At the mansion, the iron gates creaked open slowly. Guards snapped to attention as Kael passed through, their fists striking their chests in salutes.
He acknowledged them.
Sylvara's voice rang out across the courtyard before he'd even dismounted, her small form darting between the stone pillars with boundless energy.
"Kael! You're back!" she called, waving a wooden bow that looked almost too large for her arms. Her auburn hair bounced with each step. "Sera's teaching me to shoot!"
Sera trailed behind her at a more measured pace, a shy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She looked more relaxed than she had in weeks, some of the tension finally easing from her shoulders.
Kael swung down from his horse, his boots hitting the cobblestones with a solid thud. He reached out and ruffled Sylvara's hair affectionately.
"Good," he said, his voice calm. "Keep practicing. You'll need to be strong."
