It took Relya seven days to return to his mother. She was waiting for
him by the window, and when she saw him coming, lo, there was Relya
coming home without sword, Cross, or Girdle. Relya never gave her time
to ask questions, but called to her in a gentle voice:
“Make ready, mother, and come with me, that we may guard what is ours.”
So they set out together. And on the way the Princess asked Relya
whether he had found the Cross and the Girdle, whether he had raised an
army and had reconquered their castle and lands?
“I found the Girdle and Cross, mother; but I raised no army, neither
have I reconquered our lands. We shall do better without an army,
mother, for you shall see what is left to us of our heritage,” said
Relya.
After seven days’ travel they reached the cabin where Lavender and
Primrose were waiting for them.
Oh, my dear! but there is great joy when kind hearts foregather! The
princess hugged Lavender and Primrose; she kissed their cheeks, eyes,
hands, and lips, and would scarcely let them go, so dear were they to
her, those orphan children from her lost lands!