OUTLANDER

                                                     Chapter 18

                                          New Beginnings

As the dawn crept into the far eastern horizon Eron stretched his arms outward flexing muscles after his watch on the tower. Tervil would be here starting his morning watch in just a few moments. The platoon had broken their watches into a routine, each of them stood a four hour watch and then had eight hours off. The watch tower had been fully completed over a moon cycle ago. It was the length of two men square made entirely out of quarried stone and there was a hewn wood door at the base. There ladders placed from one level to the next, each level was the height of two men with a wood floor at each level. The entire tower was five levels tall to the floor at the top. Then the stone walls reached the height of a man’s chest at that level and there was a stone bench built inside all four of those walls so that a man could kneel on them for shooting arrows and yet be better protected, or sit during his watch for brief rests from standing. Four stone pillars continued above this wall to support the roof which was again built from hewn lumber covered with thatch to repel the rains. At each level there was a murder hole, in case an enemy breached the lower door. An array of bows, supply of arrows. Dragons Breath grenades, and assortments of stones were stored on the floor below the top one. There were two warning horns hanging from rafters close to two of the stone pillars to warn the town of sighted ships.

Two new and much larger Catapults had been built on each side of the tower with supplies of various sized stones stockpiled nearby, as well as large iron balls filled with Dragon’s Breath. A new large Hwacha stood in front of the tower that had been built to fire thirty arrows at a time. Eron and his men had made their quarters on the first and second floors. There was a larder and table on the first floor and beds for each of them on the second floor. There was also a stone wall the height of two men built around the entire area on the two sides that did not look directly over the bluff below with another hewn wooden gate that could be locked by a hinged hewn log when dropped into two iron brackets installed on the inside of the gate.

Once Tervil arrived Eron walked down into the town for morning meal. After he served himself what he wanted he sat down beside where Ruthor and Gaben were already eating.

“Good morning. May I join you?”

“Of course, you must have just gotten off watch.”

“I did, thank you. Looks like it is going to be a fine day.”

“Looks that way. With the tower complete your days are becoming routine now.”

“They are. A little of that is fine, but pretty soon I know my men and I would relish a little variety, not complaining though, Lieutenant.”

“None taken.”
“I can understand it, Eron. My men on the Caravel are at about the same point. We have completed all the improvements to the ship now. She will be a fine vessel in an attack and yet serve us well for a transport when needed. But seamen are the same, too long in port and they start to lose their sea legs.”

“Well maybe we can do something about that. What if you take the Caravel out for a shakedown cruise either north up the coast or south beyond our first anchorage and extend our knowledge of the coastline. Let us say a six day cruise up with making anchor at midpoint and then again at the end before turning around to return. At each anchorage, Eron and his men can scout the interior of half a day. All of you keeping account of the terrain, rivers, landscape features and so on. Then we start to know more about this new world we are in?”

“I would be all in for that, how about you, Gaben?”

“My crew would enjoy the few days at sea, even if it is close to shore.”

“Good, I will talk to Dein and Bern about manning the watch tower, and I’ll see if Garth can add Pannil to them. They could start by tomorrow morning if you two can be ready to leave port with the morning tide?”

“We will be ready. Thank you, Ruthor. This will be good for the men as well as finding out more about this island we are on.”

Ruthor then rose and walked to where Garth and his men were watching the prisoners build the new prison building.

“How is it going, Garth?”

“Slow, Lieutenant Ruthor. They should have the exterior walls completed by the full moon.”

“Would you be able to lose Pannil for six or so days? I would like to have him join Dein and Bern taking a few days watches at the watch tower.”

“Sure. Sean and I can handle this crew. Especially since we have the watchful attention of Two Socks and Big Ears with us. May I ask what is up with Eron and his men?”

“I am sending them on the Caravel with its crew for six days of exploration north up our coast.”

“A great idea, the more we know the better. When do you want Pannil at the watch tower?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“He will be there.”

“Thank you.

                                                                           *****

The morning audiences with Damna the Great had just ended and the last petitioner was walking out the doors of the Purple Throne Room. When Damna turned to his mage and asked once again a question that was stretching his patience. “Pollocan, I trust today you will have some kind of answer to my all too long continuing question about news of the traitor, Dax now of Marden?”

“There has been some news recently, my Lord. I am not sure if it will be welcome news though?”

“I will judge it’s worth, useless one. What is the latest you has kept from me?”

“I finally heard from men that I had looking for that man we sent out of Skalm. He has never been seen again. Then I just heard from a man we could finally get inside Throgmarden itself. He says that several months ago Dax was married to a woman there. However not long after their ceremony, not only did Dax and the woman stop being seen anywhere, no one has seen any of his men or anyone traveling with Dire Wolves in over six moons at least.”

“So you are saying they have all disappeared from the face of the world?”

“In a way, Eminence. I have the question of all I know in every realm. No one anywhere has seen them in longer than that.”

“No death, no tragedy, not one man traveling anywhere with wolves, nothing?”

“Nothing Lord Damna.”

Damna rose from his throne and took two steps closer to Pollocan, fire rising in his features, both arms raised with clenched fists at their ends and a terrible scowl across his twisted face. As he neared where the terrified old mage stood, he uttered in a low menacing hushed tone. “Leave me you old fool, leave me now. Do not come again within my sight”. Damna the Great turned ever so slightly and walked out of the throne room not slowing to take one look back.

                                                           *****

Melody, Gayla and Aiela were walking down the street toward the market area of Jav when Melody made a statement to her friends. “I think I am going to the stall of the Sand Walkers first this morning.”

“Are you going to ask them to go and try to bring back the woman, Asbydahl from Pelia?”

“I think so. It will take them time to get there, find her and then if she agrees come back. By then I will be getting close to my time.”

“I agree that you should. Did you bring the token given us? If not, do not worry I keep mine with me at all times?”

 “As do I.”

“Then we all do. I have mine as well.”

“A new habit for us all. But with our husbands gone so long now, if nothing else, it is like something of Dax with me.”

Aiela chuckled before saying. “Something of Dax with you, my woman, I would have thought that child starting to kick inside you would be enough?” Then all three of them laughed all the harder.

                                                       *****

The voyage to Jav had been very similar to the voyage finding the island. There had been a couple of times when they were becalmed, but they had been short lived. The winds had been somewhat better for the sails to be filled with air for better sailing, without the use of oars. The crews on all three ships were watching more intently for land to appear on the horizon within the last few days. The crews knew they had been out almost as long as that trip to the island, no shore birds had been seen as yet, but the hopes were that in would come very soon.

Dax had talked with Ofid a couple of times already. Ofid would not be going directly back to the island. Dax wanted him to carry messages to the council in Marden. Then he could go home and see his family. They had talked about the fact that this mission on the island could last another year or two. Since Dax, Ruthor and Cran’s wives and babies were in Jav, there was a possibility for them to come back to the island and be with them for the remainder of the mission. Ofid could talk with Abindal and see what they wanted to do and Dax would agree with their decision either way. Ofid had already said he would be back. He was also going to see if there were people, which could be trusted once they knew that such a move would be permanent, wanted to come back with him. This was one of the messages he would discuss with the council, after informing them of all that had already occurred. They both agreed it would probably be at least 6 moon cycles before Ofid could get back, with the length of time it would take to get to Marden, be there some time, then travel back to Jav within time to catch the next possible ship back to the island.

The one thing that had surprised Dax was that not one of the captive women had wanted to return yet. He had been relieved by it, since it settled any possible leak of the secret, but he had been surprised by it still.

                                                            *****

After the Caravel tied up to the dock, returning from their several days of voyage up the northern coast, Eron and his platoon walked down the gang plank just ahead of Gaben Slogin. By the time they were on the beach at its end and walking into the village, Ruthor and Delpha had walked up to greet them.

“Welcome back, did you find anything of surprising interest while you were gone?” Ruthor said as he reached for Eron’s hand in greeting.

“The coastline undulates in and out, but reaching a more northwest direction for the three days of sailing, there are two more rivers along that stretch. From our first anchorage and on up to our destination the mountains more inland reach higher than the ones near the town. Nowhere did we see or find any signs of other peoples living or using any of this land.”

“That is good to know.”

“There is also good fishing in those waters, many varieties of tasteful fish could be caught there, if we build small fishing boats to harvest them.” Gaben added.

“Even better. Do any of your men have the skills to direct the building of such boats?”

“There are two that do, Lieutenant.”

“Then when the new prison is completed we will assign them the men to harvest the lumber and get a couple built. For now give your men a rest. Then we will go back to our assignments that were before you left.”

“And, welcome back from the women. We will make tonight’s evening meal special to honor your safe return,” Delpha added.

                                                                *****

“Land Captain.” The Crow’s nest watch cried out. “Due east, you should be able to see it well soon”.

Several moments passed as men on all three ships scanned the eastern horizon for signs of land. As the first breaking of the monotonous horizon was being broken with the first thin visages of land, the crew yelled out along all the upper areas of the Windlass, Lagdian ship and the Cog.

“We should be able to make out where we are on the Waste coastline before dark settles in, then we can adjust our course to Jav.” Captain Cavidar said to Dax.

“That will be good. Hopefully we are not too far north or south and we can be in port soon.”

Not long before dusk Jav itself could be made out within a couple of leagues north of their course. Both ships adjusted their courses accordingly. They would make anchor tonight and sail into port after dawn, it was safer than attempting to dock at night.

All the men on the ships were jubilant and most of them celebrated during the evening meal. All hands were up before the first gray rays of the coming day appeared in the eastern sky. Then everyone turned to their tasks of sailing the final distance and then tying to the docks in the port of Jav.

Once the gangplank was secured between the ships and pier; Dax, Cran and Ofid made their way up the just awakening streets of the city. It was not long before they were standing at the door to Neven Salas. Dax knocked on the wooden door and waited until Dens came to open it.

“Welcome back, Captain. I believe there are some who will be most happy that you are here. Come on in, I think you will remember where your wife’s room is. They are all in their yet this beautiful morning.”

“Thank you, we will go there first then.” Dax answered as he followed by Ofid and Cran walked through the door and toward where he remembered the room was. Just as Dax reached for the door handle, it opened before him. It was Asbydahl that was coming out.

“Well Dax, it is about time you returned.” She said as she put arms around his neck and gave him a small kiss to his check. “You have not yet missed the birth of your first child. Go on in I will be back momentarily.”

As she stepped out and walked away, it was Aiela who turned first to see who it was coming in. She gave an excited small gasp at seeing Cran behind Dax, rose from where she had been sitting at the foot of the bed and ran to hug her husband. This made everyone in the room turn to look toward the door. Melody pushed herself up enough to see Dax and tears started to drip down her cheeks.

“Hello, husband. I was afraid you would miss the birth of our first born. Come over here so I can feel you back, safe and sound”. Dax walked quickly to where she was laying, leaned over and kissed Melody lovingly. “I am so happy, now.”

“As am I, Melody my love.”

As Dax moved to stand erect again, Neven Salas walked into the room.

“I am glad to see you are back, Captain Dax. Did you just make port this morning?”

“We did, Neven and we three came straight here.”

“That is good, it means there were few on the streets as yet. When you can we should talk.” Then Neven turned to look straight at Melody. “Good morning child, how are you feeling this morning?”

“Happy, Neven, extremely happy.”

“Good, I will leave you all to get reacquainted.” The old mage then turned and walked out of the room, leaving them all to some privacy.

Dax told Gayla that Ruthor had stayed on the island in command of the men not returning on this trip. And that Ofid would be returning to Marden to make reports to the council, then he would be coming back to Jav in time to ship out to The Island in 6 moon cycles. He then talked with all of them that this mission could possibly last for two or three years and that he hoped they would consider returning to the island with him.

Melody was the first to answer. “My Husband, there is no question that as soon as I give birth, I and our child will be going where ever you go. My life is with you. Now tell us more of this new home which we will be voyaging to.”

Gayla immediately echoed Melody’s affirmation of returning to the island whenever Dax did.

Aiela put her arms around Cran, looked up into his eyes and told him and the others that she with Balen would be going as well.

Dax and Cran then spent several moments telling them all everything that they could about the island, including about the once captive women who decided to stay there.

“Well, then we will not want for the company of other strong women when we arrive. I am sure they will become as dear to us as family.” Melody answered, Gayla and Aiela strongly agreeing. “I cannot imagine the pain they have endured. But, this new land will become our homes, full of friendship and love. The work will be hard, but that will only make the rewards richer.”

During the discussion Asbydahl had walked back into the room and at hearing the finality of these wives’ decision said but two things. “It is time for you my dear friend, Dax, to leave this room so I can attend to Melody, her time grows near. And I trust that there will be a berth on your ship for a midwife to accompany all of you. I do not intend to allow Melody with her new born and these other two young stallions to make such a journey without my being with them.” Everyone turned to see Dax’s reply.

“I would not think of saying no to such a request, even though I would have never asked you to leave all you know for us.”

“You did not ask and I did not offer. It was a statement, I would not think of not going on this venture into a new world. Now go, do what you should be doing. We women will attend to what we should be doing without the interruption of mere men in our way.” Asbydahl said this firmly but with a motherly smile. The three men turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind them.

When they came to the larder, they found Neven seated at the table having his morning tea.

“I hope that since it was so early when you docked and came here to my house, that there were few on the streets as you walked?”

“There was almost no one out yet this morning, Neven. But why would that be of special interest?”

“I have heard that Damna the Great has had that old Mage, Polocan, send out messenger birds and spies everywhere with orders to find, abduct and or kill you on sight. It seems that Damna went into a rage some time back when Polocan could not find word anywhere of you or your men.”

“He will never give up on bringing me to punishment for refusing him.”

“No, he will not. What are your plans going forward?”

“First, I would like to ask if you would send a messenger bird to Lord Ceric.”

“Of course. What should the message say?”

“Simply this, phase one and two completed. Three in progress. Report to follow in half a moon.”

“I will send the bird this morning.”

“Thank you. Ofid will be leaving on the first ship we can find to return to Marden, he will deliver the report in person. Captain Cavidar and Bien will leave in the morning, taking the Lagdian ship and Cog to Viral and then returning here on the Windlass. Cran and I will be accumulating those things we intend on taking back to The Island while they are gone. As soon as they arrive back here, we will all be leaving on the Windlass, for our return to Sovladen. This is the name we have chosen for the town we are building there, in honor of Vlad, South and the Seaman who gave their lives in taking it away from Fargyn and his men.”

“That sounds like a fitting tribute and have you thought of what you will call this island?”

“Yes, as long as we hear that Thane Erik and the council agree. We would think that Borland is a good name.”

“I see, a way of honoring your Thane, without being overt and causing political strife too quickly if another king hears it before you wish them to know.”

“Yes.”

“Well, be careful in your dealings here. Try not to be identified too soon.”

“We will, thank you. We will go to the docks as soon as we have had a morning meal and return as soon as we can.”

Dens was serving all four of them by the time the conversation was over. Afterwards Dax and Cran went to Melody’s room to tell their wives what they were doing and that they would return shortly. Dax could see that Melody was in pain, having strong contractions as Asbydahl tended to her and had Aiela usher them all away almost as soon as they came to the door.

They left the Dire Wolves at the house of Neven Salas, their hope was that they would be less noticeable than if the wolves were with them. The three wolves took up positions near Melody’s room, knowing all three of the wives were inside.

Their first stop near the docks was the market stall of the Sand Walkers. Dax’s first statement to the trader there was thanks for helping in getting Asbydahl to Melody. Then they discussed those things they would be seeking, first off a ship that would be leaving in the direction of Marden for Ofid. The Trader knew of one leaving in two days and told them the name of its Captain. He also said for them to be very careful and repeated the warning they had already been given by Salas. Before they walked away headed for the docks, he agreed that he would be negotiating for some of the provisions and materials they wished to accumulate, it would be less obvious if he was trading for most of them.

At the docks the ship was easy to find and its First Mate showed them to the Captain. He did have room for Ofid and negotiating the passage went quickly, even though there was to be a large dog accompanying Ofid on the voyage. The ship was pulling out of port the next morning, Ofid told the Captain he would be on board later that evening. Without saying so, it was so he could slip West on board and into his cabin when fewer of the seamen would be on duty. Once they were at sea, he could tell the Captain of his reason for the subterfuge and offer some additional funds if it made the Captain feel less used.

This task completed they all returned to Neven Salas’s home. As Dens opened the door with a bright smile on her face. “You should go to your wife’s room, just minutes ago you became a father.”

All three men rushed to Melody’s door. Dax cracked it barely open and asked if he could enter. Asbydahl turned and gave him the encouraging wave to come over to his wife’s bed.

“Would you like to see your daughter, my Husband?”

“Yes, I am sorry we took so long, my love.”

“You were gone just the right amount of time Dax, men are no good in the way while the work is going on. But now we can marvel at this tiny beautiful girl we have created together.”

“She looks like you Melody, which is a good thing. I now have two beautiful ladies to love.”

“Come on over, Ofid and Cran, and take a look at our newest female member of the Wolf Pack,” she said with a mischievous smile. Both of them did as she allowed and gave her congratulations for the newborn. “She already has many older cousins to look out for her, Balen and Iben Dom here already. Then hopefully Yestal, Dena and Brenna before too long.”

“I am hoping the same thing, Melody. I am boarding the ship tonight with West and we sail for Marden on the early morning tide.”

“We will all look forward to your return.”

Asbydahl interrupted now saying they should all let Melody and the babe get some much earned rest. Everyone did as the Midwife asked. Dax was the last to leave, telling his wife he would come back later and sleep nearby. She smiled knowingly before closing her eyes, cuddling her baby to her. Asbydahl picked up the little girl as Melody drifted off to sleep and placed her in a crib beside her bed. Then she took a seat in the chair nearby and worked on a small blanket she was making.

The next morning as dawn rose over the eastern sands, Ofid’s ship left the harbor and headed north toward Tripolia, the ship was making its one stop there and Ofid had one task to complete during the two days in port at Phit. He and West would go into the mountains and gather more of the Lode Stone for making the effigies.

Then it was nonstop until they reached the harbor of Throgmarden. Once he had delivered his report to the council it would be home to his family.

                                                                       *****

Captain Cavidar and his crews were docked in Viral. The Lagdian ship and the Cog were tied to the piers. He made his way to the Hall of the Tuskers and asked for an audience with King Amish Magdar. Magdar hearing it was a Captain from Marden granted the audience.

“Welcome, Captain Cavidar. What word do you have from Thane Erik Throgmarden?”

“He sends you good tidings of health and prosperity, King Magdar. I am here to deliver back to you, your Ship that was stolen from you by the late Fargyn the rebel.”

“My ship, you have taken and returned that ship? And did I hear that you said, Fargyn is dead?”

“He is great King and your ship is docked in your port as we speak. There is also a Cog tied to a dock here that belongs to a trader from Steldar. It is our hope than you could have a message sent to King Drofeld with this knowledge so he can send men to retrieve it here.”

“Of course. But pray tell how did you come to bring me these ships and know of Fargyn’s death?”

“We encountered him on the Windless Sea and a battle ensued, Fargyn died in that battle as well as most of his traitorous crews. My Thane had sent my men and the Wolf Pack on a mission to track him down. We were lucky enough to accomplish our task and retrieve these two of his misbegotten ships in sailable shape in the bargain.”

“What may I do in return for such a generous gift?”

“We would only ask that you grant my request to inform King Drofeld that the Cog is also docked here.”

“Gladly, Captain. Wil you rest here in Viral and at least allow us to hold a feast in gratitude?”

“We plan on being here for only two days Lord, resupplying our ship, then we must return. But if you wish to celebrate during that time I and my men would be eternally grateful.”

“Yes, thank you. And I will send word down to the port that whatever you require, a gift from me.”

“That is most gracious, King Magdar.”

“Good, then we will expect to see you here this evening for a feast.”

“We will gladly be here and thank you again. If I may then I will go back to the port and see to the resupplying myself.”

“Of course, we will see you this evening.”

Cavidar bowed and then left the hall. The rest of the day was spent in obtaining those supplies. Bein spent time in some of the ale houses. He was covertly enlisting a few men who were willing to take on a new venture elsewhere permanently. A few were willing and agreed to not disclose any information, once they were told that they could bring their families with them if they wished. These men would be boarding the Windlass late the following evening.

The following second morning before the sun had rose high in the sky, the Windlass left port with a heading of north up the coastline.

                                                                         *****

Ofid was able to find a pack full of the lodestone in his short time on Tripolia north of Phit. The Captain had been most gracious about West not being a large dog, he said that as long as the wolf caused no problems during the cruise to Marden, he had been paid well enough already. He had heard of men from Marden who traveled with wolves and asked no questions. Ofid guessed that the man thought that Ofid was on a mission for the Thane and thought better of asking too many questions.

The voyage after that was uneventful. Once they docked in Throgmarden he and West made their way directly to the house of the Mage Ceric. Ceric ushered the two immediately to the council house so he could deliver his report to Thane Erik, Lord Daka and himself in private.

“We received the messenger bird Sergeant-at-arms and were glad to hear the Wolf Pack had not only found the island, but had taken it from Fargyn. I am sure your report will be much more detailed.”

“It is my Thane. It took us three moons of sailing due west to find the Island. Then the Captains made a plan to take it from them. In that attack, Fargyn was killed and all but nineteen of men as well. Unfortunately we lost Vlad and South, the seamen also lost one man. What none of us could know was that there are 18 women on the island that had been held captive from the taking of several ships after they took the first one from Lagdian. We were also able to capture the three they had; the Lagdian ship, a Caravel and a Cog. Captain Cavidar has returned the Lagdian ship and the Cog to King Magdar, who will contact Steldar for them to retrieve the Cog at his harbor. The captive women wished to stay on the island. Captain Dax and everyone will be working on defenses of the island and improving living conditions there.”

“That is so much more than we could have hoped for from this first mission already. What can we here do to assist your efforts there.”

“I will be seeing to my family next and am hoping they will return with me to the island as soon as I can. We have instituted an island council, Captain Dax, Captain Cavidar, Lieutenant Ruthor and Delpha, the spokesperson for the women. They wish for you to know that we have named the town Sovladen in honor of the three we lost in the attack. Also they have suggested the island be named Borland in your honor.”

Thane Erik, Ceric and Lord Daka talked among themselves for a minute and then Thane Erik turned to Ofid.

“We agree on the namings. When you see Captain Dax, tell him we are pleased with both. I will give you documents promoting the Captain to Commander and Captain Cavidar to Commodore. You are all to be commended on your heroic performance. What could we possibly do to be of any assistance?”

“I wish to return as soon as I can. I will be looking for craftsmen and maybe a few soldiers willing to join us there. Captain Dax wanted everyone who did to know this would be a permanent move and in total secrecy until this council decides that such secrecy no longer be needed in knowledge of Borlands existence. I also have these tokens to give the council.” Ofid then put the bag boars head effigies on the council table and described for them how they are used. Then said that they were officers in the Marden Navy.

“This is one more marvel from your Commander.”

“I will help you find men worthy of such a posting. I think Commander Dax should promote your best men accordingly to keep a strong chain of command. I will also assign you a ship captain and ship for your use, that way you need not wait in Jav and can make way to Borland at all speed.”

“I think that is a fine idea, Lord Daka, then at least one of our ship’s Captains will also have been to Borland, in case the need ever arises.”

“I thought you would. Tell Commodore Cavidar he is as well assigned to Borland with hos crews, I take it the Caravel has been added to your fleet there.”

“It has Lord. I believe First Mate Bein is to be its Captain.”

“Fine, you go ahead and see your family. Let me know when you are back in Throgmarden and we will complete all you need to. This way you can be on your way back to Borland as soon as possible.’

Ofid begged his leave and left the council chamber, once outside he and West made haste for home.

The big man was amazed at how quickly Abindal and his children became enthused at returning with him. On his third day home he begged his wife’s indulgence. He had one task he had thought of that he wanted himself, Yestal and West to accomplish away from their farmstead. Two days later the three returned with a litter of recently born Dire Wolf pups, three females and three males.

“I see you found what you were looking for. While we women got everything ready for our move.”

“I did, my love, and thank you for being so understanding. These young will improve our chances of increasing our pack when needed.”

“I am glad you thought of it, Husband. Now let us get loaded up for our new adventure together.”

The next morning all was loaded and they started on their way to the capitol.

                                                               *****

Once Captain Cavidar returned from Viral, supplies and newly acquired materials were loaded onto the Windlass. Neven Salas had suggested that they take along a young man he was training to be a Mage someday. The young man had knowledge of messenger birds and would be taking a few with him in hopes that they could be of use in quicker communication between the island and Salas here in Jav, if they could survive such flights over the open sea.

On the fourth morning later, Neven Salas and Dens stood on the docks at the port and watched the Windlass disappear beyond the western horizon once again; thankful that there had been no interference from spies of Damna the Great.

Dax and Melody holding their new daughter, were also watching the coastline fade from the view of the ship on that eastern horizon.

“We are heading to a new world, my love. May we be glad of our new lives there.” Melody said to Dax.