The night had been a long one, and while I failed to convince Jeyath and Zajeya and perhaps even dismayed them, preparations were set to siphon at least a little of the wealth to the den of children. I had no wealth of my own, but Druzhat decided to spare what little he could. He trusted me: my resolve, my ambition. Though none of them understood the words relating to my previous life, they had every intention to stand by me, whether to restoration or ruin. That was all I could ask.

The retinue gathered their equipment, holstered their blades, and made rank and file to the exterior of the palace.

My things were gathered for me by the servants. They dressed me in a royal garb, outfitted in colors of purple and blue with streams of gold lining the sides. My fhorlia was white, but the touch and feel of the cloth was unlike anything I had worn. Feeling as thick as cotton but as smooth as silk.

The air was becoming colder as winter was approaching. The hot, humid environment would be soon swept under the cold of the snow. I wouldn’t be here to witness its first fall, but I would be able to see it in Yudhruman. Perhaps even along the way.

I holstered my blade when all was done for me and exited to the courtyard where the soldiers assembled. I didn’t have to give them a speech or anything for Druzhat had already prepared words to say.

“Men of the skilled! We make for the Flower of Ydhra, Yudhruman, toward the northwest. We shall embark on ten of the aerial ships toward the border of the kingdom. There, a tenth of you will ride with us on chariot toward the capital city and be lodged in appropriate accommodations. Remember soldiers! This is not war to which we will be riding. Stay alert, but be merry for the centennial festival! We have persisted long since the descent of our forefathers, and now we celebrate! Bring blessings to your prince for success in the tourney, and be glad of heart that for another century, we still live.”

The soldiers struck their weapons to the ground and hollered loud with blessings to me. I was embarrassed at the display, for I didn’t see the need for a pompous and grand exit away from the city. But looking around me, the ministers, the servants, and my mother, were all glad of heart at this send-off.

The soldiers, line by line, exited the palace grounds, through the city, to the aerial ships that rested far from the walls. I wished father were here to see this. To accompany me on my journey to another place. I wasn’t sure if word was given to him, but I expected that this was in his realm of thought before he left. Perhaps he may have known of the sage’s visit, for he seemed glad when he departed, his mind seemingly at peace. I wondered when next I would see him.

“I will be riding ahead, prince,” said Druzhat; “I trust you will meet me at the ships.”

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I nodded and looked to my side. My mother was beckoning me.

“Good! come when you have given farewells,” he said. “We have a long journey ahead.”

Druzhat bowed to my mother and made toward the edge of the courtyard. There rested a chariot, yoked with white horses. The minister entered and called to the horses. Suddenly, the chariot flew to the skies! It ascended fast and became as a speck of dust in my view.

I approached my mother and bent to her feet for blessings.

She lifted me and said, “Be safe on your journey, my child! May the Gods continue to watch over you, and the Light ever be by you.” She bent to me and tied a necklace. I looked to it to see a gem of blue and green hues. “It shall bring luck in your trials. I will pray day and night for your success, and that you make many an ally. Display to the regents and their families your prowess and earn their favor! Farewell, my son.”

She tightly embraced me. It seemed the fear of my death hadn’t yet left her mind. But all would be fine. Even if Yurvaonri wasn’t here, I was sure I’d be seeing her at the tournament. For I knew she wished to attend not just to see how her disciple would perform, but for the festival itself. I heard many a sage would attend.

I went to each of the aristocrats, ministers, and officials who were staying and asked for their blessings. And they each gave them to me, with smiles on their faces.

I then embarked on my chariot and was ready to fly! But then a thought came. One that made me halt. I chose instead to ride on the streets behind the army.

Moving down the ramp and exiting the gates, I could see festivities in full display in the city. Garlands and flowers and numerous decorations effaced the edifices of my home. There were dancers, rituals, attractions all over, and while they seemed to be doing their own thing, their performance was solely directed to us.

I could see the throng of citizens gathered about the streets, giving us a great send-off. There were still many soldiers garrisoned, and while a good number would be left to protect the city, the vast majority were to accompany me. To fill several aerial ships that I knew were to carry tens of thousands each was no small feat. What would all these soldiers be doing in Yudhruman?

I knew them to be coming more for the festivities; to be put as display for the might of the kingdom, but what good was it to boast such things? It wasn’t as if we were at war with each other. Not yet, of course.

The chariot rode down the street, keeping distance between itself and the last of the soldiers. Flowers were once more all about. Yet now, I was recipient to it. I waved to all the citizens who gave their blessings aloud.

As I passed through the streets and neared the exit, I looked to my side to see children appearing under the mass of adults. And among those children were those from the northwestern section: Zhunil, Berha, Juya, Prati, Ruvai, Asyan, Tushna, Tet, Tethra, and so many more alike and unlike to them, but who were no doubt present when I revealed myself. They had all come to wish me farewell.

“Safe travels, prince!” they shouted.

I was glad and said, “My gratitude to you!”

I looked to Zhunil who looked rather sad, but just before she disappeared from my view, I saw her shout, “Keep your promise, Yurva! Come back safe; we’ll all be waiting!”

“That I will!”

I faced forward and exited the city with the last of the holler behind. I don’t know if the soldiers in front heard the cry behind them, but the words rung in my ears and made me feel all the more blessed to have been born here.

That One and All shall manifest in you!