Although puzzled, Richard respectfully led Jeremiah to the inner hall and had coffee served.
Jeremiah was smiling brightly, which eased some of Richard's concerns.
"May I ask what private matter you've come to discuss with me?"
"Congratulations."
Jeremiah put down his cup, looking at him with a beaming smile. Although this matter needed to be revealed quickly, the joy was so great that he feared Richard might not be able to handle the shock of such news. Thus, he preferred to take it slow.
"Congratulations?" Richard was even more puzzled. As the Minister of Protocol, there seemed to be no further promotion in sight.
"May I ask what it is for?"
Jeremiah replied, "What was once lost has now been found."
Richard's confusion deepened. "Something lost has now been found? I haven't lost anything recently."
"His Majesty has decreed that the Ministry of Protocol should prepare to welcome the heroes of the Southern Frontier campaign. Among them are two heroes from your family."
Richard was struck by this revelation, his face changing dramatically. He took a deep breath, and said, "Has… Has the bones of my two sons been found?"
Jeremiah looked at him. "Bones? The two young men of the Cooper family are still alive. The Hell Monarch brought them back from Sandoria. After they were captured, they escaped, formed the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, and provided intelligence for our army during the Southern Frontier battle."
Richard clutched his chest, shaking his head in disbelief. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he choked out, "No, Mr. Murray, you can't joke about this. When they died on the battlefield, it felt like someone had gouged my heart out. It can't be…"
Jeremiah stood up, patted his shoulder, and gave him a thumbs-up. "They did well. I am proud of them and the entire Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team."
Tears streamed down Richard's face as he trembled. "Is it truly so? Are you speaking the truth?"
"He's alive! He's still alive! Oh, he has such a cold heart. He didn't send any word home…"
Opal also cried, but with Derek still present, she restrained her emotions and quickly comforted the other woman.
"He couldn't send word home. Over there, it was a matter of life and death. It was already very difficult to send news to the military."
Once Alice had calmed down, she stood and bowed to Derek. "Please forgive my loss of composure."
Derek responded kindly, "It's only natural to feel this way. There's no need for such formality."
Derek took his leave. As he exited the Farrell family's residence, he heard Alice's choked voice, "What will we do? His wife has remarried."
Derek sighed softly. The world was full of changes. It was heartening to see fallen soldiers return, yet it was a pity that the seven from the Sinclair family would never come back.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Her Graceful War Song
What happens to the other chapters, I've been waiting to read more of this story, the character's and the screening are fantastic, very intriguing story...
Next chapter please, what's happening...
Very captivating novel....
Both content and context are very intriguing, the writer style of pulling out characters in their unique ways are profound,I have recommended this book because it's very captivating...