I feel like I should be further along in this...lol...I guess it's because I have it done and am just sharing it one chapter at a time...anyway hope you guys like it! Feedback welcome and wanted, please!

Kayti

Before long, Perkinson found himself in a large, rounded room sitting on a bench beside Pacer. Heyward had entered into another chamber more than thirty minutes ago after having them take a seat on the bench. Perkinson was nervous. What was taking so long?

He glanced at Pacer and saw that the older buck felt the same way. He tried to smile reassuringly at Pacer, but he was sure he failed. He heard footsteps and looked down the hall to see an older white doe, holding the hand of a young grey one who was skipping. The grey doe held a doll and beamed from ear to ear. As they approached, the little doe grew sober and finally stopped walking.

“What is it, Maggie?” The older doe asked, pausing in her walk.

“I want to help grandma,” The little doe said as she scrunched her face in concern.

Perk smiled; she was a cute little thing. “Help with what, Maggie?” The doe’s grandmother asked.

The little doe, Maggie, shook her head and pulled her hand away. “Not what,” the little doe said as she walked over and laid a hand on Perk’s leg and said, “Him. I want to help him like Auntie Emma does.”

The older doe smiled. “I am sure he will be well taken care of sweetie, it's off to bed with you. Your mother will be coming out of the council soon, and she’ll want to tell you a story.”

Maggie seemed torn. She looked at Perk, her eyes big and innocent as she asked, “Did you get hurt fighting like Uncle Vicket?”

Perkinson winced, Picket’s niece. He took a deep breath.

“Maybe he doesn’t want to talk about it, Maggie,” the older doe said, looking at him in apology.

He shook his head. “It’s fine.” He looked down at Maggie then and said, “Hey Maggie, I’m Perk.” He looked to the older doe to see her response; she was looking away and didn’t appear to be listening. “I did get hurt fighting, but I was fighting for the wrong thing.”

The Maggie cocked her head and then said, “Like Uncle Winslow? He was bad and mean, but now he’s nice and fun.” The little doe smiled.

Perk patted her head. “Yeah, something like that. I’m asking the king for pardon, waiting to hear what he has to say.”

“My daddy’s the king,” Maggie nodded as she added, “He will give you pardon, and Auntie Emma can fix you.” Maggie touched his legs as she looked at his crutches.

Perk shook his head, “I don’t think Emma wants much to do with me…I…”

“Why not?” Maggie asked.

Perk sighed such a curious little one. “Come, Maggie, time for bed.” The older doe held out her hand, and Maggie took it as she waved bye. Perk waved back; she was cute, but he would not miss her asking questions he wasn’t sure how to answer.

The next minute the door to the council room opened, and Perk hurried as best he could to his feet. Pacer steadied him, and the two bucks stood tall. A short white rabbit in plain but regal attire waved them into the room. No one else was in the room. As they entered, the buck closed the door and turned to them. He did not smile, and his calm eyes studied them for a moment. Then he cleared his throat and said, “Have a seat, bucks. Do you know who I am?”

“King Smalden Joveson,” Pacer said softly.

“Yes, but call me Smalls, please.”

Perk nodded as he sat down and wondered what would happen next. The small buck paced back and forth as he began talking.

“Heyward told me you were here; I am sorry it took so long. I was with my sister and the queen, who once hearing who was here have helped me come to a decision.” Smalls stopped pacing and looked at them. “The war is over; peace is here. Much was the price paid for freedom, the full price most likely still unknown to you, but as you talk to more people, you will learn it. You have both betrayed us in some way, ways that hurt my sister. But she has asked that you be given pardon. I have decided that…” Smalls paused, looking them both in the eye before saying, “that all is forgiven.”

Perk was stunned. He didn’t know what to say. No punishment, no nothing but forgiveness, this was more than he had hoped for.

Smalls went on, “In your eyes, I can see repentance, and I honor that. I am grateful that the two of you came here to ask pardon. That was a brave thing to do when you knew not how I would receive you. For that, I tell you to go in peace. Settle in Newcity, First Warren, or one of the many other towns and villages. Live life’s as souls free of burden.” Smalls smiled at them, and Perk could hardly believe it to be true.

Pacer was the first to recover. “Thank you, your majesty, thank you so much!” Pacer said as he stood and shook the king’s hand. “I will not let you down. I will not betray your trust.” The king nodded.

Perk stood on his crutches, offering his thanks as well. The king was gracious, and Perk felt his kindness keenly. After a little more talk, he and Pacer left the palace, and once again found themselves below Newcity.

“I’m heading back to Cloud Mountain tomorrow if you want to come, Perk,” Pacer said, as they stopped and stood face to face.

Perk shook his head. “Too many bad memories, Pacer. Plus, I have some unfinished apologies to make.”

“Then I will see you later, my friend,” Pacer said as he embraced Perk.

Perk smiled and said, “Yes, I will see you later though I can’t thank you enough for all you have done.”

Pacer merely nodded as he hurried off into the night, leaving Perk alone. Perk looked around, found a tree, and sat down with his back against it. There he fell asleep. Thinking of the task before him tomorrow and wondering how his old friends would react to a supposed dead buck walking back into their lives.