An end

Along with Evie, who they discreetly pulled away from her conversation, Kael and Ria hurry towards Lord Greyheart’s chambers. The guards stationed by the doorway stand aside without a word, and Kael pushes through the door without pausing to acknowledge them. Lord Greyheart’s quarters are surprisingly spartan, likely due to the limited time he spends there and the fact that he’s usually alone.

Kael hardly spares the surroundings a glance, however, hurrying into the bedchamber, with Ria and Evie following in his wake. Upon entering, he’s unsurprised to find Bernal seated beside the bed, clasping hands with the stricken king. Bernal looks up as the group enters, and Kael can see the dark circles under his eyes. It’s clear that the bedside vigil has taken its toll on the old champion, who simply nods in greeting.

Lord Greyheart opens his sunken eyes, a faint smile crossing his lips. He speaks, the hoarse whisper a faint echo of the booming baritone that Kael remembers. “You made it. Good. I worried.”

Kael moves to sand beside the bed, on the opposite side as Bernal. “Yes, my lord. We got here as fast as we could.”

Lord Greyheart coughs softly. “Even now you are proper. Kael, Ria, it is time. I feel my end. But I know that I leave this place in good hands.”

Ria speaks, her voice trembling. “We will miss you, lord. Everyone will.”

A soft chuckle costs him another fit of coughing. “I regret leaving this burden on you, but you’re strong. You will endure.”

He smiles again, his eyes focusing on Evie. “My daughter. I regret also the life I **** on you. I am glad to see you happy. I hope that you can one day forgive what I put you through.”

Evie shakes her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “You did what you had to, father. What you felt was right.”

She looks over at Kael. “And my path led me to happiness, no matter the trials along the way.”

Lord Greyheart nods, and opens his mouth to speak, but finds himself unable. Instead, he focuses on Kael, and the words fill Kael’s mind. “Rule well. And keep that compassion in your heart. I know you both will reach even greater heights if you stay on the path…”

Kael sees him take a shivering breath, and the words in his mind are fainter. “You were always more than just a guardian to me.”

Lord Greyheart’s eyes focus on Evie again, and Kael sees her nodding, her tears flowing freely now. He gently puts an arm around her, and she leans against him as Lord Greyheart turns his head to Bernal, the movement seemingly taking a monumental effort. They lock eyes, and after a few moments, Kael hears Bernal murmur, barely loud enough to hear.

“I love you too. I’ll see you again.”

The slightest of smiles crosses Lord Greyheart’s lips as his eyes close. His frail body shivers, and a soft sigh escapes his lips. Kael can see the grip he has on Bernal’s hand slacken. The old guardian stares for a moment, and then begins to soundlessly cry, his tears falling on the lifeless hand of his lord and lover.

Kael’s vision blurs, and he feels wetness on his cheeks. He holds Evie close, and feels Ria wrap her arms around them both.