Chapter 35

Three Days Later, Day 1 of the Krypton-Genesis Peace Summit

The magnificent golden tent had been raised on the hill overlooking the Metropolitan Valley and with spectacular view of the city of Metropolis. Trumpets sounded outside of the tent. Kal-El and Peter entered the tent side by side and took their seats at the head table.

Kal-El wore a blue tunic with black trousers and boots, his red sash, sword belt, his crown, and his red knight's cape. Peter wore a dark tunic with black trousers and boots, his sword belt, his crown, and a purple knight's cape.

Lana was already seated at the table with Chancellor Kent Nelson on the left side of the table. On the ride side of the table sat Wren-Za and Durkin. Everyone else in the tent stood a few steps away the table. Wren-Za and Kent Nelson stood. Nelson unrolled the treaty and began to read the top half.

"I, Peter, King of Genesis and Supreme Commander of the Genesis Royal Army, by the grace of the gods and on the honor of my illustrious house swear to hereby follow and honor the terms of this treaty of peace and friendship between the great realms of Krypton and Genesis. The terms are as follow:

Removal of Genesis troops from Krypton and the safe return of prisoners of war. To reestablish the Morley River as the border between the two realms. To allow the creation of a League of Nations to distribute peace and justice throughout the realms. To come to Krypton's aid and any other realm of the League of Nations if called. And to formally betroth Countess Lois Lane to King Kal-El of Krypton as sign of goodwill to Genesis's commitment to this treaty." Nelson finished reading and passed the treaty to Wren-Za, who began to read the bottom half.

"I Kal-El, King of Krypton, Defender of the Faith, and Supreme Commander of the Royal Army of Krypton, by the grace of the gods and on the honor of my noble house swear to hereby follow and honor the terms of this treaty of peace and friendship between the great realms Krypton and Genesis. The terms are as follows:

Removal of Kryptonian troops from Genesis and safe return of prisoners of war. To reestablish the Morley River as the border between the two realms. To pay an amount of 17,000 gold pieces as compensation to Genesis for the 17 years of war. To allow for the creation of a League of Nations to distribute peace and justice throughout the realms. To come to Genesis and any other realm of the League of Nation aid if called. And to agree to the betrothal between I, Kal-El, and the Countess Lois Lane to symbolize Krypton's commitment to this treaty." Wren-Za finished reading.

The treaty was put at the end of the table. Peter and Kal-El rose and walked to the end of the table. Two bottles of ink with quills in them were placed before them. Jon-Tel held Kal-El's seal and a manservant held Peter's.

"I ask His Majesty, the King of Genesis to sign the Treaty of Everlasting Peace and Friendship." Nelson said. Peter dipped the quill in the black ink and signed the left side of the treaty. Hot wax was put onto the treaty and the servant stamped Peter's seal on the hot wax.

"I now ask His Majesty, the King of Krypton to sign the Treaty of Everlasting Peace and Friendship." Wren-Za said. Kal-El dipped his quill in black ink and signed the right side of the treaty. A servant poured hot wax under Kal-El's signature and Jon-Tel stamped his seal down onto the wax.

Everyone clapped. Peter and Kal-El gripped each other's forearms. "Brother." Kal-El said.

"Brother." Peter said. Everyone clapped. They let go of each other's forearms.

"This day shall go down in the histories of both our realms. For many years, Krypton and Genesis have fought bravely against one another. There have been heroes and great losses on both sides. We remember all those who have fallen in this 17 year long conflict but we cannot allow any more to join them in the next life… King Peter, as a symbol of my good will and our newfound friendship, I present to you these gifts." Kal-El said.

Servants came forward with three chests. The first servant kneeled before them and held up the smallest chest. Peter opened it and revealed a chain of gold and magnificent gems. Everyone clapped. Peter removed his knight's cape and put on the chain around his shoulders. Peter bowed his head to Kal-El and everyone clapped as well.

The second servant came forward with another chest. "For Her Majesty, Queen Lana." Kal-El said and nodded to the servant, who opened the chest. Lana stood to see what it was. It was fine linen and silk to make dresses. Lana curtsied and Kal-El bowed.

The last chest had to be carried by two servants. They set it down in front of them and Kal-El gave Peter the key. Peter unlocked the chest and opened it making everyone gasp. The chest was filled with gold coins. "1,000 gold coins in this chest alone. The rest will be coming by ship. It will arrive before this summit is over." Kal-El said and everyone clapped.

"You embarrass me, brother, for my gift seems small in comparison." Peter said and motioned for Kal-El to follow him. The two went outside with a stable hand was waiting with a beautiful brown Thanagarian stallion. Thanagar produced the best horses in the world. There was a black colt as well. "The colt is for your ward, the young viscount."

Kal-El smiled and approached the stallion. He stroked the horse's forehead. The horse obviously liked his touch. "He is magnificent!" Kal-El exclaimed. Kal-El patted the horse's muzzle and motioned for the stable hand to take him away.

Christopher came out with Ak-Var. Kal-El took his hand and presented the colt to him. "Well?" He asked him. Christopher smiled as he stroked the colt's forehead. Kal-El ruffled his dark hair. "My thanks, brother." The two of them reentered the tent and went back to the head table while everyone clapped. "The horses are magnificent. And I need no other gifts. All I ask is for your friendship and the Countess Lane."

"I am pleased that you like her. And I hope the gods bless you a happy marriage and palace full of sons." Peter said and everyone clapped. "Now the tournament shall begin today with hand-to-hand!" The sovereigns left the grand tent to prepare.

For the next four days, there would be a hand-to-hand, sword fighting, archery, and jousting tournaments with the champions being the sovereigns of the realm to celebrate peace and the birth of the League of Nations.

Kal-El and Peter joined Lois and Lana in their booth in the stands. Since it was their peace summit, Kal-El and Peter excused themselves from the tournaments. They would serve as the judges. Kal-El kissed Lois's hand and Peter kissed Lana's hand when they sat down.

Diana and Shiera would be fighting first. They both wore trousers and shirts with sandals. They bowed to the crowd and then to each other. Kal-El signaled them to fight. Diana charged Shiera and the fight began.

After a few minutes of blocking and dodging, Diana came out the victor. Loud cheers erupted from the Amazons. The Thanagarians gave them dirty looks at first until Diana helped Shiera up and they gripped each other's forearms.

The next fights were Oliver versus Bruce and Orin versus Diana. Diana and Bruce came out the victors so they went onto the final round. Bruce wore black trousers and boots, and was shirtless. He was not as muscular as Kal-El but it was impressive enough to the ladies. Selina shot dirty looks at these women and rubbed her stomach. Her pregnancy was starting to show.

Bruce and Diana bowed to each other and took battle stances. They circled each other and then Diana threw the first punch. Bruce easily blocked it and thrust his knee up to her ribs. The crowd gasped, especially the Amazons. Diana was obviously not expecting it but Bruce was an unpredictable fighter. Diana stumbled back with her hand on her ribs.

Diana stood up straight but she groaned from the pain in her ribs. They were not broken, most likely just bruised. She took a deep breath and took her battle stance. She attacked again aiming at pressure points in the body. She only landed one blow on the abdomen, Bruce quickly blocked the rest. He was fast.

Then Bruce kicked her feet out from underneath her. She landed on her back hard and cried out in pain. She tried to kick Bruce but he blocked the kick and put his heel an inch over her throat. Diana took a deep breath and held up her hand. The Gothamites cheered. Bruce put his foot back on the ground and helped Diana up. They nodded to each other.

Later that day, Kal-El and Lois walked through the gardens. They wanted to walk hand in hand but they had to keep up pretences but they did walk side by side. "How is your Kryptonese?" He asked.

"Well enough but I am out of practice." Lois answered.

"Really?" He said. "May I see you privately later? Both of our courts watch us like hawks to see if we like each other for the sake of the peace treaty. They are even watching us now." He said to her in Kryptonese.

Lois smiled. "I do not know if that will be possible. Since your arrival, my father watches me like a hawk making sure we will not break the promise of celibacy we made when you left Metropolis after the invasion." She answered in Kryptonese. Kal-El then began to clap and she smacked his arm while he chuckled.

"I just want a few moments alone with you. Is that too much to ask for?" Kal-El asked. They stopped walking and Lois took his hand. She caressed his knuckles and then kissed his hand. Kal-El put his hand over hers and they grinned at each other.

"And just is it that you want from me?" Lois asked in Kryptonese seductively in his ear.

Kal-El smiled. "As I have told you once before. I want to take you up in my arms. I want to kiss your lips and your smooth skin. And most importantly, I want to love you, only you and no other woman." Kal-El answered in Kryptonese.

They grinned at each other. "Do you speak this way to all the beautiful girls?" She asked in Kryptonese.

"No. I speak this way to the beautiful, seductive, and clever woman who has captured my heart… Remember I am yours." Kal-El answered in Kryptonese.

"And I am yours." Lois replied in Kryptonese. Kal-El stroked her knuckles with his thumb and they continued to stare into each other's eyes.

Wren-Za and Durkin watched them from a distance. "Seeing how affectionate they are now, you would not believe they were once mortal enemies." Wren-Za said as he and Durkin walked with their wives.

"The king seems quite taken with her…but so quickly." Durkin said and rubbed his chin.

"Forget whatever it is you are thinking, Durkin. The king is adamant in marrying the Countess and you will do nothing to put this union at risk. The king will never forgive you, especially if we go back to war." Wren-Za had a warning finger in Durkin's face.

"I shall do nothing to displease the king and put our realm at risk." Durkin said nonchalant. Wren-Za lowered his finger from his face.

"I will hold you to that. Come, my dear." Wren-Za said to his wife. He took her hand and they walked away.

Day 2 of the Peace Summit

Today would be the sword fighting tournament. First up was Diana versus Orin. The people cheered when Kal-El and Peter appeared in their booth. Diana and Orin bowed to the crowd and then to each other. Kal-El gave the signal to fight.

Orin's skill with a sword was good but he was more accustomed to pole weapons. Everyone believed she would easily defeat him. But then he surprised her by faking an injury and she took the bait by charging him. He used his shield to knock her off her feet and put his sword to her throat. The Amazons' mouths were agape and the Atlanteans cheered. Orin helped Diana up and they gripped each other's right forearms.

Next fights were Carter versus Oliver and Bruce versus Orin. Carter and Bruce came out as the victors and went onto the final round. Carter much preferred his mace but he knew how to use a sword just as well.

Carter and Bruce circled each other, swords ready in their hands. Bruce twirled his falchion while Carter cracked his neck. They looked at Peter and Kal-El. Peter nodded to Kal-El, who gave the signal to fight.

Carter charged and Bruce raised his shield expecting a blow but Carter bashed him. Bruce was knocked back but he rolled out of the way when Carter tried to stomp him. Bruce rolled back onto his feet and lunged at Carter. The sound of their blades colliding echoed throughout the list field and the audience cheered. Selina and Shiera nodded to each other.

Despite being older, Carter was just as fast and strong as Bruce making him a formidable opponent. Their blades continued to collide with each other or their shields. Carter then grabbed Bruce and tossed him. Bruce's shield was thrown from his reach. Carter then threw his own shield away making the Thanagarians cheer.

Bruce stood and twirled his falchion. He charged Carter, who spun out the way making a blow to Bruce's vulnerable backside. Bruce positioned his falchion over his shoulder and deflected Carter's blade. The two then began to duel at lightning speed. People leaned in their seats.

Then the unexpected happened. Carter used the pommel of his sword to knock the falchion from Bruce's hand and then used the pommel to punch Bruce across the face. Bruce was on his back groaning but then he pulled out a dagger aimed at Carter's left thigh. Carter's sword was aimed at his throat. Kal-El stood and held up his hand.

They lowered their weapons and Carter held out his hand to Bruce. Bruce took it and Carter hoisted him up. Bruce sheathed his dagger. Carter put the tip of his blade onto the ground and rested his hands on the pommel.

Kal-El and Peter spoke quietly and everyone watched them. Peter and Kal-El walked up to the rail of the booth so they were in full view. "Both King Carter and King Bruce have fought gallantly but this is a sword fighting contest…we name Carter Hall the victor." Kal-El announced. The Thanagarians cheered while the Gothamites groaned. Carter and Bruce gripped forearms.

Before supper, King Kal-El and Countess Lois Lane were seen walking and talking in the gardens once again at sunset.

Day 3 of the Peace Summit

The archery tournament began at noon. Each one stepped up to their targets. They put arrows on their quivers, took their aim, and fired. The best shots were Diana, Oliver, and Bruce. They remained while everyone else walked away.

They put arrows on their quivers, aimed, and fired. Bruce and Oliver were left. Bruce put an arrow on his quiver, aimed, and fired first. He hit the target in the center and the Gothamites cheered. Oliver put an arrow on his quiver, aimed, and fired splitting Bruce's arrow in two. The people of Star City cheered when he was declared winner.

Kal-El and Lois were seen riding together out of the city and all over the Metropolis Valley with the king's bodyguards not far behind.

Day 4 of the Peace Summit

The last tournament was the jousting tournament. Only Carter, Bruce, and Oliver were participating in the joust for Atlantis and Themyscira did not joust. Then Kal-El and Peter entered the joust at the last minute must to the people's excitement. Peter and Oliver jousted first. Lana and Lois would now serve as the judges.

"My lady." Peter said and lowered his lance onto the booth's rail. Lana stood and tied her favors to the tip of his lance. Peter and Lana smiled at each other. He bowed his head to her and she curtsied. The people clapped and Peter trotted off to his position.

Oliver walked up to the booth and lowered his lance onto the booth rail. "My lady." Oliver said. Dinah stood and tied her favors on the tip of lance. Oliver winked at her and she smiled.

Lana gave the signal and the men charged lowering their lances. Their lances collided on each other's shields and Oliver was thrown from his horse. The people of Genesis cheered. Oliver slowly stood with some help from his servants. Peter handed his shattered lance to a squire.

Carter appeared next. He wore more armor than usual to protect himself from serious injury. Peter was given another lance. A servant handed Carter a lance. They both trotted to the booth to receive favors from their wives. Then they took their positions and waited for the signal.

Lana gave the signal and they charged. Their lances collided against their shields and Peter fell from his horse. The Thanagarians cheered and Genesis servants helped Peter up. Peter held up his hand to Lana signaling that he was ok. Lana sighed in relief and removed her hand from over her heart. Carter and Peter nodded to each other.

Kal-El was in his tent preparing to joust. He wanted to test something he read from one of Seyg-El's journals. A box sat on the table in front of him. He opened it. It was his father's victory ring. Durkin and Wren-Za were planning to present the victory ring to him at the end of the peace summit. Seyg-El wrote that the blue crystal somehow made the powers of the crystal dormant.

Kal-El slid the ring onto his right hand. He suddenly felt a little dizzy but he shook it off. He then tried to light an extinguished candle. Nothing happened. Then he tried to freeze the candle with his arctic breath. Nothing happened. Kal-El smiled and looked down at the victory ring flexing and extending his fingers. He put on his gloves, grabbed his helm, and left the tent.

Kal-El entered atop his white stallion. Jon-Tel handed him his lance. Kal-El trotted to the booth and lowered his lance in front of Lois. "My lady." He said and everyone watched with anticipation. Lois stood and tied her favors to the tip. He bowed his head to her and she curtsied. Everyone clapped. Carter had just defeated Peter in jousting leaving only Kal-El.

Jon-Tel handed him a shield after he put on his helm. He lowered the visor to his helm and readied his horse to charge. Diana gave the signal and they both gave their horses a kick. Their lances collided on their shields but both men remained on top their horses. The people cheered.

Jon-Tel handed Kal-El another lance and Carter was given another lance as well. They readied to charge. Diana gave the charge and they gave their horses a kick. Their lances collided with their shields again but this time Carter was thrown off his horse. The Kryptonians cheered.

Kal-El threw the lance down onto the ground and quickly dismounted. He lifted his visor and rushed to Carter. Carter was already rising when he got to him. "I am fine! It will take more than that to put me down for good." He said and Kal-El patted his shoulder. They gripped each other's forearms. "Well done."

Carter then grabbed Kal-El's right wrist and raised it in the air. Everyone in the stands cheered. Kal-El removed his helm with his left hand and raised it in the air. The people cheered louder.

Kal-El entered the Great Hall that night escorting Lois. They sat at the long head table on the Dias. Peter and Kal-El sat next to each other at the center of the table. Lana sat on Peter's right and Lois on Kal-El's left. "Now what are your plans for the wedding, Countess?" Lana asked Lois.

"Princess Kara and I agreed that it will be possible to blend both our cultures into the wedding. She and the Dowager Duchess of Kent has been such great help in planning our wedding. I know I shall not be disappointed." Lois said. Kal-El grinned and kissed her right hand.

"How exactly do you intend to blend our cultures?" Kal-El asked and Peter nodded wanting to know as well.

"With both Your Majesties' permission, I wish to speak to both High Priests of our Realms of performing the ceremony together." Lois said. Kal-El and Peter looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.

"You have our permission." Kal-El and Peter said in unison. Lois smiled and bowed her head to them. "I will be greatly impressed if you can get them to reach an agreement." Kal-El said.

"I can be very persuasive when I truly want something." Lois said.

"I have no doubt." Kal-El said in a playful manner. Lois smacked his arm and he chuckled. "I just warn you that the High Priest of Rao is a hard man to barter with but I have faith in your…talents." Lois shook his head at him.

"You are intolerable!" Lois exclaimed jokingly.

"I am not intolerable…I am charming." Kal-El said and she chuckled.

Lois then covered her mouth as she yawned. "It is late. I shall retire for the evening." She said. Peter and Lana nodded.

"I will walk you to your chambers." Kal-El said. They stood and she took his arm. Everyone watched them as they left the Great Hall.

"I was surprised you jousted today. I thought you were being careful. I know you would not forgive yourself if someone was hurt." Lois said softly as they walked.

"Lois, I appreciate your concern but I am in control. I assure you there is no need to worry." Kal-El said.

"From what you told me about the history of the crystal, I cannot help but worry. Alexander still knows of the crystal and he is shut up in Thanagar. How do we know he will not tell R'as al Ghul or Count Vertigo or…" Lois ranted.

"Shhhhh. Stop this, Lois." They stopped walking and rubbed her upper arms. "Lex will tell no one because he wants the power only for himself. Now calm yourself…Breathe." He said. Lois closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Better…and here is a token of my affection to help you relax even more."

Kal-El lowered his lips onto Lois's. He cupped her face in his hands and they continued to kiss. Wren-Za and Durkin watched from around the corner. "It appears this union shall be a success, my lord." Wren-Za said to Durkin, who made a light growl and walked away while Wren-Za grinned at the couple.

Trumpets sounded outside the city walls. A large wooden round table had been put in the large golden tent. In the middle of the table was a metal emblem with LN engraved in the middle, around the engraved letters were their oath: To distribute peace and justice throughout the known world. The oath was written in the common tongue.

The kings, queens, princes, princesses, and Resistance leaders set their weapons down on the round table and took their seats. Nobles and military leaders stood in the background. Selina and Mera's stomachs were both round with child.

Carter wore black trousers with a long white tunic and his brass circlet. Shiera wore a white silk dress with her brass circlet. The Thanagarians and Egyptians behind their seats wore their bronze chest armor over sleeveless white tunics and black trousers.

Oliver wore brown trousers with an emerald green tunic and his extravagant ceremonial crown adorned with diamonds and emeralds circling the base. Dinah wore an emerald green dress with golden laces and her gold emerald crown. Prince Connor matched his father in attire but we wore a silver circlet with a single emerald at its front. The soldiers of Star City behind them wore emerald green tabards over brown tunics and trousers. Their nobles wore velvet green tunics with black trousers and chains on their shoulders.

Bruce wore a dark blue tunic with black trousers and his crown. Selina wore a blue dress with black laces and her extravagant crown. Princess Helena wore a purple dress. Gotham knights wore their chainmail and gray surcoats. Gotham nobles wore gray tunics and trousers.

Orin wore an orange tunic with green trousers, a green cape, and his crown. Mera wore a light green dress with gold laces and her crown. Atleanteans them wore gray chest armor over blue tunics and trousers, even the nobles.

Diana wore a white dress with a golden sword belt belt and tiara. Amazons behind her wore white dresses with sword belts.

Peter wore a purple tunic with black trousers and his crown. Lana wore a purple dress with white laces and her crown. The Genesis men behind them wore an assortment of colors tunics. The soldiers wore silver chainmail and chest armor.

Kal-El wore a blue tunic and trousers with his red sash and crown. Kara wore a blue dress with her red sash and a silver circlet. Lois wore a red dress with black laces. The Kryptonians behind them wore red tunics and black trousers. The Red Shard wore black chainmail shirts, black trousers, their sword belts, and knight's capes.

The queens motioned for the young princes and princess to be silent. Then they all looked to Kal-El. He kissed Lois's left hand and then stood. "The realms of Krypton and Genesis had been at war for far too long. Soon the war spread to the other realms and many lives were lost in the midst of victories and defeats. We came together to stop the bloodshed and the spread of tyranny. And now it time for us to repair the damage left from the destruction this war brought. We have a long road ahead of us but we shall rebuild. We shall rebuild our cities and towns. We shall rebuild our friendships and create new relationships." Kal-El took Lois's hand. "Most of all, we shall rebuild this world in peace." Everyone began clapping.

They feasted in the Great Hall that night. All the king, queens, princes, and princesses ate at the head table on the Dias in the room. Long tables were lined up close to the walls to let the nobles, military leaders, and knights eat. Couples danced in the center of the hall while the musicians played in the corner.

In the midst of the merry making, Bruce stood and walked over to Oliver. "Make we speak in private?" He whispered into Oliver's ear. Oliver nodded and kissed Dinah's cheek. He stood and followed Bruce out of the Great Hall.

They walked down an empty hallway and into Bruce and Selina's chambers. "What are we doing in here, Bruce? Let us return to the feast." Oliver said grinning.

Bruce sighed and put his hands behind his back. "When we took control of this city some months ago, one of my knights gave me two letters from Baroness Mercer." Oliver's grin disappeared. "She wished…she wanted me to give them to you." He handed Oliver two letters that had been resealed.

"You read them?" Oliver asked softly and Bruce had a blank expression on his face. His hand shook slightly as he took them.

"It is my nature. The first one is for you. The other is for her daughter, Mia…I first thought it would be best to keep these from you after I learned its content but you need to know." Bruce said. Oliver peeled off the seal and unfolded the first letter.

Oliver

There is nothing I can do or say to make up for the pain I have caused you. It was the last regret of mine that I have yet to redeem. I am not asking for your forgiveness but I ask that you take care of our daughter, Mia, the only good and pure thing in my life. She is the reason I ran from you all those years ago.

Though I did love you, I could not bear it if you abandoned us when you discovered my true purpose in Star City. I have questioned my decision every day since I gave birth to her but then you married and had your son. I feared the damaged I would inflict upon your marriage and your kingdom if the truth came to light so I lied of her true parentage. I pray that you can understand and one day forgive me for my decision.

My time is short so I must end this letter and if you are reading it, I did not make it out of the city. Mia does not need to know who you are but I pray that you will watch after her. Let her know that she is the light in my dark, dark world. May the Gods redeem me of my sins through Mia. She is innocent and I pray you will keep her thus. When she comes of age, give her this second letter so that she may know that her mother never truly left her. Farewell my emerald green clad archer.

Always, Tess

Oliver felt like he was losing his balance when he read that third sentence and took a seat. His hands shook as he finished reading the letter and tears filled his eyes. He had another child. A child before Connor. He had a daughter. He dropped the letter to the floor and held his head in his hands as he rocked his body deeply conflicted. Bruce put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Outside Metropolis, over a hundred servants took down the tents one by one. Ships from all the realms were preparing to set sail by noon. Soldiers were forming up outside the city awaiting their sovereigns.

Kal-El and Lois were walking hand in hand in the gardens. "It feels like it will be an eternity before we see each other again." She said. They stopped walking and he turned to face taking both her hands.

"Then I shall wait an eternity as long as I get to hold you in my arms." He said and she grinned. He leaned in and their foreheads touched. They closed their ears and listened to the other take deep breaths.

"By daily proof you shall me find to be you both loving and kind." Lois said softly and Kal-El smiled. They opened their eyes.

"I did not think you were one for poetry." He said.

"As I told you the day we met…I am full of surprises." She said and they chuckled. Ak-Var cautiously approached them.

"Sire, it is time to leave." Ak-Var said and Kal-El nodded. Ak-Var turned his back to them to give some privacy.

Kal-El rested his forehead against Lois's. "We shall be together soon, my love. Just wait." Kal-El said softly.

Lois caressed his face. "Always." She said softly. They both leaned in and their lips met. They wrapped their arms around each other. Ak-Var peeked over his shoulder and smiled.

They exited the palace and into the courtyard where his horse was waiting. The Red Shard kneeled and he motioned for them to rise. He put on his riding gloves and turned back to Lois. He took her hands and kissed each hand. "My lady." He bowed.

"My lord." Lois curtsied. Kal-El mounted his horse and everyone else mounted theirs. He winked at Lois and she grinned.

"Away!" Kal-El said and gave his stallion a kick. They rode out of the courtyard, through the city, and outside the city to the waiting procession. Then we marched onto Central City to board their ships to journey back to Kandor.

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