The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Dracia was aware Belleth was on her, and trying to harm her in some way. She only knew vaguely that something had happened as Belleth’s magic felt different. It was dimmer in some way, just a shadow of what I had been. Still, Dracia felt weak, and she could not get the woman off of her. She sent fire Mystic through her arms to try to get Belleth to let her go, but Belleth kept a hold of her, as the strength continued to leave Dracia, leaving her wanting nothing more than to close her eyes. Dracia fought the coming darkness for a time, but she heard a soft voice asking her to come. It was impossible to resist. As Belleth finally let her go, Dracia fell back, feeling as though she never hit the hard ground.

She opened her eyes to find herself sitting in a beautiful forest. The sun was shining through the trees as a light wind blew around her. She could hear birds singing, and the smell of spring was in the air. She stood and checked over herself to find she was not wearing her uniform. Instead, she wore a simple white dress, her hair loose down her shoulders and back.

“Welcome, dear woman,” said a familiar voice from her right.

Dracia looked over to see a man walk towards her. His hazel eyes shone as he smiled at her.

“Thierry?” she asked with confusion.

“Not really,” said the man. “I usually come to those who have just arrived in a form that comforts them. I think you know who I truly am.”

Dracia walked closer to the man, studying him. As she neared him a feeling of peace came over her. She felt she could be truly at rest as never before with this man close to her.

“Mortial?” she asked as she tilted her head, wondering if she was truly looking at the god of death.

“That is one of my names,” said the man with a smile. “I go by many names, some I like better than others.”

“So, this is the end for me then, is it?” asked Dracia.

“The end?” asked the man. “Why do you think death is the end? I would think of all people, you would know better.”

“True, but no matter what comes after, it is still the end of my life as I know it,” said Dracia thinking of Leal, Roderick, and all those she loved.

“I suppose it could be an end of sorts, but not for you, not today,” said the man. “I believe you still have many things to do. Your king is waiting for you after all, and even though he has achieved some redemption for the Cassendars, there is a long way to go. You will have to help him.”

“Then why am I here?” asked Dracia.

“For me,” said a woman’s voice close to Dracia.

Dracia turned to see a beautiful dark haired woman walk from behind a tree. She was dressed in a white dress much like Dracia. A light seemed to emit from her as she smiled and walked towards Dracia.

“Here you are at last, Sophia,” said the man. “I am glad to see you. It has been a long time.”

“It has been much too long,” said Sophia as she looked at the man. “I appreciate the form you have taken, though you are a poor substitute for the real thing.”

“Your king is waiting for you; have no fear,” said the man. “When you are ready, I will take you to him.”

“I would like a moment with Dracia if you will allow it,” said Sophia.

The man nodded and walked away from them, giving them some space.

“Dracia, how you have suffered for me,” said Sophia as she took Dracia’s hand. “Let me apologize for all that has happened to you.”

“I don’t think it was just for you. I wished to save my kingdom and those I love,” said Dracia as she looked at the woman.

“I know, but my connection with you only made it harder,” said Sophia. “If I had dealt with my sisters as I should have, you never would have had to carry my burden in your life.”

“You loved your sisters. I know you did; I could feel it. You only wanted them to be saved,” said Dracia. “I am sorry I could not do it for you.”

“Ricardia never stood a chance,” said Sophia as she shook her head. “She was lost a long time ago. I still have hopes for Alvie. She will have to wait a long while, but one day I hope to see her again here amongst the four heavens.”

“I am not sure I understand all that has happened,” said Dracia.

“No, I imagine not, and I doubt it would do much good for you to know, but I understand your curious nature so, I will try to explain some of it to you,” said Sophia. “You know the mistake I made banishing my sisters without taking away their gift of immortality. They were able to live too many years, learning magic and manipulating it in ways it should never had been done. They tricked people into following them, and took advantage of the wants and needs of those who were weak.

“The kingdoms of Resquarian grew in suspicion of each other as Ricardia spread mistrust where she could, making Alive do her bidding. She even managed to corrupt the Cassendar line, though it wasn’t just her fault. Created ones sometimes think they can take without giving back, and fall into the trap of rationalizing every decision they make no matter how wrong.

“It came to the point so much was wrong with Resquarian the gods had to do something. They thought first to punish the Cassendars and take them out of power, but you know how that went. After that, it was decided only my original mistake corrected could truly heal the land, but how to do it?

“They waited for the perfect woman to come along. One who could truly unite the kingdoms, while carrying my burden. You know now it was you, a daughter of the two largest kingdoms in Resquarian. You having been born out of mistakes made from love might have been a little too on the nose, but it has worked out so there is that.

“Through you, I was allowed to live again, in a way. I could seek out my sisters and make things right. I knew you would have to be someone strong who would not lose sight of who you truly were, and you were perfect, my dear. Now that my task is complete, I can go on, and you can live in as much peace as you can find.”

“I hardly know what to say,” said Dracia.

“There is nothing too say unless you wish to express your anger. You have a right to be angry after all. You had no say in what your life has been in many ways.”

“I find that I am not angry,” said Dracia. “I am confused and even a little relieved it seems to be over.”

“Is it ever really over, Dracia?” asked Sophia. “You will still have much to do, you and your king. The kingdoms are still divided in many ways. Years of distrust will not evaporate overnight. You have a hard task ahead of you. I know you are tired of fighting, but I am afraid there are fights still to come.”

Dracia nodded. “I can only do what I have always done and face them the best I can, trusting in those I love to help me.”

“You could choose not to go back,” said Sophia with a small smile. “You could choose to stay here and roam the four heavens watching over those you love, but I doubt that is what you want. Even if you weren’t carrying a child, I think I know you would choose to go back to your king.”

“Yes, I wish to go back to Leal, to Roderick, to my family, and everyone else I care for,” said Dracia.

“I understand,” said Sophia. “I am rather anxious to see my king as well. You should go, Dracia. Your loved ones are desperate for you to wake up. Many have lost hope, but not your king. Go back to him, and help him heal Resquarian.”

Dracia nodded as Sophia took both of her hands. She closed her eyes as Sophia leaned forward and kissed Dracia’s forehead saying, “Remember who you are, and trust those who know it as well.”

Dracia kept her eyes closed as Sophia’s kiss faded from her forehead, leaving her with a feeling of peace and contentment. She slipped into a deep, healing sleep that was free of dreams or nightmares. A sleep that seemed to stretch on into time, connecting her with one world to another.

She felt a soft kiss on her hand as she struggled to open her eyes. The lips that lingered there were not the ones she was truly hoping for, but they were familiar. They made her want to open her eyes and see the man they belong to for she did love him. Her eyes finally obeyed her commands, and her bleary sight cleared enough for her to see two blue eyes looking at her in wonder.

“Dracia,” whispered Roderick in amazement.

She swallowed and stared at him as he turned and yelled, “Malven, get the king, now. I don’t care who he is meeting with; he must come now.”

“Roderick,” she whispered in a very raw voice as he picked up her hand and kissed it again.

“Dracia, thank the king’s gods,” said Roderick as a tear ran down his cheek. “I don’t know how this is possible.”

She reached for him, and he bent down further so she could touch his face. A small smile formed on her cracked lips, as she swallowed again. She held his face for what felt like several minutes, as he stared at her, more tears falling down his cheeks.

“Do you need anything?” he finally asked quietly as Dracia put her hand down.

“Water,” she said realizing her mouth was very dry.

He let go of her hand and reached over to the nearby table, pouring a cup of water from a pitcher there. He brought it to her and put his hand behind her head helping her to sit up slightly and drink a few sips. She grimaced as she laid back down, feeling as if every bone and muscle in her body hurt in some way.

He took her hand again and she closed her eyes for a moment before opening them and asking, “Leal?”

“He is coming now,” said Roderick. “He has barely left your side, but he had to meet with King Fannar this morning. He is not far. He will be here soon.”

“How long…?” she asked, not able to get the full question out.

“It has been over a week, Dracia,” said Roderick. “We had quite despaired of you ever waking.”

“You should know I would not leave you,” said Dracia as she took a breath. “I told you I wouldn’t.”

“You are usually right,” said Roderick as he smiled at her.

“I love your smile,” she said as she closed her eyes, feeling as if she would like to sleep for a while.

She heard him give a quiet laugh.

“Roderick,” what is it?” asked Leal as he walked into the room, his voice full of apprehension. Dracia opened her eyes as Leal walked over next to Roderick, falling to his knees next to the bed.

She smiled at him as Roderick bent down and kissed her forehead before letting go of her hand. “I will come see you later,” he said as he stood up and walked away.

“Dracia,” said Leal as he moved even closer to her, bringing her hands to his lips.

“I am sorry I have slept so long,” she said as she felt tears cloud her vision, seeing him looking at her with such longing.

“No, do not be sorry. I knew you only needed rest. I told everyone you would be well; we just had to let you rest,” said Leal as he held her hand tight and looked at her.

She took a breath and struggled to ask a question she was scared to get the answer to. “Our child,” she said breathlessly. “Is she..”

“She is fine,” Dracia,” said Leal as he moved his hand and gently put it on her stomach over the covers. “Galen and Sarin have both checked daily, and she seems to be doing well. They were both surprised to see her doing so well as you slept, but with you as her mother, I knew she would be very strong.”

“You are convinced it is a girl then?” asked Dracia.

“You seemed to be, and I trust in your judgement,” said Leal. “I would also like a daughter, one with the same spirit and determination as her mother.”

Dracia lay there quietly trying to keep her eyes open as she looked at Leal, wanting to sleep, but not ready to stop looking at him yet.

“Did we win the battle?” asked Dracia.

“Yes,” said Leal. “There is a lot to tell, but it will wait for latter. You just need to focus on resting and getting better.”

“I am tired,” said Dracia as she closed her eyes.

“Then you should sleep, dearest,” said Leal.

“You will not leave me, will you?” asked Dracia as sleep started to overtake her.

“No, I will be right here when you wake up,” said Leal quietly as Dracia fell asleep.

She awoke again later that afternoon, feeling much more awake, though still very sore. Leal was at her side in a moment, smiling at her. He called for some food to be brought and poured her a glass of water, helping her to drink it before he sat down and took her hand.

“Will you tell me what has happened while I was asleep?” she asked quietly as Leal rubbed her hand with his thumb.

“I am sure it can wait, Dracia. You should only focus on resting and healing,” said Leal.

“I should like to know, Leal. What happened with Belleth and the battle? I do not remember much after she put her hands on me.”

“You did something to her and her sister, that caused Belleth to be very angry. You said you made them like the created ones. I could feel Belleth’s magic grow weaker. She attacked you before I could kill her,” said Leal as he gripped Dracia’s hand slightly. “I thought I was too late for a moment. I thought you were dead.”

“I thought I was too,” said Dracia with a small cough. “I don’t know if I was dreaming or it actually happened, but I was somewhere else, Leal. I was far away, I believe.”

“I knew you would come back,” said Leal. “The others tried to tell me you were gone, but I knew it was not true. You told me to trust in you and the gods, and I did. All you needed was rest to heal. I would not give up on you.”

Dracia gave Leal a small smile as he kissed her hand. “What about the battle?”

“From what I hear after Belleth died, Fannar rode forward into Winsdell and declared the fighting should cease. He commanded his forces to stop fighting. Some would not listen, but they were quickly overtaken by the Sentinel and Lanoxan allies.”

“I am sure we suffered many losses,” said Dracia shaking her head as she felt tears in her eyes. “I shudder to think what Winsdell must look like.”

“It was not as bad as you imagine,” said Leal. “Your Sentinel is strong, and our allies were fierce. The village is already being repaired, and most of the people of the town were kept safe in the Fortress and palace walls.”

“I am so tired of loss and destruction,” said Dracia. “I cannot stand to hear of our people hurting anymore.”

“I am working on making sure we are secure as we can be,” said Leal. “We are working on a plan to secure Parvial, and I have already sent a letter to the king of Aurumia. Hopefully Fannar can help us with his uncle. Though I have a hard time trusting Fannar, he does seem as though he wants peace.”

“There will always be threats in the land,” said Dracia.

“Yes, but if we can unite as many kingdoms as we can, we can better eliminate those threats. Most in the land wish for peace, and for those who don’t, they will be dealt with,” said Leal.

“I will have to find someone to lead the Sentinel soon,” said Dracia.

“You don’t need to worry about it right now,” said Leal. “Roderick and Galen are handling it for you. When you are better, we will talk about the future of the Sentinel.”

“Why are we in your mother’s room, Leal?” asked Dracia as she looked around.

“These are the queen’s rooms, and it is where you belong. I have moved my things next door into the king’s quarters, but I plan to spend most of my time here.”

She managed to eat a little, and even take a bath with Leal’s help. By the time the sun set, she was sitting up in bed and feeling much more like herself. Leal even allowed a few visitors to see her. Ethen took her hand and kneeled by her side, looking at her with tears in his eyes seeming unable to speak for a moment.

“It is good to see you, Ethen,” said Dracia as he stared at her. “I am happy to see you came out of the battle safe.”

“I am just thankful and overjoyed to speak with you, Dracia,” said Ethen as he held her hand with both of his. “I thought you were truly gone.”

“No, I could not leave you alone to rule Siccaria. Whether Leal likes it or not, I do believe my daughter will be ruling with your own son or daughter at some point. I will not leave you, Ethen,” said Dracia.

“No, you will not, and I will make sure your husband brings you to Siccaria very often,” said Ethen smiling.

“You think it is up to him?” asked Dracia with a quiet laugh.

“Of course not,” said Ethen. “I also know he would do anything to see you happy, and I hope visiting me in Siccaria makes you happy.”

“You and Maia, as well as your father and grandmother,” said Dracia.

“I imagine you will have my grandmother here very soon after my own child is born. You know she will not miss the birth of your own.”

“You will have to leave soon to get back to Maia,” said Dracia.

“Once you are well, I will leave for Radarial, but we will see each other soon. I do not wish to be away from you for long,” said Ethen.

“Nor I, you,” said Dracia as Ethen kissed her hand.

A few more days of rest and quiet visits saw Dracia feeling much better. Her father and mother regularly came to see her, her mother having to drag her father away when Dracia became tired. Lexine was often by Dracia’s side, quietly watching her as though she was afraid she would disappear. Leal was almost always with her, and Roderick as much as he seemed to be able to manage. He and Galen came to see her after meeting with the Sentinel to tell her of the battle and losses they had suffered. They told her all about the battle in the hills and in front of the palace. Once Mystics were able to be used on the Navalian forces, the Sentinel and Lanoxan allies had no trouble overpowering those in the hills.

“From what I experienced and heard, the Sentinel did quite well even without Mystics. We did lose three Elites, but from what we faced, I wonder it was not more,” said Roderick.

“It helped having others fight with us,” said Galen. “The Indomia forces were quite impressive. They with Cara managed to make their way through a large line of fighters using just swords.”

“Cara was impressive, was she?” asked Dracia. “That doesn’t surprise me. I do hope she made it through the battle safely.”

“She did,” said Galen. “Tomas as well though he had a few scrapes, nothing too bad.”

“And what became of the traitor Elites who fought with Navalia?” asked Dracia.

“Quite a few died,” said Roderick. “A few surrendered when King Fannar called off the attack, and those who didn’t were turned over to us by King Fannar. They are waiting your judgement in the cells under the Fortress.”

“I am afraid there can be only one fate that awaits them,” said Dracia. “Our laws on traitors are quite clear.”

“You are right,” said Roderick.

“More death, it would seem.”

They talked more of the battle and the future of the Sentinel, until Leal made them leave when Dracia appeared to fall asleep midsentence.

Before a week was out, Dracia was able to dress and walk around the palace. She even went for a walk outdoors with Selene, both attended by Roderick, though Selene shooed him away so she could speak with Dracia privately.

“Will you go back to Radarial with Ethen?” asked Dracia. “I believe he is leaving in a few days.”

“He has asked me to, but I do not wish to leave yet. My sister still has a couple months, and she will be well looked after by her husband. Lady Glain has invited me to stay at Low Hill for a few weeks, and I have accepted.”

“I am very glad to hear it,” said Dracia as she looped her arm with Selene’s. “I hope there is a time you will stay here indefinitely and claim Winsdell as your home.”

“I think that time is coming soon,” said Selene smiling. “Roderick is talking of coming to Siccaria by the end of summer to meet my parents and brother. He wants to be back in time before your child is born, of course. I hope to travel back with him.”

“As his new wife, I suppose,” said Dracia. “That would make me happy, though, I hate I will miss the wedding. We shall have a feast for you when you are back.”

“Perhaps it shall wait until after your child is born, Dracia,” said Selene.

“We can celebrate both I suppose. A new lady for Low Hill, and a new High Noble being born to Siccaria,” said Dracia as Selene laughed.

“You both sound much too pleased with yourselves,” said Leal as he walked up to them with Roderick. “What are you two going on about?”

“We are planning our futures, your majesty,” said Dracia.

“Do Roderick and I get any say in this?” asked Leal as he smiled at Roderick.

“Perhaps a little,” said Selene. “But you both know it will all go better if Dracia and I plan it. We are far cleverer than both of you.”

“I dare not speak for the king, but I will agree with you about myself, my lady,” said Roderick. “I have happily trusted much of my life to our queen, and I am just as happy to see you have a hand in it as well.”

“Then perhaps you will complete Selene’s walk with her, Roderick,” said Dracia as she let go of Selene’s arm. “I find myself tired and hungry. I wish to go back to the palace.”

“I hope I have not pressed you too far, Dracia,” said Selene.

“No, not at all. I enjoyed our afternoon walk together. I hope to have many of them in the future,” said Dracia as Leal walked to her and offered her his arm. “Roderick, I have plans to visit the Sentinel for something important tomorrow morning, and I will need you and Galen in attendance.”

“Then we will both join you after breakfast, your majesty,” said Roderick with a slight bow.

Dracia smiled at him before she and Leal walked back towards the palace.

“I hope you have not worn yourself out, dearest,” said Leal as they walked. “I was afraid you were pressing yourself too much.”

“I am not tired at all, Leal,” said Dracia with a laugh. “I only wish to give those two time alone, and have you to myself for a while. I am quite hungry though. I find myself wanting to eat much of the day. I might be as big as the palace itself before this child is born.”

“Hardly, Dracia, you are still much too thin. We will go to our rooms and order you whatever you would like,” said Leal.

“Perhaps while we wait, we might find some agreeable way to pass the time,” said Dracia as she pulled herself closer to Leal.

“You are feeling that well, are you?” asked Leal.

“Oh yes, I believe you will find I am quite well recovered.”

The next morning, Dracia dressed in her High Captain’s uniform, walked down the stairs with Leal at her side to meet Roderick and Galen at the front of the palace. She smiled at them as they both turned and looked at her.

“Will the king be joining us this morning?” asked Roderick.

“He will,” said Dracia. “I have an announcement to make that I would like him there for to hopefully lend me his support.”

“You know you always have my support, Dracia,” said Leal. “I also find I agree with this decision very much.”

“Before we go to the Fortress, I will need to ask a favor from you, Galen, though it hurts me to do it,” said Dracia. “I need you to agree to step down as my second.”

“Why?” asked Roderick. “If you are announcing you are leaving the Sentinel and naming a new High Captain, then it will not matter if we are your seconds to the end.”

“I am not stepping down, Roderick. Not yet, at least, but I will need someone close to my side so I can see to their training for a while. Galen will soon have a new place in the kingdom as my king has informed me, and I have plans for him as well. Therefore, I would like Galen to complete another year at the Royal Academy.”

“I have been honored to serve at our side, High Captain, and I will step down. I will announce I am leaving the Sentinel today so I may better prepare to serve you in my new role,” said Galen.

“You already knew of this?” asked Roderick to his brother.

“Lexine and I had discussed going back to the Academy, and she mentioned the High Captain had something in mind.”

“You can step down as well if you wish, Roderick. I know you have many plans, yourself,” said Dracia.

“I told you we would leave the Sentinel together, Dracia, so I will serve as long as you do,” said Roderick.

“I would have understood had you changed your mind, but I am very happy to hear you say so,” said Dracia.

“Now, let us go to the Fortress. I have sent word that all the Elites should be assembled in the hall, and I would hate to keep them waiting for too long.”

They all four rode to the Fortress, Leal keeping his horse close to Dracia. She would have normally been annoyed with his hovering and worry, but lately she had been more understanding of it. She hoped as time went on and their child was delivered safely, he would relax.

Leaving their horses at the west entrance with attendants, they walked to the hall to find all Elites assembled. Dracia walked to the front with her king at her side and her seconds following her. She took her place in the middle of the high table and nodded, causing all to sit down.

“I am glad to stand before you today to celebrate our latest victory. With the help from our allies, we were able to keep Winsdell and Lanoxan safe from those who would have destroyed it. I mourn with you for those we lost, and pray they rest easy. We will not forget any of the Elites we lost during this time. They will live on as we continue to live out the way of the Sentinel staying strong and true.

“I know many of you have questions about the future of the Sentinel, and I have come to answer those. First, I would like to announce that Galen Ellis will be stepping down as my second and leaving the Sentinel. He has served well, and we will wish him well as he goes. He has another calling in the kingdom that he must answer, and I know he will keep the Sentinel ways in all he does for the rest of his life.

“I will not be stepping down as High Captain, at least not for a time. I realize we have lost much over the past year, and I do not feel comfortable leaving the Sentinel in such a state. Those I would have passed the silver sword to have either been lost or do not feel it is a title or burden they wish to carry.

“I do believe there is a future for the Sentinel, and I will see to cultivating it, so it is strong when I do leave. For that reason, I will call a new second today in hopes she will answer. Cara Evanington, will you come forward?”

Every head in the room turned towards Cara as Dracia glanced at Roderick who gave her a very small smile. Cara walked to the front and stood before Dracia.

“Cara Evanington, will you serve as my second, staying by my side and serving me as I see fit?” asked Dracia holding out hand.

Cara looked up at the High Captain and glanced in Galen’s direction before she smiled and took Dracia’s hand, bowing over it. “I will serve you, High Captain.”

“Good, then I hope you will commit to spending time with me three afternoons a week. I will come to the Sentinel.”

Cara nodded as Dracia addressed the room. “We will carry on as we always have. I will start inviting those who are worthy to the Disciplines this summer, and we will work to rebuild what we have lost. The Sentinel stands true.”

After the meeting, Dracia walked down to the cells with her two seconds, Galen, and the king. The five traitor Elites and two Novices looked up at Dracia as she stood in front of the cells.

“High Captain,” said a man close by. “Have you come to see to our ends?”

She looked down at him and then up again. “You have all been found guilty of treason to the king of Lanoxan and desertion of the Sentinel. There can only be one punishment for this crime, and I will hear any last words you have for me now.”

There was silence until one young man spoke up. “Is there no other way, High Captain? A mistake was made, but can there be no mercy?”

Dracia stared down at the young man, finding she had no pity for him. “Elite Cara, what is your opinion? What mercy should I show these men?”

“None,” she said harshly. “What they have done is beyond forgiveness by anyone but the gods. Let them meet the gods soon, and they can beg Clementine herself.”

“And you, Roderick?”

“Their actions cost the lives of good Elites, and our former High Captain. You and the king could easily have been killed because of them. They cannot be trusted going forward; there is only one place for them, and it is not in this world.”

“My king, what would be your judgement?” asked Dracia.

“I stand by your own words, High Captain. They were your men, and they betrayed your Sentinel.”

Dracia nodded and took a deep breath. “I will answer you, young Bax. You call what happened a mistake. Tell me, when did you realize your mistake? Was it only when you were caught?”

“No,” said Bax quietly. “It was in Navalia, when I lost my best friend.”

“And did you come to me after you realized your mistake? Did you try to contact me or the Sentinel? No, you continued to fight for the traitor Darron, doing as he told you. Your mistakes cost the lives of almost ten Elites and our former High Captain. The only mercy I can give you at this point is a swift death,” said Dracia. “You will die tomorrow at dawn by hanging in front of the Fortress. I will pray for you as you meet your gods.”

Dracia walked out of the Fortress and into the fresh late winter air. Leal took her hand as she looked at him. “Will you walk with me back to the palace instead of riding?” she asked.

“As long as you think you are able,” said Leal.

“I am,” said Dracia. “Roderick, can you see our horses make it back to the palace?”

“Of course, High Captain,” said Roderick.

Dracia and Leal walked through the small forest that separated the Fortress from the palace grounds. She stopped by the small frozen pond and looked down at it as Leal stood by her side.

“Dracia, are you well? I know that could not have been easy,” said Leal.

“It was not enjoyable, but there can be no other way. It is a waste, but they chose it for themselves. I am quite well, Leal, but it will be a part of the position I do not miss when I am finally able to pass on the position of High Captain.”

“I am glad you are staying on for a while,” said Leal. “I hope you will be able to give it up before you are forced to fight again, but I know you will only be satisfied if you can leave the Sentinel to someone you believe will lead it well.”

Dracia nodded. “Of course, I will always have some hand in the Sentinel. I can’t just leave it behind, Leal. It is a part of me.”

“I know,” said Leal as he took both of her hands. “I have known for a while you would always be of the Sentinel, and I find I do not mind it. You are strong, fierce, and loyal. The ways of the Sentinel will always lead your life. I always knew you would be my warrior queen, Dracia.”

“You truly do not mind, then?” asked Dracia as she smiled up at him.

“No, because you all that matters is you are mine,” said Leal as he leaned down and kissed her.