Epilogue

After two days, I stood on the castle's battlements with Cassandra. I had been crowned as duke the day before. There was a lot to be done; much to be rebuilt. And lost lives to mourn...people to remember for times to come.

Funerals for the fallen Oppressed Knights had just concluded.

We had won...but victory had come at a heavy price...as any endeavour worth undertaking almost always does. And this sombre atmosphere was the perfect time for another farewell.

"Visit again soon, OK? Things are a lot more interesting with you around. I’ll miss you."

"Don't worry Michael! We will meet again. After all I..." Cassandra paused then said, "You are my closest friend. Goodbye!"

We embraced tightly and I received another peck on the cheek.

"For luck." She whispered and descended.

I waved from the battlements as Cassandra- my best friend from childhood, a warrior who matched her sword to mine, and had unknowingly somehow become someone whom my heart yearned for- and her retinue rode away into the rising sun.