It was a sad procession that moved beneath the bright sun. Leading it was a wagon covered with the royal insignia and bearing the body of Prince Alexander. Capulet followed it with his head down in silent sorrow.

Kaira and Shal rode beside King Alfred, their faces pale and somber. Close to them, traveled the remainder of Kaira’s four-legged army. Many animals had decided to return to their forests and mountains now that the danger was over. Those who stayed included the manticores as well as some of the lions and the unicorns. Mysteria sat on Straithin, just behind the girls. Giska and the Zunites on their wertals glided above on currents and kept pace with the moving mass.

News of the prince’s death had clearly spread throughout the land; Luthanian citizens gathered to meet them along th...

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