Whats Done Is Done
The crowd was at unease as they stood in front of the palace. Chattering amongst themselves as to why they had all been gathered here on this day. A man in ceremonial armor came out of one of the large doors and stepped out into view on the elevated pedestal. Everyone grew quiet as a broad man dressed in elegant clothing stepped out in front of the armored man.
The elegantly dressed man held an open palmed hand up and the large crowd immediately grew quiet. The man lowered his palm and opened his mouth to speak. "Twenty years ago the hero of Kvatch fell in battle!" The emperor looked around slowly. "But this day is a day for grief for a young man has died in the service of the empire! He was a Blade of all Blades! A true friend for those who knew him and a greater threat for those enemy's of the empire!" The emperor paused. "He stopped the goblin wars! But today he fell bringing peace to the provinces! He will become a legend! A legend that will not soon be forgotten in the books of the Empire!" He looked around once more. "Cherish him! Bow to him! For I will as well."
The emperor turned without another word and walked out of sight. Not a cheer arose from the crowd. The tall man sat down at a small table that looked like it came out of the gutter. Soon the man in ceremonial armor sat opposite of the emperor. "A good speech sire."
The emperor winced. "Today, Bergus, I am not emperor." The tall man looked up, "For Senon." he said raising his glass.
"For Senon." Bergus answered raising his glass simultaneously so they hit at the peak of their arms stretch.
Talk was small that night. Soon the said their farewells and parted. The tall emperor stepped outside and a cool wind hit him as he entered the twilight. He gazed down where the gargantuan crowd was standing in grief only hours before. The palace courtyard was now completely empty. The emperor cocked his head to the right and a man stepped up next to him. The man was in the traditional armor of the Blades with his helmet held at his hip.
The emperor smiled. The Blade returned the smile and slowly nodded. A gust of wind kicked up and the man slowly deteriorated horizontally as if you threw sand up in the air during a windstorm. The emperor turned back towards the courtyard. Then he gazed up at the mountains far away from the Imperial city and smiled.
"I will see you again," he whispered "soon. Soon."