When we left Jonah last week, his father, Drake, had given him a key that allowed passage through the portal to a paradise on the other side of the island. The enormity of the sacrifice Tidus had made to try and help him overwhelmed Jonah. He’s taking in this new world but still doesn’t know what his assignment will be. Let’s join Jonah, Tidus, Drake, and Jade for the conclusion of this story.
Jonah turned in a full circle taking in the beauty surrounding him. Palm trees swayed, turquoise water lapped at the shore, birds chirped, and brilliant flowers filled the air with their sweet fragrance.
The beauty made his head spin. A large house with stone dragons guarding the entrance sat approximately one hundred yards away.
Drake stood beside Jonah. “You’re home, my son. I have dreamed and hoped for this day when I could claim you. You are strong and brave. You’re everything my son should be.”
Jonah mumbled. “Thank you, sir.”
“I will teach you our ways, and your magic will grow, just as it did with your mother. But, you will have to work hard.”
“You mean like chores?” Jonah asked.
A deep rumbling laugh erupted from Drake’s chest. “I guess you could put it that way.”
Jade reached for Tidus’ hand. “Come, my love. We have some catching up to do.”
Tidus wrapped an arm around his mother’s waist and they walked toward the house, heads together, speaking in low voices. The obvious love between them brought a lump to Jonah’s throat. How he wished for the love of a mother, but his mother was dead and not coming back. He was happy for Tidus, though. The kid deserved to have his family again. He faced Drake.
“I’m ready. What do you have to show me?”
Drake pulled a spyglass from his coat and passed it to Jonah. “Turn around and look through this glass in the direction we came.”
Jonah put the spyglass up to his eye and let out a shocked gasp. It was as if none of the rocks or brush existed and he had a clear view of the place he’d just left less than half an hour ago.
A smaller boat than the one he had refused to leave on, pulled up to the dock and dropped off a passenger. The memory of himself in that exact situation flooded Jonah. But, wait! It wasn’t a male. It was a female with long flaming red hair!
He turned in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
“She, like you, has been banished to the island for her crimes. You will be allowed to help her, but only when she is seeking and ready. You can observe her from time-to-time but, cannot go to her until she does her part of the work.”
Jonah asked. “So, I will be for her like Tidus was for me? Is she my sister? Is she one of us?”
Drake chuckled. “No, my son. She is a mere mortal trying to find her way. And, yes, you will help her. As a half-mortal, you are more able to understand and communicate. She is your first assignment.”
Jonah turned back toward the girl. That moment of helplessness, fear and vulnerability he’d first felt, when he’d been in her shoes, washed over him. It was almost as if he could read her thoughts and emotions.
Drake laid a hand on his shoulder. “Remember what you’ve learned. She must seek inside herself for redemption and answers. In the meantime, you will become my student. And, when you are ready, you will meet the others.”
“Others?” Jonah found words jumbled with thoughts and hard to form.
“Yes, Jonah. Others. We are not alone. But, all in good time. For now, let’s go to the house and get you a proper bath, and clothes.
Jonah nodded and fell into step beside Drake, the powerful Wizard ― his father.
In losing everything, Jonah had found all that he sought. And so it is for us mere mortals from time to time.
THE END
I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed Jonah’s story. It’s been a pleasure to share it with you. My intent was that maybe you’d find bits and pieces of inspiration along the way. To those of you who followed it from the beginning, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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