There had been no grand notices. Only a few letters sent quietly and with speed in Hadama's usual penchant for understatement and bare facts. The Tidebreaker had gone to the Jailhouse to tell the Reaper in quiet, even tones that she would be returned to her Family. Of her freedom's price he said nothing but that Dorian would explain when she saw him again, letting her believe what she wished.
And soon enough the day had dawned and the sun had risen, and Hadama had handed Deimos the Vi's Rose that had been sent to him a few weeks earlier. Better to be prepared if treachery met them on the beach, and the Sword had ways of concealing and storing items that the Tidebreaker did not.
Then he went to the Jailhouse once more and nodded grimly to Remi where he stood guard. "She may walk unbound," he had rumbled quietly, granting her that dignity at the end. Or perhaps indignity, having seen her weakness without the Void's strength to empower her. They did not need chains or manacles or harsh hands to control her now. Hadama walked beside her, slow and measured as they made their way to the meeting place so that those who had gathered in preparation arrived at the appointed time.
Neither late nor early. And bringing with them the promised Dahlia, diminished but alive, in their midst.
And soon enough the day had dawned and the sun had risen, and Hadama had handed Deimos the Vi's Rose that had been sent to him a few weeks earlier. Better to be prepared if treachery met them on the beach, and the Sword had ways of concealing and storing items that the Tidebreaker did not.
Then he went to the Jailhouse once more and nodded grimly to Remi where he stood guard. "She may walk unbound," he had rumbled quietly, granting her that dignity at the end. Or perhaps indignity, having seen her weakness without the Void's strength to empower her. They did not need chains or manacles or harsh hands to control her now. Hadama walked beside her, slow and measured as they made their way to the meeting place so that those who had gathered in preparation arrived at the appointed time.
Neither late nor early. And bringing with them the promised Dahlia, diminished but alive, in their midst.
