The first round

The few days left until the Foundation Games gave Cael no answers about Irmilla. Then, his family arrived at Riviera, and he had other things to think about.

Thanks to Sending Amulets, they have kept each other informed about things that were going on. While Cael and Ginevra trained on the island, his father ruled both Oliveira and Nuvoloso territories—and with much success. Crops grew plentifully, mines produced valuable ore for trading, and even the local swamp dragon, Princess, made (almost) no trouble and paid her tribute on time.

But Cael was glad to hear this all over again, in person. Glad to exchange witticisms with his little brother, to see concern and approval in his father's eyes, and to hug his mother.

When the day of the Foundation Games began, he was glad to see them watching from their box, together with Cael's friends. As Cael and Ginevra stepped into the arena, he waved at them, and they waved back.