Miro exited the Crystal Palace to a mighty roar.
Ella grinned when she saw that he couldn't stop smiling, and she only realised now the tension he'd been under when she saw how much its absence softened his face.
She decided to leave him to his moment. This was his time, and she had important work to do in Mornhaven, where the future of the Empire depended on the new machines.
Perhaps, sometime soon, she would also go to Seranthia.
~
LATER, much later, Miro and Amber strolled along the riverbank, watching the ferry boats crossing the Sarsen and the students crossing Victory Bridge on their way to the Academy of Enchanters in their green woollen gowns.
"Miro," Amber said. "I think you can give me a better honeymoon than that. The beach was very nice, but I'm not sure if the journey was enjoyable."
Miro laughed, the sound filling the air as he roared. Finally he was able to speak. "Would having a second honeymoon make you feel guilty?"
"Sometimes guilty pleasures are the best. We need to go to Seranthia for Killian's coronation anyway, what if we left a little early? Ella told me there's an incredible eating house that I'd really like to try. It's called Barlow's. Apparently they give you these little pastries before the meal, and at the end they give you handmade chocolates."
"Sounds wonderful," Miro grinned. "Do they serve children?"
"Apparently fish dishes are their specialty," Amber said, "although I'm sure you could ask for stewed child if you really wanted it."
Miro laughed again. His wife was back.
Amber grew serious. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"It's about Ella. She's always alone. Do you think she'll find someone?"
"I sensed something between her and that man from the desert, Ilathor."
"No." Amber shook her head. "She loves Killian."
"I said something to her on the Infinity. About love." Miro stopped walking and took Amber's hand. "I told her how happy I am now that I've found you."
Amber smiled and leaned forward, brushing Miro's lips with her own. "What did she say?"
"She changed the subject, and spoke to me about essence and lore. She asked me about the Alchemists' Guild and the technology of the Veldrins."
"That sounds like her," Amber said. "I said something to her too, you know."
"What response did you get?"
"She said she doesn't have time for love."
Epilogue
ELLA again travelled alone, back the way she'd come long ago when she'd left Evrin on a journey that started with her brother's wedding and took her to Seranthia, Ku Kara, Stonewater and the nightmare world of Shar.
Summer was moving into autumn, and the road from Sarostar to Mornhaven was crowded with men and women hauling carts bearing the fruits of the harvest. Ella again passed the inscription bearing her brother's name, running her hand over it and smiling. More than once she overheard locals discussing the new Emperor, the nephew of the old one, a man reputed to possess incredible powers.
This time Ella saw the nine-pointed star flown from buildings in both Altura and Halaran. There was hope in people's eyes and food in their bellies. The rulers of the nine houses were working together for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Each voice was equal, and all would be heard.
Ella saw the peaks of the Ring Forts long before she saw Mornhaven. She was glad now they'd chosen this place. When the essence flowed, it would flow from here, the mid-point of the Empire, bringing it quickly to those who needed it. The Ring Forts would provide the best possible protection, and the machines' location in the catacombs deep beneath afforded a second level of defence.
Ella arrived at Mornhaven, passing several checkpoints and immediately heading to the tunnel. She found Evrin Evenstar scratching his head and looking at the gaping mouth of the harvesting plant.
Nearby was a wheeled handcart filled to the brim with black lignite. The rare ore was dug up all over the Empire. Now it was being sent to this place.
"Ah, my dear," Evrin said without turning around, "I've been waiting for you. I expected you tomorrow."
"How did you know I was coming?" Ella said.
"News travels fast. I'm pleased to hear your brother's son is well. You were at his inauguration. I knew you would come here next."
"Why were you waiting for me?"
Ignoring her, Evrin called out to half a dozen men entering the massive chamber. "Quickly now. Don't dawdle. Come on, you know what to do."
Ella's eyes widened when she recognised the white robes, and the symbol of a black sun on the breast. "Templars!"
"They know how to do this best," Evrin said. "They're good men. The first is Felyan and the second is Maurix. I've forgotten the names of the others."
"Enchantress," one of the templars bowed, the others following suit.
"Come on," Evrin said, "hurry up. We don't have all day."
"Yes, Skylord."