Savage Empire

"Just as she is sending me away," said Wulfston. "To grow. I still have much to learn. I suppose I'll learn it faster if I don't have Aradia to pull me out of a jam."

"You pulled her out, in that last battle," said Lenardo. "I'll breathe easier, knowing I have you for a neighbor."

They caught up with the women, and Lenardo said, "Aradia, I don't have the power-"

"Lenardo," she interrupted, "I have given you only what you have the right to. Can you not see that your powers, although different, are the equal of mine?"

His powers. He had used that term for his abilities all his life, but he had never thought of them in the sense the Adepts did, as giving him the right to control others. "I am no ruler," he said as they moved down the hall. Aradia followed him into his room, clearly wanting to speak privately.

"You will rule," she said. "You must. It is the only way you will make what you want of the world."

Could he do that? He knew what he wanted of the world now: Zendi risen from the ruin Drakonius had made of it, to shine as a place of beauty, culture, cooperation. A symbol of peace. Home of a new academy where Readers and Adepts would study together.

"You will have to make it for. yourself, Lenardo," said Aradia.

He wanted to do it-as much for Aradia as for himself. "I will. I came here on a negative errand, Aradia-to stop something. But when I return, it will be to start something. We've already started it, you and Wulfston and Lilith and I. And Nerius."

She nodded, tears shining in her eyes. "Not an ending, but a beginning. Make your plans, my lord. And when I call for your services-"

"You will find me ready to help, my lady." He bowed formally, and watched her leave his room, not looking back. For the moment, she had taught him all she could. Now, as he had left the shelter of the academy to discover a new world beyond the borders of the empire, he must leave Castle Nerius to make a new life for himself and for his people. All people. He didn't know how he would do it, but he knew the chance was his. The door stood open, leaving up to Lenardo the direction he would go from here.