Chapter 40
After days of snow, the storm had finally broken, and cold winter light streamed through the stained glass of Imresnople Cathedral. Once more, the pews meant for the faithful had all been cleared away.
The pale light upon the stone floor was crisp and cold, yet the presence of those gathered within carried a tension that seemed almost feverish.
At the center of the sanctuary, raised several steps above the nave, sat King Alexios upon the throne brought from the royal audience hall. To either side stood great seats fashioned for the immense forms of the Dracoserpens. There sat the Empress of Tatsuno and her kin, clad in formal attire and bearing themselves with tranquil majesty.
One step below the sanctuary stood Crown Prince Antonius. Below him, at the front of the nave, the high ministers and the nobles of the Winter Council stood assembled, while along the rear walls waited the provincial lords and lesser officials in orderly ranks.
At last, Antonius stepped forward.
The return of the Dracotyrannus. The covert actions of the surviving Magiran remnants who had aided it. And the full account of the civil war—
Each matter was laid before the assembly in full, exactly as agreed upon.
Then came the proclamation of the treason committed by Lord Basileios Lysoklion of Grailos and Lord Leonidas Konispharon of Dustvalea, and the punishments decreed upon them.
Not a single voice rose in objection.
Within the solemn hush, the voice of the Master of Ceremonies rang across the cathedral.
“—Let the ceremony honoring those who distinguished themselves during the Agnia Civil War now commence. Captain of the Aerial Steedraptor Cavalry, Andri Chaire.”
“I stand ready.”
His name called first, Andri stepped forward at once and lowered himself onto one knee before King Alexios.
The king’s voice echoed through the silent nave.
“Your conduct in this campaign has been nothing short of magnificent. The Aerial Steedraptor Cavalry has fought as the very sword of the kingdom.”
Andri bowed his head deeply.
“Your Majesty honors me beyond my station. All merit belongs to the leadership of His Highness Crown Prince Antonius.”
At those words, several officials among the assembled court exchanged restrained glances.
“Commander of the Strategoi Knights, Isakios Agrios.”
The next name was spoken, calm and clear. Isakios stepped forward as well and knelt before the king with head bowed.
“The order under your command preserved discipline throughout the conflict and held the lines without faltering. Its achievements are worthy of the highest praise.”
Without the slightest movement, Isakios replied.
“I am humbled beyond measure by Your Majesty’s praise. Until the day this body returns to dust, I swear that I shall remain the sword of the kingdom.”
The ceremony continued. Honors and rewards were bestowed upon each company and commander in turn, and gradually the atmosphere within the cathedral settled into solemn order.
Then King Alexios turned toward the Dracoserpens and straightened his posture with deliberate formality.
“On this occasion, Her Majesty Yuki, the Empress of Tatsuno, and all those of the Realm of Tatsuno have rendered immeasurable aid to this kingdom. Lord Drake in particular displayed valor beyond compare. On behalf of the kingdom, I offer unto you our deepest gratitude.”
At those words, the Empress, clad in a lustrous ceremonial robe, rose slowly to her feet.
“—Hear me.”
Her voice, low and crystalline, reached every corner of the cathedral.
“In this war, victory was not won by the Dracoserpens.”
A murmur swept through the hall. All present held their breath, waiting for what words would come next.
The Empress’s gaze drifted slowly across the assembly before coming to rest upon a single man with the force of distant thunder.
“Crown Prince Antonius Imresius of the Kingdom of Imresia.”
“I stand ready.”
Antonius stepped forward.
“The fangs and claws thou hast honed. The spirit thou hast clad in scales no foe could pierce.”
The silence deepened further still.
“Against the calamity of the approaching Dracotyrannus—we deem thee worthy to stand beside us.”
The Empress lifted her chin slightly.
“Brother-in-arms.”
That single phrase changed the very air within the cathedral.
“Should peril ever befall thee, summon us. No matter the distance, we shall come to thee in but a single flight.”
Antonius stepped forward and knelt before the Empress.
“Your Majesty’s words honor me beyond measure. On behalf of the Kingdom of Imresia, I swear here and now that I shall repay the goodwill of Your Majesty, Lord Drake, and all the people of Tatsuno, even at the cost of my life.”
At that moment, Andri knelt.
Theodoros followed, as did the members of the Aerial Steedraptor Cavalry. Like a spreading wave, every human gathered within the cathedral bowed their heads before the Dracoserpens.
And it was no longer the throne upon which the winter light fell.
