Prologue:
Elephande looked around at the multitude of people there, from all corners of not only the Union, but also the galaxy. Dreg Generals, now at peace with everyone, were there, General Falcane's squadrons, indeed, all of Zancron turned up. Many people still living here on Earth showed up as well. The legend was here at last.
The Ten were all present, as well as Suliantig's council of six. Elephade Zambiandë stood near Allysuntis, his daughter, while Allysuntis the Elder and Suliantig were standing near Elephande. Memdrian and Anine looked towards the procession, while Elder Akim and the prophet Afrin studied the crowd. Allyutig stood talking to Defoc and Suisande while Elephate, Suisan, Assiria, and Alsiria listened quietly. Allysulia-Major-Akona was over with Amind and Suian reminiscing about the last time they had been here.
Flashback, from Allysulia's Pride:
"Allysulia-Rangeffer-Elephande, son of Memdrian and bearer of the Mark of Suliantig, in the name of the High Elder, I, Allysulia-Elder-Akim, declare you Allysulia-Patriarch-Elephande!"
A familiar voice rang out from the forest. "Akiz iste Elder!" yelled Zambiandë, throwing two spears.
They hit Elders Anine and Akim, killing them instantly. Defond-Patriarch-Elephate let out a yell of fury and rushed off after Zambiandë. Above him, an apparition rose.
Altoda, General for the Fallen Elder, spoke. "Well now, where is Allyutig? Dead, with this young knave in her place? It seems that my victory is on hand!" He then looked again at the young patriarch, and a sinister smile appeared. "Well, have you returned indeed, Elephande?" he sneered. "This time, however, you are too late. My purge of your filth is at hand!"
Altoda disappeared, and Elephande somehow knew the outcome of this struggle he had gotten himself into…
Suligan stood near the General and his friends, talking to Allen and Cyrus while Mekae impatiently waited for Afrin, who stood talking to Richard.
Elephande called over to his son, who left Richard there while Mekae walked up.
"You know, it's too bad we couldn't bring my cousin, or Blair and Brooke here. They would like it a lot here."
Mekae was referring to the rest of their disbanded company, all back in Anegon making sure everything didn't collapse as it had too often over the last five years.
Reno walked up. "Want me to go get them?" he asked Richard.
"If they can be brought away without you losing too much of your hair," joked Mekae, talking about his sometimes insane cousin.
Reno laughed, and he disappeared, presumably to go find them.
"Actually, you know who would have really liked this?" murmured Cyrus.
"I have a feeling I know who," sighed Richard. "Unfortunately, Miran is gone. I think Mute or Xavier took her captive, since her body was never found."
"It's a shame. She should be here with us."
Richard nodded. Miran was an old friend, one they had lost the first time Anegon was attacked. Cyrus was right; she would have liked it here, among the trees and rivers. Miran was a good friend to the original members of the Company, and the six friends were deeply hurt when she was lost.
"Besides," added Cyrus, now laughing, "She always liked you best, you know."
Richard groaned. Now was not the time to start this particular discussion now. Cyrus, Richard, and probably the entire town of Anegon had heard some form of this discussion. For his part, Richard refused to believe that Miran had been partial to any one member of the Company. Although now that he thought about it, she did seem to like him.
Cyrus saw his friend's face and laughed even harder. "You see, you can't deny that it's true!"
"I'd prefer not to dwell on the past, Cyrus. She's gone, and she might not be back. Then again, there is always hope. Nobody is ever truly gone, you know."
"I'll remember to tell her you said that, Richard."
"Thank you."
Both Jupiter Adepts grew silent as the ceremony began.
