After the battle, the Mor tribe was left leaderless, and so joined with one of the neighboring tribes to make one. The enmity and tension felt between the Mor tribe and Celts tribe died with Arlen.

The Celts tribe returned to what once was their village. Connor made the decision that they would rebuild on top of the ruins. The young prince refused to take the title of King until he was older. He said that at 17, he would still be a prince and would not be crowned King until he was older or married. The villagers respected his decision and loved him even more for not being power hungry.

Connor made another decision: he would build a tomb at the village’s edge to honor his father, brothers, Sara, and everyone else lost on that tragic day. Finnegan found Connor sitting on the edge of the woods, looking solemn.

“What’s the matter Connor? You have your revenge, the village is rebuilt, the tomb is constructed, and the people love you. You’re happier than you have been in months. I would have thought you would enjoy everything you have accomplished.”

“I am Finnegan. I just can’t get that night out of my head.”

“It does no good to dwell on the past Connor, you know that. You must enjoy the present and look to the future.”

“I know,” Connor said quietly. “I feel so alone now. I lost those I loved most, and then I spent months training and concentrating on killing the one man who took them from me. I do feel a sense of satisfaction from his death, but now I really have nothing to live for.” Finnegan looked at him, surprised.

“Of course you do. You have your people Connor, they need you. You have life itself to live for. Giving up now is the easy way out and everything you have accomplished would mean nothing. You weren’t raised to be someone who gives up.”

Connor smiled. “You’re right, I’m just thinking about it too much. But what else can I do? I am alone now.”

“You’re not alone Connor, you never were and you never will be. You have me. I am not only you’re protector, but your friend.” The prince looked up at Finnegan, his eyes wet and bright.

“Thank you Finnegan,” he said smiling. “You are a good friend to have.”