Redeemed - Separation

Redeemed - Separation

Chedrick stopped outside the family dining room in the palace of Corona. He put a hand on the handle of the white and cream door and took a few breathes to steady his nerves.
He pushed open the heavy doors and walked in. His adoptive family, his family, turned to look at him, brothers and sisters and Eric, of course. Everyone was trying to be proper but some of the younger ones were fidgeting a lot.
“Hey, kid. We were worried you were going to sleep the day away.” Eugene said.
Rapunzel looked up from feeding Ermgard the toddler, and smiled at him, that wonderful loving smile that made him feel welcomed like family.
“Good morning, dear.” Said Grandma Rebecca.
Grandpa Leonard pulled the spoon from his mouth to smile and wave.
“Mom, Dad. I have something to tell you.”
The adults all put their silverware down and looked at him most seriously. Chedrick felt his insides twist up but surged forward anyway.
“I- You might want to send for Aunt Elsa, I think it’s time… for me to go to Avendell.”
Everyone looked at each other. The kids all looked to their parents. Eugene stood slowly and came around to kneel before his teenaged son. “What makes you say that?”
“I was having a dream about a whirlwind and when I woke up, everything was flying around my room.” He looked around and saw that a napkin had fallen to floor under Ermgard’s highchair.
“Like this.” Chedrick reached out with his powers and called the napkin to him. It flew over to his hand then he sent it flying around the room. As he brought it to a stop in his hand he felt Mom throw her arms around him.
“Oh Chedrick. You are going to be amazing.” Said Rapunzel with her arms around him.
“Yeah son. You’ll be a mighty mage someday.” Said Eugene as Chedrick felt his Dad’s hand on his shoulder. Then everyone else was around him hugging him too.

# # #

Later, in Chedrick’s room. Eric was sitting on the bed as Chedrick gathered a few small items he wanted to take. Since they were going to be walking into the Dark Forest, he wasn’t going to be able to take a lot.
Rapunzel and Eugene had presented him with miniature paintings of the family, to remember them by, as if he could forget.
“We’re still on for it, right?” asked Eric.
Chedrick went to the side of his brother.
“Absolutely. We all knew this day was coming. This is just me getting the training I need to do what we will need to to get your parents back. Study hard, train hard, but remember to have some fun. You’re too serious all the time.”
“Okay. It’s just I’m going to miss you. It’s hard when people go away.”
“I know it is difficult for you. I will be back and we will get your parents back. I promise.”
Eric clasped Chedrick’s forearm as he returned the gesture.
“For Family. To hell and back.” They said together as they renewed the vow they had made together so long ago.

# # #

Small waves lapped at the sides of the ships moored to the dock in the harbor of Corona. Flags and loose canvas snapped in the stiff breeze.
“Deliver him safely, please.” Said Rapunzel her hands on Chedrick’s shoulders.
“Of course, dear cousin. Would I do anything less?” Asked Elsa.
“No, but I can’t help but make sure. You’re going to be okay since Anna had to stay behind?” Asked Rapunzel.
“I am pretty sure, though I have these just in case.” Elsa raised her gloved hands rubbing the fine blue leather between her fingers. “I was the one to tell her to stay home, she is far too pregnant to go galavanting into the Dark Forest. And I want to stop by more kingdoms to see if they will join the Coalition. Maleficent is gaining power to the East. I’m still trying to get the Russians to commit, they are playing both sides, I think. Most of their people are desperately poor and I think they would just like to stay out of the whole thing.”
Eugene came forward and took his adopted son by the shoulders. “You’re a good kid. Work hard but don’t forget to rest and have some fun. Remember who you are.”
“I will Dad.”
After hugs all around and some tears from the girls, Chedrick and Elsa boarded the ship to take them to the Dark Forest and Chedrick’s magical training in Avendell.