“Please.” Ash gripped my hand, “Don't do this.”“I release you,” I whispered. “From your vow of knighthood, and the promises you made. Your service to me is done, Ash. You're free.”

“Ash!" I called. "What are you doing? Come on!""Meghan." Ash's voice despite the pain below the surface, was calm. "I hope you find your brother. If you see Puck again tell him I regret having to step out of our duel.""Ash, no! Don't do this!"I felt him smile. "You made me feel alive again," he murmured.Screeching, the greemlins attacked.”

“Don't you dare throw your life away for an unknown superstition. If you die --" My voice broke, and I swallowed thickly. "I love you," I whispered, fisting my hands against his stomach. "You can't leave. You swore you wouldn't."Ash's hands came to rest over mine, twining our fingers together. "Even if the world stands against you," he murmured, bowing his head. "I promise.”

“Where have you come from, traveler?”“I have come from the End of the World,” said a quiet voice that made my heart stop beating. “From the River of Dreams, through the gauntlet and the Briars and the Deep Wyld, in order to stand before you today. I have but one request—to take my place at your side. To resume my duty as your knight, and to protect you and your kingdom for as long as I draw breath.” He raised his head and pushed back the hood, and a gasp went around the throne room. “I am still yours, my queen,” Ash said, looking at me straight in the eye. “If you'll have me.”“You're here,” I murmured, reaching out to touch him, hardly believe this was real. “You came back.” Ash's breath hitched, and he put his hand over mine.“I came home.”

“Ash," I murmured, which made him flinch, bracing himself. My heart pounded, but I ignored my doubts and hurried on. "I...will..." Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and whispered, "Will you be my knight?”

“Fine, princess.... But if I get sick, I expect you to wait on me hand and foot.""If you get sick, I'll just have Ash put you out of your misery.""I'm touched that you care.”

“One more thing,” Ash said in his dangerous, soft voice as we turned away. “If you do not return with her,” Ash continued, staring him down, “if she comes to any harm while she is with you, I will turn this entire camp into a bloodbath. That is my promise, lieutenant.”