Sages are coming into the light.
As Nomi touches the talisman, the shield ripples, and I step through the small gap.
And I spit in Mujin’s face, because it’s the most offensive thing I can think of.
His look of outrage is comical.
The gap abruptly closes.
With me, and all the color of Crystal Hollow on one side.
And the Order’s dark façade on the other.
It’s a barrier... but it’s a barrier with a door.
A bridge.
Sanctuary Island had a land bridge already.
Now it has a magical bridge, too, to match its spirit.
“The power is in the hands of the people, and whotheychoose,” I tell Mujin.
We’re going to have more to work out. I anticipate too many town meetings in my future. But one thing is not up for negotiation:
“Celestial Sanctuary Temple, on the other hand, ismydomain,” I say. “Having resided there uncontested for five hundred years, I claim it for myself and Zan. No priest is welcome there without our permission.But.
“If any sages want to try my ice cream,” I tell him with a sharp smile with too many teeth in it, “they are welcome.”
It’s a challenge.
It will mean trouble, for sure.
But every sage he sends me...
Every one is another chance for me to save.
Light shimmers as Zan transforms back into his human form and is right there at my side.
The look in his eyes is fierce, and I smile exultantly and reach out a hand to him.
He takes it and then me in a bone-crushing hug.
But his strength is mine, now, and I don’t even need a kata to reinforce myself.
Not when I have him.
Mujin is still sneering, but with Zan before me... I don’t care anymore.
Whatever he has to say is not my problem.
Zan and I share a private, mischievous smile.
And then as one we turn our backs on him and walk away, toward color, and life, andhome.
Because it’s finally, finally safe to.
We reach a swaying Teren first, held up by Haben on one side and Sunani on the other as his hands remain busy.
