When life settled down after the shock Lavarund endured with King Mozer, a lot had changed.

I had grown close to Wynn. The two of us continued staying at Akara’s house that she gifted to us. Betty stayed with us too, and she even learned how to cook and clean, making life much easier for Wynn and me.

Lara and Holtmeyer returned to the castle, and we relinquished any ruling duties to them to handle. We felt it better for the citizens of Lavarund to have people they recognized as their leaders. As much as people were excited that Mozer was gone, supporters still worried about necromancers coming in and killing them in the middle of the night.

There was a lot of damage to be undone.

Lara was anointed queen, and Holtmeyer was her official assistant. The two of them immediately tried to dispel the rumors and hatred against the necromancers, but not much changed at first. Necromancers still lived in secret among society but openly lived in the Southeast. However, it was no longer against the law to practice necromancy. Books could be sold in stores, but only the towns close to the Southeast border accepted any texts. It would take some time for comfortability to spread.

Wynn grew fascinated with the idea of helping to implement change for a better Lavarund. Every day and night, she constructed ideas for an improved governing body over Mozer’s regime. Lara and Holtmeyer promised that change would come and that they would happily collaborate with Wynn. This snowballed into greater responsibility, and Wynn moved out of the house to live in the Lavarund Royal Castle.

“Goodbye, sister,” I said, my eyes brimming with tears.

“Goodbye, brother.” She smiled as she silently cried. “And goodbye to you too, Betty.” She hugged the pet summon.

Betty rubbed her back with her tiny arms.

“We should go visit Akara next week, maybe? If you’re free?” Wynn asked.

I chuckled. “I haven’t done a vlarking thing the past month and a half. Of course, I’ll be there.”

Wynn hopped on a skeletal carriage and headed towards the Royal Castle. Betty and I watched her go down the street before we returned inside to our humble abode.

What was I going to do with my life now? That was the constant question swimming through my mind. Even when Wynn asked me what I thought about doing after our life-changing event, I didn’t have the slightest clue.

I thought about being a Noble Necromancer, but it seemed like a lot of work, and I’d have to sharpen my skills. At the time, I enjoyed relaxing at home, reading books, going for walks around the city, and watching some of the world’s finest entertainment performed by skeletons. People often waved to me when I was out on the town, and it warmed my soul. Going into Risers, a handful of people always greeted and knew my name, for the right reasons.

“Hey! There’s the city savior.” Henry grinned from behind the bar. “The usual?”

I laughed. “Yeah, that’d be great.”

I told Henry about Wynn moving away because she would accompany me sometimes when I went to Risers.

“Well, that’s a damn shame. Wynn was a great person. So! What are you thinking about doing with your life now?”

I chuckled. “Why the vlark do you have to ask me that? I’m twenty-six, and I still don’t know what I want to do with my life.”

“It’s not a race, Max, just remember that. One day, you’ll probably be a yapping bag of bones just like me, except less annoying, of course. Or maybe more annoying.” Henry winked. “But seriously, take some time for yourself. You’re young.”

“I already have, for the past month and a half. I’m starting to feel guilty.”

“Don’t worry about it. You received a gift of money from the city. You’re basically royalty who’s able to retire. You should be very grateful for that. Enjoy your life and do whatever you want because you went through a lot of vlarking madness. Take a vacation, maybe.”

Henry was right. I owed myself some leisure travel. I had plans to go to Akara’s island on Sunday, but I figured I’d do some exploring before then.

Betty and I trekked north of Nezura on Friday. We even made it all the way back to my old house in Verrenna. I received a few weird looks riding in on Betty, but I was fortunate that no one bothered me. When we pulled up in front of my house, I saw another family bringing in crates of food. My heart sank. I knew what it meant. When I checked by the cemetery, I found the graves of both of my parents.

It was strange. I thought I would cry, but I didn’t. Even though they were biologically my parents, it never truly felt like it. Regardless, I paid my respects at the grave. “Beneath the soil I call upon the underworld. Roots, stems, and leaves come out untwirled. Show me an ivory succulent or flower. With the Earth, I’m one with your power.”

Bone flowers sprouted up to my knees and danced gently in the wind next to their tombstones.

I smiled and put my arm around Betty. A thought crossed my mind. Did Uncle Leopold have a grave in Lostonia?

On Sunday, I visited the Lostonia cemetery, but I couldn’t find Uncle Leopold’s name. It was disheartening, but it made sense why they wouldn’t give him the respect he deserved all those years ago.

Something had to be done.

Betty and I went to the docks of Lostonia after visiting the cemetery. Curmudgeon Carl took us out on the Bolt Sea until we arrived at Akara’s hidden island home, protected by a magical layer of fog. When I made it to the house, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Telyos, Lara, Holtmeyer, and Wynn were already drinking mead with Akara, who was beaming so brightly. I don’t think I’d ever seen Akara that happy.

We enjoyed an evening of playing cards, drinking, and showcasing some summoning spells to watch as entertainment. Akara performed a dance number with a few other skeletons, juggling bones in rhythm as one of them played a marimba. We clapped when Akara finished and bowed.

“I thought you’d be learning the deep, unknown secrets the necromancers have yet to discover,” I joked.

Akara grinned. “I don’t know if you know this, but I have a lot of time on my hands.”

Later, we had a bonfire at the center of her island; the stars and moon glowed bright up above. A gentle breeze tickled the flames, but no smoke blew in anyone’s eyes.

I sat next to Akara, and Wynn sat on her other side. Akara turned to me and smiled while everyone else was caught up in a conversation about Orbavue or something. I wasn’t paying too close attention.

“How have you been, Maximilian?” Akara asked.

“I think I’m doing pretty good. I don’t know.” I laughed, but my smile faded.

“Care to elaborate?”

“I felt so high after everything that happened. It was amazing to be recognized as an influential figure and hero of Nezura, but everything kind of died down. I mean, I feel a sense of accomplishment I don’t think I’ve ever had, but—”

“But you’re still craving more?” Akara lifted an eyebrow.

“I guess so. A steady stream of sustained worth would be nice, but I don’t know how that would be possible. How many tyrant kings are running around for me to stop?” I cracked up.

“You don’t have to go around stopping evil to feel a sense of fulfillment. Besides, the Zevolra core evil won’t take shape for another thousand years.”

“Well, I’ll be long gone by then, but you might still be around.” I snickered.

Akara smiled. “Maybe the Zevolra core won’t take shape, now that the remains are destroyed. Time will tell.”

A pause lingered between us before I said, “If you don’t mind me asking, what’s been some of the most rewarding moments of your life?”

Akara sighed. “Well, now that I’m in a young body again, I, too, have had a renewed drive in chasing accomplishments. But for me, venturing into the unknown territories of necromancy gives enough thrills. It’s not for everyone—not that I’m saying you couldn’t do it—but it can be challenging. Sorry, I’m digressing. To answer your original question, when I look back on my long life and career, some of my most rewarding moments came from teaching. Although you might not feel it right away, the difference you made becomes clear at another time in the future.”

I nodded. I had never thought about that. “Good to know.” I smiled.

“I’m delighted you’re here tonight, Maximilian. I’ve never been a mother, but I imagine this is the type of love they feel for their children. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you.” I hid my tears, but my sniffling couldn’t be concealed.

The rest of the night wrapped up with people chatting over the bonfire. Apparently, a new figure came to prominence in Orbavue that had been getting a lot of controversial attention, but I didn’t care enough to listen closely. Daydreams of how I’d spend my life kept me distracted. The idea of standing in front of a classroom and teaching a group of kids seemed invigorating. Especially coaching a student who struggled like me would be redeeming beyond anything else I could think of. That’s all I ever needed, someone to believe in me, and I could give that back to others.

Another idea crossed my mind.

“Telyos, may I bend your ear for a moment?” I asked.

* * *

Later that evening, when Akara returned to her house, and everyone else left, she retired to her bedroom and lay down. Parts of her body twisted and twitched involuntarily, like something trying to escape. Akara whimpered, for she knew what was coming.

A slithery whisper echoed in her mind, “I’ll find a way, Akara. I’ll overthrow you from this throne and kill you a third time. They say third time’s the charm, right?” Mozer cackled. Akara sat up, sweating profusely as a stabbing pain stung her forehead. She screamed so loud it shook the windows.

Akara collapsed on her pillow, unconscious. When she woke up in the morning, her head ached. Still, she carried on with her typical day of studies and concentrated meditations.

* * *

After my conversation with Telyos at the bonfire, a month passed.

I researched what was needed to become a teacher in Nezura. All I had to do was take a rigorous certification class. I enrolled that summer, anxiously awaiting the day where I could carve my path just as Akara did in education.

Telyos and the Noble Necromancers passed the motion to erect a new fountain on Caster’s Court. Akara would stand proud once again but, this time, with a wall of plaques behind her. They would tribute those who were instrumental in stopping King Mozer. One of them honored Uncle Leopold, per my request.

When it was finished, I visited the memorial and cried as soon as I saw the plaque.

Leopold Smith worked in Lostonia as one of the greatest blacksmiths of this generation. He lived as a regular citizen but designed knives and armor for necromancers when most blacksmiths in Lavarund wouldn’t. Because of his open mind, Leopold learned the spells of necromancy to continue producing his work. He lived his life of necromancy in secret but exposed Maximilian Forrester, his only nephew, to the craft. When the public discovered Leopold was a necromancer, he was murdered by the tyrant Mozer. Leopold was never given a proper burial. For his bravery and kindness, we honor him.

The plaque was written with glowing ivory print on a smooth black marble wall. In front of it was a patch of grass.

“Beneath the soil I call upon the underworld. Roots, stems, and leaves come out untwirled. Show me an ivory succulent or flower. With the Earth, I’m one with your power.”

Ivory tulips sprouted from the ground, sitting below the monument.

“If it wasn’t for him, we’d never have met.” I smiled as I patted Betty on the back. My eyes blurred with tears. “Sorry you have to see me like this. I’m an emotional sap. What can I say?”

Betty pulled me in for a hug.

“Thanks.” I cleared my throat and sniffled. “We should go back home. I still have a lot of studying to do for my certification.” I turned around and stepped over to the edge of Caster’s Court and admired the horizon of Nezura. The bone tower, the Municipality Building, all of the other tall structures. The sun was setting, painting the ivory horizon a shade of gold.