Resilient Spirit

Tejeda wore for the first time the marks of a colonel on his chest when he visited King Astin's palace in Sidhara, the capital of Southern Beridian. He landed without an escort, opting to send C1313 with Cato to the planet's other hemisphere. He was perfectly capable of taking care of himself.

Tejeda strode through the large hall, passing the guards and servants with their heads bowed. He glanced around, admiring the exquisite artwork that adorned the walls, the opulent furniture, and the beautifully polished floors.

Crystal chandeliers hung in the large room, casting golden light on the marbled floor. The walls at the sides were blazing red, with statues of armored knights and serpentine basilisks. A gilt-framed picture displayed King Astin and a meadow full of soldiers behind him. Another painting depicted a panorama of rolling wheat fields beneath an olive sky on the other wall. Twin, curving stairs covered in luxurious crimson carpets paved Tejeda's path to the long table.