Chapter 24 - A New Journey
At last, the time came to depart.
The Dracoserpens mounted their Steedraptors one by one.
The giant birds rustled their wings.
Andri was cradled in the arms of The Empress.
By now he had grown larger than most fully grown men.
Yet in the arms of The Empress, he looked almost like a child.
The sight stirred a memory.
The day of the landslide.
The cold body.
The mud-covered face.
The small figure he had held before the fire.
Back then, Andri had truly been small.
"We are indebted to you for your hospitality."
The Empress effortlessly mounted her Steedraptor with Andri still in her arms.
"We shall repay that debt someday."
Antonius stepped forward.
"My brother still has much to learn."
He lowered his head respectfully.
"I entrust him to your care."
The Empress laughed heartily.
"Excellent."
Her gaze drifted to the sleeping Andri.
"Then there is much for him to become."
Her golden eyes returned to Antonius.
"Look forward to the day you see him again."
Antonius froze.
Once, long ago, he had spoken those very words to Andri.
A powerful wind swept across the courtyard.
Dust rose into the air.
His cloak snapped violently behind him.
One immense shadow after another rose into the sky.
Antonius remained where he stood.
Even after the Steedraptors became distant silhouettes.
Even after they vanished entirely.
At last, he brought his heels together.
As Commander of the Royal Guard.
As Crown Prince.
And as a brother.
He straightened, brought his heels together, and bowed toward the departing figures.
