By evening, the whole house was humming. Word had gone out across the Kagu holdings that Ren was home, and stronger, and carrying something the family had lost for a hundred and sixty years. Messages lit the communication masts on the ridgeline. Staff moved through the corridors with the brisk, cheerful purpose of people setting up a celebration they'd been afraid they would never get to hold.
"The reception hall is ready," Selene said, leading us through corridors lined with portraits of Kagu ancestors. "The whole family wants to thank you properly."
Kem Kagu was waiting at the centre of the hall with his wife, Yuki, and their twins. The moment we came in, all four of them went down into the deep formal bow reserved for the highest guests.
"Second Hero Arthur Nightingale," Kem said, "on behalf of the whole Kagu line—thank you for bringing my son home."
