. And, they will listen to Indu" "Who else?", asked SIndar. "We need to journey North for a few days", replied Sindar The Elder. "You, Brindar will come with me. And, you Sindar. And you, Thar. All of you will come with me, and we will take our wives. We will need to travel North, where the four corners of the world meet. We will meditate naked in the freezing snow. When we are ready, The Four Winds will come, and we will importune them for help..."
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