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Show Chapter Twenty Five Sandy looked over the edge of the sturdy basket into the depths of Sol. Vallis. The mist had disappeared, enabling the sun to once again light up the valley. As they descended, the walls widened, and a vast panorama spread out below them. "Oh, look!" An awesome change was coming over the valley. The soil, which had struggled so long beneath the mist, was in a turmoil of activity. While the trio watched in amazement from their basket, color spread from hill to meadow as flowers and grass burst forth spontaneously from the sun drenched soil, filling the air with perfume. Fruit filled the trees and straggly patches of woodlands became thick green groves before their eyes. Glistening waterfalls tumbled from crevices in the lower cliff walls, feeding-streams which wound around the gentle hills and cut across meadows like silver ribbons. A necklace of emerald lakes, as if tossed tj a giant, interlaced the valley floor. Simple, rustic homes were clustered in little hamlets where people were dancing and singing in the streets. Down by the landing platform a tremendous croud had gathered. Sandy searched their excited upturned faces, and saw Svasar with her baby, and Carus standing on the wooden platform steps. Finally the basket landed and Prince Majus stepped out. He helped Verus and Sandy out, then turned to the hushed crowd. "Good people of Sol Vallis," he began. "I am Majus, Prince of Sol Vallis, and this is Verus, daughter of Phoebus, soon to be my queen. We have come home at last!" |