“Indeed,” said a voice from behind them. At once Adrina recognized the voice of her brother. Prince Valam put his hand on Adrina’s shoulder. “Captain Brodst will surely hear of it, for I will tell him myself on the day I see his son is promoted to Second Captain, Imtal Garrison.”

 

“Second Captain?” Adrina asked surprised.

 

“Imtal Garrison is without two of her captains, and who better to fill the place than one who has proven himself worthy.”

 

Adrina pointed a finger at Valam. “You knew where he’d been all along, didn’t you?” Adrina wiped tears from her cheeks. “And you let me worry and fret—”

 

“I had a hunch, but I wasn’t certain.”

 

Before Adrina could reply, Emel reined in Ebony beside them. He was grinning ear to ear. He leapt from the saddle.

 

Adrina ran to him and hugged him fiercely. “I thought you dead. Where have you been?”

 

Emel laughed then said. “Making sure Jarom’s army never returns to South Province without giving precious thought to the consequences. We chased them so far, and they ran so fast, I’d be surprised if they weren’t still running.”

 

“You will make a good captain, Emel,” Valam said.

 

Adrina was still hugging Emel fiercely, and now Emel’s face was a bit red. “Captain?” Emel asked.

 

“Captain,” Adrina said, and she kissed him on the cheek.

 

Valam cleared his throat. Adrina stepped back, and Valam gripped Emel’s shoulder. “Second Captain, Imtal Garrison. Captain Ghenson was a good man, and I know you will lead well in his stead.”

 

A surge of celebrants and music came toward them as dancers and musicians made their way to the field from Quashan’s many squares, stirring more excitement into the already boisterous crowd. Valam, Emel, Adrina, Galan and Father Jacob found they could do nothing other than join in.