Morgan's voice was even.
-"I, Donald Morgan, in my station as Senior Officer of the Warden Corps ..."
Great Tiger, Ink that Crouches, I thank thee.
Why, vessel?
For protecting my family.
It was my pleasure.
Morgan's speech continued
-"...with the testimony of Yoshimo Shiro, Knight of the Cross, Guardian of Fidelacchius, …"
As my tears soaked the rug, I recalled my time with my master. With Shoes. I could remember Mai's perfume and Shoes' scales ruffling.
I forced down a gulp on my constricted throat. I could remember with crystal clarity how she dragged her sandals across the floor.
-"...with the testimony of Michael Carpenter, Knight of the Cross, Guardian of Amoracchius…"
I shivered like someone let open a gate to the freezer. Maybe this is the cold embrace of death.
Morgan's voice gained a crescendo.
-"... I call for his nomination as Warden."
Huh?
I felt something placed on my back and I raised my snot and tear-drenched mug.
The Merlin was there besides my mentor, Ancient Mai, in front of a portal to the Nevernever. She was cradling a weeping Shoes who dabbed her eyes with her tail.
My voice hoarse, I croaked.
"I ...I ..am not going to… how come I-" paused to Steady my voice. "How come I am not going to die? I'm unworth-"
The Merlin, not Merlin Merlin, but the current big hat among wizards, our Merlin, shushed me with a sweeping motion.
-"Your discovery of a cure for Vampirism has earnt you a spot among the likes of Nicholas Flamel and Morgan Le Fey. You proved willing to sacrifice yourself to protect others. I have seen many a warlock in my time. Trust me that no warlock ever showed such grief and repent, nevertheless upon such a righteous kill."
I bowed my head.
The old-timer wasn't done.
-"In defense of home and heart. In defense of children. Tell me, young man, which is the source of magic?"
The first use my Warden's cloak had, was cleaning my runny snot.
-"Life."
He acknowledged my response with a nod.
-"And aren't babes the budding blossoms of Life? We only fasten a grey cloak upon you and won't ask for an oath, for it is clear to me, you already live the Warden's life."