The Pride Before the Fall

King Carter Hall rode with all haste to the city of Thanagar with some hundred horsemen. In front of him on the saddle was his wife, Queen Shiera. She was unconscious and pale from blood loss. The city gates opened at once to the king and what was left of the Thanagarian army rode into the city. Most of the horsemen rode with all haste to the palace.

They halted in front of the stone palace. Palace guards helped Shiera down from the horse and Carter dismounted. He scooped Shiera up into his arms and rushed into the palace. Servants opened the door to their bedchamber and Carter laid Shiera down onto their bed. He caressed her face and then stepped back to allow the physicians to tend to her. Carter could not watch. He left the bedchamber and made way for the throne room.

The throne room doors were opened at once for their king. What was left of war council bowed as Carter removed his hawk helm. "How long before they reach the city walls?" Carter asked bluntly. Carter's appearance was disheveled. He clothes and bronze cuirass was bloodstained, along with his war council's clothes and armor.

A servant knelt and held up a water basin. Carter washed off the blood on his hands and wrists. He splashed some of the war on his face. Another servant gave him a cloth to dry his hands and face. A servant helped him remove his armor. He then sat on his golden throne.

"A week, more or less. We do not have enough men to defend the city, reinforcements in Egypt would take weeks to assemble and get here, and we still do not know if General Teth Adam was captured or slain, my king." Commander Amon Tomaz said. He was a tall young man with black hair.

"I know! Thank the gods we sent most of the people to Egypt weeks ago…" Carter ran his hand down his face and sighed. "We cannot defend the city. Send heralds throughout the city. What people are left are to pack only what they carry and to prepare enough food and water for a long journey. We leave for Egypt after daybreak." Carter said.

Carter paused and just sat on the throne. It was the throne of his father, and his father before him, and his father before him and so forth. And now a Luthor was going to sit on it. But it was only a chair. He had to protect his family and his people. "Send word to Lord Nabu of our coming." Carter said. Carter stood and all knelt. He left the throne room.

Carter walked to his son's chambers. The guards outside the chamber door knelt. He grabbed a torch off the wall and entered the dark chamber. He lit two torches and the chamber became partially lit. He then handed the torch to a guard.

Four-year-old Prince Hector slept peacefully in his bed. Carter approached Hector's bed, pulled back the thin curtain, and sat on the edge of the bed. He stroked his son's light brown hair and the child stirred. Hector opened and rubbed his tired eyes. "Papa?" Hector whispered.

"Come here." Carter picked up the little boy and embraced him. Hector rested his head on his father's shoulder, half awake. "I am not letting you out of my sight." Carter whispered and kissed Hector's head.

Hector yawned and fell back to sleep. Carter gently laid Hector back down onto the bed and tucked him in. Carter stroked his son's hair again and then pulled up a chair beside the bed. He sat down, crossed his arms, and watched his son sleep peacefully without a care in the world. Carter fought the tears forming in his eyes.

Daybreak

Someone gently shook Carter and he awoke with a start. He had slept in the chair all night. Hector was still asleep. It was the physician who had woken him. "My king." He said softly. Carter held up a finger to his lip and motioned to the door. They quietly left the bedchamber and Carter left the door opened a crack.

"How is the queen?" Carter asked softly.

"The queen lives." Carter sighed out of relief. "But the wound is grave, my king. It will take time for it to heal and there is a chance she may not survive the journey to Egypt." The physician said.

"She will survive… She has to." Carter looked the through the crack in the door and watched their sleeping son. "Prepare to move the queen. Daybreak is upon us." Carter said. The physician bowed and walked away.

Queen Shiera was carefully loaded into a covered wagon with a physician to tend to her and a warrior to protect her. Shiera was still unconscious and pale but she was breathing. Carter put Hector is in the same wagon.

"Now, Mama is sleeping so you have to be quiet so not to wake her. If there is sweat on Mama's face, then dab it away with this cloth." Carter said and Hector nodded. Carter then kissed Hector's forehead and then put up the back of the wagon.

Carter then mounted his black stallion called Mkhai. "Once we are all out, close the city gates. Let Prince Alexander keep busy scaling the walls. It may buy us more time. You and your men can get out of the city through the tunnel that leads to the river. A boat will be waiting for you to take you to my flagship." Carter said and Commander Amon Tomaz nodded.

"You and your family should be on that ship, my king." Commander Amon Tomaz said.

"I am the king. It is my duty to lead and protect my people. I shall lead them to Egypt and I want my family close at all time. Now, do as I command." Carter said and Commander Tomaz knelt.

Carter nodded to his soldiers and they rode away from the palace, through the city streets, and out of the city with the Thanagarian people following in wagons, on horseback, but mainly on foot.


The Fortress of Solitude

Lois awoke to the sound of a heartbeat and breathing that was not her own. Her head rested on a firm chest and the memories of last night came flooding back. She caressed his left pec with her right hand. Lois loved listening to his heartbeat and feeling his chest rise and fall. Then, she felt his hand stroking her right arm.

Lois smiled and then opened her eyes. Clark slowly opened his eyes and smiled at her. "Good morrow." Clark whispered.

"Good morrow." Lois whispered back.

They spent the next few minutes just staring and smiling at each other. Lois ran her right foot up and down his leg. Clark's right hand caressed the smooth skin of her back. They had never been so relaxed with anyone like this before. They could think of no greater solace than being in each other's arms.

But then their solace was interrupted by someone urgently knocking on the door. The two groaned and Clark threw back the blankets. Lois admired his firm body as he arose from the bed. Lois pulled one blanket back to cover her naked body. Clark smirked. He held his finger to his lips as he opened the door a crack.

"Yes?" Kal-El said, rubbing his eyes. He removed his fingers from his eyes and saw that it was Captain Ak-Var.

"Forgive me, Kal-El, but it appears Captain Lane escaped sometime in the night. The Red Shard are searching the fortress as we speak and a search party is gathering." Ak-Var said. Ak-Var wore mail under his clothing and a heavy cloak for the cold.

"Do not bother, Ak-Var. Captain Lane is simply sleeping in another bedchamber, that is all. But do not worry, my friend. She is secure." Lois stifled a laugh beneath the blanket. "She did not escape and she is no threat." Kal-El said.

Ak-Var thought he had heard a noise but he ignored it. "I would have liked to have been told of the change, Kal-El. The archers on the wall are ready to shoot her on sight…Sire." Ak-Var said. He was clearly frustrated.

Kal-El put a hand on Ak-Var's shoulder. "I know and I am sorry. It shall not happen again. I will tell you of any future changes. Alright?" Ak-Var nodded. "Good. Now, go tell the men to call off the search and to return to their posts." Kal-El said.

"Yes, Sire." Ak-Var bowed his head and walked away. "I had all the bedchambers searched." Ak-Var muttered to himself. He looked back but Kal-El had already closed the door. Ak-Var then left Kal-El's chambers.

Clark bolted the door. He did not want Jon-Tel entering and interrupting them again. He walked back to the bed and pulled the blanket back. Lois was covering her mouth with both her hands. She dropped her hands and laughed. Clark began laughing too. He climbed on top on her and kissed her. Lois's left hand caressed his face and she ran her fingers through his hair.

Their lips parted and she pushed him off of her. Clark rolled onto the right side of the bed and he pulled her close to him, their foreheads touching. Their laughter gradually decreased to chuckles and soon to quiet breathing. They rolled onto their backs and cuddled. They stared up at the beautiful ceiling.

There was a painting of a dark hair and bearded man and a blonde woman in a loving embrace under the red sun. The detail of the painting was breathtaking. "That is Zod II and his second wife, Kara Pir-El. Thanks to her love, the king became a new man and a just ruler. It was the only time Krypton was at peace during the reign of the House of Zod. And it is through their love that I am here as well. It is why the House of El now reigns." Clark said.

Clark stroked her arm and Lois traced the scar on his chest with her fingers as they admired the ceiling's mural. "You do realize that last night was a mistake." Lois said.

"A mistake I do not regret. No matter how much I want to. Do you regret last night?" Clark asked and looked at her.

Lois looked at him and caressed his face. "No." Lois said. They stared at each other and then kissed tenderly. Clark placed his left hand on her cheek to deepen the kiss. Nothing could ruin this moment.


Kandor, A Couple Weeks Later

Kara read the letter that Nox-Van had given to her. It was from J'onn J'onzz. It had arrived from a messenger falcon not long ago. They were in her chambers at the Crystal Palace. Kara finished reading the letter. "Is this true?" Kara asked since Nox-Van had read the letter before her.

Nox-Van nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Thanagar has fallen to Prince Alexander. He had left behind two battalions and Commander Edge in command of the city. The rest of his army sails for Smallville." Nox-Van said.

"By Rao! How could this have happened? Thanagar have some of the best warriors in the world and their walls are said to be impenetrable." Kara said. She placed the letter down onto the table.

"King Carter and Queen Shiera decided to take the fight to Alexander instead of waiting for a siege. They did not wish for innocents to be harmed by cannon and trebuchet fire. General Wilson's assassins killed the sentries and entered the camp, where they tried to kill the king and queen. The queen awoke and was gravely wounded. King Carter sounded the alarm and awoke the camp. Alexander then signaled the attack. It was a bloody battle. They were caught off guard, Your Highness." Nox-Van said.

Kara sighed. "This is not good. Thanagar conquered in only a matter of weeks… What of the king and queen?" Kara asked. Nox-Van handed her a second letter. This one bore King Carter's seal. Kara broke the seal and began to read.

"King Carter wrote this in his own hand… They are taking refuge in their dominion of Egypt. What is left of the Thanagarian army along with the Egyptian army shall defend its walls, especially whilst the queen heals from her grave wounds. He writes that a grave many Thanagarian soldiers were killed in the battle and even with the addition of Egyptian soldiers, his army has been greatly weakened in force." Kara said.

"I have just heard that Atlantis is assembling their fleet to defend its waters and we cannot expect aid from King Oliver. He is still fighting back Count Vertigo's forces and he writes that Vertigo has gotten hold of ten cannons." Nox-Van said.

"What? How? Only we, Atlantis, and Genesis have them!" Kara said, even though she was sure she already knew the answer.

"J'onn J'onzz says Alexander sold him the cannons for a great deal of coin. And that he plans to sell more to Ra's al Ghul and to other enemies of the realms. He will sell weapons to anyone who can pay. That is why the Genesis army has so few cannons." Nox-Van said.

"We depend greatly on King Oliver's troops whilst we train more soldiers. How many cannons can we spare?" Kara asked and placed the second letter atop the first.

"General Fine says we forge at least twenty cannons a month at Kryptonopolis when they are not under siege. And we give half of those cannons to the Atlanteans as part of our alliance with them. Our cannons are then sent to every fortress and city in our realm. And there are other weapons of war that need to be forged and built as well." Nox-Van said.

"Page!" A page entered her chambers and bowed. "Send for the Atlantean and Star City ambassadors. I wish to speak with them at once." The page bowed again and left. "What of the incoming army?" Kara asked.

"Alexander's army may greatly outnumber ours in Kansas. They set sail weeks ago from Thanagar. We cannot be certain of their arrival until they land in Kansas. Our forces may need to fall back to Granville or we must send more men." Nox-Van said.

"Reinforcements may be able to get to Kent Castle in time or we may be sending them to their deaths." Kara stood and walked to the window. She saw Red Shard walking the battlements and the city in the distance. Kara sighed. "The king commanded us to hold that castle and we shall hold it." Kara said.

"Shall I send more troops to Kent?" Nox-Van asked.

"We do not know Alexander's numbers so for now let us believe that there are more than enough troops at Kent. We are a race of warriors and scholars, General. One Kryptonian soldier can fight off then Genesis soldiers. We have a great deal of cannons and trebuchets there as well. Have Lurvan and Argo ready to defend their borders if necessary but their priority is to continue training more soldiers." Kara said. Nox-Van nodded.

"We are Kryptonians. We fear no army and no army shall ever break our will or our duty to protect our home. Inform me when Alexander enters Kryptonian waters and send for what captains of the Red Shard are here in Kandor." Kara said.

Nox-Van nodded once, bowed, and then left her chambers. Kara grabbed some parchment and dipped a quill in ink. She then began writing frantically to Kal-El.

The Fortress of Solitude, Some Days Later

Clark smiled as he watched Lois and Christopher interacting. He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed. He wore a white laced shirt, trousers, boots, and a plain black doublet.

Lois was admiring Christopher's wooden dagger. "Do you know how to fight?" Christopher asked.

"Yes. My father taught me with a wooden sword much like your dagger. When I came of age, my father presented me with my own sword." Lois said. She pretended to formally present Christopher with the dagger. Christopher smiled.

"My papa says he will teach me how to fight when I am older." Christopher said.

"A wise decision. There are more important matters than learning how to fight. Knowing how to fight has saved my life on many occasions but now I have regrets…and you are much too young, sir knight." Lois said.

Christopher pouted and then shrugged his shoulders. "If you say so, countess." Christopher said. Clark smiled. He had been trying to change Christopher's mind for months and Lois changed it in minutes.

Lois smiled. "You may call me Lois when we are alone." Lois said and Christopher smiled.

Christopher then glanced over at the door. "Papa!" Christopher cried and ran into Clark's arms. Clark laughed as he embraced Christopher and kissed his brow. He put Christopher down and ruffled his dark curls.

"Are you enjoying Lois's company?" Clark asked. Christopher nodded, smiling. The door was opened so Ak-Var knocked on the doorframe. Clark's smile disappeared and he walked over to Ak-Var.

"An urgent letter from Her Highness." Ak-Var whispered in his ear and handed him the red pouch. Ak-Var cut his eyes to Lois, who had picked up Christopher and placed him in her lap. Kal-El shook his head, meaning for Ak-Var to ignore it. He turned around to see Lois and Christopher with somber looks on their faces.

Kal-El smirked and ruffled Christopher's hair. "I shall see you later, my little knight. Countess." Kal-El said and then bowed his head to Lois. Lois bowed her head in return. Kal-El left the chamber with Ak-Var following. Lois's guards knelt as they left.

"Kal-El, is it wise to leave her alone with Christopher? It was not long ago that she struck me with a vase and tried to kill you." Ak-Var said as they walked.

"I know and I appreciate your concern, my friend. But there is no need for it. Lois Lane is a soldier and an anointed knight of the old code. She would no sooner harm a child than herself. I can see it in her eyes. And she is harmless unless provoked." Kal-El said.

"You have learned a great deal about her these past weeks. But I fear as you learn more about her, she may learn more about you. That could be dangerous if you do not turn her." Ak-Var cautioned. Kal-El stopped at his chamber door and smirked. "You turned her?" Ak-Var whispered. Kal-El only continued smirking and patted Ak-Var on the shoulder before entering his chambers alone.

Kal-El sat down and put his feet up on the table. He opened the pouch and removed two letters. One of the letters had been resealed and he recognized King Carter's handwriting, which was frantic. He immediately took his feet off the table and broke the new seal.

All his joyous feelings left him with every word he read. His then he felt a wave of anger. Once he finished with Carter's letter, he broke the seal of the second one and began to read Kara's letter.

He read of the incoming army and Kara's request to take a group of Red Shard knight to ambush Alexander and to hopefully capture him. To make matters worse, the Atlantean and Star City ambassadors were unable to agree on how many cannons they would sacrifice to aid King Oliver.

Kal-El grabbed several pieces of parchment and began writing frantically. The first letter was to Carter in Egypt saying that Krypton may not be able to come to his aid for some time because they had to deal with Alexander and he hoped Shiera would heal swiftly. The next letter was to Kara saying to do whatever it took to keep the army at bay and that he would return to Kandor once he had questioned Captain Lane one last time. The last letter was to King Orin asking for a compromise on the cannons.

The sun was setting and the chamber was growing dark. Jon-Tel lit candles and torches, filling the chamber with light. Kal-El pressed his seal into the hot red wax, sealing the three letters. He put them back in the red pouch and gave them to the knight who would deliver them. The knight bowed and left at once.

"Jon-Tel, you may go." Kal-El said. Jon-Tel lit the last torch, bowed, and then left his chamber. Kal-El sat in silence for a long time. He did not know how long. He had lost track of the time. Someone was knocking on his door but he remained silent. He hoped whoever it was would realize he did not wish to be disturbed and leave him be.

The knocking eventually stopped and Lois entered his chambers. "You know I can have you arrested for entering my chambers without my permission." Kal-El said. Lois gave him a stubborn look. He saw her guards outside the opened door and motioned for them to leave. They bowed and reluctantly walked away.

Lois approached him and leaned back onto the edge of the table. She crossed her arms and looked at him, waiting for him to speak. Kal-El rubbed his chin, obviously troubled. Lois uncrossed her arms and took his hand. "What is bothering you?" Lois asked.

Kal-El ran his hand through his hair. "Thanagar has fallen and Alexander now sails for Smallville." Kal-El said.

"What? Thanagar has fallen! I thought Alexander to be a fool to march onto that city. I believed its warrior king and queen would skin him alive." Lois said.

"Well, my old mentors underestimated Lex. The man is cunning, without mercy, and he lusts for power. He wants to leave behind a legacy greater than that of his father." Kal-El said. He closed his eyes and then felt her hand caressing his face. Her hand felt warm against his cheek.

"Why do you despise each other so?" Lois asked softly. Clark sighed.

"Zor-El and Lionel hated each other so we always assumed that we should hate each other as well… When I was a child, Lionel sent assassins to kill me. They failed so I was sent to Thanagar under the protection of King Carter and Queen Shiera. Lex's tutors at the time were not far from the city. One afternoon, he was out riding. Something frightened his horse and threw him off a bridge and into the river. I saw it happen so I jumped in after him."

"I saved him and then he told me who he was. I lied to him. I told him my name was Clark Kent, a cousin of the Duke of Kansas. We developed a strong bond of friendship after that day. As we grew older, I began persuading him to make peace with Kal-El when he ascended the throne so that he would be remembered as a great king. And I would forever be his friend. You know, he wanted me to be his best man but I told him that it would be impossible because of who my cousin one."

Then Lucas Luthor was killed in battle. I was a foot soldier by then, still under the guise of Clark Kent. I only wanted to be and treated as a common man… My battalion was defending the border that day and I saw Lucas fall with my own eyes. Lex ran to him and held him in his arms. And then he looked at me with so much anger, so much hatred. And ever since that moment, he has blamed me for Lucas's death."

"Some days later, I met him in secret and I told him my true name. I still thought him to be my friend. But he said that I was now and forever shall be his enemy. I tried to reason with him but he would not listen… And now the man I once called my friend is gone and the monster he has become remains." Clark said.

"How can you know that?" Lois asked. She stroked the knuckles of his hand to comfort him.

"I saw it in his eyes the day he gave me this." Clark put his hand where his scar was. "I looked right into his eyes and all I saw was his lust for blood and for power. That day, there was a moment I could have slain him but I did not… A decision I have come to question with each year that passes in this war." Clark said.

"Do not question yourself. As a king, you serve as a symbol to your people. Killing a man in cold blood is not in your nature and it would have haunted you for the rest of your days." Lois said. Clark smiled at her.

"There are days when I believe that I am truly alone in this world. When we first met, you did not know me but now I believe you know me better than anyone. Did the gods send you to save what is left of my soul?" Clark asked softly.

"Perhaps that is what I am here for, Smallville. But one save at a time." Lois said. They smiled at each other.

Clark looked at her affectionately. He pushed her hair back behind her ear, staring deeply into each other's eyes. He brought her hand up to his lips and tenderly kissed knuckles. "I must return to Kandor." Clark said somberly.

"I know." Lois ran her fingers through his hair and caressed his face. "You have more pressing matters. You should have returned weeks ago." Lois said.

"Lois, I do not want to leave. I do not want to leave you." Clark said.

"You are a king and you must return to your people. I am not important." Lois said.

"You are important to me. I have wanted to feel like this for so long and now I do not want to lose this feeling. I do not want to lose you." Clark stood, ran his hands through his hair, and then sat down onto the marble floor with a sigh. He rested his head back against the wall. "But I am a servant of my crown." Clark said somberly.

Lois stood over him. His head was at her thighs. She stroked his hair and he closed his eyes at her touch. She sighed. "Clark…we must end whatever this is." Lois said.

Clark's eyes shot opened and he looked up at her. "What?" Clark said.

"You are to be married and I shall soon return to Metropolis. There is little hope that we shall ever see each other again." Lois said and Clark immediately stood.

"I do not believe that." Clark said. He tried to take her hand but she took a step back. It took all her strength not to give into the somber look in his face and in his eyes.

Lois wanted him to hold her. She wanted to caress his face, kiss him and tell him that everything was going to be alright. But that would be a lie. She wanted to lie to him like she had done with most of her lovers but she could not lie to him.

"I am a noble, yes, but we are from different worlds. You know we cannot be together. We should just forget everything that has happened between us. It would be for the better. Farewell, Clark…Kal-El." Lois said somberly. She turned to leave his chambers but Clark grabbed her wrist and she stopped.

"Please…do not take away my hope that one day we shall be together again." Lois turned to face him. She held her head high with tears in her eyes. "Hope has always been my greatest strength, I am told. But ever since I ascended the throne, it has felt like a weakness. But now with you, Lois, I have learned to hope once more and it has given me my strength back. So please, do not rob it from me." Clark said and he caressed her face.

Lois could no longer restrain herself. She threw her arms around him and they embraced. Clark held her in his arms, taking in her scent and her warmth. Then their lips met. Then lips soon parted and Lois took his hand. She led him into his bedchamber and bolted the door behind them.

Lois undid her laces and let her dress fall to the ground. Then she slipped out of her underdress and stood naked before him. Clark took a step forward and kissed her. Her bare skin rubbed up against his doublet. She untied it laces and helped him remove it. Clark scooped her up into his arms and took her to his bed. He laid her down and removed his shirt and boots.

Lois ran her hand up his hard body. Clark tossed his shirt over his shoulder. He ran his hands up her legs to her thighs and then lay on top of her. Their lips met and soon parted. He felt Lois easily untie the laces of his trousers. He caressed her face as they stared deep other's eyes and then kissed tenderly. If they could not speak of their feelings, then their bodies would.


Kansas, Some Days Later

Kara and some fifty Red Shard knights rode through a farm recently destroyed and pillaged in a battle. They thought this route would be safer than taking the road through the Burham Woods. Kara pulled back the reins and held up her hand. "HOLD!" And they all came to a halt. Coming from the east were knights in black armor and infantry in black chainmail and red brigandines bearing the flag of Krypton.

"Did General Turpin send them? We did not tell him our route." Captain Ty-Zee said.

"Let us find out. Be on your guard." Kara said. She put her horse into a canter and the knights followed at the same pace. Soon, they were only some steps away from the other group.

"Good morrow, Your Highness," said a voice Kara had not heard in a long time but she still remembered. The knight leading the second group removed his sugar loaf helm.

"Luthor!" Kara cried and drew her sword. Both sides drew their weapons and became locked in battle.

The Fortress of Solitude

Lois was still asleep in his bed. Blankets covered her naked body and her long brown hair covered half her face. Clark sat on the edge of the bed with his back to Lois. He had been awake for what seemed like hours and had watched the sun rise via the shadows on the walls while holding Lois in his arms.

Clark had put on some breeches and lit a fire so Lois would be warm when she awoke. Lois stirred behind him and he glanced at her over his shoulder for a moment. He reached back, gently caressed her face, and then rose from the bed.

Clark went to his wardrobe and removed a pair of black trousers, a white shirt, and a black leather doublet. He put the shirt and doublet aside for the moment. He removed his breeches and then put on the trousers.

Lois stirred again. Her arm moved so her right hand now rested on his pillow. She rubbed the bare pillow and then his empty side of the bed. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that his place beside her was empty. "Clark?" Lois said softly and half-awake.

Clark finished tying the laces of his trousers and looked at her over his shoulder. Lois held up a blanket to cover her breast and raised herself up slightly. She ran her free hand through her messy hair. "It is still early. Come back to bed." Lois said and smiled.

Clark smiled at her but she could tell something was troubling him. She patted his pillow and he walked back to the bed. He sat down the edge again and ran his hand through his hair and down his neck. Lois sat up, still holding up the blanket. Her lips kissed his shoulders and his neck. He closed his eyes as her fingers caressed her skin. Clark had not felt this relaxed in years.

Clark placed his right hand atop hers on his left shoulder. "I leave for Kandor at midday. Every part of me wants to remain here with you but I have responsibilities that can no longer be ignored." Clark said. Lois was quiet and that worried him.

Lois kissed his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him. "I understand. You care about your people and that is rare for a king. You have such great power and you do not abuse it. I adore you for that." Lois said.

Clark sighed. "But I feel that I would give it all up just to stay here with you." Lois sighed and then moved away from him. She rose from the bed and wrapped one of the bed's sheets around her like a toga. "Lois?" Clark asked, concerned.

Lois put her hands on her hips. "I will not let you choose me over your people. You would come to regret it and resent me. And I could not bear it if you did." Lois turned her back to him. Clark rose and walked up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her. Lois held up her hand to touch his stubbled cheek. "But you have taught me to hope that one day we shall be together once more." Lois said.

"There is nothing I want more. I just wish we had more time." Clark said and kissed her neck. Lois turned around and they embraced. Clark held her in his arms, stroking her hair.

Noon seemed to be approaching swiftly. Lois had put her dress back on and soon was helping Kal-El dress. Jon-Tel was surprised to see this because most days, Kal-El preferred to dress himself. Lois helped put on the black leather doublet and he tied the laces. Lois then put his plain dark cloak on his shoulders. His cloak clasp was plain so it would not stand out.

Lois straightened his cloak. Kal-El turned around and took her hands. Jon-Tel turned his back to them. Kal-El caressed her face and she kissed the palm of that hand. "Being back at court shall be unbearable without you." Kal-El said.

"This is where we bid each other farewell…but I have never been good at bidding them." Lois said and smiled.

"Then this is not a farewell. On my life, I shall send for you so that we may be together one last time before you depart." Kal-El said.

"You better or I shall hunt you down like a mad dog." She and Kal-El chuckled. Lois then removed the chain holding her mother's wedding ring from around her neck. "Take this as a token of my affection." Lois said and placed it in his hand.

"I cannot take this. I know how precious it is to you." Kal-El said and tried to give it back.

Lois closed his hand around the ring. "I am giving it to you because I shall come back for it." Lois said and Kal-El smiled. He opened his hand. She took the chain and put it around his neck. Kal-El kissed the ring and tucked it beneath his doublet.

Kal-El took her hands and they stared deeply into each others' eyes. He then leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Then, he left his bedchamber with Jon-Tel and his guards waiting for him outside.

They walked through the corridors to the main hall, where Ak-Var was waiting with Christopher. Kal-El held out his arms and Christopher ran into them. Kal-El embraced him and kissed his head. He put Christopher down and then approached Ak-Var.

"Look after Chris and the Countess." Ak-Var bowed his head. Kal-El knelt down to one knee and looked at Christopher. "We shall see each other soon…I promise." Kal-El said. Christopher wrapped his arms around his neck and they embraced once more.

Kal-El felt his touch the hard ground of the caves. He placed the octagonal disc back into the pouch on his belt. The group exited the caves to see the two Red Shard knights who had remained, waiting for them with the horses. The two knights now had thin beard and their hair had grown some. They knelt before Kal-El.

Kal-El acknowledged them with a single nod and motioned for them to rise. He stroked his stallion's neck. He mounted Bothgr and everyone else mounted their horses. Kal-El looked back at the caves. He caressed her ring for a moment and then tucked it back under his doublet. Then, Kal-El dug his knees into his horse and they rode off.