Mage-Guard of Hamor

EPILOGUE

Rahl and Deybri stood before the desk table in the study. A warm breeze barely moved the air, but the stone walls of the overcommander's villa kept out the worst of the summer heat.

Rahl opened the case that had just been delivered-all the way from Cigoerne. Inside was a roll of parchment, a smaller folded sheet of parchment, and a deep green enameled box that, despite its unmarred exterior, exuded great age. Rahl unrolled the document with the Emperor's seal.

"That makes it official," said Deybri, as she read the words over his shoulder. "Mage-Guard Overcommander of Merowey." After a moment, she pointed. "You need to read the other one."

Rahl unfolded the smaller sheet and began to read.

Please accept this antique badge of rank as a token of my deepest appreciation and esteem. The badge reputedly came from a distant ancestor. May it provide an inspiration for your son to come and a reminder to you both of the costs and triumphs of love.

The signature was a single name: Emerya.

Rahl handed the note to Deybri and eased open the green-enamel box. Inside was a lambent cupridium and lacquer pin displaying three crossed miniature items: a lance, a jagged lightning bolt, and a sheaf of grain.

"What is it?" asked Deybri, leaning toward him.

"A token of esteem and inspiration," Rahl said quietly, turning the pin over. There was a name inscribed in tiny letters. Cyadoran, he thought. He squinted and puzzled them out. "Lorn'elth'alt'mer. That must be the name of her distant ancestor."

Deybri smiled sadly. "The poor woman. Poor Taryl."

Rahl thought so, too. But Hamor was the richer for that doomed love… and so were he and Deybri. He reached out with his free hand and drew her to him, feeling the swell of her body against him.. and the life force of their son.