THE COURTYARD OF Shurakh Arln filled with Alimar’s former slaves and servant population, herded out of the estate by the angelic winged men and women of the royal guard. They huddled together in hushed nervousness, unsure what to think. Shock rippled through them as the guardsmen began to remove the shackles that had bound each person. Some required only physical means, others needed the power of the court magic users to undo the twisted magic of Alimar the Black.

Jondal himself strode through the archway, followed by his retinue. Simpkins looked up from his discussion with Gareth and the two gave the prince their attention, offering him deep, respectful bows. “Your highness.”

“Forgive my tardiness. I was speaking with my guard captain on the search for Alimar’s missing apprentice.” The young sphinx looked vaguely annoyed. “The best we can determine is he went into hiding shortly after word of Alimar’s arrest spread through the city.” He shook his mane-like hair, folding his wings tight against his back. “I dislike knowing someone influenced by that sadistic creature is roaming free. I had spent my life seeking to purge the poison Alimar was on Griffin Isle.”

“Was it known he was over five thousand years old?” Gareth wondered.

Jondal arched an eyebrow at the underlying criticism. “Longevity is hardly a crime. My people are quite long lived, though we are by far not nearly as numerous. My father brought peace to the Western Empire after the war ended and gave the land stability. We do try to accommodate the shorter-lived races in our laws. Given the boon of freedom, they bring their own value to the empire that we who live longer cannot provide because of our perspective.”

Simpkins raised his hand to allow Mya to land, transferring her to his shoulder. “Alimar’s cruelty is difficult to grasp. I knew if you had a willing witness available, you would finally be able to bring him to justice. I had no idea there was so much! And that just in shy of ten years!”

The prince smiled sadly as he looked at the pyre where Tambek’s body rested, awaiting the flames that would release his soul and purify his body. “I had always admired the Warrior. Fierce, skilled, beautiful, noble. A joy to watch on the sands. It sickens me to know not only all she witnessed during her short life, but what she had endured at his hands. The glyphs alone warranted a death sentence.”

The ogre scratched his head, expression sheepish. “I suppose I should have convinced Doom to make her promise not to attack him. The demon’s aid was unexpected.” He looked at the former slaves, his amusement fading. “I don’t think they know how to function as freemen. I’d bring them aboard my ship, if I’d the room. They deserve so much more than what they had been allowed.”

Jondal followed Simpkins’ gaze. “They will be fine. I have decided how to dispose of Shurakh Arln. Lady Elyssia spoke for those of her family who survived their torture and has agreed to forfeit their claim on the land. The memory of the past five thousand years will likely haunt them without being within the estate.”

Gareth looked concerned. “Who would treat these people with the care they need? They have suffered a great deal already. Someone unknown to them would never understand—”

The fearfulness of the servants evaporated, a disbelieving wonder filling them with hope as their eyes were drawn to Doom and Tiwaz walking under the archway, Ky-Lar a shadow on her other side. The gromek hovered near his prideful companion, ready to sweep her into his arms if she stumbled. The woman, bruised and battered, limped forward with determination, her arm pressed against the side she had been stabbed.

Gareth looked exasperated. “You walked all the way from the palace? It has only been a few hours since—” She just regarded him without saying a word. “You are impossible!”

Jondal’s expression echoed his amusement. “I have it on good authority she defies even divine suggestion to accept aid.”

“If I can walk, I will walk,” Tiwaz rasped in a rough voice. She closed her eyes when Doom caught her against him, keeping her on her feet.

“Tiwaz?” Zuneer approached, his eyes red from his grief. “It’s true. You did live.”

She looked away from her trainer. “Zuneer, forgive me. Tambek—”

“Died protecting you.” The man smiled sadly. “It’s okay. You know better than anyone there is always the risk of death in our art. He could have died many times over protecting Master Alimar. His death was not meaningless. He protected the woman he loved and repaid her protection of him.” He gruffly embraced her, holding onto her as he sobbed. She closed her eyes, returning the embrace, ignoring the physical pain, though unable to ignore his or her own pain of loss.

“Warrior, Thrahx Vaug,” Jondal interrupted. He waited until the moment passed and attention was given to him. “You did a great service for the Empire. You will always have our gratitude.” He settled on his haunches with the aristocratic pride of a feline. “However, with his demise, Alimar’s estate is in need of a strong hand and stronger compassion.” He paused meaningfully, then stated, “We have chosen you both as the new masters of this estate.”

Doom and Tiwaz could only stare. “What? Us?” she asked in disbelief.

“We can’t…We don’t know anything about—” Doom began.

The prince turned to look at the many servants. “Do you know anyone else who would treat them with the compassion they deserve? Who could adequately protect them from those who would take advantage of them? Who else could understand what they suffered than you?” Neither replied, unsure what to say or think.

“I’ll stay for a while,” Simpkins stated. “I know a thing or two about business I can teach you both. Besides,” he added, his jovial tone fading into grimness. “I want to help insure that this place is purged of all the darkness Alimar tainted it with.”

“I’m not going anywhere, either,” Gareth pointed out. “I wouldn’t abandon you. Or them,” he said, gesturing to the former slaves. “You protected them for years. No one would be more loyal to you than them.”

Tiwaz finally nodded, albeit reluctantly. “Fine. But only because of them,” she snapped, glaring at Jondal. The prince inclined his head in gracious acceptance, satisfied.

Zuneer put a hand on her shoulder. “Would you light my son’s pyre?” he asked softly. “I would be honored if you gave him his final freedom.”

Doom hugged her shoulders lightly as she spoke. “If that is what you wish.” She took the firebrand and approached the body of her one-time lover. For several minutes, she only stared at him. At long last, she touched the torch to the base. “I hope one day we will meet again,” she stated. The woman returned to Doom’s side, letting him pull her into his arms as Simpkins raised his own hands, giving energy to the fire so the body burned hot and fast. Ky-Lar stood close to the pair, steadfast and protective.