The feast lasted until the moons were high in the sky. But eventually, the carriages were brought around. It was time to go back to the Capital. The Little Whiskers Daycare couldn't stay in the North forever.
The farewells took place in the courtyard, under the aurora borealis.
Rurik and Konrad stood face to face near the sleds.
"So," Konrad said, his breath puffing in the cold air. "You are leaving."
"Got a daycare to run," Rurik shrugged. "Can't let the Fox handle all the brats alone."
Konrad looked at his younger brother. For the first time, he didn't see the reckless failure he had exiled five years ago. He saw a Warlord. A father. A man who had built a family out of chaos.
"You were right," Konrad said quietly.
Rurik blinked. "About what? I'm right about a lot of things. My hair is great. My sword is cool."
