Epilogue: Gathering Storm

Seraphina:

Freedom, this promise drove Seraphina day and night for the last week. A gentle smile spread over the lumen's face as she took in her diverse flock of over a hundred men, women, and children. Among them were those born into slavery from generations of bondage, some taken as children or even as adults from raids into the Fidels kingdoms or the offsprings of those taken recently, and even Invadores apostates who willingly abandoned their Pantheon to embrace the Father. 

Regardless of their origin, Seraphina led them down a road past vast rolling hills of green broken by small islands of forest leading toward a low mountain pass. Beyond it lay the Kingdom of Tierrero and their freedom. The lumen held her heart and wiped a few tears away when she took in their beaming faces. Many wept and prayed, while others embraced their friends and families. Seraphina lost count of how many broke off to hug her and Zehra.

The chivalric maiden had a forced grin on her face with a thick bead of sweat rolling down her face and armor. "De nada, it was nothing, literally," Zehra muttered through gritted teeth. Seraphina raised an eyebrow at Zehra's comment.

"Are you upset that we just walked into that estate and took the slaves without a struggle?" 

"No," Zehra said and poked her fingers together. "It just wasn't as exciting as breaking them out like before. I suppose I should have known they'd have nothing to come at us with. Rodrigo, your magma-headed boyfriend, and the others are rounding up what's left of their border troops."

Seraphina crossed her arms at Zehra and narrowed both eyes. The chivalric maiden threw both hands up and gave a sheepish smile. "Not that freeing slaves isn't a worthy task either! I just wonder if you needed me, is all."

Seraphina smiled again and pressed on. In the last two weeks alone, she had rescued over five hundred slaves, and that was just her. Ever since the decisive victory at Comienzo, lumen from across the three Kingdoms had reported similar successes. 

"I wish you could see this, Delilah, though I suppose you are," Seraphina said, glancing at the sky. "You and Ferdinand have earned your rest, Sancho too."

Seraphina's cheeks turned pink at the thought of King Sancho reuniting with his son. A little girl tripped a few feet away and started crying.

"Ahh, I've got you-" Seraphina started, but another former slave scooped the child into her arms.

"There there, Julia, it's ok. Remember, we're going to take care of you now," the woman said as she and another former slaver man caressed the girl's head while hugging her.

The lumen's heart started to ache, and she trembled watching this. Seraphina took them on the same path where Delilah and Ferdinand had died all those years ago. Now, watching the trio, she saw herself as a little girl in their arms. Turning back to her flock, Seraphina took in all the children, each with their parents or new surrogate guardians. 

"Ey, shiny skin, you ok?" Zehra asked and took Seraphina by the shoulder.

"Huh? Ahh, si, I'm fine. We're almost-"

A thunderous roar shook the sky. Many slaves yelped, but Seraphina sighed, and Zehra grinned. Inferno burst from the clouds and howled again before kicking up a cloud of dirt upon landing in front of Seraphina. The black dragon panted and licked her face while the slaves gazed at him in awe.

"Hola, magma-head," Zehra said and waved at Arnaut, who sat on Inferno's back, adorned in his armor and epaulet jacket cape. "How goes the castle hunting?"

"Bien, we took three new fortresses, including one, without even needing to lay siege. I see things went well for you as well."

Arnaut removed his helmet and shook his golden blonde hair. Many young women among the slaves swooned with red cheeks and hearts for eyes while Seraphina shook her head. However, she suppressed the sensation of butterflies in her stomach, especially when Inferno nudged her with a widening grin. 

"Hola, all of you!" Rodrigo's voice penetrated from above.

Seraphina looked up with the others as Blizzard descended from the sky with a tan dragon and rider in black Onyx Knight armor close behind. This was Don Alberto, the new Onyx Knight captain, and his partner, Drake. Soon, more Onyx Knights on equoferri and royal sergeants on horseback rode in while the slaves trembled upon seeing Rodrigo, who likewise removed his helmet.

The women swooned once more, and many fell backward upon seeing Rodrigo, much to Zehra's delight, for she snickered. "Si, say hola to your new king, Saint Rodrigo!"

"Zehra, I'm not a Saint," Rodrigo groaned.

"One day, mi hombre, one day," Zehra laughed.

"Welcome, everyone, to Tierrero. Your lives of bondage are over. Here, in my kingdom, you will go as far as you desire."

The slaves cheered, and many bowed. Seraphina and Arnaut smiled together, but soon, they heard thunder rumbling in the distance. Turning back, Seraphina noticed a heavy storm growing from where she came from. Yet, it mattered not. They were safe now, and soon, Rodrigo would free more of Envidia.