Farewell

Duodun was quietly listening to his own heartbeat. When the Second Consort walked in, he raised his head and inhaled deeply, as if someone who had been in suspended animation had suddenly been revived.

"You went to meet with the Dragon King?"

"Mmm."

"If you had come by here first, I would have asked you not to."

"I know. But I had to try."

Sitting opposite Duodun, the Second Consort tidied her clothes and peered at him, feeling both grief and pride. "Are you ready?"

Duodun didn't answer, a contemplative look on his face. "Do you still remember what the old Khan said back then?"

"What?" The Second Consort was confused. There had always been some kind of unspoken telepathy between the two, which enabled them to know each other's true thoughts. But this time, she had no clue what he was referring to at all.