Kryster's+Epilogue

As soon as everything was cleaned up in the Numidian Steppes, Kryster bid a fond farewell to his fellow heroes, gathered what remained of his men, and sailed for home. The voyage was calm, easy, as if the earth had finally gained peace and all was well once more. He took a deep, satisfying breath as soon as he reached the shores of New Hintheria. There were many changes that needed to be made within the twin Hintherias but that could wait. All Kryster wanted was to see his family. For Kryster, there was finally time.

He made his way home quickly and paused for a moment before walking in. As soon as he did, he was greeted by his children- and a very pregnant wife. They hugged, they kissed, they dined, and his sons helped him repair the window.

The next morning, when he finally settled himself into his home for the first time in what felt like years, there was a knock on the door. He opened it to find none other than the New Hintherian king standing before him.

“Kryster. I’m glad you’re home. We have much to discuss about your new position in New Hintheria. We are aware of your new role as the guardian and I would like for you to take a permanent place in the royal government,” the king told him gleefully.

Kryster paused for a moment, then shook his head. “It’s kind of you to offer me a new position and I’m honored, but I’ve been far too busy for far too long. I was planning to tell you this later but I would like to step back from my role as the leader of the army for a while so I can focus on what’s really important.”

“What could be more important than your army? Than your men? Than all of the young warriors who look up to you, the brave Hintherian soldier who became Guardian of the North?” the king asked desperately.

“All of that is indeed important, but our army has fought valiantly in our first war and succeeded. Let them rest. Let //me// rest, if only for a while, and then I will rally once more and we can discuss matters of importance at that time. However, at this moment, my family must come first,” Kryster responded calmly.

His wife walked over to stand beside him and took his hand. They embraced, and it was then that Kryster realized he had given his wife what she always wanted: time.