Extended ending to “The Sword in the Tree.”

When Lord Weldon opened his eyes, he didn’t see Lionel or his men.  He said, “Shan, will you tell me what happened now?”  

Shan began to share his adventure, about escaping from Lionel by night.  He told of the woods where he met Magnus and Phoebe and Adam.  He told about King Arthur and the fight between Lionel and Sir Gareth (one of the knights of the Round Table).  He was proud of proving to Sir Gareth that this was his home by taking his father’s sword out of the old oak tree.  Shan told his father how delighted he was to see him alive.  Lord Weldon thought it was a cool adventure and couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“Father, why did Uncle Lionel want to take your castle, your sword, and your life?” asked Shan.
Father answered, “I don’t know.  I think it’s because he was jealous of the castle and afraid that I would take it all back if I was alive and free.”

In the doorway stood Shan’s mother, Lady Marian. Lord Weldon was very excited to see his wife, so excited that he couldn’t speak.  He ran over to her and hugged her tightly.  Lady Marian exclaimed, “I thought you were dead! But you’re alive and safe!”

Shan, Lady Marian, and Lord Weldon talked and laughed and had a merry time until sun down.  They were very glad to be reunited again.