• Epilogue: Olympalantis Recovers

    The crystal surrounding Nauplius melted away harmlessly.
    Likewise, Galina stirred from her unconsciousness.
    “W-where am I?” moaned Galina.
    “What did we miss?” asked Nauplius.
    “The fight is over,” said Valerius with a content sigh. “Erebus Tonadi is no more.”
    “I’m glad for that,” said Rouvin. “Now Olympalantis can heal from the damage he did to it.
    The early evening sky glistened with whatever stars could be allowed despite the full moon’s glow.

    “I think it’s time for us to return to our homes,” said Zanthe.
    “Well, I should go back to Olympalantis and see how Delphinia is doing,” said Valerius.
    Galina said, “Zanthe, let us combine our magics!”
    Zanthe knew what it was, as she recalled a spell of combining magical energies to summon aid.
    The two elf women combined their staves and sent out a beam of light. A minute later, a very large white bird flew to them and sat down. The five soon got on the bird, the bird gracefully flew off the tower.
    The first place the bird flew to was just outside Gray Corfu, and Nauplius got off, waved farewell, and returned to his own cottage—he’d wait till the next day to proclaim the victory.
    Next was the city of Olympalantis, or just outside it but near an inn. Valerius thanked the mount for giving him a ride back. He then went to an inn—the night was still young so the place was still open. He got a room, so he could sleep and then visit Delphinia the next day.
    Rouvin and Zanthe soon were dropped off outside Emerald Kavala City. They thanked Galina for helping them, and then went to their respective homes for the night.
    Finally, Galina rode the bird back to her home town of New Nimbaxos.
    “Thank you, friend,” she said to the giant bird before it flew off. She then went to her home to rest.

    The next day, Valerius soon visited Delphinia, and her wound had healed quite admirably.
    “Valerius!” she said in surprise.
    “Yes, my beloved Delphinia,” Valerius replied. “The nightmare is over! Erebus is dead!”
    The two hugged for the first time in a while, and enjoyed a deep, loving kiss to celebrate the good times that had returned.
    During the party’s absence, Theodorus Constintinus had been crowned the new emperor. He too visited Delphinia’s place to thank Valerius and his friends—albeit in absentia—for their good work.

    The Dwarf inhabitants of Gray Corfu cheered upon seeing their hero Nauplius.
    King Granadanano also clapped his hands in joy.
    “Well done, Nauplius Sideras,” said the Dwarf King.
    “I was not alone, your greatness,” said Nauplius. “I was part of a team that succeeded together.”
    “Yes, yes,” chuckled the king, “but you willingly joined it. And because of your courage and skills, the entire party succeeded, and all of the land is safe.”
    “Thank you, your Majesty,” said Nauplius.
    “I was wondering,” continued the king. “How would you like to be my Chief Royal Metalsmith? Not only are you good in combat, but you have great smithing skills and an eye for detail. I am certain many smiths, expert and apprentice alike, can learn from your experience.”
    “I am honored, sire,” Nauplius chuckled.
    The crowd cheered even more. Soon, Gray Corfu would have even more bragging rights, as a hero and an experienced smith would lead them to a brighter future.

    New Nimbaxos also celebrated the return of Galina, as they also knew that she contributed to the victory that saved the Olympalantis Empire.
    “I,” started Galina, “I don’t know what to say.”
    She wiped a tear from her eye.
    “Please,” said one townsperson, “you’ve got to tell us some of the adventures.”
    She was glad to do so.
    As a matter of fact, a few years later, in the next election, Galina Thyella became the newly elected governor of Nimbaxos Island. She was the first magical governor in four hundred years.

    A celebration was held in the city of Emerald Kavala.
    Even Demeter created a tangible form of herself to partake in the festivities.
    Songs, dances, and various games made up the festivities, as well as much food and drink—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—was served.
    Soon, Demeter herself spoke.
    “Rouvin Koukounari has an announcement,” the goddess said.
    The crowd was silent to hear.
    Both Rouvin and Zanthe smiled, as Rouvin cleared his throat to speak.
    “Zanthe Sfendami and I are engaged!” he said.
    The crowd cheered upon the announcement. Soon, two of the heroes who thwarted Erebus would be wed.
    But… it would not be the only nuptial celebration.

    A year and a half after the victory, a ceremony was held in the heart of Olympalantis, just outside the Pantheon.
    It was the wedding of Valerius and Delphinia.
    Delphinia, in her bridal best soon stepped forward to the awaiting Valerius, dressed as the best groom in Olympalantis.
    Even Emperor Theodorus Constintinus was a guest of honor at the ceremony. He would be the one to give the toast at the reception.
    Valerius’ mother Magaera shed some tears of joy.
    “Oh,” whispered Magaera softly, “if only his father could witness this day.”

    The empire of Olympalantis had been through and seen much. What started out as the 700th anniversary of the empire’s founding became one crazed adventure that resulting in a battle that determined the future of the known world. But it was all worth it.

    The End